Working as a nurse in Dubai, UAE, requires mandatory licensure from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). The DHA licensing process for internationally qualified nurses (IQNs) is systematic, involving eligibility checks, comprehensive credential verification (DataFlow), passing a computer-based examination (Prometric), and securing a job.

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Phase 1: Eligibility and Documentation

Before you start the formal application, you must ensure you meet the minimum criteria and prepare your documents.

Confirm Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a Registered Nurse (RN) license, you must generally meet the following:

• Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing of at least three (3) years duration from an accredited institution. Diploma holders may be eligible for an Assistant Nurse or Practical Nurse title.
• Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of post-registration clinical experience is typically required for a Registered Nurse title. Experience requirements can vary for specialized nursing titles.
• Professional Status: A current, valid license/registration to practice as a Registered Nurse in your home country.
• English Proficiency: If your education was not fully taught in English, you may need to provide proof of proficiency (e.g., IELTS minimum band of 6.0 or TOEFL minimum score of 550).
• Basic Life Support (BLS): A current BLS certification is usually mandatory.

Create a DHA Sheryan Account

The entire process is managed through the DHA’s official online licensing portal, Sheryan. You must register an account to manage your applications and track your status.

Complete the Self-Assessment Tool

The Sheryan portal features a Self-Assessment Tool to instantly check your preliminary eligibility based on the Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR). If the outcome is positive, you can proceed.

Gather Attested Documents

You will need to upload scanned copies of key documents, including:

• Valid Passport copy and a recent passport-size photograph.
• Nursing Degree and complete academic transcripts.
• Experience certificate(s) detailing roles and dates.
• Good Standing Certificate (GSC) issued by your current licensing authority (must be less than six months old).
• Valid professional nursing license.

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Phase 2: Verification and Examination

This phase involves proving the authenticity of your documents and demonstrating your competency.

Submit for Primary Source Verification (DataFlow)

The DHA mandates Primary Source Verification (PSV) of your core documents through an external agency, the DataFlow Group.

• Process: You submit your documents and pay the fee through the Sheryan portal. DataFlow then contacts the issuing sources (university, licensing council, employers) directly to verify the authenticity of your credentials.
• Timeline: This process typically takes 30–45 working days. A Positive DataFlow Report is essential to proceed to the final registration steps.

Register and Pass the DHA Licensing Examination (Prometric)

Once your DataFlow verification is underway or complete, you will receive eligibility to sit for the national licensing exam, usually administered by Prometric.

• Format: The exam is a Computer-Based Test (CBT), typically consisting of 150 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs).
• Duration: The exam time is generally 165 minutes (2 hours 45 minutes).
• Passing Score: The minimum required passing score for a Registered Nurse is typically 60%.
• Attempts: You are allowed a maximum of three attempts across all UAE health authorities (DHA, DOH, MOHAP).

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Phase 3: Final Registration and Licensure

After passing the exam, you can finalize your registration to practice in Dubai.

Apply for DHA Registration

With a successful CBT assessment result and a Positive DataFlow Report, you can submit your final application for DHA Registration through the Sheryan portal. The DHA will review your complete file and, upon approval, issue an Eligibility Letter or Registration Certificate. This confirms you meet the requirements and is generally valid for one year.

Secure an Employment Offer

The Eligibility Letter allows you to actively seek and secure a job offer from a licensed healthcare facility (hospital or clinic) in Dubai.

Complete Medical Fitness Test

Upon arrival in Dubai, you must undergo a mandatory Medical Fitness Test at a government-approved center as part of your employment and visa process.

Activate the Professional License

Your employer will take over the final step: applying to the DHA to Activate Your Professional License. This step links your active DHA Registration to the specific healthcare facility where you will be working. The license is formally issued upon completion, allowing you to legally commence practice as a Registered Nurse in Dubai.

Maintain Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Your DHA license must be renewed regularly (usually every 1-3 years). To maintain it, you must comply with the DHA’s requirements for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours.