The thriving economy in Qatar is one of many factors that make this Middle Eastern nation an attractive destination for foreign companies, workers, and investors. If your company intends to expand operations to Qatar, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the immigration process so that you can obtain the necessary visas and permits for all of your employees.
What Types of Visas Are Available in Qatar?
A variety of visas are available to foreign nationals seeking entry to Qatar, including:
- Tourist visas
- Business visas
- Work visas
- Family visas
- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) resident visas
For employment purposes, your staff will need Qatar work visas.
The Requirements to Obtain a Work Visa in Qatar
Foreign employees will need a work permit as well as a residence permit before they can begin employment in Qatar. The following documents are necessary in applying for a work permit:
- The employment contract
- A duly completed application form from the Ministry of Labour
- A medical certificate proving that the employee is in good health
- A copy of the employee’s passport
- Two passport photographs
- Any relevant educational certificates
- The immigration card of the employer
- The employment visa
- Biometrics, including fingerprints
To obtain a residence permit, the applicant will need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport
- Two passport photographs of the employee
- The employment visa
- A copy of the company’s Commercial Registration
- A copy of the business’s immigration card
- The employee’s medical certificate
What Are the Steps to Get a Working Visa in Qatar?
Qatar has a relatively complex process for hiring foreign employees. To begin the process, your company will need to register with the Immigration Department within the Ministry of Interior. You cannot apply for a work permit before completing this process. As the employer, you’ll need to provide several documents, including a copy of your trade license. Upon approval, you will be granted an Immigration Card and a Representative Card.
Next, the company must apply for a block of work permits for all of the expatriates you intend to employ. You’ll need to complete the application in Arabic and disclose the total number of foreign employees, their job positions, and their nationalities. Approval will be granted by the Ministry of Labour.
Upon the approval of the work permits, your company must apply for employment visas for each foreign worker. The necessary documents for each employee, which are listed in the previous section, must be submitted to the Ministry of Labour.
Employees can travel to Qatar after receiving their work visas. Within seven days of the employee’s arrival, your company must lodge an application for their residence permit. The required documents are listed in the previous section, and they should be submitted to the Ministry of Labour.
Once the residence permit has been issued, the employee may begin working for your company in Qatar. These permits allow the employee to work for your company only. Permits can be renewed by your company on a case-by-case basis.
Other Key Considerations for Foreign Workers in Qatar
Your company should make sure employees are aware that they are required to carry their ID and any relevant visas at all times. Labour officials may carry out inspections at your business, and employees will need to produce these documents.
Your employees should also know that they will need an exit permit to leave Qatar. This permit is issued by the Ministry of Interior and must be approved by the employer.
