How Can an Investor Obtain a License to Establish a Medical Complex in Saudi Arabia?
The Saudi regulator has imposed a set of specific conditions that investors in the healthcare sector must meet in order to obtain licenses to establish public or private medical complexes in the Kingdom. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing and sustaining the healthcare sector. To explore this topic in detail and learn about the specific requirements, please refer to our article: “How Can an Investor Obtain a License to Establish a Medical Complex?” available via the provided link.
In Line with Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to develop the healthcare sector, facilitate access to healthcare services, and enhance their quality through the improvement of hospitals, primary care centers, emergency services, digital transformation in health, and preventative care. To achieve innovation and sustainable healthcare, the Kingdom has opened the door to private investment in the healthcare sector. In this article, Salamah Law Firm outlines how investors can obtain licenses to establish medical complexes in Saudi Arabia.
What Are the Requirements for Opening a Medical Complex in Saudi Arabia?
Article One of the Private Health Institutions Law distinguishes between two types of medical complexes:
- General Medical Complex: A facility prepared to receive patients, conduct medical examinations, and provide treatment. It must include at least three different medical specialties, one of which must be a core specialty (e.g., surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, or family medicine).
- Specialized Medical Complex: A facility comprised of clinics in one or more specific medical specialties and their subspecialties.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain a Medical Complex License?
To obtain a license for establishing either a general or specialized medical complex, the following steps must be followed:
First: Initial Approval Requirements
The investor must apply for initial approval via the Sehha platform, selecting the type and specialty of the healthcare facility and its location, and attaching the following documents:
- Copy of the lease agreement or title deed.
- Commercial registration number issued by the Ministry of Commerce.
- Investment license from the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (if the investor is a non-Saudi national).
- Site approval from the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs.
Second: Obtaining Approvals and Licenses from Relevant Authorities
- Application for endorsements for medical staff.
- Obtaining a license from the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs.
Third: Final Licensing Requirements for a General Medical Complex
Once all medical and administrative preparations are complete and at least three medical specialties are available—one being a core specialty (required only for general medical complexes)—in addition to having an emergency department, the investor may apply for the final license with the following documents:
- Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs license number.
- Registration and classification numbers for all medical personnel from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.
- Copy of ambulance vehicle registration (no older than 5 years), or a signed agreement with a licensed emergency transport service provider (applicable only to general medical complexes).
The license is issued upon on-site verification of all requirements and staffing, within 10 business days.
Read Also : What Are the Most Common Medical Errors in Saudi Arabia?
Licensing Fees
- License for general or specialized medical complex: SAR 2,000
How Can I Obtain a License to Establish a Hospital?
The law defines a hospital as a facility equipped to receive patients, diagnose, treat, and admit them for inpatient care.
To obtain a hospital license, the following steps must be followed:
First: Initial Approval Requirements
The investor must apply via the Sehha platform, selecting the hospital’s specialty, number of beds, and location, and attaching:
- Title deed or lease agreement valid for at least 15 years.
- Commercial registration number from the Ministry of Commerce.
- Investment license from the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (for non-Saudi investors).
- Preliminary engineering plans approved by a certified engineering office and submitted to the Ministry of Health’s General Directorate of Engineering Services for final approval.
Second: Government Approvals and Licensing
- Application for endorsements for medical staff.
- Submission of final architectural plans to the Ministry of Health for approval prior to construction.
- Obtaining the license from the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs.
Third: Final Licensing Requirements
Once construction is complete, the investor must apply for operational licensing and submit the following:
- License from the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs.
- Registration and classification numbers for all healthcare workers from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.
- Security contract with a licensed security company.
Licensing is issued after an on-site inspection by the local health authority within 10 business days. Licensing fees vary by hospital capacity:
- Up to 50 beds: SAR 5,000
- 51–100 beds: SAR 10,000
- Over 100 beds: SAR 15,000
What Are the Requirements to License a Physical Therapy Center?
A physical therapy center is classified as a supportive healthcare facility that provides therapeutic and rehabilitative services. Licensing such a center follows the same procedures and requirements as licensing a medical complex. The licensing fee is SAR 1,000.
How to Inquire About a Health Facility License?
All health facility licenses can be verified and tracked via the Sehha electronic health services platform.
What Are the Penalties for Operating a Health Facility Without a License?
According to Article 20 of the Private Health Institutions Law, and without prejudice to harsher penalties under other laws, operating a private health institution without a license is punishable by:
- Closure of the facility and disqualification from obtaining a license for a period of 6 months to 2 years from the closure date.
- Fines as follows:
- SAR 10,000 to 30,000 for supportive healthcare facilities.
- SAR 30,000 to 100,000 for laboratories, radiology centers, and emergency transport centers.
- SAR 50,000 to 150,000 for clinics, medical complexes, and one-day surgery centers.
- SAR 100,000 to 300,000 for hospitals of all categories.
The licensing process for establishing medical complexes in Saudi Arabia is complex and requires the guidance of a specialized attorney familiar with legal, administrative, and financial procedures. We strongly recommend consulting Salamah Law Firm, which brings over a decade of experience in facilitating healthcare licenses, offering precise legal advice on healthcare investment, and representing clients before competent judicial authorities—ensuring protection of rights and compliance with Saudi healthcare laws.
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