Nursing Practice in UAE

In applying for any of the following licenses for nursing practice in UAE, one should
strictly follow the procedure implemented by the three agencies. Some hospitals do
require only one of these, so you should choose which among the three should be your
top priority. If you intend to test your luck by going there without any employers, the
need of processing the following documents should be done:

1) PRC License and Certificate

As long as you pass the Philippine NLE, there is not much of a problem. All you need to
do is after you get your license and board certificate; have it authenticated at Professional
Regulations Commission (PRC), whichever branch you get your license. You need to
photocopy each document, get it metered at the documentary stamp window for 21PhP
each document (near the gate of PRC if in Manila, I just don't know in other provinces)
and give it to authentication window (1st Floor Main Bldg - the place where you get your
license and board certificate). You need to pay 75PhP for each document at the cashier
and give it back to the authentication window wherein you can get your claim stub for
DFA. You will wait for 2 weeks and you can claim the two documents for 100PhP each
"red ribbon" (DFA authentication)

2) Transcript of Records (TOR) and Diploma from your College of Nursing

Have your Diploma and TOR photocopied and give it to your Registrar of your Nursing
school. You need to pay necessary amount for the processing of your documents. You
will get a stub for claims at DFA or you will go to Commission of Higher Education
(CHED) and have it authenticated. I just don't know with other colleges/universities if
they automatically submit the copies of TOR and Diploma directly to CHED. If you will
get it from CHED, you have to bring it to DFA and have it authenticated. You need to
come as early as you can (like 6-7am) to be first in line (since it opens at around 8am),
you may either get a stub or pick it up right away. (REMEMBER, 100PhP for each
document authenticated)

3) Higher Secondary Certificate (High school Diploma)

If your Diploma is written in Filipino, have it transcribed through your High school
Registrar and pay the necessary fees. It is also advisable for you to get your High school
F-137 (TOR) because it is required for Dep Ed authentication. You also need to have at
least three Certified True Copies of every high school documents, have it dry sealed and
labeled as CERTIFIED TRUE COPY at your High school Registrar. After getting your
High school credentials, go to your respective Department of Education (Dep Ed)
Division office and have the certificate (if from QC, the Division Office is at San
Francisco High School, just at the back of SM North Edsa Annex Bldg.) You need to
pass the following to the Dep Ed Division Office: HS TOR and Diploma. Please bring the
original copies. The certification is for FREE. After getting the certification, go to your
Dep Ed Regional Office (if from NCR, the office is located at the back of SM North Edsa
Main Bldg,) You need to bring the remaining two pairs of the certified copies of high
school documents, and the originals (NOTE: Don't give the original copies to them). In
addition, you need to give two copies of certification from the Dep Ed Division Office.
You need to have 2 pieces of colored passport size pictures, in formal attire, and in white
background. You also need to pay some amount for the documentary stamp. After which
you may proceed to DFA and have it authenticated.

4) Copy of the experience certificates from previous employers

I had my employment certificate notarized and certified at the local Regional Trial Court
(RTC) where I once worked in the same city, and have it authenticated at DFA (also
needs multiple copies for the local attorney and RTC)

5) Have your Nursing TOR and Diploma attested at the UAE Embassy.

You can send the two documents at any WWW Express outlet and you need to pay
approximately 2,200PhP for each document (4,400PhP for the two) or, you can go to
their Embassy, pay approximately 1,800PhP for each document and have your energy
drained.

Please don't forget to get your own passport

There are three Licenses for UAE, but it is really optional to get all of them.

1) Ministry of Health (MOH) - standard license for UAE

2) Department of Health (DOH) - mainly required for Dubai
3) Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (HAAD) - Abu Dhabi licensing

***DOH and HAAD should be taken if you have enough hospital experience (usually not
less than 2 years). Exempted to the rule for DOH are newly nursing graduates - no more
than 3 years***

The requirements for each licensure is almost the same, but differs in the number of
working hours and exemptions. Usually, your future employers will be the ones to help
you get your license. The Government Agencies really needed the employers to be a part
of the licensing maybe because to avoid overcrowding of nurse, just like in the
Philippines. You may want to read their respective websites about some of the
exemptions to unexperienced newly grads, or finishing your Masters Degree in Nursing
will exempt you from taking the nursing examination.

I got the copy of the following requirements for application in the three examinations:

For DOH:

1. Fill Medical Facility Inspection Form in case of additional specialty

2. Fill Application Form (Health Professionals Licensure Form) by the facility, and
Application for Licensure by the candidate.
3. Copies of qualifications attested by UAE Embassy
4. Recent good standing certificate from the medical council.
5. Copies of experience certificates
6. List of surgeries performed by the candidate (for Surgeon Doctors Only)
7. Passport copy
8. One Color photograph
9. Application & Assessment Fee
10. License Fee

*** Exemption is applicable to those who finished Masteral Degree in Nursing ***

For MOH:

1) Academic achievement: All Expatriate applicants who graduated from foreign nursing
programs must have graduated with a minimal attainment of sixty percent (60%) of total
marks.Applicant should have at least a three (3) year diploma in nursing with a minimal
attainment of sixty percent (60%) of total marks and after a twelve (12) years secondary
school education.
2) Nursing experience: All Expatriate applicants must have had at least one thousand
(1000) hours experience within the three (3) years prior to applying for registration in the
UAE.
3) The originals or certified copies of each of the following:
a. Passport including a valid UAE residence visa or other proof of legal stay in the UAE.
b. Statutory evidence of any name change (marriage license, other legal document).
c. School leaving Certificate (Highest level attained before entry to nursing or midwifery
Education).
d. Nursing or Midwifery Education Certificate / Diploma / Degree- (length of education
and academic achievement must be verified by means of official transcript if not clearly
specified on Certificate / Diploma / Degree).
e. Nursing/Midwifery Licensure or Registration showing current validity

Required Documents attached to the application form are as follow:

1. Copy of the Degree/diploma/certificate course and should be submitted in either

Arabic or English language (attested from the UAE Embassy).
2. Copy of the nursing registration certificate issued by the nursing Board/council from
the country of origin.
3. Copy of Higher Secondary/ Secondary Certificate or its equivalent or pre-nursing
educational certificate.
4. Transcript of your nursing education.
5. Copy of the experience certificates from previous employers.
6. Passport copy.
7. One colored photograph.
8. Application and assessment fees.
For HAAD:

To apply for licensure as a ‘Nurse/Midwife’ to work in the private sector in the Emirate
of Abu Dhabi you are required to demonstrate the following:
1) You have successfully completed ‘secondary school’ and have been awarded a High
School Certificate.
2) You have successfully completed a minimum Qualification of: Registered Nurse (RN):
Not less than three years of nursing education. (Holders of Program comprising 2 years
nursing plus 1 year midwifery qualify as Practical Nurse)
3) Transcript of professional training – must include theory and clinical hours
4) Practicing Professional License – valid and current from home country
5) A certificate of ‘Good Standing’/ Registration or License from each country where you
have been employed. If you worked in a country and for a government facility where you
practiced on your ‘home license’ (e.g. Saudi Arabia) please ensure to submit certificate of
employment in place of certificate of ‘good standing’
6) Relevant Experience to the position:
o Experience attached must cover the minimum requirements of the PQR *
o Official Certificate of Service (COS) from an authorized person at health facility (must
be from Human Resources / Medical Director)
o COS must specify the position held and areas of practice.
o COS must specify the employment period/duration
o All COS must be clear and readable.
o Date from (dd/mm/yyyy ) to (dd/mm/yyyy).
o Experience must be in a substantive post (Volunteer work and training is not
acceptable)
7) UAE MOH Evaluation/Licensure if applicable
8) You have gained relevant experience as follows: A Registered Nurse for a minimum of
two years fulltime in an acute care facility with at least one year in Basic Medical and
Surgical Nursing.

NOTE: Please try to browse for their websites for additional information. You can
use your search engine and key-in MOH UAE, DOH UAE or HAAD. Hope this mini
info helps. If I miss something vital, please mention it through the Reply Box. Thank
you.

Address: P. O. Box 1853, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Telephone: 971 (4) 3966000
Fax: 971 (4) 3965666
Website: http://www.moh.gov.ae/en/

Address: Al Defa'a Road- Saif Al Mansoori Building, num 183, Office (2) M (72) P. O
Box 42365 Abu Dhabi, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Telephone: 02-6416077
Telephone: 02-6416088
Website: http://www.ena.ae/?
Registration & Evaluation Procedures of Nurses & Midwives

The Federal Department of Nursing, Ministry of Health registers nurses and

midwives after passing the MOH nursing examination and completion of
registration requirements. The Federal Department of Nursing (FDON) also
evaluates nurses who apply to work for Ministry of Health and other
Governmental Institutions in order to appoint them on suitable grades.

The Registration System

The Ministry started implementing the nursing registration system in the

beginning of 1993 and started registration of midwives in 2003. This system
mandates that those who want to practice nursing and midwifery in the country
should present the registration form at the FDON enclosed with the required
documents, and should pass the written examination designed to assess the
applicant’s knowledge level in the field of nursing and midwifery.

The computerized registration system has been developed to achieve higher

efficiency and to obtain the required information properly. The professional
nursing grades are determined through this system by two levels: registered nurse
level and practical nurse level. As for midwives, there are registered midwife
level and practical midwife level. This applied to both governmental and private
sectors.

General Registration Information:

Registration requirements are met when a nurse or midwife meets the applicable
eligibility requirements, submit the Nursing Registration Application to the
Federal Department of Nursing, MOH with all documents, passes an examination
or meets the "exemption from examination" criteria, pays the fee where
applicable, and all required verifications have been received, reviewed to meet the
standard and criteria of the Federal Department of Nursing.

Registration Criteria

Registered Nurse (RN):

Applicant should have at least a three (3) years diploma in nursing with a minimal
attainment of sixty percent (60%) of total marks and after a full secondary school
education.

Practical Nurse (PN):

 Applicant should have one of the following:

• A diploma in nursing of less than three (3) years with a minimal

attainment of sixty percent (60%) of total marks after a full secondary
school education.

• A three (3) years diploma in nursing with a minimal attainment of sixty

percent (60%) of total marks after intermediate education.

Required Documents

The originals or certified copies of each of the following:

• Passport including a valid UAE residence visa or other proof of legal stay
in the UAE e.g. Visit visa.
• Statutory evidence of any name change (marriage license, other legal
document).
• School Leaving Certificate (Highest level attained before entry to nursing
or midwifery training).
• Nursing or Midwifery training Certificate / Diploma / Degree- (length of
training and academic achievement must be verified by means of official
transcript if not clearly specified on Certificate / Diploma / Degree).

• Nursing Licensure or Registration showing current validity.

Registration Examinations

The nursing and midwifery examination is held regularly during each year. A
score of 60% is required to pass the two hours written examination of 100
multiple choice questions. Written information is given on the format of the
examination to those who are required to sit for the examination.

Completion of Registration Requirements

Forms known as "verifications" will be made available to those who PASS the
nursing examination or meet the “exemption from examination” requirements.
The applicant mails the verification; the FDON receives it. The registration
application is not complete until the FDON receives these verifications. The
verifications must be received directly from the source only as stated clearly on
each verification and must meet the standards and quality criteria set by the
 FDON. If the applicant meets the "exemption from examination" requirements,
the verifications needed to complete registration will be given at the completion
of the review of the application.

Repeated Examination Attempts

An applicant not obtaining a passing score on the first attempt is allowed to sit the
written examination twice more for a total of three times. Nurses will be charged
for each examination for which they register. No refunds are made by the MOH
for non-attendance or for any other reason. Applicants will be required to prove
they meet all eligibility requirements at the time they apply to re-take the
registration examination.

Examination Exemption Conditions

UAE Nationals and Graduates of Institutes of Nursing are exempted from the
examination. In Addition first level / Registered Nurses or Registered Midwives
holding current valid nursing registration/ licensure in certain countries as well as
all nurses holding a Masters Degree in Nursing are exempted from the nursing
examination if they have been actively employed in the field of nursing in a
clinical setting, nursing administration or nursing education for at least 1000
hours within the three years prior to application for registration in the UAE. This
applies only to First level /Registered Nurses or Midwives and not to SEN /
Practical / Licensed Vocational Nurses or Midwives. Those exempted from the
written exam must meet all other criteria for registration.
Contact details of MOH/GAHS/DOH

Abu Dhabi
Address: P.O.Box 848, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Tel: +971 (2) 6330000 +971 (2) 6330000
Location: Hamdan Street, above National Bank of Bahrain

Dubai
Address: P. O. Box 1853, Dubai, UAE.
Tel: +971 (4) 3966000 +971 (4) 3966000
Fax: +971 (4) 3965666
Location: Al Karama, Opposite Burjoman Center, Bur Dubai.
www.moh.gov.ae

GAHS General Authority for Health Services Abu Dhabi

PO Box 5674, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
www.haad.ae
DHA Dubai Health Authority
www.dha.gov.ae
(Previously known as DOHMS - Department of Health and Medical Services)

Documents Required For Evaluation

1. A certificate of meeting registration requirement of Ministry of Health,

UAE.
2. The interview conducted for the applicants by the MOH or other
governmental institutions.
3. Complete appointment application form.
4. Complete interview from the direct nursing official.
5. Detailed curriculum vitae in English/ Arabic.
6. A copy of general education certificate obtained before nursing certificate.
7. A copy of the basic nursing certificate.
8. A copy of the specialization certificate after the basic nursing certificate
(if any).
9. Copies of the experience certificates (should include the start date and
end of work and job title, attested by the employer).
10. A copy of a valid passport.
11. (2) photos.

12. A copy of valid nursing practice license from the country of origin.

Required Documents

• Equivalence application form.

• Curriculum Vitae.
• Educational certificates/ Transcripts.
• Established fees payment receipt.
• Certificates of education and letters of experience presented from outside
the country should be translated into Arabic or English and duly attested
by the competent official authorities.
• Passport copy.
• The Original certificate required to be equalized or a duly approved copy
thereof.
• Approved copy of the educational standard preceding the degree required
to be equalized.
• The committee may request any other necessary documents for taking its
decision.

Remark: The original academic and experience certificates issued from outside
UAE must be translated into Arabic or English and attested by the official
competent authorities (from the university that granted the certificate and from
 the UAE embassy in the university's country and from the ministry of foreign
affairs in UAE). The designated officer in the evaluation section must review the
said original documents and sign the copies indicating that they are true copies of
the originals. The committee may exclude the condition of attesting letters of
experience for essential reasons where attesting is difficult, and according to each
case.
www.dohms.gov.ae/