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Welcome to Nursing in Saudi Arabia

Preparing for a nursing role in Saudi Arabia- whether it's your first move or a return contract. This comprehensive FAQ has been designed to give you clear, practical information about living and working in the Kingdom. From licensing and accommodation to cultural expectations and social life, you'll find everything you need to settle in with confidence.

Saudi Arabia FAQ for Nurses

Q: What language is spoken in Saudi Arabia?

Arabic is the official language used in government, law, and daily life. However, English is widely spoken in healthcare, business, and education. Most hospital staff communicate in English, and many signs and documents are bilingual, making everyday tasks much easier for expatriates.

Q: Do I need to register with a Saudi nursing authority?

Yes. All nurses must be licensed by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). Your recruitment agency such as Profco will guide you through the registration and dataflow process.

Q: What is the typical working schedule for nurses?

Nurses usually work 42-44 hours per week, depending on the hospital and department.

Q: Are contracts renewable?

Yes. Most contracts are for 1-2 years and can be renewed. Some employers offer short-term contracts (e.g. 90 days) with the option to extend. Always review your contract for details on salary, accommodation, transport, and leave.

Q: Is it okay to practise my religion in Saudi Arabia?

Islam is the official religion of the Kingdom. Muslim nurses will find numerous prayer facilities in hospitals and public spaces. Non-Muslims may practise privately, though public religious displays, gatherings, or symbols are not permitted.

Q: What should I wear in Saudi Arabia?

At work, female nurses continue to wear professional hospital scrubs. Outside of work, clothing should follow the standards set out in Saudi Arabia's Public Decorum Charter, which requires all visitors to dress modestly in public places. This means avoiding clothing that is revealing.

For women, an abaya is not mandatory for foreign visitors, and covering the hair is only required when entering mosques or religious sites. However, modest dress remains essential -shoulders, elbows, and knees should be covered, and loose-fitting clothing is recommended. Carrying a scarf is useful for religious visits or more conservative areas.

For men, modest clothing is also required. Visit Saudi advises that men must not go shirtless in public and should ensure their clothing covers the knees. Shorts above the knee, sleeveless tops, or any attire with inappropriate wording or imagery should be avoided.

Overall, the expectation is simply to present yourself respectfully, following local customs while enjoying the country's modern and welcoming tourism environment.

Q: Should I only bring summer clothes?

No, you shouldn't pack only summer clothing for Saudi Arabia. While the country is known for its intense heat, the climate varies widely by season and region.

Saudi Arabia experiences very hot summers, with temperatures climbing towards 50°C, so lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen are essential. However, the winter months (November to February) can be surprisingly cool, especially in central and northern areas. For example, winter nights in Riyadh can fall to 8°C or lower, while places like AlUla or Tabuk may approach freezing and even see snowfall. Coastal cities such as Jeddah stay milder but can still feel cool in the evenings.

For this reason, travellers are advised to bring:

Light, breathable clothing for daytime heat

A warm layer (e.g., a cardigan, jumper, or jacket) for cooler nights

Extra layers if visiting northern regions or high-altitude destinations

In short: pack for both heat and cooler evenings to ensure comfort throughout your stay.

Q: Can I wear jewellery or makeup?

Yes, modest jewellery and makeup are acceptable both at work and in public. Avoid overly extravagant styles.

Q: How do I open a bank account?

You'll need:

A valid Iqama
Your passport
A salary letter from your employer
A Saudi mobile number
National address registration
An active Absher account

Popular banks include Al Rajhi, SNB, and Riyadh Bank.

Q: Can I send money home?

Yes, you can easily send money home while working in Saudi Arabia using your bank account. Saudi banks provide international transfer services through online banking, mobile apps, or in-branch support.

Q: Can I travel during my contract?

Yes, you can travel internationally with an exit/re-entry visa, issued via Absher.

Q: Can my family join me?

Some contracts allow family sponsorship, but the majority of staff nurse positions are single-status. Senior clinical or leadership roles may offer family benefits.

To sponsor a family member to live in Saudi Arabia, you must apply for a Family Residency Visa (Iqama). The sponsor must hold an eligible profession, meet a minimum salary threshold, and submit an authorized request through the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) or Saudi National Portal.

Q: Will I need to find my own accommodation?

In most cases, no- you will not need to arrange your own accommodation. For roles in Saudi Arabia, employers typically provide fully furnished housing within a secured hospital compound or serviced accommodation.

Alternatively, all our clients hospitals allow you to opt for a housing allowance instead. In this case, you would arrange your own accommodation, and the allowance is provided to support rental costs (usually calculated as a percentage of your annual basic salary).

We will clearly outline your accommodation option (hospital-provided vs allowance) before you accept any offer, so you can choose what best suits your preferences.

Q: How much annual leave will I get?

Leave varies by employer, but nurses may receive from 48- 61 days of paid leave per year, including public holidays and annual leave.

Q: Is it safe for women to live and work in Saudi Arabia?

Women working in Saudi Arabia especially in major international hospital generally feel safe and supported. Accommodation is secure, workplaces are professional and multicultural, and recent reforms have further improved independence and quality of life for women.

Q: Can I drive in Saudi Arabia?

Visitors

Visitors may legally drive using a valid foreign or international driving licence for up to one year from the date of entry (or until the foreign licence expires, whichever comes first). Your licence must be current and suitable for the type of vehicle you are driving.

New Residents (Iqama Holders)

Once you receive your Iqama (residency ID), your foreign licence is only valid for a short transition period. Many expatriates have up to three months to continue using their foreign licence before they must convert it to a Saudi driving licence.

To obtain a Saudi licence, residents must complete the following through the Traffic Department (Muroor):

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