United Arab Emirates
Guide · Licenses
Pilot license conversion in the UAE
- GCAA · General Civil Aviation Authority
- 2 min read
- Last checked 7 Nov 2026
We are not an aviation authority. This guide summarizes the official sources linked in each section. Rules change, so confirm with your authority before you enroll. Last checked November 2026.
In short
GCAA converts foreign licenses into UAE licenses under Appendix 12 of CAR-FCL, Issue 05, in force since 1 January 2026. You apply through a UAE operator or a GCAA-approved training organization. A new graduate without commercial flying experience sits the full GCAA theory exams for the license.
What you will need
- An application through a UAE operator or a GCAA-approved training organization, using GCAA's e-service
- A verification letter from the authority that issued your license, no older than 3 months
- Your logbook, authenticated by the UAE operator or training organization
- Without experience in commercial operations (for example 250 hours on multi-pilot airplanes): the GCAA theory exams for the CPL, for the ATPL if you completed an integrated ATPL course, and for the instrument rating
- The GCAA exam in UAE air law and operational procedures
- The CPL skill test, and the instrument rating test if the rating is on your foreign license
- A UAE Class 1 medical and ICAO English Level 4 or higher
Good to know
A conversion can only lead to an equivalent or lower UAE license. Pilots with commercial experience, for example 250 hours on multi-pilot airplanes or 500 hours of flight instruction, sit only air law and operational procedures.
Three things to check before you enroll
Does your home authority accept the school?
Some authorities only recognize training at foreign schools they have approved.
What will you sit at home?
Most authorities ask for at least an air law exam and a flight test, some for much more.
Do you need a sponsor first?
In some places the authority only converts a license when an employer or airline asks for it.
Talk it through with us, free
Our school advisory is free for students. Partner schools pay us a commission when a student we advised enrolls.
Middle East
Bringing your license home Sources and last checked
- GCAA CAR-FCL Flight Crew Licensing, Issue 05 last checked 7 Nov 2026
- GCAA Safety Decision 2022-03 last checked 7 Nov 2026