Doctor Jobs in Saudi Arabia 2025: Career Opportunities & Scope

Written by

Dr. Indu K

Reviewed by

Dr. Rini Sharma
Doctor Jobs in Saudi Arabia
Created On : Sep 06, 2025 Updated On : Sep 06, 2025 4 min read

Key Takeaways

  • Understand tax-free doctor salaries in Saudi Arabia with INR conversions.
  • Learn about in-demand specialties and hospital types.
  • Step-by-step licensing & SMLE exam process for international doctors.

Saudi Arabia has become a top destination for international doctors in 2025. This is because salaries are tax-free. The country also has modern hospitals. There is a growing demand for healthcare professionals.

With the country’s Vision 2030 reforms, Saudi Arabia is rapidly expanding its healthcare sector. This is attracting doctors from India, Pakistan, Egypt, the Philippines, and even Western countries.  

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about doctor jobs in Saudi Arabia in 2025, including salaries, demand, licensing, lifestyle, and scope.

Why Saudi Arabia is a Top Choice for Doctors

Working as a doctor in Saudi Arabia comes with advantages that are hard to ignore:

AdvantageWhy It Matters
Tax-Free SalariesYour income is not cut down by income tax.
Modern HospitalsSaudi Arabia has invested heavily in healthcare under Vision 2030.
High DemandSpecialists and consultants are urgently needed.
Expat-FriendlyThousands of international doctors already work here.
Career GrowthRoles in private, government, and university hospitals.

Doctor Salaries in Saudi Arabia (2025)

When doctors think of moving to Saudi Arabia, the first question is: How much will I earn? 

So, we have jotted down the realistic salary breakdown for doctors in 2025:

Position / RoleAverage Monthly Salary (SAR)In INR (Approx.)Notes
General Practitioner7,000 – 19,000₹1.54L – ₹4.18LEntry-level; higher in private hospitals
Specialist Physician14,000 – 31,000₹3.08L – ₹6.82LVaries by specialty & location
Doctor (General Average)19,000 – 38,000₹4.18L – ₹8.36LAcross specialties
Consultant40,000 – 70,000+₹8.80L – ₹15.4L+Senior-level specialists
Surgeons (Top Specialists)50,000 – 100,000+₹11L – ₹22L+Especially in Riyadh & Jeddah

In-Demand Specialties in 2025

Saudi Arabia is expanding its healthcare workforce and actively recruiting for these fields:

SpecialtyDemand Level
Family Medicine & GPVery High
Internal MedicineHigh
Emergency MedicineHigh
PediatricsHigh
Obstetrics & GynecologyHigh
CardiologyVery High
OrthopedicsHigh
General & Specialized SurgeryVery High
RadiologyHigh
AnesthesiologyHigh

If you belong to these specialties, your chances of securing a high-paying job in Saudi Arabia are significantly better.

Licensing Pathway: How to Work as a Doctor in Saudi Arabia

This is where many doctors get stuck. To work in Saudi Arabia, you must first clear the Saudi Medical Licensing Exam (SMLE). Then, register with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS).

Here’s the step-by-step pathway:

StepProcess
1. DataFlow VerificationSubmit degree, license, internship, and Good Standing Certificate for Primary Source Verification (PSV).
2. Mumaris Plus RegistrationCreate a profile on SCFHS’s official portal.
3. Professional ClassificationSCFHS reviews your credentials and approves you for SMLE.
4. SMLE Exam300 MCQs (6 hours). Passing score: 536/800. Valid for 2 years.
5. Professional RegistrationApply for SCFHS license to start working legally.

Good news: There is no IELTS/OET requirement to work as a doctor in Saudi Arabia.

If you are thinking about cracking the Saudi Medical Licensing Exam (SMLE) this year, do it with Academically’s SMLE Preparation Course. This is curated just for doctors like you who want to pass the exam on the first attempt. You will get live and recorded lectures, study materials, AI-based mock tests, personalised guidance and much more. What are you waiting for?

Work Settings for Doctors in Saudi Arabia

Hospital TypeWhat to Expect
Government Hospitals (MOH)Structured salary scales, fixed working hours.
Private HospitalsHigher pay, incentives, faster promotions.
Military & University HospitalsPrestige, research, and teaching opportunities.

Most international doctors prefer private hospitals for their better salary packages, but government jobs offer more stability and long-term security.

Benefits of Working in Saudi Arabia

Alongside the salary, doctors enjoy excellent perks:

BenefitWhat Doctors Get
Housing & TransportFree or subsidized, included in contract.
Annual Leave30+ days with round-trip flights.
HealthcareInsurance for you and your family.
Job SecurityStrong demand ensures long-term opportunities.
LifestyleModern cities with international expat communities.

Future Scope for Doctors in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is transforming healthcare into one of the world’s most modern systems. Here’s what it means for doctors:

  • There will be massive hospital expansions which means more job opportunities.
  • The growth of telemedicine & digital health leads to new roles for tech-savvy doctors.
  • Universities will start hiring medical educators & researchers globally.
  • The salary packages will increase to attract and retain foreign-trained doctors.

Salary Comparison: Saudi Arabia vs UAE vs Qatar (2025)

CountryGeneral PractitionerSpecialistConsultant
Saudi ArabiaSAR 7K – 19K (₹1.54L – ₹4.18L)SAR 14K – 31K (₹3.08L – ₹6.82L)SAR 40K – 70K+ (₹8.8L – ₹15.4L+)
UAEAED 12K – 22K (₹2.82L – ₹5.17L)AED 20K – 40K (₹4.7L – ₹9.4L)AED 45K – 75K+ (₹10.57L – ₹17.63L+)
QatarQAR 10K – 18K (₹2.4L – ₹4.32L)QAR 18K – 35K (₹4.32L – ₹8.4L)QAR 40K – 65K+ (₹9.6L – ₹15.6L+)

How to Apply for Doctor Jobs in Saudi Arabia

  1. Check SCFHS licensing & SMLE eligibility.
  2. Prepare a strong CV & documents.
  3. Apply via MOH portals, private hospitals, or certified recruitment agencies.
  4. Clear online/virtual interviews.
  5. Complete visa & licensing formalities with your employer’s support.

Final Thoughts

There are big plans for Vision 2030 and it’s your right time to grab them. So, make sure that you prepare properly for the SMLE exam and register with the SCHS. 

Once you are done with these, the benefits are endless.

If you have any questions or queries you want to know about becoming a doctor in Saudi, reach out to experts at Academically, they will help you from the start to the finish. 

FAQs

Q. What is the SMLE and why is it important?

Ans. The Saudi Medical Licensing Exam (SMLE) is required to work as a doctor in Saudi Arabia. It tests your medical knowledge and clinical skills. Passing it allows you to register with the SCFHS and practice legally.

Q. Who can take the SMLE?

Ans. International medical graduates with an MBBS degree, a 12-month internship, a valid medical license, and a Good Standing Certificate can appear for the exam.

Q. Is English proficiency required to work in Saudi Arabia?

Ans. No, you do not need IELTS or OET to work as a doctor in Saudi Arabia.

Q. How much do doctors earn in Saudi Arabia?

Ans. Salaries vary by role and specialty:

  • General Practitioner: SAR 7,000 – 19,000 (₹1.54L – ₹4.18L)
  • Specialist: SAR 14,000 – 31,000 (₹3.08L – ₹6.82L)
  • Consultant: SAR 40,000 – 70,000+ (₹8.8L – ₹15.4L+)

Q. Which specialties are in high demand?

Ans. Family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, surgery, cardiology, obstetrics & gynecology, radiology, anesthesiology, and orthopedics are currently in high demand.

Dr. Indu K
Dr. Indu K
about the author

Dr. Indu K is a dentist with one year of clinical experience. She seamlessly transitioned into content writing three years ago. Her passion lies in making complex medical information accessible to everyone. She uses her unique blend of medical knowledge and exceptional writing skills to bridge the gap between healthcare and the general audience.

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