Pilot license conversion in Saudi Arabia

GACA · General Authority of Civil Aviation
2 min read
Last checked 7 Nov 2026

We are not an aviation authority. This guide summarizes the official sources linked in each section. Rules change, so confirm with your authority before you enroll. Last checked November 2026.

In short

GACA issues a Saudi license on the basis of a foreign one under GACAR 61.55(h). A foreign license above private level counts in place of a certificate from a GACA-approved course, but you still sit GACA's knowledge exams and a test on the Saudi AIP. GACA's guidance for this route is written for Saudi nationals.

What you will need

Your foreign license, verified by GACA's Personnel Licensing Department
The GACA knowledge exams for the license you apply for
The GACA test on the Saudi Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP)
A GACA Class 1 medical
ICAO English Level 4 or higher
If you apply for the commercial license together with an aircraft type rating: the type rating practical test and all required knowledge exams

Good to know

A GACA airline transport license is only for citizens of Saudi Arabia or another GCC country. A temporary flight authorization lasts 30 days and has to be requested by an operator; it is not a route to a Saudi license.

Three things to check before you enroll

Does your home authority accept the school?
Some authorities only recognize training at foreign schools they have approved.
What will you sit at home?
Most authorities ask for at least an air law exam and a flight test, some for much more.
Do you need a sponsor first?
In some places the authority only converts a license when an employer or airline asks for it.