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Qatar · Work visa

Work Residence Permit (Employer-Sponsored)

Processing
4-8 weeks
Cost
From QAR 800 first year
Validity
1-3 years

The only status that grants the right to work in Qatar: the employer obtains a work visa under its quota, the employee enters on the work entry visa, then completes medicals, biometrics, and Qatar ID (residence permit) issuance.

Requirements

  • Job offer from a Qatar-registered employer with labor quota approval from the Ministry of Labour
  • Employment contract registered with the authorities
  • Attested degree/qualification certificates for professional roles
  • Medical examination and fingerprinting after arrival
  • Employer files the residence permit application with the Ministry of Interior

Restrictions

  • Residence is sponsor-linked; losing the job starts a grace period to transfer or leave
  • A minimum wage (QAR 1,000 basic) applies, but family sponsorship needs QAR 10,000+/month

Time and cost

Processing time
4-8 weeks end-to-end from offer letter to Qatar ID
Validity
1-3 years, renewable, tied to the employment relationship
Cost

From QAR 800 first year

Required

  • QAR 200 entry visa
  • QAR 500 residence permit conversion
  • QAR 100/year work permit
  • The employer pays these fees.
Path to residency
Long-term security is via the investor/Golden Visa routes or Qatar’s limited permanent residency program (capped and selective).

Documents

  • Valid passport

    At least 6 months validity

  • Signed employment contract

    Registered with the Ministry of Labour

  • Attested education certificates

    Legalized by the Qatari embassy for professional roles

  • Police clearance certificate

    From country of residence, attested

  • Medical exam results

    Completed at a Qatari medical commission after arrival

  • Passport photos

    White-background, per Qatari spec

Tips

  • The employer handles and pays for the process; workers should not pay recruitment fees
  • Since the 2020 labor reforms, no NOC (no-objection certificate) is needed to change employers, though notice periods and change-of-employer procedures via the Ministry of Labour still apply
  • Almost all workers may leave Qatar without an exit permit; a small group of roles remains exempt