Saudi Arabia > Saudi Arabia FAQs > Nursing salaries, contracts and benefits in Saudi Arabia

Salary, Contract and Benefits

How long is the contract?

The initial contract term is normally 1 or 2 years. Generally speaking, it is possible to extend the contract at the end of each year. Many nurses ask if we have shorter term contracts. We did have for a few years in one hospital during their expansion phase but that was exceptional. Locum contracts are now no longer on offer.

What salary can I expect?

Salaries vary depending on the hospital, your experience and your country of origin. When you contact us to make an application, we will give you a full breakdown of the package you can expect.

Typically, you will be paid at the end of each month in Saudi Riyals (SR), directly into your bank account. You will open a local bank account with full internet banking facilities, as you would expect. It is very easy to manage your bills and transfer money back home.

Are there any bonuses?

Yes, some hospitals have a sign-on bonus of $2,500 for a one year contract and $5,000 for a two-year contract. Also, there is a 15-day service award for each completed year. Some hospitals also offer one month salary as an end-of-year bonus.

Is the salary really tax-free?

Yes. There is no tax deducted from your salary in Saudi Arabia. However, please be aware that it is your responsibility to meet any tax obligations you may have in your home country. We recommend that you contact the relevant authorities for advice.

Do I get free healthcare?

As in other countries, your employer covers work insurance. The hospital provides free healthcare for you including vaccinations. However, dental care is emergency only.

It is not required that you take any additional healthcare insurance however, if you wish to do so, you should seek your own independent advice.

What are the working hours?

The working hours are 42.5 in some hospitals and 44 hours per week in others. Generally, nurses work 22 shifts in a six week period, rotating between days and nights. Shifts are 07:00-19:30 and 19:00-07:30.

Some clinical areas operate during standard business hours but do note that the working week in Saudi Arabia is Sunday-Thursday.

What benefits are offered?

Tax-free salary*
Free fully furnished accommodation and utilities
Free medical coverage
Yearly service award (re-contracting Bonus)
Free mobilization (arrival) and de-mobilization (final departure) flights to and from the point of origin and annual round trip flight ticket to the end of hire
Free transportation services
Baggage allowance
Free uniform & laundry
Free recreation services (Gym, pools, tennis, etc.)
Availability of on job training & courses
Merit increase upon renewal of contract (maximum of 6%)
Availability of promotion & transfer
Overtime plentiful
Saudi Service Award (Consisting of one-half months basic salary for each of the first five years of service and one-month basic salary for each year of services after that)
8-9 weeks paid leave (36-46 days annual leave + public holidays)

How much experience do I need to work in Saudi Arabia?

Our client hospitals require a minimum of two years post-graduate experience, some require three. Our experienced recruiters will assess your application and help you decide which hospital is perfect for you.

Generally, as our client hospitals are the leading tertiary referral centres, you need to have experience from a University or teaching hospital.

I am a male nurse, can I work in Saudi Arabia?

Yes - we often have vacancies for male nurses. However, Saudi Arabia is an Islamic society and males cannot nurse females or children without a female present. This limits the type of vacancies that you can apply for. Male nurses are most likely to be hired for male wards and critical care areas, such as ER and ICU.

I do not have a European or Australian passport - can I apply?

We are contracted to recruit European, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian passport holders only. For this reason, we can only process your application if you hold one of these passports.

If you do not have one of these passports, you can still apply for a post. You simply have to contact a local agent who is contracted to recruit from your geographical region.

Am I free to leave whenever I want?

Yes, you can leave at any time. Just like any other job, it is recommended that you resign as per the terms of your contract and work your notice period (typically one month).

In the event that I have a complaint against my employer, is there any support available?

Yes. The Saudi Labor Court defends employees in such cases.

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