Nurse vacancies in Dubai and across the UAE require a government health licence before you can practise. The licence comes from the health authority of the emirate where you will work, so the first question to ask any employer is: which authority will license me?
See current healthcare listings on Dubai jobs.
Dubai: Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
According to the DHA, the registration process starts with a self-assessment tool, then primary source verification by DataFlow, then a Prometric computer-based test if required, and a registration eligibility review; some positions may also need an oral assessment. Key points:
- You apply through the DHA’s Sheryan system, which allocates the Eligibility ID needed to book the Prometric exam.
- A DHA registration confirms that you meet the requirements for the position, is valid for one year, and a healthcare facility activates it into a licence so you can start practising.
- Prometric results are shown instantly; oral assessment results are published within five working days.
- Under the shared Professional Qualification Requirements, non-UAE nationals with a gap in practice of more than five years cannot apply for a licence.
Abu Dhabi: Department of Health (DoH)
- You apply through the DoH service on TAMM and upload documents for verification by DataFlow; after verification the file goes to the licensing department and eligible applicants proceed to the exam phase.
- For nurses, the DoH requires a degree from a nationally or internationally recognised nursing college or university, with a bachelor’s programme of at least three years of full-time study.
- A valid licence from your home country or last place of work (where applicable) and a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate are required.
Requirements and exam arrangements change, so confirm them on the DHA and DoH websites before applying.
Applying Safely
- Get a written offer verifiable through MoHRE or the relevant authority, and confirm the facility’s existence.
- Employers are responsible for recruitment expenses under UAE Labour Law; be careful with anyone charging for placement.
- Check Indian recruiting agents on eMigrate. See how to check a genuine consultancy.
About Salaries
We do not publish salary ranges in this article because no official source gives reliable pay figures by job, and the numbers on other websites vary widely. Compare several current job advertisements for your role, and make sure your offer letter states the basic salary, allowances, accommodation, transport and medical insurance clearly before you accept.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do nurses need a licence to work in Dubai?
Yes. Healthcare professionals must be registered and licensed by the DHA in Dubai. Abu Dhabi licences come from the DoH.
What is DataFlow?
A primary source verification step in which your education and experience are verified directly with the issuing institutions.
Is there an exam for nurses?
Healthcare professionals are required to pass the authority’s examination under the shared PQR, with exemptions for UAE nationals and children of Emirati women.
Sources
- Dubai Health Authority: Get registered (service description)
- Dubai Health Authority: Manual for licensing healthcare professionals
- Department of Health Abu Dhabi: Nurses PQR
- Department of Health Abu Dhabi: FAQs
- UAE Government Portal: Tips to stay safe from labour and visa fraud
- Ministry of External Affairs, India: Complaints against recruiting agents
Facts in this article were checked against the sources above in November 2026. Rules, fees and processes can change, so confirm with the official authority before you apply or pay anything.
