How many times can I sit the exam?

You have 3 attempts across all the UAE's health authorities. One final attempt may be granted with a different authority after failing three times with another. Failing three times at DHA blocks a new application for two years.

Where is the exam held?

Computer-based test delivered by Prometric for DHA and MOHAP and by Pearson VUE for DOH.

How long does DataFlow take?

DHA says 15 working days for a new report, 5 for a transfer.

How long does DHA take to register me?

On average 5 working days. The PSV result must be received and any required CBT passed before the Get Registered application can be processed; PSV and CBT run in parallel; the registration is valid one year and a licensed facility must activate it into a licence.

Can I apply with a nursing diploma, such as a GNM?

Yes, as an Assistant Nurse, which needs a “Diploma of Nursing of not less than eighteen (18) months course duration” and no experience. Assistant Nurses cannot work independently and shall work under a Registered Nurse.

← Nurses in the UAE outcomeOS

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates · Nurses

What do nurses need for a DHA license in Dubai?

To be licensed by DHA as a Registered Nurse you need a bachelor's degree in nursing of at least 3 years and a valid licence to practise at home, but no experience; then DataFlow verifies your documents and you must pass DHA's licensing exam.

Checked 23 Oct 2026 · DHA ↗

What DHA asks of a Registered Nurse

Qualification	Bachelor's degree in nursing, at least 3 years full-time, not by distance learning
Experience	No experience required
Licence at home	Valid, in your home country or country of last employment
Good standing certificate	Issued in the last 180 days by the regulator where you last worked
Gap in practice	No longer than 5 years
Life support	A valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate
English test	None; the exam itself is in English

Fees

Step	Fee
DataFlow verification, as priced on 24 May 2023Who pays varies	AED 935
DHA registrationWho pays varies	AED 200

Good to know

How many times can I sit the exam?: You have 3 attempts across all the UAE's health authorities. One final attempt may be granted with a different authority after failing three times with another. Failing three times at DHA blocks a new application for two years.
Where is the exam held?: Computer-based test delivered by Prometric for DHA and MOHAP and by Pearson VUE for DOH.
How long does DataFlow take?: DHA says 15 working days for a new report, 5 for a transfer.
How long does DHA take to register me?: On average 5 working days. The PSV result must be received and any required CBT passed before the Get Registered application can be processed; PSV and CBT run in parallel; the registration is valid one year and a licensed facility must activate it into a licence.
Can I apply with a nursing diploma, such as a GNM?: Yes, as an Assistant Nurse, which needs a “Diploma of Nursing of not less than eighteen (18) months course duration” and no experience. Assistant Nurses cannot work independently and shall work under a Registered Nurse.

What to do next

Tell us your qualification and where you are licensed, and we show which UAE licence you can get and what is left, with each fee and how long it takes.

Sources

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