Citizens of over 95 countries are eligible for visa-free entry into the State of Qatar. Allowable lengths of stay vary, and visitors are kindly advised to check with an authorised entity for the terms and conditions that apply.

Types of Work Visas 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.

Requirements to Obtain Qatar Work Visas

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

Application Process

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 Important Considerations

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.

Partner With Globalization Partners

Globalization Partners has a proven record of helping companies navigate the process of expanding internationally. Reach out to our team today to learn more about how we can help you employ a talented team in Qatar and other countries all around the globe.