Healthcare professionals who want to work in Saudi Arabia must obtain a professional license from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). Without this license, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare workers cannot legally practice in hospitals or clinics in Saudi Arabia.
Many international professionals struggle with the process because it involves DataFlow verification, exam preparation, classification, and registration through Mumaris Plus. In this guide, we explain the complete SCFHS licensing process, real costs, processing time, and the fastest way to get approved.
If you want expert support, Drexpat also offers SCFHS licensing assistance, eligibility checks, and document preparation services to help you avoid delays.
What is an SCFHS License?
The SCFHS license is the official medical license issued by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties that allows healthcare professionals to legally practice in Saudi Arabia.
All doctors whether local graduates or internationally trained physicians must obtain SCFHS registration before working in any hospital, clinic, or healthcare facility in the country.
The licensing process ensures that healthcare professionals meet Saudi Arabia’s medical standards. It includes credential verification, professional classification, and passing the required licensing examination.
Doctors typically go through the following steps:
Create an SCFHS account
Complete DataFlow verification
Apply for professional classification
Pass the SCFHS Prometric exam (if required)
Obtain professional registration and licensing
Once approved, doctors can work in government hospitals, private healthcare groups, or specialized medical centers across Saudi Arabia.
Who Needs an SCFHS License?
Any healthcare professional planning to work in Saudi Arabia must obtain an SCFHS license. This requirement applies to both Saudi nationals and international professionals.
Doctors who typically require SCFHS registration include:
General Practitioners
Specialists
Consultants
Dentists
Nurses
Pharmacists
Allied healthcare professionals
International doctors from the United Kingdom, United States, Europe, Asia, and other regions must also complete the same licensing procedure.
For foreign physicians, SCFHS licensing verifies that their education, training, and clinical experience meet Saudi healthcare standards. Without this approval, hospitals cannot legally employ a doctor.
Doctors considering opportunities in the Gulf region often compare licensing requirements with working as a doctor in Dubai.
Saudi Arabia medical license Requirements
Doctors must meet specific eligibility requirements to obtain a Saudi Arabia medical license through SCFHS. These requirements ensure that healthcare professionals have the necessary education and clinical training.
Basic eligibility criteria include:
A recognized medical degree from an accredited university
Valid medical license in the home country
Clinical experience after graduation
Good standing certificate from the medical council
Passport and identification documents
Some doctors may also need to pass the SCFHS licensing exam, depending on their qualifications and country of training.
Experience requirements vary depending on the level of classification:
General Practitioners: minimum internship completion
Specialists: postgraduate training with several years of experience
Consultants: advanced specialty certification with significant clinical experience
Meeting these requirements allows doctors to move forward with the licensing process.
Step-by-Step Process to Get an SCFHS License
The Medical License SCFHS in Saudi Arabia follows a structured process. Doctors must complete each stage before receiving their professional registration.
Step 1 Create an SCFHS Account
The first step is creating an account on the SCFHS licensing portal. Doctors must submit personal details, academic qualifications, and professional information.
After registration, applicants receive access to the licensing system where they can upload documents and track their application status.
Step 2 DataFlow Verification
DataFlow verification is a background verification process used by many healthcare licensing authorities in the Middle East.
During this stage, the applicant’s credentials are verified, including:
Medical degree
Internship completion
Professional experience
Medical license in the home country
The DataFlow process ensures that all submitted documents are authentic. Many healthcare regulators in the Gulf also require DataFlow verification including the Dubai Health Authority licensing process.
Step 3 SCFHS Classification
Once credential verification is completed, the doctor applies for professional classification. This determines the doctor’s professional level within the Saudi healthcare system.
Classification categories include:
General Practitioner
Specialist
Consultant
SCFHS evaluates qualifications and experience to determine the appropriate classification. Doctors often compare classification requirements when applying for international roles such as specialist and consultant medical jobs.
Step 4 SCFHS Prometric Exam
Some doctors must pass a licensing examination before obtaining their medical license.
The SCFHS Prometric exam evaluates medical knowledge and clinical competency. The exam is typically conducted at Prometric testing centers worldwide.
Doctors who already hold recognized international qualifications may sometimes be exempt from the exam.
Step 5 Professional Registration
After completing classification and examination requirements, doctors receive SCFHS professional registration.
This registration allows the doctor to work legally in healthcare facilities across Saudi Arabia.
Documents Required for SCFHS Registration
Doctors must submit several documents during the licensing process.
Common documents required include:
Medical degree certificate
Passport copy
Internship completion certificate
Experience certificates
Medical license from the home country
Good standing certificate from the medical authority
Updated CV
Passport-sized photographs
All documents must be properly verified during the DataFlow process.
SCFHS Exam for Doctors
The SCFHS exam is designed to evaluate a doctor’s medical knowledge and clinical skills.
The exam is usually conducted through the Prometric testing system and may include multiple-choice questions covering various medical topics.
Important details about the exam include:
Computer-based examination
Conducted at Prometric centers worldwide
Specialty-specific exam format
Passing score determined by SCFHS
Doctors should prepare carefully for the exam, as passing it is often required to obtain the medical license.
SCFHS License Cost
The cost of obtaining an SCFHS license depends on several factors, including verification, examination, and registration fees.
Typical costs may include:
| Process | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| DataFlow verification | $300 – $500 |
| Prometric exam | $200 – $300 |
| Professional classification | $200 – $400 |
| Registration fee | $300 – $500 |
SCFHS vs UAE Medical Licenses
Many professionals compare Saudi licensing with UAE medical licenses.
| License | Country | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| SCFHS | Saudi Arabia | Saudi Commission for Health Specialties |
| DHA | Dubai | Dubai Health Authority |
| MOH | UAE | Ministry of Health and Prevention |
| DOH | Abu Dhabi | Department of Health Abu Dhabi |
Key difference:
SCFHS license allows work in Saudi Arabia
DHA / MOH / DOH licenses allow work in UAE emirates
Professionals often choose the license depending on salary expectations, job availability, and relocation plans.
Can UK, US, and European Doctors Get an SCFHS License?
Yes, doctors trained in the UK, United States, and Europe can obtain an SCFHS license if they meet eligibility requirements.
Doctors with internationally recognized qualifications often find the licensing process easier because their credentials are widely accepted.
However, they must still complete:
Credential verification
Professional classification
Licensing examination (if required)
Many Saudi hospitals actively recruit international doctors due to the growing demand for experienced healthcare professionals.
Common Mistakes in the SCFHS Licensing Process
Some doctors face delays during the licensing process due to avoidable mistakes.
Common issues include:
Submitting incomplete documents
Incorrect experience certificates
DataFlow verification delays
Missing good standing certificates
Ensuring that all documents are accurate and properly verified can help speed up the licensing process.
FAQs
1. What is SCFHS in Saudi Arabia?
The SCFHS license is the official medical license issued by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. It allows healthcare professionals such as doctors, dentists, nurses, and pharmacists to legally practice medicine in Saudi Arabia. All international and local healthcare professionals must obtain SCFHS registration before working in hospitals or clinics in the country.
2. Who is eligible for the Saudi licensing exam?
Doctors who want to work in Saudi Arabia must meet several eligibility requirements before taking the SCFHS licensing exam. These usually include a recognized medical degree, completed internship training, a valid medical license from the home country, verified credentials through DataFlow, and relevant clinical experience.
3. What is the passing score for the Saudi Prometric exam?
The passing score for the Saudi Prometric exam is typically 60% to 70%, depending on the specialty and classification level. The exam evaluates medical knowledge and clinical decision-making abilities required for safe medical practice in Saudi Arabia.
4. How many attempts are allowed for the Saudi Prometric exam?
Doctors are usually allowed three attempts to pass the Saudi Prometric exam. If a candidate fails all attempts, they may need additional training or eligibility review before reapplying for the exam.
5. How long is the Saudi licensing exam?
The Saudi Prometric licensing exam generally lasts 2 to 4 hours depending on the medical specialty. It is a computer-based exam consisting mainly of multiple-choice clinical questions.
6. How much does the SCFHS exam cost in Saudi Arabia?
The SCFHS exam fee typically ranges from $200 to $300. Additional costs may apply for DataFlow verification, professional classification, and licensing registration.
7. How long does it take to get an SCFHS license?
The complete licensing process usually takes 4 to 12 weeks. The timeline depends on factors such as document verification, DataFlow processing, and exam scheduling.
8. Is an SCFHS license valid in the UAE?
No, an SCFHS license is only valid in Saudi Arabia. Doctors who want to work in the UAE must obtain a license from the relevant authority such as DHA, DOH, or MOH depending on the emirate.
9. Can I convert a Saudi medical license to a UAE license?
Doctors cannot directly transfer an SCFHS license to the UAE. However, physicians can apply for UAE licensing using their qualifications and clinical experience gained in Saudi Arabia.
10. Is 3000 SAR a good salary in Saudi Arabia?
A salary of 3000 SAR is generally considered low for healthcare professionals. Doctors typically earn significantly higher salaries depending on their specialization and experience.
11. What is the average doctor salary in Saudi Arabia?
Doctor salaries in Saudi Arabia vary depending on experience and specialization. On average, general practitioners earn $4,000 to $7,000 per month, specialists earn $7,000 to $12,000, and consultants can earn $12,000 to $20,000 or more per month.
12. Which countries accept the Saudi Prometric exam?
The Saudi Prometric exam can be taken at Prometric testing centers worldwide. Doctors from many countries including the UK, USA, Europe, India, and Pakistan take this exam to qualify for medical practice in Saudi Arabia.
13. How can I apply for a Saudi medical license?
Doctors can apply for a Saudi medical license by creating an account on the SCFHS portal, completing DataFlow verification, applying for professional classification, passing the Prometric exam if required, and completing final registration.
