This article has been reviewed by Wego‘s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.
Updated May 2024
Moving to Qatar in 2024 is an exciting opportunity for many looking to experience life in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Known for its modern architecture, rich cultural heritage, and booming job market, Qatar offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
Whether you’re drawn by the prospect of a new career, the chance to explore a different culture, or the lure of a warmer climate, Qatar has something for everyone.
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But what does it take to make the move? From understanding visa requirements to navigating financial aspects, Wego will walk you through everything you need to know about moving to Qatar. Continue reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
Moving to Qatar
When planning your move to Qatar, getting the right visa is a crucial first step. Whether you’re coming for work, study, or to join a family, Qatar offers different types of visas to suit your needs. For those seeking employment, a work visa is essential and usually sponsored by your employer. If you’re joining family members already in Qatar, you’ll require a family visa.
Beyond visas, there are several practical aspects to consider. It is wise to research neighborhoods and costs ahead of time to find a place that fits your budget and lifestyle. Furthermore, healthcare in Qatar is of high quality, with both public and private options available, so securing health insurance is recommended.
Understanding the local laws and customs will also help you integrate smoothly into Qatari society, making your transition as seamless as possible.
Qatar temporary work visa
A temporary work visa is essential for professionals seeking short-term employment in Qatar. This visa allows foreign workers to legally engage in projects for a fixed period, typically linked to specific employers. It caters to professionals involved in urgent or seasonal projects, offering businesses the flexibility to meet their staffing needs while allowing workers to contribute their skills to Qatar’s dynamic economy.
Additionally, the temporary work visa is renewable, providing both employees and employers with the option to extend the working arrangement if needed.
Documents required
To apply for a temporary work visa, it is crucial to ensure that you fulfill all the necessary prerequisites. Here are the requirements that need to be met:
- Smart Card: You must possess a Smart Card issued by the national authentication system, which verifies your identity as an authorized individual within the establishment using the service
- valid Commercial Registration (CR): Your establishment should have a valid Commercial Registration
- authorization to submit the request: The establishment must have the right to submit the visa request on your behalf
- no establishment ban: There should be no ban imposed on the establishment
In addition, the establishment must fall under one of the following categories:
- governmental and semi-governmental organizations
- energy and industry sector
- manufacturing sector
- factories with government contracts
- any establishment authorized to benefit from the services provided by the Ministry of Labour
Application process
A Qatar temporary work visa can be applied electronically by submitting visa applications through the Ministry’s official website. To initiate the process, you are required to visit the service page and either create a new account or log in using your existing credentials.
For a more comprehensive understanding of this visa, we invite you to explore our dedicated article on the Qatar temporary work visa.
Qatar work residence visa
The Qatar work residence visa is a highly sought-after option for expatriates who have secured employment with a Qatari company. This visa is facilitated by the employer, who acts as the sponsor and oversees the application process on behalf of the employee.
Please note that the visa duration typically ranges from 1 to 5 years, depending on the terms of the employment contract. However, it’s directly tied to the sponsoring employer, meaning a change in employment requires a new visa application process.
Documents required
To obtain a Qatar work residence visa, employees must provide the following documents:
- valid passport (at least 6 months remaining validity and sufficient empty visa pages)
- two recent passport-size photos
- copy of the initial employment visa provided by the employer.
- copy of employer’s commercial registration obtained from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- copy of the employer’s business immigration card
- medical certificate from an approved clinic in Qatar, confirming good health.
Application process
To secure a Qatar work residence visa, employees need to follow these steps:
- register with the Immigration Department within the Ministry of Interior: provide necessary documents, including a copy of the sponsoring company’s trade license.
- apply for a work permit: The employer submits a work permit application in Arabic for each employee to the Ministry of Labour, specifying job position and nationality, and awaits approval.
- apply for a residence permit: Within seven days of arrival, the employer applies for the employees’ residence permits, submitting the required documents to the Ministry of Labour.
Upon approval, you will receive the residence permit, allowing you to work exclusively for the sponsoring company. Please note that you must have your ID and visa documents with you at all times for potential inspections.
For a more comprehensive understanding of this visa, please refer to our dedicated article on the Qatar work visa.
Living in Qatar
Living in Qatar offers a blend of modern comforts and cultural experiences. One of the main advantages is the tax-friendly jurisdiction, allowing expatriates to save more of their earnings. Additionally, Qatar boasts a high standard of living with excellent healthcare and education systems, making it an attractive destination for families.
Furthermore, the country’s strategic location in the Middle East provides easy access to travel opportunities within the region. With its diverse culinary scene and exciting cultural events, Qatar offers a dynamic and enriching lifestyle for those who choose to call it home.
Residency in Qatar
Residency in Qatar comes with several benefits for residents, ensuring a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. Here are some of the advantages:
- opening a bank account and other financial services
- access to healthcare services
- job opportunities
- applying for a driver’s license
- property ownership
- residency sponsorship
- access to social services
Qatar family residence visa
The Qatar family residence visa allows expats residing in Qatar with a valid work residence visa to sponsor their immediate family members to join them in the country. To be eligible, the sponsor must meet specific criteria, including holding a specialized or technical profession and earning a minimum monthly salary.
This visa facilitates family reunification, providing an opportunity for families to establish a life together in Qatar, promoting stability and togetherness. Additionally, the visa duration spans from one to five years, aligned with the sponsor’s contract duration.
Documents required
To apply for a family residence visa, the sponsor needs to provide the following documents:
- completed visa application form (for offline applications)
- copy of the sponsor’s Qatari national ID card
- passport copies of all family members being sponsored, including children
- attested marriage and birth certificates linking the sponsor to their spouse and children
- educational certificates of family members, if applicable
- letter from the sponsor’s employer confirming their job and salary
- proof of housing, such as a rental contract
- six months of bank statements showing regular salary deposits
- copy of the sponsor’s employment contract stamped by the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs
Application process
Online Application:
- download and register on the Metrash2 app.
- visit the Metrash2 application and log in to your account.
- select the “Visa” icon that appears on the screen.
- click on the “Issue Visa” icon followed by the “Family Visit” icon.
- select “Family Resident Application” from the drop-down menu.
- click on “New Application”, and fill up the personal details of the visitor including Gender, Relation, Date of Birth, Passport Details, etc, accurately.
- select the ” I agree on validity of data” option to proceed.
Offline Application:
- download the Family Residence Visa application form.
- complete the form, visit the Al Gharrafa Immigration Department, get a virtual number, and submit documents to the department manager (Google location).
- upon approval, you will receive a notification within a few days once the application has been approved and verified. You must then proceed with the fee payment.
Once you have completed all the necessary formalities in Qatar, your spouse and children can come to the country with a family visit visa. Please note that the visit visa is valid only for a month, and you will have to complete the rest of the application procedure within the validity period of this visa, including the health and fingerprint examination.
For a more comprehensive understanding of this visa, please refer to our dedicated article on the Qatar family residence visa.
Financial aspects of living in Qatar
Living in Qatar involves significant costs, especially for accommodation, which can range from QAR 3,919 to QAR 7,300 per month, depending on the location. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet are essential and based on usage. Public transportation is affordable, and many people also own cars due to reasonable gasoline prices.
Additional costs also include food and healthcare, with dining out being relatively expensive. However, high salaries and tax-free income help offset these living expenses. Also, it is worth noting that these figures are estimations, and individual circumstances may vary.
Qatar income tax
In Qatar, salaries, wages, and allowances for employed individuals remain untaxed, offering workers a significant advantage. However, different rules apply to other income sources. Business income becomes taxable if generated within Qatar, while self-employment earnings are subject to taxation if sourced from within the country.
Furthermore, capital gains on real estate and securities enjoy tax exemption unless they are part of a taxable activity’s assets. Yet, non-resident capital gains from Qatar sources face a 10% tax.
Qatar expected salary
In terms of salaries in Qatar, there are some clear benchmarks to consider. The introduction of a minimum wage in 2017 set a foundation, currently standing at QAR 1,000 per month. Additionally, employers are mandated to provide QAR 500 for accommodation and QAR 300 for food, ensuring basic needs are met for workers.
Moving up the scale, the average monthly salary in Qatar, as of 2022, is around QAR 15,700. It’s important to note that this figure encompasses various benefits such as housing and transportation, offering a comprehensive view of the country’s earning potential.
For more information, visit our dedicated article on Qatar minimum salary and wages.
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