SCE Registration Saudi: Guide to Saudi Council of Engineers Registration

Are you planning to work in Saudi Arabia under an engineering or technical visa? Understanding the SCE Registration Saudi process is essential before starting your professional journey in the Kingdom. The Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE) registration is mandatory for all engineers and technicians coming to Saudi Arabia under technical or engineering visas. This comprehensive guide will explain what the SCE registration is, why it is important, the eligibility criteria, required documents, fees, and the step-by-step registration procedure to help you navigate the process smoothly.

Table of Contents

• What is the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE)?
• Who Needs to Register with the Saudi Council of Engineers?
• Essential Documents Required for SCE Registration
• Step-by-Step Procedure for SCE Registration
• Important Notes and Tips
• FAQ: Saudi Council of Engineers Registration

What is the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE)?

The Saudi Council of Engineers is a regulatory body established to oversee the engineering and technical professions in Saudi Arabia. It was introduced about four to five years ago to ensure that all professionals working in engineering-related fields meet the required standards and qualifications. The council manages the registration, certification, and licensing of engineers and technicians in the Kingdom.

If you are coming to Saudi Arabia on a technical or engineering visa (different from a labor visa), you must register with the SCE and obtain a membership certificate. Without this registration, your work permit (Iqama) will not be issued, and you may be asked to leave the country. Therefore, early registration is crucial for anyone entering Saudi Arabia under these categories.

Who Needs to Register with the Saudi Council of Engineers?

The registration with SCE applies primarily to two categories:

• Technicians: Individuals holding a diploma (usually 3 years) in technical fields such as civil, electrical, draftsman, surveyor, AC technician, etc. These technicians must also have relevant work experience, typically 5 years, which can be from Saudi Arabia or other countries like Pakistan or India.
• Engineers: Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in engineering (BE, BS, BTech Honors), or a Master’s degree (MSc) in engineering or related fields. For engineers, the key eligibility criterion is that their degree should have been obtained at least 5 years before applying (for example, if applying in 2024, the degree should be from 2019 or earlier). Unlike technicians, engineers are not required to have work experience but must have attested degrees and certificates from relevant authorities in their home countries.

Essential Documents Required for SCE Registration

To register with the Saudi Council of Engineers, you will need the following key documents:

1. Educational Degree Certificate: Diploma for technicians, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree for engineers.
2. Academic Transcripts/Marksheet: Detailed marksheets of all years of study.
3. Experience Certificate: Required only for technicians, proving at least 5 years of relevant work experience. This can be from Saudi Arabia or other countries, duly attested and chambered.
4. Membership Certificate from Home Country Engineering Council: For engineers, a registration certificate/card from their national engineering council or technology council is required.
5. Attestation of Degree: Your degree must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your home country and Higher Education or equivalent authority.
6. Company Employment Letter: A letter from your Saudi employer confirming your job and profession.

It is important to ensure all documents are genuine and correctly attested. Submission of fake or incorrect documents will lead to immediate rejection of the registration application.

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Step-by-Step Procedure for SCE Registration

The registration process with the Saudi Council of Engineers can be completed online through their official portal. Here are the main steps:

1. Visit the official SCE portal and select “New User” to start registration.
2. Fill in all your personal information carefully, including passport number, Iqama number, mobile number, and email. These details cannot be changed later, so accuracy is crucial.
3. Select the membership category: either Technician or Engineer.
4. Upload all required documents such as degree certificate, mark sheets, experience letters (if applicable), and company letter.
5. Submit your application and pay the initial registration fee of 500 SAR. This is a one-time fee at the start of the process.
6. Wait for the verification process, which usually takes 10 working days but can sometimes extend to 1-2 months depending on degree verification with your home country.
7. Once verified, you will receive a temporary membership certificate and later a permanent membership certificate from SCE.
8. Pay the annual membership fee: 200 SAR for technicians and 250 SAR for engineers. You can opt for renewal for 1, 2, or 3 years (maximum 3 years at a time).

After final approval, your membership will be fully activated, and you can download your certificate from the portal.

Important Notes and Tips

• If your degree is less than 5 years old, you cannot force registration on a new visa. It is advisable to come on a normal visa first and apply for SCE registration after meeting the 5-year degree criterion.
• Existing workers in Saudi Arabia with labor visas but holding engineering degrees can apply from within the Kingdom to change their profession after getting the SCE certificate.
• Companies may require you to have the SCE membership matching your visa profession. Some companies strictly employ only those with engineering or technician visas and valid SCE membership.
• If your documents are rejected, you will not receive membership, and the process must be repeated with correct documentation.
• In case of delays or issues, you can contact the SCE helpline at 9200 2082 (Saudi Arabia) for assistance and updates on your application.

FAQ: Saudi Council of Engineers Registration

Q1: Who must register with the Saudi Council of Engineers?

All technicians and engineers coming to Saudi Arabia on technical or engineering visas must register with SCE to obtain their membership certificate before their Iqama can be issued.

Q2: What is the difference between Technician and Engineer categories?

Technicians hold diplomas and require 5 years of experience, while engineers hold bachelor’s or master’s degrees and need their degree to be at least 5 years old. Engineers do not need to provide experience certificates.

Q3: How long does the SCE registration process take?

Typically, the process takes about 10 working days to a few months, depending on verification timelines with your home country’s authorities.

Q4: What are the fees involved in SCE registration?

The initial registration fee is 500 SAR (one-time). Annual membership fees are 200 SAR for technicians and 250 SAR for engineers, with options for multi-year renewal.

Q5: Can I register if my degree is less than 5 years old?

No, you must have a degree that is at least 5 years old to register as an engineer. For newer graduates, it is recommended to come on a different visa and apply after meeting the 5-year criterion.

The SCE Registration Saudi process is a critical step for engineers and technicians aiming to work legally and professionally in Saudi Arabia. Understanding the eligibility requirements, gathering the correct documents, and following the registration procedure carefully will ensure a smooth experience. Remember, without SCE membership, your work permit cannot be issued, and you risk losing your job or being asked to leave the country. Stay informed, prepare your paperwork diligently, and register on time to unlock the full potential of your engineering career in Saudi Arabia.

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