Moving to the UAE as a nurse or doctor: what to plan first, wherever you trained

What this guide does and does not cover

This guide is for nurses, doctors, dentists, pharmacists and allied health staff who trained outside the UAE, in any country, including the Philippines, Pakistan, Egypt and Nigeria. It gives the order of the steps and the questions to ask. It does not give country-specific rules, visa rules, salaries or processing times, because we could not confirm them from an official source. The only country we have researched in depth is India, and that work is on its own pages.

Meddex is independent and is not connected to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or Prometric.

Step 1: which authority

Health professionals in the UAE are licensed by a health authority, and which one depends on the emirate and the facility. Dubai facilities use the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Abu Dhabi uses the Department of Health, and some other emirates are covered by the federal ministry. Read DHA vs DOH vs MOHAP so that you apply to the right one. Exams, requirements and fees differ between authorities.

Step 2: read the requirements for your exact title

DHA publishes Professional Qualification Requirements, and a separate guideline that lists the exam, the number of questions and the pass score for each title. DHA says all examinations are conducted in English. Read the entry for your own title, because a registered nurse, an assistant nurse and a midwife are different titles with different exams. The page DHA exam format and pass mark by title lists them, and DHA licence by country shows how the Meddex pages for each corridor are organised.

Step 3: gather documents early

Typical categories are a passport, degree certificates and transcripts, a current registration or licence from your home regulator, and employer letters that state exact dates, job title and duties. Names must match across them. Exact lists change, so use the authority’s current one. Delays are often caused by small mismatches and unclear letters. See the documents checklist and the DHA licensing checklist.

Step 4: primary source verification

Many applicants need their qualifications and experience verified at source by a third party. The page DataFlow primary source verification explained covers what that involves. It depends on other institutions replying, so start it early and keep track of each request.

Step 5: the exam

Most applicants sit a computer-based exam at a Prometric centre. DHA says the exam format is multiple-choice questions, and some applicants may be exempt under the equivalency tables in the requirements, for the exam only. Plan the preparation with the DHA exam guide and the plan for your profession. Booking from abroad has its own page, DHA exam centres and booking from abroad.

Timing and money, honestly

DHA documents do not give a single fixed processing time, so we do not either. Read how long DHA licensing takes for what is stated. Fees are set by the authorities and providers and can change, so confirm them on the official page. Be cautious about agents or social media posts that promise a licence, a job or a pass. DHA says sharing exam questions is not allowed, so any seller of “real questions” is a risk to your licence.

Preparing while you wait

Verification waits are a good time to study, because the exam is the step you control. Start with a baseline, then follow a plan for your profession. The eligibility checker gives likely next steps, and the question bank, flashcards and mocks on Meddex are there when you are ready.

Frequently asked questions