Saudi Arabia Licensing and Visa Process

At Vital Talents, we facilitate the entire licensing and visa process on behalf of our candidates, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements for healthcare providers. You arrive in Saudi Arabia with everything in place.

How to Get Your Saudi Nursing License

(4 Simple Steps)

Step 1. Verify Your Documents (DataFlow)
Saudi Arabian authorities first checks that your nursing degree, license, and work experience are legitimate. This is done through DataFlow, an official verification service. Once approved, you receive a verification report.

Step 2. Apply to the Licensing Authority (SCFHS)
You then apply to SCFHS (Saudi Commission for Health Specialties), the government body that licenses nurses. This is done through an online system called Mumaris Plus.

Step 3. Take the Nursing Exam
You book and pass the Saudi nursing exam (Prometric). This exam confirms you meet Saudi nursing standards.

Step 4. Final Approval & Registration
After passing the exam, SCFHS issues your Professional Classification Certificate officially allowing you to work as a nurse in Saudi Arabia.

Mandatory professional certification in Saudi Arabia, that allows healthcare professionals to legally practice
Mandatory professional certification in Saudi Arabia, that allows healthcare professionals to legally practice
Mandatory Primary Source Verification processing for international nurses to work in Saudi Arabia.
Mandatory Primary Source Verification processing for international nurses to work in Saudi Arabia.
Nurse taking care and checking vital signs of a patient.
Nurse taking care and checking vital signs of a patient.
Nurse typing documentation on the keyboard..
Nurse typing documentation on the keyboard..
ICU nurses in Saudi hospital critical care unit with advanced monitoring equipment.
ICU nurses in Saudi hospital critical care unit with advanced monitoring equipment.

Important Terms

  • Information is subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please consult Vital Talents or your future employer.

  • License validity: 2 years

  • Renewal: Every 2 years with proof of CME/CPD hours

  • SCFHS (Saudi Commission for Health Specialties): The national authority responsible for licensing healthcare professionals.

  • DataFlow Group: A third-party verification company that conducts Primary Source Verification (PSV) of documents.

  • Mumaris Plus: The official SCFHS online portal for licensing services.

Key Notes

1. Employment & Job Offer

  • Your employer in Saudi Arabia will submit your job offer or contract to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). MOFA then issues a visa authorization (known as Tafweed/Tawtheeq), which is sent to the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in Canada to support your visa application.

2. Education Document Attestation

  • Have educational degrees and transcripts authenticated and attested through Canadian and Saudi government bodies.

3. Medical Examination

  • Undergo required medical and lab tests (HIV, TB, etc.) at a licensed Canadian clinic.

4. Police Clearance

  • Complete a Canada-wide police clearance certificate

5. Visa Application & Stamping

  • Submit all verified documents and passport to the Saudi Embassy.

  • The Saudi Embassy stamps the Employment Visa

6. Arrival & Residency

  • Travel to Saudi Arabia within 3 months of visa issue.

Saudi Nursing Visa Process

Visa application with an approved stamped on top.
Visa application with an approved stamped on top.

Key Visa Notes

  • Timeline: 4–12 weeks (credential verification, medicals, embassy processing).

  • Age Requirement: 22–60 years.

  • Validity: Work visa valid for 3 months for entry.

  • Non-Compliance: Incomplete, inaccurate, or late submission of documents may delay or invalidate licensing/visa approval.

Canadian nurse at airport with feet on luggage looking at plane.
Canadian nurse at airport with feet on luggage looking at plane.

Ready For Your Next Opportunity!