- Purchase the complete Expat Arrivals Qatar Guide (PDF)
The majority of Qatar’s workforce is made up of expats, and getting a visa or work permit for the country is fairly straightforward.
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) oversees all immigration matters, and Hukoomi, the government’s ePortal, makes visa applications for Qatar easy. Expats can simply track their applications by entering their country of citizenship, their application number and passport details.
That said, waiting periods may be an inconvenience, especially during Ramadan. Many suggest that it’s best for visa applications to be submitted well before or just after this time. In any event, we strongly recommend checking the MoI website regularly and contacting the nearest embassy and consulate for support.
Tourist visas for Qatar
Citizens from many countries must apply for a visa in advance, and this can be done by contacting the nearest embassy directly and doing the application process online.
Note that not all citizens need to apply beforehand. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) do not need to apply for a visa to visit Qatar. Eighty other countries, including the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Britain and Germany can also enter without a visa. Foreign nationals must check if their country of citizenship is included on this list, which is available on the MoI website.
These visas are obtained at the port of entry upon arrival, but visitors can also receive theirs online before travelling.
Visitors on tourist visas must ensure that their passports are valid for at least six months after the date of arrival, and they must show an itinerary of travel plans including accommodation details and a return ticket.
These visas are normally valid for one to three months.
Sponsored tourist visas
There are several types of tourist visas available, some of which can be organised through authorised hotels, embassies and employers, as well as Qatar Airways. For more on this process, expats should contact these bodies and organisations directly.
Note that these visas cannot be extended and are only valid for one month.
Joint tourist visas
Joint tourist visas allow free travel between Qatar and Oman. Expats may apply for these before travelling, but can also obtain them upon arrival. These Qatar-Oman visas are valid for one month and can be renewed for another 30 days.
Transit visas
Transit visas are applicable for visits no longer than 24 hours, and travellers stopping over in Qatar can obtain these visas if they wish to leave the airport and explore a bit before continuing their journey, for instance.
Business visas for Qatar
Expats coming to the country for temporary work purposes need to get a business visa for Qatar. The approved local company receiving the overseas visitor often takes responsibility for the process and will need to provide a letter of invitation.
Expats planning to carry out contractual work can receive this business visa, valid for only three months. Those looking to work in Qatar for extended periods will require a work and residence permit.
72-hour business visas
Applicants needing only three days in Qatar will receive this 72-hour business visa, normally issued on arrival. These individuals must show proof of their business and carry the necessary documents.
Investor visas
Applicants who are invested in business ventures in Qatar can apply for an investor visa. Expats require documents on business, property ownership, a certificate showing good behaviour and an authorised medical certificate. We encourage investors to follow up on the MoI and Ministry of Economy and Commerce websites for more.
Visit visas for Qatar
GCC residents and family members can apply for short-term visas to visit Qatar.
GCC resident visit visas
Residents of GCC countries are allowed entry to Qatar for stays of one month, renewable for a further three months.
Family visit visas
Expats moving to Qatar for work can bring their family over on family visit visas. These visas are valid for one month and can be extended for six months for immediate relatives (spouse and children) and three months for other family members. When applying for extensions, applicants require a medical check-up.
Residence visas for Qatar
To stay in Qatar, expats can enter on the relevant visa and apply for a working residence permit after they arrive. Permits are only granted to applicants who are sponsored by a company, a family member in the country who earns more than the minimum threshold, or those investing in property. Expats must stay in Qatar while their entry visa is converted to a residence permit.
Family residence visas
Expats working in Qatar who want their family to stay with them during their time in the emirate can sponsor their residence visa. The sponsoring resident generally requires a monthly income of more than QAR 10,000, to have worked with their company for at least six months, a valid Qatar ID, and a residence visa from their employer.
Expats with a newborn baby younger than three months must apply for a Newborn Visa. Parents need a valid residence permit, their child’s birth certificate and for the baby to be included in their parents' passports or have their own.
Education residence visas
Study visas can be obtained free of charge. Students require proof of acceptance to an approved educational institution, and visas are valid for the duration of the course in question.
Real estate visas
Expats interested in buying property and owning real estate in Qatar must apply for this visa through the MoI. Expats usually need a valid passport, a letter from a relevant real-estate agent regarding property investment and purchase, a certificate of good conduct and a medical check-up.
Return visas
Expats in Qatar must note that, just as they require an entry visa for their initial visit, they likely need a return visa when they leave and come back to the country. This includes citizens with valid residency who have been out of Qatar for more than six months and are returning.
Exit permits
The exit permit system in Qatar was dismantled in 2018. From 2020, only armed forces and domestic workers need visas to exit the country.
*Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.
Expat Health Insurance
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If you’re thinking about taking out private health insurance, our trusted partner Cigna Global is very aware of all the difficulties that expats can face when it comes to healthcare in a new location, so they have created a range of international health insurance plans specifically designed for expats, which you can tailor exactly to the needs and ensure access to quality care for you and your family.
Moving Companies
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