Your Dream of Working as a Nurse in Dubai Starts Here
Dubai's healthcare sector is booming, and Indian nurses are in massive demand. Getting your DHA (Dubai Health Authority) nursing license is the key that opens the door to a rewarding nursing career in Dubai with tax-free salaries, excellent benefits, and international experience.
This step-by-step guide covers everything an Indian nurse (BSc Nursing or GNM) needs to know to obtain a DHA nursing license and start working in Dubai.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before starting the process, ensure you meet the basic requirements:
BSc Nursing or GNM diploma from an INC (Indian Nursing Council) recognized institutionMinimum 2 years clinical experience in a hospital setting after graduationValid nursing council registration (State Nursing Council or INC)Age below 55 years (most Dubai hospitals prefer younger nurses)Good physical and mental healthNo criminal recordStep 2: Get Your Documents Ready
Prepare clear, high-resolution scans of the following documents:
Nursing degree/diploma certificateAll year mark sheetsNursing council registration certificateExperience certificates from all employers (on hospital letterhead with stamp and signature)Good standing certificate from nursing councilPassport (front and back pages, valid for 6+ months)Passport-size photographs (white background)Updated CV/ResumeStep 3: Complete DataFlow Verification (2-8 weeks)
DataFlow verification is mandatory for DHA licensing. DataFlow Group verifies your credentials directly with the issuing institutions (your nursing college, nursing council, and previous employers).
How to apply:
Visit the DHA Sheryan website or DataFlow Group portalCreate an account and select the credentials to verifyUpload your documentsPay the verification fee (approximately INR 15,000-20,000)Wait for verification (typically 2-8 weeks)Pro Tip: Start DataFlow as early as possible – it's often the longest step in the process. Drishti Abroad provides complete DataFlow assistance.
Step 4: Get English Proficiency Score (1-3 months)
DHA requires English proficiency for nursing license. You need either:
IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each bandOET: Minimum Grade B in all sectionsIf you don't have a valid English test score, prepare and take the exam. Drishti Abroad offers OET and IELTS coaching specifically for nurses going to Dubai.
Step 5: Create DHA Sheryan Account
Register on the DHA website (dha.gov.ae) and create your Sheryan professional licensing account:
Fill in personal details (name exactly as on passport)Enter educational qualificationsAdd work experience detailsUpload all required documentsPay the assessment feeStep 6: DHA Document Assessment (2-4 weeks)
DHA reviews your application and documents. They may:
Approve: You can proceed to book the examRequest Additional Information: Provide the requested documents promptlyReject: Address the rejection reasons and reapplyStep 7: Prepare for DHA Nursing Exam
The DHA nursing exam is a computer-based test with:
100 MCQs (Single Best Answer)2.5 hours duration60% passing score (60/100)No negative markingKey Preparation Strategies:
Study the DHA nursing exam blueprintFocus on Medical-Surgical Nursing (30%), Fundamentals (20%), Pharmacology (15%)Practice 5,000+ MCQs using Drishti Abroad's mock test platformTake at least 20 full-length mock tests before the examJoin Drishti Abroad's DHA nursing exam coaching for structured preparationStep 8: Schedule and Take the DHA Exam
Book through Pearson VUE website (dha is conducted at Pearson VUE centers)Choose a testing center in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata)Bring your original passport on exam dayArrive 30 minutes earlyResults available within 2-5 business daysStep 9: Get Your DHA Nursing License
After passing the DHA exam:
Apply for DHA professional license through SheryanPay the license fee (AED 1,000-3,000)Complete medical fitness test (can be done in Dubai)Receive your DHA nursing license – valid for 2 yearsStep 10: Find a Nursing Job in Dubai
With your DHA license in hand, start applying for nursing jobs:
Apply directly to Dubai hospitals (Aster, NMC, Medcare, Saudi German Hospital)Use job portals (Bayt.com, GulfTalent, Indeed UAE)Contact healthcare recruitment agenciesDrishti Abroad provides job placement support with hospital connectionsCost Breakdown: DHA Nursing License from India
DataFlow Verification: INR 15,000-20,000English Test (IELTS/OET): INR 16,000-32,000DHA Exam Fee: AED 200 (INR 4,500)DHA License Fee: AED 1,000-3,000 (INR 23,000-68,000)Medical Fitness Test: AED 200-500 (done in Dubai)Total: INR 50,000 – 1,20,000Nurse Salary in Dubai After DHA License
Staff Nurse (2-5 years experience): AED 5,000-8,000/month (INR 1.1-1.8 lakh)Senior Nurse (5-10 years): AED 8,000-12,000/monthNurse Manager (10+ years): AED 12,000-20,000/monthAll salaries are tax-free with housing and benefits on topHow Drishti Abroad Helps You Get DHA Nursing License
Drishti Abroad provides complete end-to-end support for Indian nurses seeking DHA license:
Eligibility assessment and guidanceDataFlow verification assistanceOET/IELTS coachingDHA nursing exam coaching with study materialsUnlimited mock tests (5,000+ MCQs)Application and documentation helpJob placement support in Dubai hospitalsContact Drishti Abroad today and start your journey to becoming a licensed nurse in Dubai!
