Nursing Abroad
Nursing in the UAE for Indian nurses
Understand UAE nursing qualifications, licensing authorities, document checks and employment steps before planning your move.
Start with the emirate where you want to work
Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH), the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and Sharjah Health Authority (SHA) participate in the unified qualification framework. The authority and application service you need depend on the location and facility. Check the relevant authority before opening an application.
Match your qualification to the professional title
The April 2025 unified PQR lists a bachelor’s degree in nursing for Registered Nurse and a nursing diploma of at least 18 months for Assistant Nurse. These are qualification requirements, not an automatic decision on an individual applicant.
The table marks these titles as having no experience required, subject to gap-of-practice criteria. Do not apply that wording to every nursing title or assume it removes registration, verification, assessment or employer requirements.
How the application may progress
- Check your title, qualification, registration and practice history against the current PQR.
- Prepare the required identity, education, registration and professional documents.
- Complete primary source verification and an assessment where the authority requires them.
- Follow the authority’s registration or eligibility process.
- Complete employer and facility activation requirements before practising.
Understand what each step means
Primary source verification checks documents with their original sources. An assessment result, registration or eligibility status is one stage in the process. It does not by itself provide a job, work visa or an active licence to practise at a facility.
Build your budget from official fees
List authority fees, verification, any assessment, document preparation and relocation separately. Use the official application quote for your case. Do not rely on an advertised package unless its inclusions, refund terms and responsibilities are clear.
Before accepting an offer
Check the employer’s legal name, job title, salary, shifts, accommodation or allowance, insurance and contract terms. A recruiter should be able to explain the employment and licensing steps in writing. Never treat a visitor visa as permission to begin work.