How much a doctor can earn in Saudi Arabia? 2026
Looking for doctor jobs in Saudi Arabia? This comprehensive guide covers doctors salaries in Saudi Arabic, tax-free benefits, SCFHS licensing requirements, and the complete relocation process for IMGs under Vision 2030.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has positioned itself as a premier global destination for international medical graduates (IMGs) and doctors seeking lucrative careers. Driven by the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 healthcare expansion goals, the Kingdom is actively recruiting highly qualified doctors with high salaries to meet critical workforce shortages, particularly in specialties like cardiology, pediatrics, anesthesiology, and general practice.
Why Doctors Choose Saudi Arabia: Top Benefits for International Doctors
The primary appeal for relocating doctors rests on the highly competitive financial packages and professional opportunities available:
- 100% Tax-Free Doctor Salary in Saudi Arabia: Salaries are exempt from personal income tax, significantly maximizing take-home pay and wealth accumulation.
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: Employment packages often extend beyond basic salary to include substantial non-salary perks, which can add 25% to 70% onto the base salary.
- Job Security and Career Growth: The ongoing expansion of healthcare infrastructure under Vision 2030 ensures high demand for talent, with projections indicating a need for over 40,000 new doctors by 2030.
- Advanced Medical Practice Environment: Doctors have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art facilities, modern technologies, and digital health platforms, allowing for professional development and engagement in clinical research.
Doctor Salary in Saudi Arabia 2025: Complete Compensation Breakdown
Salary of doctor in Saudi Arabia (KSA) is strictly determined by professional classification, experience, specialization, and the prestige of the hiring institution. The overall average annual salary for a MBBS Doctor in KSA is approximately SAR 505,721.
Doctors Salary by Experience Level and Designation
Compensation is stratified across career stages, with entry-level roles MBBS doctors salary offering SAR 8,000–15,000 monthly, while senior consultants doctors can earn between SAR 40,000 and SAR 70,000 monthly, potentially reaching SAR 90,000 in high-tier private hospitals and clinics.
| Designation | Experience Level | Monthly Salary (SAR) | Annual Salary (SAR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Doctor | 0–2 years (Entry) | 8,000 – 15,000 | 96,000 – 180,000 |
| General Physician | Mid-level | 15,000 – 30,000 | 180,000 – 360,000 |
| Specialist Doctor | 3–7 years (Mid-career) | 25,000 – 50,000 | 300,000 – 600,000 |
| Consultant Doctor | 15+ years (Senior) | 40,000 – 70,000 | 480,000 – 840,000 |
Highest Paying Medical Specialties in Saudi Arabia
High-demand and procedural specialties, which face critical doctors shortages, command the highest salaries.
| Specialization | Monthly Salary (SAR) | Key Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiology doctors | 55,000 – 70,000 | High Demand |
| Orthopedics doctors | 50,000 – 65,000 | Surgical, High Demand |
| General Surgery doctors | 45,000 – 60,000 | Surgical, Core Service |
| Anesthesiology doctors | 40,000 – 55,000 | Critical Care, Scarcity |
| Radiology doctors | 35,000 – 50,000 | Core Specialty |
| Internal Medicine doctors | 30,000 – 45,000 | Core Specialty |
Ministry of Health (MOH) Salary Scale: Public Sector Pay Rates
The Ministry of Health (MOH) publicly structures its salary scales with a pay differential based on the origin of the doctors’s qualification, placing a premium on certifications from “Developed Countries.”
| MOH Designation | Qualification Origin | Max Basic Salary (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Consultant | Developed Countries | 42,200 |
| Consultant | Developing Countries | 22,120 |
Complete Benefits Package for Doctors in Saudi Arabia: Beyond Base Salary
The value of non-salary benefits significantly boosts the total compensation package, providing financial stability and enhancing quality of life for expatriates.
| Benefit Type | Standard Provision | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Allowance | Furnished accommodation or substantial allowance. MOH: annual allowance = 3x monthly salary (capped SAR 50,000) | Offsets major living cost |
| Health Insurance | Full medical care including health insurance for doctor and family | Critical for family relocation |
| Annual Leave & Flights | 30–45 days paid leave. Free annual round-trip tickets for employee + up to 4 dependents | Generous time off + travel support |
| Education Allowance | Some hospitals offer financial support for children’s schooling | Valuable for families |
| Relocation Support | Initial transportation (sometimes business class), relocation allowance, optional 1.5 month salary advance | Financial assistance for move |
| End-of-Service Benefits | Gratuity: 15 days’ pay per year (first 4 years), 30 days’ pay per year (5th year onward) | Lump sum savings on completion |
SCFHS Licensing Requirements: How to Get Licensed as a Doctor in Saudi Arabia
Foreign-trained doctors must follow a structured pathway for licensing and employment in Saudi Arabia. The employment contract is typically for one year, renewable based on mutual desire.
SCFHS stands for Saudi Commission for ealth Specialities
Step-by-Step SCFHS Medical Licensing Process
| Step | Requirement | Responsible Authority |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Educational Qualification: MBBS/MD/MS or equivalent degree (must be attested) | SCFHS / Approved Authentication Company (e.g., Dataflow) |
| 2 | Credential Verification: Dataflow Verification mandatory to authenticate credentials | Dataflow / SCFHS |
| 3 | Licensing Exam: Saudi Medical Licensing Exam (SMLE) mandatory for SCFHS License | Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) |
| 4 | Professional Classification: Register via Mumaris+ (within first month of arrival) | SCFHS |
See also
MOH External Contracting: Application and Employment Process
The process typically involves registration on the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) ‘Physician’ portal, document submission, technical evaluation, job offer, and final visa/travel arrangements.
- Technical Evaluation: Candidates must pass an interview conducted by a specialized technical and administrative committee, which includes technical evaluation and measuring personal characteristics.
- Job Offer: If successful, the candidate receives an employment offer detailing salary, financial benefits, and the work location.
- Visa and Health Checks: Upon accepting the offer, the employer reserves the job, grants a visa letter (valid for sixty days), and the candidate must complete a medical examination to confirm health fitness and freedom from communicable diseases.
- Travel and Arrival: The employer coordinates and issues air tickets (usually economic degree). Upon arrival, a meet and greet service is available at the final destination airport, and temporary housing is provided until permanent residence is secured.
Working Conditions for Doctors in Saudi Arabia: Hours, Contracts & Expectations
Employment Contract Terms and Working Hours
Doctors are expected to work for 48 hours per week. The initial contract period is typically one year, renewable upon mutual agreement. All contracted healthcare providers (HCPs) are subject to a trial period of three months, which the employer may extend for a similar period.
Contracted doctors are responsible for adhering to KSA’s laws, the Ministry’s regulations, and the Code of Professional Conduct. The employer reserves the right to temporarily or permanently transfer the HCP to work in any place within the Kingdom or change the job name/rank if necessary.
Norway & Australia are also a good choice for doctors in 2026.
Challenges to Consider Before Relocating
While financial rewards are significant, doctors relocating may face challenges including:
- Cultural adaptation (adhering to local laws and traditions)
- Potentially high patient inflow in urban hospitals
- Licensing delays due to time-consuming paperwork and verification processes
Doctor Jobs in Saudi Arabia Under Vision 2030
The future outlook for doctors remains positive. Continued sector expansion and privatization, alongside the government’s commitment under Vision 2030, ensure that demand for skilled foreign doctors will remain strong, particularly in specialized fields, contributing to expected sustainable salary growth.
International Doctors Considering Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia offers international medical graduates an exceptional opportunity to advance their careers while benefiting from tax-free salaries ranging from SAR 96,000 to SAR 840,000 annually, comprehensive benefits packages that can add 25-70% to base compensation, and job security backed by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 healthcare expansion requiring over 40,000 new doctors. With proper SCFHS licensing and realistic expectations about the relocation process, physicians can build rewarding careers in one of the world’s most ambitious healthcare systems.
