UAE Nursing Licensure: The Complete 7-Step Application Guide
Chapter 3: The Path to Practice – Obtaining Nursing Licensure in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) maintains rigorous standards for healthcare professionals. As a nurse seeking to practice, you must obtain a license from the regulatory authority governing the Emirate where you intend to work. While the underlying process is largely standardized, the specific entity—and its online portal—will differ.
The Three Principal Licensing Authorities
- Dubai Health Authority (DHA): For the Emirate of Dubai.
- Department of Health (DOH): For the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (formerly known as HAAD).
- Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP): For the Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain).
The general process outlined below follows the official Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR), a unified standard used by all three authorities.
3.1: Foundation and Eligibility Assessment
The first step requires meticulous preparation of your credentials and a formal check against the PQR.
Step 1: Check the Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR)
Before beginning any application, you must confirm you meet the latest minimum criteria for your specific nursing title (e.g., Registered Nurse, Assistant Nurse, Specialist Nurse).
- Possession of a recognized Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (minimum 3-4 years full-time course duration).
- A Valid Professional License from your country of origin or last employment.
- Minimum Clinical Experience (typically 2 years post-registration, though pathways exist for fresh graduates, especially for NCLEX RNs).
- A current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Official Resource: Refer to the relevant PQR documents on the authority’s website for comprehensive details on experience requirements and accepted qualifications.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Assemble high-resolution digital copies of all mandatory documents, as they will be required for the DataFlow PSV process.
- Valid Passport Copy.
- Recent Passport-Sized Photograph (white background).
- Educational Certificates (Degree, Diploma, Transcripts).
- Professional License(s).
- Experience Certificate(s) (signed, dated, and covering all claimed clinical experience).
- Good Standing Certificate (GSC) from your last licensing body (must be valid—not older than six months).
- BLS Certificate.
3.2: Primary Source Verification (PSV)
The PSV process verifies the authenticity of your documents directly from the original issuing sources (universities, councils, employers). This is mandatory for all applicants.
Step 3: Initiate DataFlow Application
| Detail | Action |
| Service Provider | The health authorities in the UAE utilize the DataFlow Group for this mandatory verification. |
| Process | Register, select the specific UAE health authority (DHA, DOH, or MOHAP), upload scanned documents, and pay the required PSV fees. |
| Outcome | DataFlow will issue a Positive or Negative PSV Report. A positive report confirms the authenticity of your documents, allowing the application to proceed. |
| Official Link | (Search: DataFlow Group professional website) |
3.3: Authority Registration and Competency Examination
With a positive PSV report, you proceed to the formal application and licensing exam stages, unless you qualify for an NCLEX-based exemption.
Step 4: Submit Application and Apply for Credentialing
| Authority | Official Digital Portal | Purpose |
| Dubai (DHA) | Access the Sheryan Portal via the DHA website: (Search: DHA Sheryan Portal) | Review of documents and eligibility determination. |
| Abu Dhabi (DOH) | Access the licensing services, often through the TAMM portal via the DOH website: (Search: DOH Licensing Services) | Review of documents and eligibility determination. |
| Northern Emirates (MOHAP) | Access the e-services portal via the MOHAP website: (Search: MOHAP E-services Portal) | Review of documents and eligibility determination. |
During this step, you will pay the application and credentialing fees. The authority will review your documents (including the PSV report) and officially determine your eligibility to proceed to the exam.
Step 5: Book and Pass the Licensure Exam (Prometric)
Upon approval of your credentialing application, you will receive an Eligibility ID to book the required Computer-Based Test (CBT), typically administered by Prometric.
- Booking: Schedule your exam date, time, and location (Prometric centers are available worldwide).
- Content: The exam format is multiple-choice questions (MCQ) covering core nursing domains such as fundamentals, medical-surgical, maternal-child, and leadership.
- Outcome: You must achieve the minimum passing score (e.g., often 60%) to be issued a Pass/Eligibility Letter.
3.4: License Activation and Practice
The final stages involve securing a job and converting your eligibility into a license.
Step 6: Obtain the Eligibility Letter
After passing the exam (or receiving an exam exemption), the regulatory authority will issue an Eligibility Letter or Evaluation Certificate. This confirms your professional competency and allows you to seek employment in the respective Emirate. This letter is typically valid for one year.
Step 7: Secure Employment and Activate the License
You cannot practice until your license is officially activated by an employer.
- Job Offer: Use your Eligibility Letter to secure a nursing position at a licensed healthcare facility (hospital or clinic).
- Activation: The employing facility will submit the final documents—including your Eligibility Letter, job contract, and a medical fitness certificate—to the regulatory authority to finalize the process.
- Final License: Once approved, your professional license will be issued, allowing you to officially begin your practice in the UAE.
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