SCFHS License Explained: Saudi Healthcare Licensing (2026)
Everything about the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) licensing system. Verification, license types, and what it means for patients in Saudi Arabia.
What is the SCFHS?
The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS โ ุงูููุฆุฉ ุงูุณุนูุฏูุฉ ููุชุฎุตุตุงุช ุงูุตุญูุฉ) is the regulatory body responsible for classifying, licensing, and accrediting all health professionals practicing in Saudi Arabia.
Established in 1992, the SCFHS is one of the oldest and most rigorous medical licensing bodies in the GCC. It manages postgraduate medical education, continuous professional development, and classification of healthcare professionals across all specialties.
How to Verify a Saudi SCFHS License
Patients can verify any doctor's license through the official SCFHS portal:
1.Go to scfhs.org.sa
2.Use the "License Verification" service
3.Search by license number or name
4.Results show specialty classification, license status, and expiry
Tabibfi Saudi Arabia listings display SCFHS license numbers on every doctor profile.
SCFHS Classification System
Unlike most countries that use a single license, the SCFHS uses a classification system based on years of experience and board certification:
โขResident: In postgraduate medical training
โขSpecialist: Board-certified, 3โ6 years post-qualification
โขSenior Specialist: 6โ9 years with additional certifications
โขConsultant: 9+ years, subspecialty trained, recognized internationally
โขSenior Consultant: Highest tier, academic-level expertise
For most clinical needs, a Specialist or Consultant is appropriate. Senior Consultant-level doctors handle complex cases and academic medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a Saudi doctor's SCFHS license?โพ
Visit scfhs.org.sa and use the license verification portal. Enter the doctor's name or SCFHS number. Tabibfi Saudi listings display SCFHS license numbers directly on profiles.
Is an SCFHS license valid in Qatar or UAE?โพ
No. SCFHS licenses are valid only in Saudi Arabia. A doctor moving to Qatar must obtain a QCHP license; to Dubai, a DHA license. The credentials are evaluated separately by each country.
What is the difference between a Specialist and Consultant in Saudi Arabia?โพ
Per SCFHS classification, a Specialist has board certification with 3โ6 years post-qualification experience. A Consultant has 9+ years of experience and is recognized as a senior expert in their field. Both can practice independently.
This guide is written and reviewed by the Tabibfi editorial team, with input from licensed healthcare practitioners in Qatar and the UAE. All medical information is for general guidance only โ consult a licensed physician for personal medical advice.