Nurse eligibility checklist: Germany, the Gulf, Australia and NZ compared
What a nurse needs for Germany, the Gulf, Australia or New Zealand: who decides, the language rule, the exams to expect and the documents to collect.
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Nurse eligibility and licensing checklist: Germany, the Gulf, Australia and New Zealand
Who decides, which language gate applies, which exams to expect and which documents to collect, in the order the official bodies publish them. Read it here for free, then get the printable PDF with a progress tracker.
Facts checked against the official pages named at the end of each section on 27 October 2026.
Read this first
- This is general information. It cannot tell you whether you are eligible. Only the regulator, your employer or the government body concerned can.
- It does not promise a job, a visa or a licence, and B&M does not place nurses abroad. Placement abroad goes through licensed recruitment agents.
- We never need your passport, Aadhaar or other ID numbers to send you this checklist, and you should not give them to anyone who offers to “speed up” a registration.
- Rules, scores and fees change. If anything below differs from the regulator’s page today, the regulator is right.
At a glance
Four routes side by side
The headline differences. Details and tick-boxes for each route follow.
| Route | Who decides | Language gate | Exam or assessment | Order of steps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | The competent authority of the German state where you will work | German B2 (and a nursing-specific language test if the authority asks) | Knowledge test or adaptation course if important differences are found | Recognition, then permission to use the title, then a work residence permit |
| The Gulf | SCFHS (Saudi Arabia); MOHAP, DOH and DHA (UAE); DHP (Qatar); Ministry of Health and OMSB (Oman) | Set by each regulator and employer | Varies: for example the SNLE in Saudi Arabia, the DHA computer-based test where required, an OMSB exam in Oman | Verify documents at source, regulator evaluation, exam if required, then the facility activates the licence |
| Australia | Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (Ahpra administers) | IELTS Academic 7 overall (W 6.5) or OET 350/350/360/360, for tests from 23 April 2026 | Stream B: NCLEX-RN, then OSCE. Stream A: orientation only | Self-check, stream, English, assessment, registration. Visa is separate |
| New Zealand | Nursing Council of New Zealand | OET 350 (W 300) or IELTS Academic 7 (W 6.5) | Competence assessment for some: online theory exam, then OSCE in Christchurch | Verify documents, apply to the Council, assessment if directed |
Start here
Seven checks that apply to every route
- 1. Make your name match everywherePassport, degree certificate, registration certificate and every other document should show the same spelling. A mismatch is a common reason for a document to be returned.
- 2. Collect your qualification papersNursing degree or diploma certificate, full transcripts, and proof of the course length. Regulators in every route below ask for these in some form.
- 3. Check your home registration is currentMost regulators ask for a current registration or licence from your home country, and some ask for a good-standing or experience certificate. Renew before you apply, not after.
- 4. Get experience letters on letterheadEmployer letters showing your role, department, dates and hours. New Zealand, for example, asks for evidence of 1,800 hours of post-registration experience.
- 5. Plan the language test earlyCheck which test, which scores and how long a result stays valid for each route. A test taken too early can expire before you apply.
- 6. Verify any agent and any job offerUse the red-flags checklist before you pay anyone. Regulators may require you to do the first step yourself.
- 7. Do not resign or move firstAustralia's Board advises against irreversible decisions until registration is approved. The same sense applies to every route.
See also the red-flags checklist and the route timeline.
Route 1 of 4
Germany
Who decides: The competent authority of the German state where you plan to work, found through the federal portal Anerkennung in Deutschland.
Nursing is a regulated profession in Germany. You need permission to use the professional title (Pflegefachperson), which depends on recognition of your qualification, German language, medical fitness and a clean record.
Language: German at level B2. Unless German is your first language or you trained in German, the authority may also require a nursing-specific language examination. It contacts you if that applies.
Before you apply
- Confirm that you trained outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, so the third-country procedure applies to you.
- Use the federal Recognition Finder to find the authority for your state and read its own page for forms, fees and how to apply.
- Start German early and plan for B2. Ask any language school whether it prepares you for the nursing-specific language test.
- Decide between the full assessment of your documents and opting out of it. Opting out cannot be changed later, so ask the authority before you choose.
Documents to collect
- Passport or ID, a CV, and your nursing qualification certificate and transcripts.
- Proof of the content and duration of your training, and proof of work experience (needed for the full assessment).
- Sworn or authorised German translations of your documents, as your authority requires.
- A doctor's certificate of fitness and a certificate of good conduct, each no more than 3 months old when you apply. Get these last.
After you apply
- Expect a confirmation of receipt and a list of anything missing. The authority's time limit starts when your documents are complete.
- If the authority finds important differences, you usually complete a compensation measure: a knowledge test or an adaptation course.
- After recognition and permission to use the title, a residence permit for work is a separate step.
Watch out: Rules, fees and exam dates differ from state to state, and EU, EEA and Swiss qualifications follow a different procedure. Your authority's page is the one that counts.
Read the full Germany guide: recognition, B2 and the steps
Sources, checked 27 October 2026: Anerkennung in Deutschland, recognition procedure for General nurse (Pflegefachperson)
Route 2 of 4
The Gulf
Who decides: A separate regulator in each country: SCFHS in Saudi Arabia, MOHAP, DOH Abu Dhabi (formerly HAAD) and DHA Dubai in the UAE, the Department of Healthcare Professions in Qatar, and the Ministry of Health with the Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) in Oman.
The common thread is verification of your documents at source, then a licensing exam where the regulator requires one, then a licence that your employer or facility activates. Do not treat the Gulf as one system.
Language: No single Gulf-wide English test. Each regulator and each employer sets its own requirement, so check both before you book a test.
Saudi Arabia: SCFHS
- Start with Professional Classification in the Mumaris Plus system. It can be applied for from outside the Kingdom.
- Typical documents: qualification, academic record, internship or clinical training certificate, your home-country licence or an experience certificate, passport, and an authenticated verification report from the verification company the SCFHS uses (DataFlow).
- Nurses are generally assessed through the Saudi Nursing Licensure Examination (SNLE), a computer-based exam with a pass mark of 500 on a 200 to 800 scale, according to the SCFHS applicant guide dated 2024. Check that it applies to your classification.
- Professional Registration comes after classification, needs lawful residence in the Kingdom and is valid for two years.
UAE: MOHAP, DOH, DHA and Sharjah
- All of them work from the Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR). For a registered nurse it asks for a recognised nursing degree of at least three years full time, a valid licence or registration from your home country, and current Basic Life Support.
- The PQR may also set a minimum post-qualification experience and has been revised from time to time. Read the current version for your category before you pay for anything.
- DHA Dubai: run the Sheryan self-assessment, complete primary source verification with DataFlow, then take the Prometric computer-based test or an oral assessment if your category requires it.
- An eligibility review is not a right to practise. A healthcare facility must activate your licence before you can work.
Qatar: Department of Healthcare Professions
- Complete primary source verification with an approved provider before applying for registration or evaluation.
- The DHP guidelines for nurses list documents such as the evaluation or exam outcome, police clearance, a medical report, a life-support certificate and a good-standing certificate. Read the current guidelines for the exact list.
- From 1 October 2026 renewal depends on at least 40 CPD points per two-year cycle.
Oman: Ministry of Health and OMSB
- Expect DataFlow verification, an experience requirement that differs by qualification level, and an OMSB occupational classification exam booked through Pearson VUE, according to the Ministry's licensing SOP (3rd edition).
- Oman changes its rules from time to time. Read the current SOP and the OMSB page before you book anything.
Before you leave India
- Verify the job offer through official channels. In the UAE, private-sector offers use the MOHRE-approved job offer form with a serial number and barcode.
- Nurses travelling for work to the 18 designated countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, obtain emigration clearance through eMigrate.
Watch out: Fees, exam formats and experience rules change often. We have not covered Kuwait, Bahrain or Oman beyond the high-level points above, and one regulator's report is not automatically accepted by another.
Run the red-flags checklist before you pay any agent
Sources, checked 27 October 2026: Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, Mumaris Plus Professional Classification and Registration guidance · Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, Saudi Nursing Licensure Examination (SNLE) applicant guide, 2024 · UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR), nurses and midwives · Dubai Health Authority, Sheryan "Get Registered" · Dubai Health Authority, healthcare professional licensing assessment guideline (computer-based test and oral assessment) · Qatar Ministry of Public Health, Department of Healthcare Professions, guidelines for nurses · Lexis Middle East, Circular DHP/2026/38, 6 Oct 2026 · Oman Ministry of Health, licensing and assessing nursing categories SOP (3rd edition), and the Oman Medical Specialty Board · Gulf News, UAE MOHRE warning on fake job offers, 2 Oct 2026 · Embassy of India, Riyadh, FAQs on ECR and non-ECR
Route 3 of 4
Australia
Who decides: The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Ahpra administers applications for the Board.
Everyone starts with the Self-check on the Board's site. It places you in Stream A, B or C, or says Ahpra must assess your qualification first. Registration and visas are separate processes.
Language: English Language Skills registration standard. In the test pathway, for tests taken on or after 23 April 2026: IELTS Academic with an overall 7 and at least 7 in listening, reading and speaking and 6.5 in writing; or OET with at least 350 in listening, 350 in writing, 360 in reading and 360 in speaking. Tests taken on or before 22 April 2026 are measured against the earlier scores.
Before you apply
- Complete the Self-check yourself. The Board says it cannot be completed by a third party or agent on your behalf.
- Note your stream. Stream A: Orientation Part 1 (an online course), then you apply for registration. Stream B: Orientation Part 1, a portfolio, then the outcomes-based assessment. Stream C: the qualification needs upgrading first.
- Older guides mention bridging programs. The Board's current model for internationally qualified nurses is the stream-based assessment above, so check its page for which applies to you.
The outcomes-based assessment (Stream B)
- First a multiple-choice exam. For registered nurses this is the NCLEX-RN, a computer-based exam run through Pearson VUE test centres.
- Then the OSCE, a practical clinical exam taken in person in Australia. You must pass the multiple-choice exam before the OSCE.
English test rules to check
- Use a test centre. The accepted IELTS Academic and OET versions are the paper or computer-at-centre ones.
- Results can come from one sitting or from up to two sittings within 12 months, but no component may fall below the floor set for that test. Other tests (PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge) are listed by Ahpra with their own scores.
- Check the validity window of your result on the Ahpra page before you apply.
Before you decide anything big
- The Board advises against irreversible decisions such as resigning or moving until your registration is approved.
- A visa is a separate process run by the Australian government. Registration does not grant a visa.
Watch out: The Board and Ahpra update scores and processes, as the April 2026 change shows. Most applicants educated in India use the test pathway for English, but check the Board's current recognised-country list for your own situation.
See the route timeline for Australia in context
Sources, checked 27 October 2026: Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, Completing the Self-check · Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, steps after the Self-check (Streams A, B and C) · Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, outcomes-based assessment: NCLEX-RN and OSCE · Ahpra, changes to minimum English test scores (tests from 23 April 2026) and the NMBA English language skills registration standard
Route 4 of 4
New Zealand
Who decides: The Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ). It registers nurses and has no role in recruitment.
You must be currently registered with an overseas regulator and meet the Council's requirements. Your documents are verified first, and only then do you apply to the Council.
Language: The test-based pathway uses OET (at least 350 in reading, listening and speaking, and 300 in writing) or IELTS Academic (at least 7 in reading, listening and speaking, and 6.5 in writing). PTE is not accepted, and tests taken fully online are not accepted. The Council also has pathways based on education or registration in some countries, so read its page for yours.
Document verification (first)
- The Council requires verified proof of 1,800 hours of post-registration nursing experience, English language evidence, a nursing qualification equivalent to the NZ one, current registrations held in the last 10 years, and your identity.
- Verification goes through the provider the Council names (its page names CGFNS, which we understand now operates as TruMerit). You cannot apply directly to the Council before this is complete.
Applying to the Council
- Complete the two free online courses on culturally safe nursing practice in New Zealand.
- Expect a criminal history check.
- Some nurses must complete a competence assessment, at the Council's direction. You are told if it applies to you.
The competence assessment, if directed
- An online theory exam in two parts (medication safety, then nursing knowledge), taken at an approved Pearson test centre overseas or in New Zealand, with up to three attempts.
- A two-day orientation and preparation course followed by an OSCE (ten stations for registered nurses), both in person at the Nurse Maude Simulation and Assessment Centre in Christchurch. Attempt limits apply, so check them before you book.
English test rules to check
- Scores can be combined across sittings only if met within 12 months of your first sitting, and all sittings must fall within the three years before you apply.
- Use results from one test type. The Council's page sets out which combinations it accepts, so read it before you book a second sitting.
Watch out: The Council's page checked on 9 October 2026 said demand is currently lower than before except in some specialities, such as mental health and addiction. Check the Council's current notice before you commit.
Take the country-fit checker for your profile
Sources, checked 27 October 2026: Nursing Council of New Zealand, internationally qualified nurses · Nursing Council of New Zealand, requirements, English language and competence assessment pages
Take these with you
Seven questions to ask every regulator
- Which pathway or stream applies to my qualification and country of training?
- Which documents must be verified at source, and by which verification provider?
- Which English or German test scores do you accept today, and how long is a result valid?
- Is an exam or competence assessment required for me, and where is it held?
- What are the current fees, and which are refundable?
- How long does each step take at the moment, and when does the clock start?
- What happens after approval: who activates the licence, and is a visa a separate process?
Printable PDF
Get the checklist as a PDF with a progress tracker
The full checklist stays free to read on this page. The PDF adds a page you can tick off offline, a step-by-step tracker with date and notes columns for each route, and the seven questions above.
- Instant download after you send the short form
- Our team gets your details and may follow up by email or WhatsApp about your route
- No ID numbers asked, no job or visa promised
Your progress tracker
Write the date you start and finish each step, and keep a copy of every receipt and email from the regulator.
Germany
| Step | Started | Done | Notes (reference numbers, fees, contact) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confirm that you trained outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, so the third-country procedure applies to you. | |||
| Use the federal Recognition Finder to find the authority for your state and read its own page for forms, fees and how to apply. | |||
| Start German early and plan for B2. Ask any language school whether it prepares you for the nursing-specific language test. | |||
| Decide between the full assessment of your documents and opting out of it. Opting out cannot be changed later, so ask the authority before you choose. | |||
| Passport or ID, a CV, and your nursing qualification certificate and transcripts. | |||
| Proof of the content and duration of your training, and proof of work experience (needed for the full assessment). | |||
| Sworn or authorised German translations of your documents, as your authority requires. | |||
| A doctor's certificate of fitness and a certificate of good conduct, each no more than 3 months old when you apply. Get these last. | |||
| Expect a confirmation of receipt and a list of anything missing. The authority's time limit starts when your documents are complete. | |||
| If the authority finds important differences, you usually complete a compensation measure: a knowledge test or an adaptation course. | |||
| After recognition and permission to use the title, a residence permit for work is a separate step. |
The Gulf
| Step | Started | Done | Notes (reference numbers, fees, contact) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start with Professional Classification in the Mumaris Plus system. It can be applied for from outside the Kingdom. | |||
| Typical documents: qualification, academic record, internship or clinical training certificate, your home-country licence or an experience certificate, passport, and an authenticated verification report from the verification company the SCFHS uses (DataFlow). | |||
| Nurses are generally assessed through the Saudi Nursing Licensure Examination (SNLE), a computer-based exam with a pass mark of 500 on a 200 to 800 scale, according to the SCFHS applicant guide dated 2024. Check that it applies to your classification. | |||
| Professional Registration comes after classification, needs lawful residence in the Kingdom and is valid for two years. | |||
| All of them work from the Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR). For a registered nurse it asks for a recognised nursing degree of at least three years full time, a valid licence or registration from your home country, and current Basic Life Support. | |||
| The PQR may also set a minimum post-qualification experience and has been revised from time to time. Read the current version for your category before you pay for anything. | |||
| DHA Dubai: run the Sheryan self-assessment, complete primary source verification with DataFlow, then take the Prometric computer-based test or an oral assessment if your category requires it. | |||
| An eligibility review is not a right to practise. A healthcare facility must activate your licence before you can work. | |||
| Complete primary source verification with an approved provider before applying for registration or evaluation. | |||
| The DHP guidelines for nurses list documents such as the evaluation or exam outcome, police clearance, a medical report, a life-support certificate and a good-standing certificate. Read the current guidelines for the exact list. | |||
| From 1 October 2026 renewal depends on at least 40 CPD points per two-year cycle. | |||
| Expect DataFlow verification, an experience requirement that differs by qualification level, and an OMSB occupational classification exam booked through Pearson VUE, according to the Ministry's licensing SOP (3rd edition). | |||
| Oman changes its rules from time to time. Read the current SOP and the OMSB page before you book anything. | |||
| Verify the job offer through official channels. In the UAE, private-sector offers use the MOHRE-approved job offer form with a serial number and barcode. | |||
| Nurses travelling for work to the 18 designated countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, obtain emigration clearance through eMigrate. |
Australia
| Step | Started | Done | Notes (reference numbers, fees, contact) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete the Self-check yourself. The Board says it cannot be completed by a third party or agent on your behalf. | |||
| Note your stream. Stream A: Orientation Part 1 (an online course), then you apply for registration. Stream B: Orientation Part 1, a portfolio, then the outcomes-based assessment. Stream C: the qualification needs upgrading first. | |||
| Older guides mention bridging programs. The Board's current model for internationally qualified nurses is the stream-based assessment above, so check its page for which applies to you. | |||
| First a multiple-choice exam. For registered nurses this is the NCLEX-RN, a computer-based exam run through Pearson VUE test centres. | |||
| Then the OSCE, a practical clinical exam taken in person in Australia. You must pass the multiple-choice exam before the OSCE. | |||
| Use a test centre. The accepted IELTS Academic and OET versions are the paper or computer-at-centre ones. | |||
| Results can come from one sitting or from up to two sittings within 12 months, but no component may fall below the floor set for that test. Other tests (PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge) are listed by Ahpra with their own scores. | |||
| Check the validity window of your result on the Ahpra page before you apply. | |||
| The Board advises against irreversible decisions such as resigning or moving until your registration is approved. | |||
| A visa is a separate process run by the Australian government. Registration does not grant a visa. |
New Zealand
| Step | Started | Done | Notes (reference numbers, fees, contact) |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Council requires verified proof of 1,800 hours of post-registration nursing experience, English language evidence, a nursing qualification equivalent to the NZ one, current registrations held in the last 10 years, and your identity. | |||
| Verification goes through the provider the Council names (its page names CGFNS, which we understand now operates as TruMerit). You cannot apply directly to the Council before this is complete. | |||
| Complete the two free online courses on culturally safe nursing practice in New Zealand. | |||
| Expect a criminal history check. | |||
| Some nurses must complete a competence assessment, at the Council's direction. You are told if it applies to you. | |||
| An online theory exam in two parts (medication safety, then nursing knowledge), taken at an approved Pearson test centre overseas or in New Zealand, with up to three attempts. | |||
| A two-day orientation and preparation course followed by an OSCE (ten stations for registered nurses), both in person at the Nurse Maude Simulation and Assessment Centre in Christchurch. Attempt limits apply, so check them before you book. | |||
| Scores can be combined across sittings only if met within 12 months of your first sitting, and all sittings must fall within the three years before you apply. | |||
| Use results from one test type. The Council's page sets out which combinations it accepts, so read it before you book a second sitting. |
Questions to ask the regulator
- Which pathway or stream applies to my qualification and country of training?
- Which documents must be verified at source, and by which verification provider?
- Which English or German test scores do you accept today, and how long is a result valid?
- Is an exam or competence assessment required for me, and where is it held?
- What are the current fees, and which are refundable?
- How long does each step take at the moment, and when does the clock start?
- What happens after approval: who activates the licence, and is a visa a separate process?
B&M Global Solutions · https://bm-global-solutions.com · General information checked on 27 October 2026, not legal or immigration advice. No job, visa or licence is promised.
Questions
Quick answers
Does this checklist tell me if I am eligible?
No. It lists what the official bodies publish so you can prepare and ask better questions. Eligibility is decided by the regulator for your route, and employers may add their own requirements.
Which English test do nurses need for Australia and New Zealand?
Australia: for tests taken on or after 23 April 2026, IELTS Academic at an overall 7 with at least 7 in listening, reading and speaking and 6.5 in writing, or OET at least 350 in listening and writing and 360 in reading and speaking; older results are measured against the earlier scores. New Zealand: OET with at least 350 in reading, listening and speaking and 300 in writing, or IELTS Academic with at least 7 in reading, listening and speaking and 6.5 in writing; PTE and tests taken fully online are not accepted. Check each regulator's page before you book.
Is there one licence for the whole Gulf?
No. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Oman each have their own regulator, steps and exams, and inside the UAE several authorities work from one shared set of qualification requirements. Do not assume one regulator's report is accepted by another.
Do I need German B2 to work as a nurse in Germany?
The federal recognition procedure requires German at level B2, and the authority may also ask for a nursing-specific language examination. Details vary by state, so use the Recognition Finder on the federal portal and your authority's own page.
Why do you ask for my phone number for the PDF?
So that our team can follow up about your route if you want that. The PDF itself is released as soon as you send the form. We do not ask for passport or ID numbers, and we do not sell your details. See the privacy note for how we use them.
Do you place nurses abroad?
No. Placement abroad is carried out by licensed recruitment agents. B&M provides training and readiness support. Check any agent with the red-flags checklist before you pay.
Not sure which route fits you? Take the country-fit checker, or ask us on WhatsApp. We cannot confirm eligibility for you.
Country-fit checkerAsk on WhatsAppFrom the blog
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