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:
Advantage | Why It Matters |
Tax-Free Salaries | Your income is not cut down by income tax. |
Modern Hospitals | Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in healthcare under Vision 2030. |
High Demand | Specialists and consultants are urgently needed. |
Expat-Friendly | Thousands of international doctors already work here. |
Career Growth | Roles 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 / Role | Average Monthly Salary (SAR) | In INR (Approx.) | Notes |
General Practitioner | 7,000 – 19,000 | ₹1.54L – ₹4.18L | Entry-level; higher in private hospitals |
Specialist Physician | 14,000 – 31,000 | ₹3.08L – ₹6.82L | Varies by specialty & location |
Doctor (General Average) | 19,000 – 38,000 | ₹4.18L – ₹8.36L | Across specialties |
Consultant | 40,000 – 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:
Specialty | Demand Level |
Family Medicine & GP | Very High |
Internal Medicine | High |
Emergency Medicine | High |
Pediatrics | High |
Obstetrics & Gynecology | High |
Cardiology | Very High |
Orthopedics | High |
General & Specialized Surgery | Very High |
Radiology | High |
Anesthesiology | High |
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:
Step | Process |
1. DataFlow Verification | Submit degree, license, internship, and Good Standing Certificate for Primary Source Verification (PSV). |
2. Mumaris Plus Registration | Create a profile on SCFHS’s official portal. |
3. Professional Classification | SCFHS reviews your credentials and approves you for SMLE. |
4. SMLE Exam | 300 MCQs (6 hours). Passing score: 536/800. Valid for 2 years. |
5. Professional Registration | Apply 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 Type | What to Expect |
Government Hospitals (MOH) | Structured salary scales, fixed working hours. |
Private Hospitals | Higher pay, incentives, faster promotions. |
Military & University Hospitals | Prestige, 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:
Benefit | What Doctors Get |
Housing & Transport | Free or subsidized, included in contract. |
Annual Leave | 30+ days with round-trip flights. |
Healthcare | Insurance for you and your family. |
Job Security | Strong demand ensures long-term opportunities. |
Lifestyle | Modern 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)
| Country | General Practitioner | Specialist | Consultant |
| Saudi Arabia | SAR 7K – 19K (₹1.54L – ₹4.18L) | SAR 14K – 31K (₹3.08L – ₹6.82L) | SAR 40K – 70K+ (₹8.8L – ₹15.4L+) |
| UAE | AED 12K – 22K (₹2.82L – ₹5.17L) | AED 20K – 40K (₹4.7L – ₹9.4L) | AED 45K – 75K+ (₹10.57L – ₹17.63L+) |
| Qatar | QAR 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
- Check SCFHS licensing & SMLE eligibility.
- Prepare a strong CV & documents.
- Apply via MOH portals, private hospitals, or certified recruitment agencies.
- Clear online/virtual interviews.
- 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.
