UAE MOH License for Nurses Best Guide 2025

The United Arab Emirates offers exciting career opportunities for nurses, but working legally in the northern emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah) requires a licence from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOH). As a professional healthcare licensing consultancy based in Dubai, we specialise in guiding nurses through the entire process, from verifying eligibility to securing a job. This UAE MOH License for Nurses Best Guide 2025 outlines the requirements, steps and support available to make your licensing journey smooth and stress‑free.

Understanding MOH eligibility

The MOH expects nursing professionals to meet certain minimum standards before they can apply for a licence. Applicants should hold a recognised nursing diploma or bachelor’s degree, be registered or licenced to practise in their home country and have at least two years of clinical experience after registration. A Good Standing Certificate from your regulatory body or employer is usually required to show a clean professional record. Although the MOH has introduced categories for recent graduates, most employers prefer candidates with experience, and any gaps between graduation and application may need to be supported by recent work certificates. Ensuring you meet these criteria before starting will save time and prevent applications being rejected.

Step‑by‑step MOH licensing process

  1. Create your MOH account. The process begins on the Ministry of Health’s electronic licensing platform. You will need to create a user profile and enter personal details, education history and employment information. Accurate data entry is important at this stage to avoid delays later.

  2. Gather and upload documents. Prepare digital copies of your passport, degree or diploma certificate, nursing registration or licence from your home country, work experience certificates and Good Standing Certificate. The portal will ask you to upload these documents for initial review. Organising them in advance helps the application proceed smoothly.

  3. Primary source verification. The MOH requires independent verification of your qualifications and work experience. An authorised verification agency checks the authenticity of your documents. You will be asked to submit your credentials through this service and pay a verification fee. Because this step can take several weeks, it is advisable to start early.

  4. Schedule and take the MOH exam. After your documents are verified, you will receive an eligibility or reference number allowing you to book the computer‑based MOH exam. You can choose a date and location that suits you and pay the exam fee. The exam assesses your nursing knowledge, patient safety practices and clinical decision‑making. Preparing with updated study materials and practice tests will improve your chances of passing on the first attempt.

  5. Apply for the licence. Once you pass the exam, return to your MOH account to submit the licence application and pay the licensing fee. The ministry will issue an evaluation certificate or licence, enabling you to practise legally in MOH‑regulated emirates. Some applicants also receive an eligibility letter that remains valid for a limited period while they search for employment.

  6. Secure a job and activate the licence. With your licence or eligibility letter in hand, you can start applying for nursing positions in hospitals and clinics. When an employer offers you a job, they will activate your MOH licence on your behalf. For new graduates or those with limited experience, employers may require additional on‑the‑job training or probation periods to ensure competency.

How our consultancy helps

Navigating the MOH licensing process can feel daunting, especially for nurses coming from abroad. Our agency offers end‑to‑end support through this UAE MOH License for Nurses Best Guide 2025:

  • Eligibility assessment and preparation. We review your qualifications, ensure you meet MOH criteria and help you gather all necessary documents. If you have gaps in your employment history or missing paperwork, we advise on how to address them.

  • Portal registration and document submission. We guide you through creating your MOH account and uploading documents correctly. Our team double‑checks your entries to minimise errors that could delay approval.

  • Verification and exam support. We assist in submitting your credentials for verification and follow up on the process. We also provide study resources and practice tests to help you prepare for the MOH exam and book a convenient test date.

  • Licence activation and job placement. After you pass the exam, we ensure your licence application is completed accurately and assist you in finding employment opportunities that match your skills. Our connections with healthcare providers across the UAE help you secure a job quickly and activate your licence.