Process for Nurses to Work in Saudi Arabia

Process for Nurses to Work in Saudi Arabia – 2025 Comprehensive Guide

Saudi Arabia continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for nurses worldwide. With a rapidly expanding healthcare sector, government investment in hospitals and medical cities, and competitive compensation packages, thousands of nurses relocate each year to join hospitals across the Kingdom. However, working in Saudi Arabia requires following a structured and highly regulated process. This guide outlines each stage clearly so that nurses can navigate the recruitment, verification, and licensing journey with full understanding.

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Before beginning the process, candidates must ensure they meet the basic qualifications required by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS):

• Minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing) from an accredited institution.
  
• A valid nursing license from the country of origin.
  
• At least one to two years of post-licensure clinical experience in a recognized healthcare facility.
  
• Evidence of continuous practice — gaps longer than two years typically require retraining or justification.
  

Only nurses meeting these baseline criteria should proceed to the recruitment and licensing stages.

Step 2: Apply Through NurseHub GCC

The safest and most efficient route for foreign nurses seeking employment in Saudi Arabia is through NurseHub GCC, a specialized recruitment platform connecting qualified nurses with accredited Saudi hospitals.
NurseHub GCC ensures:

• All recruitment is compliant with the Saudi Ministry of Health and SCFHS regulations.
  
• Candidates are matched with hospitals that suit their specialty, experience level, and career goals.
  
• Guidance through every administrative step, including documentation, verification, and onboarding.
  

Using an official platform like NurseHubGCC protects applicants from unlicensed recruiters and ensures transparency in employment offers, contract terms, and visa sponsorship.

Step 3: Document Authentication and DataFlow Verification

Once selected, candidates must undergo Primary Source Verification (PSV) through the DataFlow Group, the official verification partner of SCFHS.
Documents typically required:

• Nursing degree certificate
  
• Transcript of records
  
• Professional license/registration
  
• Employment certificates
  
• Passport copy
  

DataFlow verifies the authenticity of each document directly with issuing institutions. Only verified credentials are accepted by SCFHS and Saudi employers.

Step 4: Schedule and Pass the Prometric Exam

All nurses must pass the Saudi Nursing Licensing Examination (SNLE), administered by Prometric.
Exam overview:

• Computer-based test
  
• Multiple-choice questions assessing core nursing knowledge and professional judgment
  
• Conducted in designated test centers globally
  

Candidates must register online, pay the exam fee, and achieve the minimum passing score set by SCFHS to move forward. Exam results are transmitted directly to SCFHS for classification purposes.

Step 5: Obtain SCFHS Classification and Registration

After passing the Prometric exam and completing DataFlow verification, the nurse applies for professional classification and registration through the SCFHS Mumaris+ portal.
Key outputs:

• Classification certificate (indicating professional title, e.g., Staff Nurse, Specialist Nurse)
  
• Registration license (authorizing legal practice in Saudi Arabia)
  

This stage formalizes professional recognition within the Kingdom’s healthcare system.

Step 6: Visa and Work Permit Processing

Upon classification, the employer or recruitment platform submits a work visa application on behalf of the nurse.
Typical requirements:

• SCFHS registration certificate
  
• Employment contract from Saudi hospital
  
• Medical fitness certificate
  
• Passport validity (minimum 12 months)
  

Once the visa is approved, the nurse’s Iqama (residency permit) is issued upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, enabling legal employment and residency.

Step 7: Pre-Departure Medical and Orientation

Before travel, nurses undergo medical examinations approved by the Gulf Approved Medical Centers Association (GAMCA) or equivalent authorities.
Additionally, pre-departure orientation sessions often cover:

• Cultural expectations and professional conduct in Saudi Arabia
  
• Labor rights and contract terms
  
• Housing and living standards
  

Read also: Top 10 High-Demand Nursing Specialties in Saudi Arabia for 2025

Step 8: Arrival and Hospital Orientation

Upon arrival, nurses complete:

• Credential verification by the employing hospital
  
• Facility orientation covering hospital policies, infection control, and safety protocols
  
• Assignment to their designated department or specialty unit
  

Orientation periods vary from two to six weeks, depending on the institution.

Step 9: Key Timelines and Cost Considerations

• DataFlow verification: 30–45 days
  
• Prometric exam scheduling and results: 2–4 weeks
  
• SCFHS classification: 10–15 days after verification
  
• Visa processing: 3–6 weeks
  
  

Step 10: Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

• Incomplete documents → cause verification delays.
  
• Unlicensed recruiters → risk of fraud or invalid offers.
  
• Expired credentials → rejection by SCFHS.
  
• Missed exam deadlines → delay classification.
  
  

NurseHub GCC mitigates these issues through direct support, documentation review, and step-by-step guidance from application to deployment.

Conclusion

Working as a nurse in Saudi Arabia requires meeting strict regulatory standards, completing professional verification, and following a defined recruitment and licensing sequence. Through a legitimate platform such as NurseHub GCC, nurses can navigate every stage — from qualification validation to arrival — safely and efficiently. By understanding the process and preparing accordingly, candidates can secure stable, rewarding positions across Saudi Arabia’s expanding healthcare system.