How to work as a nurse in Saudi Arabia

Saudi hospitals hire nurses from many countries, often with tax-free pay, housing and flights. You must be classified and registered by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS).

The steps

1. Create an account on Mumaris Plus, the SCFHS online portal, and start your classification request.
2. Complete primary source verification through DataFlow.
3. Pass the SCFHS exam, a computer-based test usually taken at Prometric centres.
4. Get a job offer. Many hospitals recruit directly or through licensed agencies.
5. Your employer sponsors your work visa and residence permit (iqama). Professional registration is completed with the employer.

Good to know

• Contracts are often for 1 or 2 years. Check pay, housing, working hours, leave and flights in writing.
• Some hospitals help you with SCFHS and DataFlow fees. Ask before you pay.

Watch out: Saudi labour law says the employer pays recruitment costs. You should not pay an agency for a job or a visa.

Official sites

• Saudi Commission for Health Specialties
• Qiwa (Saudi labour platform)

Rules change. Always confirm the details on the official sites linked in this guide before you pay for any exam or application.