Professional Directory Guide
FTL vs REG License: What’s the Difference?
Understanding full-time and registered license types in Dubai’s healthcare system
99,520
Total professionals
24,186
Physicians
5,505
Facilities
46
Specialties
Two License Types, Same Standards
When browsing Dubai's healthcare professional registry, you'll see two license types: FTL (Full-Time License) and REG (Registered). These designations indicate the employment arrangement, not the clinical competence of the professional. Both types require identical credentialing, verification, and qualification standards.
FTL: Full-Time License
An FTL is issued to healthcare professionals who are employed full-time at a specific facility. They work standard hours at that facility and are integral members of the permanent staff. FTL holders make up the majority of Dubai's healthcare workforce.
FTL Characteristics
- Full-time employment at one designated facility
- Cannot work at other facilities under the same license
- Subject to the facility's employment terms and hours
- Employer sponsors the visa and license renewal
REG: Registered License
A REG license is issued to professionals who work part-time, on a visiting basis, or across multiple facilities. This is common among senior consultants who may hold positions at several hospitals, international visiting physicians, and professionals transitioning between roles.
REG Characteristics
- Flexible employment arrangement (part-time, visiting, multi-site)
- May practice at multiple facilities under separate agreements
- Common among senior consultants and visiting specialists
- Requires periodic renewal and facility sponsorship
What This Means for Patients
As a patient, the FTL/REG distinction should not influence your choice of doctor. A REG-licensed consultant may be one of the most experienced physicians in Dubai, splitting time between top hospitals. An FTL-licensed specialist is a dedicated member of their facility's team.
The important factors to evaluate are the doctor's grade (Specialist vs Consultant), their specific specialty, the facility's reputation, and their track record with your condition.
Verify License Type
You can check any professional's license type on the Zavis Professional Directory or the DHA Sheryan portal. Each professional listing shows their license type alongside their name, specialty, and facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does FTL mean in DHA licensing?
FTL stands for Full-Time License. It is issued to healthcare professionals who are employed full-time at a specific facility in Dubai. FTL holders work exclusively at their designated facility and are the backbone of Dubai's healthcare workforce.
What does REG mean in DHA licensing?
REG stands for Registered license. It covers professionals who may work part-time, on a visiting basis, or across multiple facilities. REG license holders are often senior consultants who split time between facilities or international practitioners who visit Dubai periodically.
Is an FTL doctor better than a REG doctor?
No. The license type (FTL vs REG) indicates the employment arrangement, not clinical competence. A REG-licensed consultant may be a highly sought-after specialist who works across multiple hospitals. Both FTL and REG holders must meet the same DHA credentialing standards.
Can a REG-licensed doctor perform surgery?
Yes, if they hold the appropriate specialty qualification and their facility privileges include surgical procedures. The FTL/REG distinction relates to employment terms, not scope of practice. A surgeon with a REG license has the same clinical authority as one with an FTL license.
How many FTL vs REG professionals are in Dubai?
The Zavis Professional Directory tracks 99,520 DHA-licensed professionals across 5,505 facilities. The split between FTL and REG varies by specialty, but full-time licenses are more common overall, reflecting the large resident healthcare workforce in Dubai.
Related Guides
Specialist vs Consultant in Dubai: What’s the Difference?
Learn the difference between a Specialist and Consultant in Dubai's healthcare system. Understand DHA licensing grades, experience requirements, and how to choose the right doctor for your needs.
How DHA Medical Licensing Works in Dubai
Understand how medical licensing works in Dubai under the Dubai Health Authority. Learn about license types, eligibility requirements, the application process, and how DHA regulates healthcare professionals.
How to Verify a Doctor’s License in Dubai
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How to Choose the Right Medical Specialist in Dubai
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Data Source
99,520 healthcare professionals across 5,505 facilities. Last updated 2026-04-03. Source: DHA Sheryan Medical Registry.
Source: Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Sheryan Medical Professional Registry. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Verify professional credentials directly with DHA before making healthcare decisions.