How to Maintain Your NMC Registration Whilst Working Abroad: Complete Guide

Are you a UK-registered nurse or midwife working internationally? Whether you're in the Middle East, Australia, Europe, or anywhere else in the world, maintaining your NMC registration whilst working abroad is not only possible—it's often essential for your career flexibility and professional credentials.

Why Maintain Your NMC Registration When Working Abroad?

Career Flexibility

Your NMC registration is a valuable professional credential that keeps your options open. If you decide to return to the UK, you can start working in the NHS immediately without going through the lengthy re-registration process.

International Recognition

NMC registration is highly respected worldwide. Many international employers value UK-trained nurses and midwives, and maintaining your registration demonstrates your commitment to professional standards.

Return to Practice

Life circumstances change. Whether it's family reasons, career opportunities, or personal choice, having an active NMC registration means you can return to UK practice without barriers.

Professional Insurance

Some international employers require you to maintain registration in your home country as part of their employment conditions or insurance requirements.

Can You Revalidate Whilst Working Abroad?

Yes, absolutely! The NMC allows registrants working internationally to revalidate, provided you meet the standard revalidation requirements. Thousands of UK-trained nurses and midwives successfully maintain their NMC registration whilst working in countries around the world.

NMC Revalidation Requirements for International Nurses

The revalidation requirements remain the same whether you're working in London or Lagos, Manchester or Melbourne. You still need:

1. Practice Hours (450 Hours)

You need 450 hours of practice over three years. This can include nursing or midwifery work anywhere in the world—it doesn't have to be in the UK. Your international practice hours count towards your revalidation.

2. Continuing Professional Development (35 Hours)

Complete 35 hours of CPD relevant to your practice, with at least 20 hours being participatory. This can include courses, conferences, or training you complete in your host country.

3. Practice-Related Feedback (5 Pieces)

Gather five pieces of feedback from colleagues, patients, or managers in your international workplace. The feedback doesn't need to be from UK-based sources.

4. Written Reflective Accounts (5 Accounts)

Write five reflective accounts on your CPD and feedback, linking them to the NMC Code. These can be based on your international practice experiences.

5. Reflective Discussion

Have a reflective discussion with another NMC registrant. This is where working abroad can present challenges—but we'll explain how to overcome them below.

6. Health and Character Declaration and Professional Indemnity

Confirm you have appropriate professional indemnity cover and declare your good health and character.

Challenges of Revalidating from Abroad

Finding an NMC Confirmer

The biggest challenge for nurses and midwives working internationally is finding another NMC registrant to conduct their reflective discussion. If you're working in a country with few UK-trained nurses, this can be difficult.

Time Zone Differences

Coordinating meetings and discussions across different time zones can be challenging, especially if you're trying to connect with confirmers in the UK.

Access to NMC-Compliant Documentation

Ensuring you have the correct forms and templates that meet NMC requirements can be difficult when you're far from UK resources.

Professional Indemnity Arrangements

You need to ensure your professional indemnity cover is appropriate for NMC requirements, which may differ from your host country's insurance.

Solutions for International Revalidation

Professional NMC Confirmer Services

This is where professional confirmer services become invaluable. At Reflect & Revalidate, we provide NMC-registered confirmers who can conduct your reflective discussion remotely via phone or video call, regardless of where you are in the world.

Our confirmer service offers:

• Flexible appointment times to accommodate different time zones
• Experienced NMC registrants who understand international practice contexts
• Remote discussions via phone or video call
• Fast turnaround and professional documentation
• No geographical barriers—we support nurses and midwives worldwide

Digital Revalidation Packages

Our complete revalidation packages are delivered digitally, meaning you can access all the forms, templates, and guidance you need from anywhere in the world. No waiting for international post or worrying about lost documents.

Expert Guidance

We understand the unique challenges of revalidating from abroad and can provide tailored support to ensure you meet all NMC requirements whilst working internationally.

Popular Destinations for UK Nurses Working Abroad

Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar)

The Middle East is a popular destination for UK nurses, offering tax-free salaries and excellent benefits. Many nurses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Doha maintain their NMC registration whilst working in these locations.

Australia and New Zealand

With reciprocal recognition agreements and high demand for nurses, Australia and New Zealand attract many UK-trained healthcare professionals who want to keep their NMC registration active.

Europe

UK nurses working in Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, and other European countries often maintain their NMC registration for career flexibility and professional recognition.

North America

Nurses working in the USA or Canada on specialist programmes or exchange schemes frequently keep their NMC registration current.

Africa and Asia

Healthcare professionals working in international development, NGOs, or private healthcare in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, India, or Singapore benefit from maintaining their UK registration.

Step-by-Step Guide to Revalidating from Abroad

Step 1: Track Your Evidence Throughout Your Cycle

Don't wait until the last minute. Keep a CPD log, collect feedback regularly, and write reflective accounts as you complete activities—even whilst working internationally.

Step 2: Ensure Your Practice Hours Count

Document your international practice hours carefully. Keep employment contracts, timesheets, or letters from employers confirming your nursing or midwifery work.

Step 3: Link Your CPD to the NMC Code

Even if your CPD is based on international training or local protocols, ensure you explicitly link it back to the NMC Code in your reflective accounts.

Step 4: Arrange Your Confirmer Early

Don't leave finding a confirmer until the last minute. If you don't know another NMC registrant in your location, book a professional confirmer service well in advance of your revalidation deadline.

Step 5: Schedule Your Reflective Discussion

Book your reflective discussion at a time that works for your time zone. Professional confirmer services can often accommodate early morning or late evening appointments to suit international schedules.

Step 6: Complete Your NMC Online Application

You can access NMC Online from anywhere in the world. Complete your revalidation application online, providing your confirmer's details and making your declarations.

Step 7: Pay Your Registration Fee

Pay your annual registration fee (currently £120) online using an international payment method.

Step 8: Keep Your Evidence

Store all your revalidation evidence securely in case you're selected for an NMC audit. Digital copies are ideal for international workers.

Tips for Successful International Revalidation

Stay Connected to UK Nursing

Join online forums, subscribe to UK nursing journals, and stay updated on NMC requirements and changes to the Code.

Use Technology

Take advantage of video calls, digital documentation, and online learning to meet your revalidation requirements from anywhere.

Plan for Time Zones

When booking appointments or discussions, clearly communicate your time zone to avoid confusion.

Keep Digital Records

Maintain digital copies of all your revalidation evidence. This is safer than relying on physical documents that could be lost during international moves.

Start Early

International logistics can take longer. Give yourself plenty of time to arrange your confirmer, gather evidence, and complete your application.

Common Questions About International Revalidation

Do My International Practice Hours Count?

Yes, nursing and midwifery practice anywhere in the world counts towards your 450 practice hours, as long as you're using your professional skills and knowledge.

Can I Use CPD from My Host Country?

Absolutely. Any relevant professional development counts, regardless of where it takes place. Just ensure you link it to the NMC Code in your reflective accounts.

What If I Can't Find Another UK Nurse Where I Work?

Use a professional confirmer service. Your confirmer doesn't need to be in the same location—remote discussions via phone or video call are fully compliant with NMC requirements.

Can I Revalidate If I'm Not Currently Practising?

If you haven't completed 450 practice hours in the three-year period, you may not be able to revalidate. Contact the NMC for guidance on your specific situation.

International Delivery and Support

At Reflect & Revalidate, we're proud to support UK-trained nurses and midwives working all over the world. Our services are designed with international healthcare professionals in mind:

• Digital delivery: Instant access to all forms and templates, no matter where you are
• International confirmer service: Remote reflective discussions via phone or video call
• Flexible scheduling: Appointments to suit your time zone
• Expert support: Email support at support@revalidationforms.co.uk
• Affordable packages: Complete revalidation support from just £45

Don't Let Distance Be a Barrier

Working abroad doesn't mean you have to give up your NMC registration. With the right preparation, support, and professional services, you can successfully revalidate from anywhere in the world.

Whether you're in Dubai, Sydney, Toronto, Lagos, or anywhere else, Reflect & Revalidate is here to make your international revalidation simple, professional, and stress-free.

Contact us today at support@revalidationforms.co.uk to learn more about our international revalidation support services. Your NMC registration is valuable—let us help you keep it active, no matter where your career takes you.