Our consultants find that applicants often ask similar questions about working in Saudi Arabia. We have therefore provided some answers which may be of use to you.

How long are the contracts?
The minimum contract length is 12 months.  Two-year contracts are also available.

What salary will I be offered?
Salaries vary from one hospital to another and are dependant upon each individual's skills and experience.  Please contact Austra Health for more information regarding salaries.

How is salary paid?
Your salary will be paid monthly in the local currency.  Upon arrival, you will need to open a local bank account for your salary to be paid into.  You can then transfer funds home via internet banking or bank transfers should you wish to.

Is it really Tax-free?
Saudi Arabia does not impose any income tax on your earnings. 

In most cases, expatriates are able to bring home a tax-free salary as long as their monetary affairs have been set up correctly prior to their move to Saudi Arabia. 

It is highly recommended that you seek advice from your accountant specific to your situation prior to departure.

How long does the process take?
Once we have submitted your application, it takes 2 - 4 weeks to receive feedback from a hospital.  Should you be successful, it is typically a 3 - 4 month process to obtain your visa so that you can depart for Saudi.

Do I need to speak Arabic?
Both English and Arabic are used as the official languages of Saudi hospitals.  Should you need to talk with a patient who does not speak English, the hospital will have a translator available to help you communicate.

Many hospitals offer basic Arabic classes should you wish to learn the language.

Can I take my spouse and children?
Most Saudi hospitals offer Single Status contracts and expatriates employed under a Single Status contract are unable to have a spouse or children travel with them to Saudi.

Senior Management and Physician applications may be offered Family Contracts, which will allow for a spouse and children to accompany them.

Is my accommodation provided?
The hospital will provide you with free accommodation for the duration of your contract. 

In most cases, you will be required to share with one other person.  The hospital will try to match you with someone of a similar age and background to yourself.

Housing set-up varies from hospital to hospital; however, in shared accommodation you will still have your own bedroom and bathroom.

What can I wear?
Whilst you are on the hospital compound, you are able to wear conservative western clothing.  Women who are travelling outside of the compound must wear an Abaya (traditional long black cloak).

What are the restrictions?
Alcohol and drugs are strictly forbidden in Saudi Arabia. 

Women are not permitted to drive in Saudi Arabia.  Males may drive and need to take their home license with them in order to obtain a local license. 

Pork products are not permitted.

Working in the Middle East | Application Process | Relocation Support