Work in United Arab Emirates
Migration pathway for Nigerian healthcare professionals
Processing Time
3 to 9 months
Estimated Cost
N1.5M to N5M
Primary Exam
DHA / DOH / MOH Licensing Exam
Visa
Employment Visa (Residence Permit)
Overview
The UAE offers modern healthcare facilities, competitive tax-free salaries, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have separate licensing authorities (DHA and DOH respectively), but the process is similar. Employers typically handle licensing and visa costs.
Step-by-Step Pathway
Choose your cadre to see the specific pathway.
Dataflow verification
Primary source verification of all qualifications through Dataflow Group. Required by DHA, DOH, and MOH for all healthcare professionals.
DHA/DOH/MOH Licensing Exam
Computer-based exam specific to your licensing authority and specialty. DHA exams can be taken at Prometric centres in Nigeria. Some experienced specialists may be exempt.
Licence application
Submit licence application with all verified documents. DHA, DOH, and MOH have online portals (Sheryan for DHA). Processing time varies.
Job offer from licensed facility
Secure offer from a UAE healthcare facility. Major employers include Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Mediclinic, NMC Health, Aster DM Healthcare, and government hospitals.
Employment visa and Emirates ID
Employer processes your employment visa and Emirates ID. They typically cover visa fees, medical insurance, and sometimes housing.
Cost Breakdown
All costs shown in both foreign currency and Nigerian Naira (2026 estimates).
| Item | Cost (Foreign) | Cost (Naira) |
|---|---|---|
| Dataflow Verification | AED 400 | N165,000 |
| DHA Licensing Exam | AED 610 | N250,000 |
| DHA Licence Fee | AED 1,000 | N410,000 |
| Medical Fitness Test (UAE) | AED 350 | N143,000 |
| Emirates ID | AED 370 | N152,000 |
| Visa stamping | AED 500 | N205,000 |
| Flights (Lagos to Dubai) | AED 2,000+ | N820,000+ |
Exams Required
DHA Licensing Exam
Available in NigeriaMultiple-choice exam covering clinical knowledge for your specialty. 100 questions in 3 hours. Pearson VUE format at Prometric centres.
DOH Licensing Exam (Abu Dhabi)
Available in NigeriaSimilar to DHA exam but administered by the Department of Health Abu Dhabi. Some specialties have different question distributions.
Key Requirements
- ✓Medical or nursing degree from a recognised institution
- ✓Minimum 2 years clinical experience post-qualification
- ✓Dataflow verification of all credentials
- ✓Licensing exam pass (DHA/DOH/MOH)
- ✓Medical fitness certificate
- ✓Police clearance (good conduct certificate)
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Passport-sized photos (UAE specifications)
Visa: Employment Visa (Residence Permit)
The UAE uses an employer-sponsored visa system. Your employer applies for your entry permit, and after arrival, you complete medical fitness testing and obtain your Emirates ID and residence visa. Visas are typically valid for 2 to 3 years and renewable. Healthcare workers can sponsor family members. The UAE recently introduced 10-year Golden Visas for highly skilled professionals, including some medical specialists.
Tips for Nigerian Professionals
- ◆Dubai tends to offer higher salaries but Abu Dhabi has better benefits packages (housing is often fully provided).
- ◆The DHA exam can be taken at Prometric centres in Lagos and Abuja. Book early.
- ◆Tax-free salary, but consider housing costs in Dubai which can be very high.
- ◆Many Nigerian healthcare professionals are already in the UAE. Join community groups for housing and settlement advice.
- ◆Contracts typically include annual flights home, medical insurance, and end-of-service gratuity.
- ◆Never pay recruitment agencies for job placement. Legitimate agencies are paid by the employer.
- ◆Dubai and Abu Dhabi have different licensing bodies. You cannot work in Dubai with an Abu Dhabi licence and vice versa.
- ◆The cost of living in Dubai is higher than Saudi Arabia, but the lifestyle and social environment are more open.
Verify before you act
Exam fees, visa costs, and requirements change frequently. The information on this page was last reviewed in April 2026. Always confirm fees and requirements directly with the official body before making payments or decisions.
Exchange rates are approximate and fluctuate daily.
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