Saudi Arabia Healthcare Licensing – SCFHS Medical License Guide

Expert guidance for SCFHS medical licensing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

About SCFHS Licensing

Understanding the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties

What is SCFHS?

The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) is the national authority responsible for supervising and evaluating health training and education programs in Saudi Arabia. All healthcare professionals practicing in the Kingdom must obtain SCFHS registration and licensing.

Established to ensure the highest standards of healthcare delivery, SCFHS oversees the licensing, classification, and professional development of all healthcare practitioners in Saudi Arabia, including doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, and allied health professionals.

📈 Vision 2030 Opportunity

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative is driving massive healthcare sector expansion. The Kingdom is actively recruiting qualified international healthcare professionals, making this an ideal time to obtain your SCFHS license.

SCFHS License Classification System

Different classification levels based on your qualifications and experience

Consultant

Highest classification for specialists with advanced qualifications and extensive experience

  • Specialty board certification (ABMS, CCST, CESR)
  • Minimum 5 years post-specialty experience
  • Highest salary bracket
  • Leadership positions
  • Teaching privileges

💎

Specialist

For qualified specialists with completed residency and board certification

  • Completed specialty training
  • Board certification required
  • 2-5 years experience
  • Independent practice
  • Competitive salaries

🎓

Registrar

For doctors in specialty training or recently completed residency.Healthcare regulator for Abu Dhabi emirate. Previously known as HAAD. Required for all healthcare professionals in Abu Dhabi.

  • Completed basic medical training
  • Undergoing specialty training
  • Supervised practice
  • Entry to mid-level positions
  • Career development pathway

🏥

General Practitioner

For general medical practitioners and primary care physicians.

  • MBBS/MD degree
  • Completed internship
  • Primary care focus
  • Clinic and hospital settings
  • Growing demand

Saudi Arabia Licensing Success

Your gateway to the Kingdom’s booming healthcare sector

100+

Doctors Licensed in KSA

30%

Faster Processing

95%

SCFHS Exam Pass Rate

100%

Job Placement Success

Complete Saudi Medical Licensing Process

Your step-by-step journey to practice in Saudi Arabia

1. Initial Assessment & Documentation

⏱️ Duration: 1-2 Weeks

We evaluate your qualifications and begin collecting required documents for SCFHS application.

  • Qualification assessment
  • Experience evaluation
  • Classification determination (GP, Registrar, Specialist, Consultant)
  • Document checklist preparation

2. Document Verification (DataFlow)

⏱️ Duration: 3-6 Weeks

Primary source verification through DataFlow to authenticate your credentials with issuing institutions.

  • Medical degree verification
  • Specialty certificates verification
  • Employment history confirmation
  • License verification from home country

3. SCFHS Registration

⏱️ Duration: 1-2 Weeks

Register with SCFHS portal and submit your professional profile with verified documents.

  • Create SCFHS account
  • Upload verified credentials
  • Pay registration fees
  • Await classification decision

4. SCFHS Professional Exam

⏱️ Duration: 2-8 Weeks (preparation + exam)

Prepare for and pass the SCFHS professional examination in your specialty.

  • Comprehensive exam preparation course
  • Study materials and mock tests
  • Exam booking and scheduling
  • Pass the SCFHS exam
  • Receive exam results

5. Professional Classification

⏱️ Duration: 2-4 Weeks

SCFHS reviews your profile and assigns professional classification level.

  • Application review by SCFHS committee
  • Classification decision (GP/Registrar/Specialist/Consultant)
  • Certificate issuance
  • Registration number assignment

6. Job Offer & Employment Visa

⏱️ Duration: 2-6 Weeks

We connect you with hospitals and assist with securing employment and work visa.

  • Job matching with Saudi hospitals
  • Interview coordination
  • Contract negotiation
  • Employment visa processing
  • Medical examination

7. Final License & Practice Permit

⏱️ Duration: 2-3 Weeks

Obtain your final SCFHS license and practice permit upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

  • Arrival in Saudi Arabia
  • Medical fitness test
  • Fingerprinting and documentation
  • SCFHS practice permit issuance
  • Start practicing!

General Requirements for Saudi Arabia Medical License

Essential documents and qualifications needed for healthcare licensing

📜 Educational Credentials

  • Medical degree from recognized university
  • Degree attestation (MOH home country + MOFA)
  • Saudi Embassy attestation
  • Transcript of records
  • Internship/residency certificates
  • Specialty board certificates (for specialists)

💼 Professional Experience

  • GP: Minimum 2 years post-internship
  • Registrar: In specialty training
  • Specialist: 2-5 years post-residency
  • Consultant: 5+ years post-specialty
  • Experience certificates (attested)
  • Good standing certificates

🆔 Personal Documents

  • Valid passport (minimum 6 months)
  • Passport photos (white background)
  • Birth certificate (attested)
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Police clearance certificate
  • Medical fitness certificate

✅ Verification Requirements

  • DataFlow primary source verification
  • SCFHS professional examination
  • English proficiency (if required)
  • Medical fitness test (in KSA)
  • Current professional license

📝 SCFHS Exam

  • MCQ format examination
  • Specialty-specific content
  • Clinical scenarios
  • Pass mark: 60-70% (varies)
  • 3 attempts allowed per year
  • Exam preparation support provided

💰 Fees & Costs

  • SCFHS registration: SAR 1,000-2,000
  • Exam fee: SAR 1,500-3,000
  • DataFlow verification: $150-300
  • Document attestation: Varies
  • License issuance: SAR 500-1,000
  • Total estimate: $2,000-5,000

💡 Good to Know

Requirements vary by classification level and specialty. We provide a personalized requirement checklist during your initial consultation based on your specific qualifications and target position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Saudi Arabia SCFHS licensing

How long does SCFHS licensing take?

The complete SCFHS licensing process typically takes 3-6 months. This includes DataFlow verification (3-6 weeks), SCFHS registration (1-2 weeks), exam preparation and testing (2-8 weeks), classification review (2-4 weeks), and final licensing upon arrival in KSA (2-3 weeks). With our expedited service and exam preparation support, we help you navigate this efficiently.

What is the difference between classification levels?

GP: General practitioners with MBBS/MD. Registrar: In specialty training or early post-residency. Specialist: Board-certified with 2-5 years experience. Consultant: Advanced board certification with 5+ years experience. Classification determines your salary bracket, responsibilities, and career opportunities in Saudi Arabia.

Is the SCFHS exam difficult?

The SCFHS exam is comprehensive but passable with proper preparation. It covers clinical knowledge, evidence-based medicine, and Saudi healthcare protocols. Our clients have a 95% pass rate thanks to our specialized exam preparation program, which includes study materials, mock exams, and expert tutoring. The exam is MCQ format and you have 3 attempts per year.

Can UK-qualified doctors get Consultant classification?

Yes! UK CCST/CESR holders with appropriate experience are typically classified as Consultants by SCFHS. You’ll need your CCT certificate, GMC registration, and proof of post-CCT experience (usually 2-3 years minimum). We’ve successfully helped numerous UK consultants obtain top-tier classification and secure excellent positions in Saudi hospitals.

What are the salary ranges in Saudi Arabia?

Salaries in Saudi Arabia are tax-free and highly competitive. GP: SAR 15,000-25,000/month. Registrar: SAR 20,000-30,000. Specialist: SAR 28,000-45,000. Consultant: SAR 40,000-80,000+. Additional benefits include accommodation, annual flights, health insurance, and education allowances. Vision 2030 projects are driving salaries even higher.

Can I bring my family to Saudi Arabia?

Yes! Saudi Arabia allows healthcare professionals to sponsor their families. Your employment package typically includes family accommodation and benefits. Minimum salary requirements apply for family sponsorship (usually SAR 3,000+ per family member). Schools, healthcare, and recreational facilities are excellent, especially in major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.

Do I need to know Arabic?

Arabic is not mandatory for healthcare professionals, especially in private hospitals and international medical cities. English is widely used in medical settings. However, basic Arabic is helpful for patient interaction and daily life. Many doctors start with English-speaking positions and learn Arabic gradually. We provide cultural orientation support.

What about nursing and allied health licensing?

SCFHS also regulates nursing, pharmacy, and allied health professions. The process is similar but requirements differ by profession. Nurses need RN qualification, 2+ years experience, and may need the Prometric exam. We provide specialized support for all healthcare professions. Contact us for profession-specific guidance.

Saudi Arabia Licensing Insights

Latest guides and updates for SCFHS licensing

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