Legalizing a Permanent Makeup Artist in Dubai: The Real Journey from Training to a DHA License
- Jun 19
- 9 min read
Exclusive for PULSE PMU
Editor's Note: Licensing procedures and regulatory requirements in the UAE are subject to periodic updates. This article is based on the personal experience of Viktoria Zemliakova and information available at the time of publication. The content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, immigration, professional, or licensing advice.
Dubai has long evolved beyond being merely one of the world's leading business hubs. Today, it stands as one of the most attractive destinations for professionals in the beauty industry, aesthetic medicine, and permanent makeup. A high standard of living, an international clientele, a strong culture of self-care, and a willingness among clients to invest in quality treatments continue to attract hundreds of specialists from around the globe each year.
However, between the dream of building a career in the UAE and the reality of practicing there legally lies one crucial step that cannot be overlooked: obtaining the proper authorization and professional licensing required to work as a permanent makeup artist in Dubai.
Despite the abundance of information available on social media, many artists still have questions. Is a license actually required to perform permanent makeup procedures? What documents are needed? Can a specialist simply relocate and open a studio immediately upon arrival? The answers are often far more complex than many expect.
To gain a clearer understanding of the process, PULSE PMU spoke with Victoria Zemlyakova (Vikki) — a World Champion in Permanent Makeup, winner of international championships, international judge, and conference speaker. In 2024, she independently completed the entire licensing journey in Dubai and today works legally in the UAE. Her story allows us to view the process not through dry regulatory requirements and official guidelines, but through the eyes of a professional who has personally experienced every step of the journey from start to finish.
How to Obtain a DHA License for a Permanent Makeup Artist in Dubai
When professionals first begin exploring the possibility of relocating to Dubai, many assume that their diploma, certificates, and years of experience will be enough to start working. The logic seems straightforward: if an artist has been successfully practicing for years in their home country, training other professionals, and earning international awards, why shouldn’t they simply continue their career in a new country?
In reality, the system works differently. In the UAE, permanent makeup is not viewed as a standard beauty salon service. Instead, it is considered a procedure that involves breaching the integrity of the skin. For this reason, the profession falls under the supervision of healthcare authorities. To work legally, specialists must obtain a professional license and successfully complete all stages of the qualification verification process.
According to Victoria Zemlyakova, this is often the biggest surprise many professionals encounter after moving to Dubai.
“If I were going through this process again, the first thing I would do is make sure from the very beginning that a DHA license is truly mandatory. Even today, there is still a lot of misinformation suggesting that permanent makeup artists do not need a license to work.”
Understanding this fact is where the journey toward legal practice in Dubai truly begins.
What License Does a Permanent Makeup Artist Need in the UAE?
Today, the most common license category for PMU professionals is Beauty Therapist. This is the license under which Victoria currently practices.
It is important to understand that in the UAE, a license is not merely a permit to work. In practice, it serves as confirmation that a specialist meets local healthcare requirements and is qualified to perform procedures in accordance with established safety standards.
The path to obtaining a license may vary depending on a candidate’s education and professional experience. If a specialist already holds sufficient relevant qualifications, the process may be shorter. If not, additional training in Dubai may be required.
This is precisely why there is no universal pathway that applies to everyone. Each case is reviewed individually.
Is a 1,200-Hour Diploma Required to Work in Dubai?
Perhaps no topic generates more debate among PMU professionals than the question of a 1,200-hour diploma.
Within professional communities, it is common to encounter the belief that possessing such a diploma automatically opens the door to obtaining a DHA license. In reality, however, the situation is somewhat more complex.
According to Victoria Zemlyakova, a diploma covering at least one year of study and approximately 1,200 academic hours may indeed serve as a basis for the evaluation of a specialist’s qualifications. However, the diploma itself does not guarantee a positive outcome.
Regulators assess not only the number of training hours, but also the content of the curriculum, the profile and status of the educational institution, the subjects studied, and a variety of other factors. As a result, even highly qualified professionals with extensive education may not always receive the same outcome during the licensing process.
It is also important to understand that there is no official list of universities from CIS countries whose diplomas are automatically recognized in the UAE. Each set of documents is reviewed individually.
Permanent Makeup Licensing in Dubai: Education and Training
After exploring different options, Victoria decided to pursue the entire licensing pathway through local education in Dubai.
The decision required a significant investment of both time and money, but it ultimately helped her avoid many of the challenges often associated with the recognition and validation of foreign qualifications.
She completed her training at an accredited educational institution in Dubai. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates receive a diploma approved by KHDA, the government authority responsible for regulating educational activities within the emirate.
According to Victoria, the entire journey—from the beginning of her studies to obtaining the right to work legally—took approximately one year.
“I completed the entire process on my own. It took about a year, but it gave me a clear understanding of every stage of the licensing system from the inside.”
Today, the cost of such programs typically ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 30,000, depending on the school, the duration of the course, and the number of practical training hours included.
DHA Examination for Permanent Makeup Artists in Dubai
After completing the educational program, the next major milestone is the DHA examination.
Many professionals consider this to be the most stressful part of the entire licensing process. The exam is conducted in English, which means that in addition to professional knowledge, candidates must be comfortable with industry terminology and able to clearly understand the wording of the questions.
Victoria notes that a solid foundation in English can significantly simplify the licensing journey.
“Even basic English makes a huge difference. Many people underestimate this aspect, even though language is often an additional source of stress throughout the process.”
After successfully passing the examination, the specialist receives DHA Eligibility status, confirming that they meet the regulator’s requirements.
However, the journey does not end there.
What Is DHA Eligibility and Why Is It Not Enough to Start Working?
Many professionals assume that once they obtain DHA Eligibility, they can immediately begin treating clients. In reality, the process is a bit more complex.
Eligibility status confirms that a specialist is qualified to work within Dubai’s healthcare system. However, the license itself is not yet considered active.
To begin practicing legally, the specialist must complete the license activation process through a licensed medical facility or healthcare institution.
Why Does a PMU Artist Need a Clinic to Activate a License?
After obtaining DHA Eligibility, a specialist must be affiliated with a licensed clinic or medical facility.
In practice, this means that the license is not activated automatically. It must be activated through an organization that is authorized to provide the relevant healthcare services.
The form of cooperation may vary. Some specialists become full-time employees of a clinic, others work under a contract, while some rent a workspace within a licensed medical facility.
According to Victoria, the specific terms depend on the clinic and the agreement between the parties. In some cases, there are virtually no additional costs, while in others there may be administrative fees or internal charges.
However, one fundamental rule remains unchanged: official practice must be carried out through a licensed medical facility.
Can You Work Across All UAE Emirates with One License?
This is another common misconception among professionals planning to relocate to the UAE.
At first glance, it may seem that obtaining a license in Dubai automatically grants the right to work throughout the entire country. In reality, the UAE licensing system is structured differently.
Dubai is regulated by DHA (Dubai Health Authority), Abu Dhabi by DOH (Department of Health), while several other emirates fall under the jurisdiction of MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention).
As a result, a license issued in one emirate does not always automatically authorize a specialist to practice in another. In some cases, there are procedures for license transfer or recognition, but these are handled separately and depend on the specific professional category.
For this reason, it is advisable to determine your intended location of practice before beginning the licensing process.
What Permanent Makeup Procedures Are Officially Permitted in Dubai?
Once licensed, a specialist may perform procedures that fall within their professional category and comply with the internal protocols of the medical facility where they practice.
In most cases, this includes the most common permanent makeup services, such as eyebrows, lips, and procedures in the eye area.
Certain micropigmentation procedures may also be permitted if they are covered by the specialist’s license and approved under the facility’s internal regulations.
Interestingly, the Dubai market is increasingly evolving toward more advanced and specialized treatments. More and more professionals are expanding their services beyond traditional permanent makeup.
According to Victoria, there is currently strong demand for dark lip neutralization, scar camouflage, areola restoration, and scalp micropigmentation (SMP) for men.
Requirements for Workspaces, Sterilization, and Safety in the UAE
One of the defining characteristics of the UAE system is its exceptionally strong focus on safety and patient protection.
While requirements for organizing a workspace can vary significantly from country to country, standards in the UAE are much closer to those found in medical settings.
Procedures may only be performed in licensed facilities. Regulatory requirements cover the organization of work areas, lighting, disinfection protocols, sterilization procedures, and the storage of instruments and materials.
Many facilities also maintain dedicated areas for instrument processing and sterilization. This approach helps minimize risks and ensures a high level of patient safety.
According to many professionals, these strict standards are one of the key reasons why clients place such a high level of trust in the beauty and aesthetic medicine industries in the UAE.
How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a DHA License?
Obtaining a license is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process of maintaining professional status.
To renew a license, specialists are required to complete continuing education and accumulate CME (Continuing Medical Education) credits. These records are tracked in the specialist’s personal account and are taken into consideration during the license renewal process.
In addition, there are annual administrative fees, insurance costs, and other mandatory expenses associated with maintaining an active license.
According to Victoria Zemlyakova, the annual cost of license activation alone is typically around AED 1,000–2,000, excluding any additional educational programs.
How Much Can a Permanent Makeup Artist Earn in Dubai?
This is probably the most common question among professionals considering a move to the UAE.
According to Victoria, there is no universal answer. Income depends on experience, reputation, workload, the level of the clinic, and a specialist’s ability to build a personal brand.
In the beginning, a significant portion of earnings may be invested back into professional development, marketing, and covering licensing-related expenses. However, as the client base grows, financial opportunities tend to increase rapidly.
For a specialist with an established practice, net monthly income can start at approximately AED 10,000–15,000 and continue to grow significantly from there.
“There is virtually no ceiling here. Everything depends on the specialist, their reputation, and their willingness to keep growing.”
Victoria Zemlyakova’s Story: Is This Journey Worth Taking?
After speaking with Victoria, one is left with the impression that licensing in Dubai is not a bureaucratic obstacle, but rather a kind of professional filter.
Yes, the process requires time. Yes, it requires financial investment. And yes, it involves studying, passing examinations, and adapting to a new system.
Yet it is precisely these requirements that allow professionals to work in one of the most stable and promising professional environments in the world.
Victoria Zemlyakova’s experience demonstrates that this path is entirely achievable. Moreover, many of the challenges become far less daunting when you understand the sequence of steps and prepare for each stage in advance.
For those who view Dubai as a destination for a long-term career, a DHA license becomes much more than a document—it becomes a gateway to a new professional reality.
PULSE PMU would like to thank Victoria Zemlyakova for her contribution to this article and for sharing her personal experience of becoming a licensed permanent makeup professional in Dubai.
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Publication date: June 19, 2026
By Sergey Yakovlev
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