A Comprehensive Guide to Nursing Registration in the UAE

1. Scope of Nursing in the UAE

With the rapid growth of the health sector driven by population expansion, the UAE has a rising demand for nurses specializing in areas like critical care, pediatrics, surgical nursing, and more. Foreign nurses have abundant job opportunities in hospitals, clinics, private healthcare facilities, government institutions, and aged-care organizations.

Beyond professional prospects, the UAE offers a vibrant lifestyle, with beautiful beaches adorned with palm trees and awe-inspiring infrastructure. Nurses can also benefit from accredited training programs led by experts, ensuring continuous professional development. Additionally, competitive salaries make working in the UAE even more attractive for healthcare professionals.

You can also find information about nursing registration for other countries given below:

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes and serves as a guideline for application of registration for nurses. It is not intended to replace professional consultancy or to represent any medical council or regulatory body. Always consult the official websites for the most up-to-date information and specific guidelines related to your individual case.

2. Steps to Apply for Nursing Registration in the USA

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH) are the regulatory authorities for nursing registrations and licences. The five major steps have been illustrated in the following section.

Step1: Check Eligibility Criteria & Create an Account

You should have either a diploma, associate degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing qualification with a valid professional licence for your home country. An average minimum of two years clinical experience is required for nursing registration which varies by authorities in the UAE.

Step 2: Submit Application & Pay Fee

You will submit an application to the relevant regulatory authority and upload all the relevant documents required at different stages of the licensure process and pay a fee for application processing. The documents include the following:

Step 3: Book Prometric Exam & English language Test

Book Prometric Exam

Prometric is a standardized test which is designed to assess competency and knowledge of nurses and it is an essential component in the process of licensure process. For each healthcare authority in the UAE, the test format and content are slightly varying given in the table below:

English Language Test

Another very important evidence you need to provide to DAH, HAAD or MOHAP if you are not a native English speaker is any of the English language tests with minimum scores given below:

English Language Test Requirements

*The scores may differ with time and specific regions, so always check updates from official sources.

For OET Nursing preparation, including resources, guidelines, and mock tests, please read the following articles:

OET Online Course for Nurses

OET Mock Tests for Nurses

OET Writing Correction for Nurses!

OET Reading Tests for Practice

OET Speaking Sample Roleplays for Nurses

OET Listening Sample Tests for Nurses

Step 4: DataFlow Primary Source Verification

DataFlow is a third party platform which has been used by Gulf countries and UAE to check validity of a nurse applicant’s credentials including degree, certificates, licenses, good standing certificates and experience letters. The applicant is supposed to visit DataFlow , register, select any relevant regulatory (DHA, MOHAP, or HAAD), upload all the relevant credentials’ scanned copies , and pay the fee. DataFlow will contact the regulatory authority to determine authenticity and send a report establishing validity for the licensure process.

Step 5: Obtain License & Secure Nursing Job

After passing your exam from Prometric, you will receive your letter for eligibility which is approval of license. You can use this letter to secure a job in any UAE healthcare institution after which the institution will help you complete the process and receive your professional nursing license by the regulatory authority.

3. FAQs for Nursing Registration in the UAE 

Is DataFlow necessary?

Yes, it is because it establishes credibility, provides universal recognition, and prevents frauds and malpractices.

What are passing marks for the Prometric exam?

A minimum of 60-70% score is usually required for nursing registration in most of the medical councils.

Can an Indian nurse work in the UAE?

Ofcourse! If you hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing and professional experience (Optional), you can apply for registration with DHA, HAAD or MOHAP following the steps explained above.

What is a nurse’s salary in the UAE?

A nurse’s salary in the UAE depends on experience, specialization, working hours, allowances from employers, emirates,  etc. The average salary ranges from 6000-25000 AED per month.

Is an Indian medical degree valid in the UAE?

Yes, it is valid if your degree is from a recognized institution and you can apply for nursing registration in the UAE with your qualification.

If you need any more information about registration for nursing in the USA, feel free to contact us!