Part of our Nursing Councils of the World series. Last checked: October 2026.
In Saudi Arabia, all health practitioners, including nurses, are classified and registered by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). Every step happens on the SCFHS online platform, Mumaris Plus (Mumaris+). Saudi Arabia employs tens of thousands of nurses from the Philippines, India, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and elsewhere, often with tax-free salaries and employer-provided housing.
Eligibility at a glance
- A nursing qualification from a recognised institution. A BSc Nursing leads to classification as a Nurse Specialist; a diploma usually leads to Nurse Technician, which has a different scope and salary.
- A valid nursing licence from your home country, in good standing.
- Recruiters commonly ask for at least two years of post-registration experience.
- A job offer from a Saudi employer is needed to complete registration.
Step by step
- Create a Mumaris+ account with your passport details. It is free.
- DataFlow primary source verification: SCFHS’s verification partner checks your degree, licence and experience certificates directly with the issuers. It usually takes several weeks, and longer if your school or council is slow to respond.
- Professional classification: apply on Mumaris+ and pay the fee. SCFHS decides your title (for example Nurse Specialist).
- The Saudi Nursing Licensure Exam (SNLE): after you receive your eligibility letter, book a Prometric centre. Prometric has centres in many countries, including Nigeria, India, the Philippines and Kenya.
- Registration: once you pass and have an employment letter from a Saudi facility, apply for registration. You receive a digital professional licence.
The SNLE explained
- Format: about 200 multiple-choice questions (some unscored pilot items) in two blocks of 100. Each block is about two hours, with a break between them.
- Scoring: a scaled score from 200 to 800. The reported pass mark is 500.
- Content: adult health (medical-surgical), maternity, paediatrics, mental health, community health, fundamentals, and leadership and ethics.
- Retakes: limited attempts within a set period, with extra requirements after repeated failures. Check the current SCFHS rules before booking.
Fees (approximate, 2026)
| Item | SAR | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Mumaris+ account | Free | Free |
| DataFlow verification | About 830–1,280 | About 220–340 |
| Classification and evaluation | About 380–1,010 | About 100–270 |
| SCFHS Prometric exam (SNLE) | About 750–1,200 | About 200–320 |
| Registration and licence renewal | Varies by classification. Shown on Mumaris+ when you apply. | |
Validity and renewal
- Classification is typically valid for one year for registration purposes. If you do not register within that time, you may need to reapply.
- The professional licence is usually renewed every two years on Mumaris+. You need the required CPD credit hours from SCFHS-accredited activities, active employment and the renewal fee.
- Keep certificates from every CPD activity. Shortfalls are a common reason for delayed renewals.
Professional accountability and discipline
In Saudi Arabia, health practitioners are governed by the Law of Practising Healthcare Professions. Complaints of malpractice are investigated by the Ministry of Health and heard by Sharia Health Committees. These can award compensation to patients and impose penalties, including fines, warnings, suspension or cancellation of the licence. Professional violations can also be referred to the SCFHS, which can suspend or cancel classification and registration. Malpractice insurance is required, and many employers provide it. Document every intervention carefully and follow hospital policies exactly. Falsified certificates found during DataFlow verification lead to a ban and possible prosecution.
Tips
- Make sure the experience letters from each employer show your exact dates, position and whether you worked full time. DataFlow checks them line by line.
- Recruitment should be free to the nurse under ethical recruitment rules. Avoid agencies that charge large “processing” fees.
- Nigerian nurses: start your NMCN good-standing and verification early. See our NMCN guide.
Sources: PrometricMedical, SCFHS exam fees 2026 (29 September 2026); NurseHub GCC, how to get a Saudi nursing licence (October 2025). Confirm requirements and fees on the official SCFHS Mumaris+ portal.