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How do I get a nursing license in Saudi Arabia?

To work as a nurse in Saudi Arabia you must obtain a Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) classification, pass the Prometric or SLE exam for your scope of practice, complete DataFlow primary-source verification, and register with the SCFHS. Once approved you receive an SCFHS number required for employment and licensing by the Ministry of Health.

Updated March 15, 2026 · By Balto editorial

Step 1 — Prepare your documents

Gather your nursing degree, transcript, good-standing certificate, experience letters (minimum 2 years post-graduation for most categories), passport copy, and passport photos. All documents must be attested by your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Saudi embassy.

Step 2 — DataFlow primary-source verification

Submit your credentials to DataFlow Group for Primary Source Verification (PSV). Processing typically takes 3–6 weeks. Fees vary by the number of documents submitted (≈ USD 200–400).

Step 3 — Register with SCFHS

Create an account on the SCFHS portal (scfhs.org.sa) and submit your application. You will be assigned a classification tier: Technician, Specialist, or Consultant, based on qualifications and experience.

Step 4 — Pass the Prometric or SLE exam

Most nursing categories require passing the Saudi Licensing Exam (SLE), administered by Prometric. The exam is computer-based and tests scope-of-practice knowledge. Passing score is typically 60%.

Step 5 — Receive SCFHS number & apply for jobs

After approval you receive an SCFHS registration number. This number is mandatory for visa sponsorship and employment. At this stage you can apply to nursing positions on platforms like Balto.

Frequently asked questions

How long does SCFHS registration take?
Typically 6–12 weeks end-to-end: 3–6 weeks for DataFlow + 2–6 weeks for SCFHS processing and exam scheduling.
Do I need to be in Saudi Arabia to apply?
No — the entire application and exam can be completed remotely. Prometric exams are offered in most countries.
What is the SCFHS classification?
A tier (Technician / Specialist / Consultant) based on your degree and years of experience. It determines your salary bracket and scope of practice.
Does Balto help with SCFHS registration?
Balto connects verified candidates with centers that hire SCFHS-registered nurses. Some employers on Balto sponsor or reimburse registration costs — check the job post or ask the employer.

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Sources & last verified

Last verified:March 15, 2026

This guide is compiled from the following authoritative references. Click any source to verify the most current information.

Related guides

What is DataFlow verification and how does it work?

DataFlow is the primary-source verification service used across the GCC (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain) to authenticate healthcare workers' credentials. You upload your degree, license, and experience certificates; DataFlow contacts the issuing institutions directly to verify them. The process takes 3–6 weeks and costs approximately USD 200–400.

What is the average nursing salary in Saudi Arabia?

Nursing salaries in Saudi Arabia depend on SCFHS classification, specialty, and employer type. Staff Nurses (Technician tier) earn SAR 4,000–7,500/month; Specialist Nurses earn SAR 8,000–14,000/month; Consultant/Head Nurses earn SAR 15,000–25,000/month. Private hospitals in Riyadh and Jeddah typically pay 10–20% more than public MOH facilities, and most packages include housing, transport, and annual flight tickets.