Qatar Work Visa – Requirements, Apply, Price and More

A Qatar Work Visa is a permit that allows foreigners to live and work in Qatar. To get this visa, you need a job offer from a company in Qatar. The company becomes your sponsor and helps with the paperwork. You will also need to pass a medical test and get approval from the government. This visa lets you stay in Qatar legally and work for your employer. Many people apply for work visas in Qatar because of good job opportunities. It’s important to follow the rules and understand the process to get the visa without any problems.

What is a Qatar Work Visa?

Work visas in Qatar are permits for employment and residency granted by the government to foreign workers. The application for a work visa in Qatar is typically managed by the employer, whether that be a company or an individual, on behalf of the employee.

Once employees obtain their work visa, they can access various services for applying for additional permits and licenses, sign rental accommodation agreements, apply for loans, and sponsor family members to join them in Qatar.

A range of work visas exists for expatriates, encompassing entry visas for domestic workers, special work permits, and residence visas. The Ministry of Interior (MoI) and the Ministry of Labour (MoL) provide expatriates with various categories of work visas:

• A company-sponsored work visa
• The entry visa for domestic workers relies on individual sponsorship.
• Household workers must obtain an entry visa.
• Multiple-entry work visa
• Authorization for initial residency
• Visas for family residency 
• Group visa
• A special work permit is granted to sponsor family members, Gulf citizens, permanent residents, investors, and others.
• The Full-Time Secondment Work Permit and the Part-Time Work Permit.

Work Visa on Company Sponsorship

A work visa under company sponsorship is granted to expatriates working for ministries, government organizations, semi-government entities, public sector institutions, and a range of private companies. The employer in these situations sponsors the employee’s visa.

Required Documents  

• Verified educational certificates pertinent to the profession.
• A police clearance certificate from the expatriate’s home country, duly attested by the Qatar Embassy or its representative mission.
• An employment contract that has been signed by both the worker and the employer.
• Medical test results should be submitted according to the country’s regulations.

Fees: The cost of the visa is QAR 300.

Entry Visa for Personal Sponsorship of Domestic Workers

This visa is designated for expatriates working as domestic workers within the sponsor’s household, with the homeowner serving as the visa sponsor.

Required Documents

• An attested police clearance certificate from the Qatar Embassy or the representing mission.
• A contract of employment is executed between the employee and the sponsor.
• The results of the medical tests comply with the national standards.

Fees: The cost of the visa is QAR 300.

Entry Visa for Household Workers

This visa is granted to expatriates engaged in household-related employment under personal sponsorship, but not within the sponsor’s residence. This visa is sponsored by the employer.

Required Documents

• A police clearance certificate from the expatriate’s home country, duly attested by the Qatar Embassy or its representative mission.
• Executed employment agreement.
• Medical test results comply with local regulations.

Additional Requirements

• A legitimate requirement for domestic workers.
• The quantity of workers employed ought to be suitable for the size of the sponsor’s family.
• The employer’s financial ability to support the hired workers.
• The employer’s health conditions must permit such employment.
• The applicant faces no legal restrictions.

For Seamen, Farmers, and Shepherds: Special approval contingent upon pertinent authority letters and details concerning vessel dimensions, farm area, or livestock numbers.

The fee is QAR 300.

Multiple-Entry Work Visit Visa

This visa permits organizations and governmental bodies to employ expatriates for specialized roles. It is valid for a duration of one month and may be extended for a total of six months.

Required Documents

• RARC has granted approval.
• ID of the sponsor’s establishment.
• Copy of the employee’s passport.
• Verification of professional or academic credentials.
• Medical tests are necessary for stays longer than 30 days.

Fees: No cost for government entities.QAR 200 for private enterprises

Initial Residence Permit

This permit is accessible to individuals entering the country with a residence visa. Applications may be submitted under personal or company sponsorship.

Required Documents for Personal Sponsorship

• Application form has been completed.
• Authentic passport.
• Application form signed by the sponsor.
• A copy of the sponsor’s valid ID.
• Photograph of the employee.
• Certificate of blood group.

Required Documents for Company Sponsorship

• Application form has been completed.
• Authentic passport.
• Verified employment agreement.
• Application form signed by the sponsor.
• Identification number for the company’s establishment.
• Sponsorship identification number.
• Photograph of the employee.
• Certificate of blood group.

Fees

Individual sponsorship: QAR 300 (residence permit) and QAR 100 (work permit) per year. Sponsorship from the company: QAR 1000 (residence permit) and QAR 100 (employment permit) each year.

Visa for Family Residence

Expatriates can sponsor family members to live abroad with this visa.

Required Documents

• filled-out application.
• supporting documentation, such as job contracts with attestations.
• Evidence of a connection.
• Adults’ attested police clearance certificate.
• results of medical tests in accordance with regulations.

Fees: QAR 200.

Group Visa

This visa is granted to people, businesses, or governmental organizations and is applicable to groups of expatriate.

Required Documents

• The Permanent Committee for Recruitment has given its approval.
• copy of the employees’ passports and establishment IDs.

Fees

• Ministries and embassies: No fee.
• Companies: QAR 300.
• Expatriates: QAR 1800.

Special Work Permit

Those with a non work residence visa who wish to work in Qatar without altering their residency status are  eligible for this permission. On behalf of the employee, the employer must submit the permit application.

Required Documents

• Worker’s passport photos.
• Worker’s educational documents.

Additional Requirements

• Active EID and valid residence permit (at least 3 months).
• No bans on the worker’s EID.

Fees: QAR 500.

Full-Time Secondment and Part-Time Work Permits

An employee can work temporarily at another location with this permit without switching jobs. The request for secondment is made by the new employer.

Requirements

• Observe the labor laws of Qatar.
• The establishment is currently registered.
• The applicant is not currently subject to any restrictions or bans.
• The secondment should be renewable and not last longer than six months.

Fees: QAR 500.

Types of Qatar Work Visa and Permits

In the following section, we categorize Qatari work visas and permits. 

Qatar work visa types

The following types of work visas are available in Qatar depending on your employment situation:

• Qatar work visa: This is the most common type of employer-sponsored work visa in Qatar, with a validity of one to three months. 
• Qatar business visa: This visa is valid for two weeks to a month, allowing you to attend meetings or conferences on business.
• GCC resident visa: This one-month work visa is for residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are members of the GCC.

Qatar Work Visa Requirements

• Before they can start working in Qatar, foreign workers must get both a work permit and a resident permit. The following paperwork is needed to get a work permit:
• The contract of employment
• A filled-out Ministry of Labor application form
• An official document attesting to the worker’s health
• A duplicate of the worker’s passport Two pictures the size of a passport
• Relevant degrees
• The immigration card of the employer
• The work permit
• Fingerprints and other biometrics

Regardless of the kind of visa they want, most applicants must fulfill a few fundamental requirements:

• Valid passport
• Application form
• Application fees
• Biometric information
• Medical check
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Proof of qualifications/work experience

How to Apply For Qatar Work Visa Online

As a job seeker or someone who received an offer from an employer in Qatar, you cannot apply for a work visa  directly; instead, businesses will handle your case through the Ministry of Interior in Qatar. Here is the detailed  process:

• You must apply to work in Qatar’s government or commercial sector.
• You have to accept the employment offer and give the business your paperwork for the work visa/residence permit procedure.
• Your employer will next submit your application for a work visa or residency permit, together with their trade license and other documentation, to the Ministry of Interior in Qatar.
• The employer will have the ability to apply for a work visa for its employees in Qatar.
• (Your employer could do this because the application would be in Arabic.)
• After your employer submits your application, the Ministry of Labor in Qatar will review it and mark it for issue of a Qatari work visa.
• You can go to Qatar after obtaining your work visa, but you must get a Qatari residency permit within seven days of your arrival.
• You would need to provide your employer with your documentation in order to receive the residence permit. Your employer would then forward your application to the Ministry of Labor for final approval.

Qatar Work Visa Price

The cost of a Qatar work visa is approximately QAR 200, and the cost of a resident permit for conversion is an additional QAR 500. Employers typically cover these costs.

Qatar Work Visa Validity

Qatar work visas are typically between 1 and 3 years, but the exact duration depends on the employment contract. Visas can be extended as needed. To ensure an employee’s legal status remains valid, employers must renew the work permit before it expires. 

Qatar Work Visa Processing

The process for obtaining a work visa in Qatar typically spans 2 to 4 weeks, influenced by elements such as document verification, employer approvals, and administrative checks, thereby facilitating prompt approval for employment opportunities.

Qatar Work Visa Age Limit

When applying for a position within the Qatar government, candidates must be under 60 years of age. However, for employment in the private sector, there are no age restrictions, allowing individuals of any age to obtain a work visa for Qatar with relative ease.

How to Check Qatar Work Visa Status

By taking these easy steps, you can quickly check the status of your Qatari work visa on the Ministry of Interior’s (MOI) website:

• Please visit the official website of the Ministry of Interior.
• Please proceed to the section labeled ‘Visa Services’.
• Choose ‘Visa Inquiry & Printing’.
• Please provide your visa number or passport number.
• Please indicate your nationality along with the verification code shown on the page.
• Please click the ‘Submit’ button to check the current status of your work visa.

How to Get a Qatar Work Visa

As an employer, your company will manage much of the application process. In order to receive two crucial documents a Representative Card and an Immigration Card you must first register with the Ministry of Interior’s Immigration Department.

Once your staff have these cards, they can apply for work visas through the Ministry of Labor. After these are authorized, your staff members are free to visit Qatar.

During the first week that your employees are in Qatar, you will need to apply for residency permits for each of them. Once authorized, they will have the legal right to work in Qatar.

Qatar Work Visa Renewal Process

Renewing your Qatar Work Visa is important to continue working legally in the country without facing fines or legal issues. The renewal process is usually handled by your employer, but it’s good to understand how it works.

Qatar Work Visa Renewal Process Step-by-Step

1. Check Your Visa Expiry Date
   • Your work visa is usually valid for 1 to 3 years.
   • Start the renewal process at least 1 month before the expiry date.
2. Employer Initiates the Renewal
   • Your employer (sponsor) is responsible for applying for your visa renewal through the Ministry of Interior (MOI) or Metrash2 App.
3. Medical Check (if required)
   • If your visa is expiring after a long period, you might be asked to undergo another medical test to confirm you’re fit to work.
4. Fingerprint Verification
   • If it’s your first renewal, you may be required to update your fingerprints at the Criminal Evidence and Information Department (CEID).
5. Submit Required Documents
   Your employer may be asked to provide:
   • Copy of your current Qatar ID (QID)
   • Valid passport copy
   • Latest passport-size photo
   • Employment contract (if required)
   • Company registration and Qatar Chamber certificate
6. Pay the Renewal Fee
   • The renewal fee for a work visa usually ranges from QR 200 to QR 500, depending on the duration.
   • Payment can be made through Metrash2, MOI Portal, or Hukoomi.
7. Approval and QID Renewal
   • Once approved, your Qatar ID (QID) will be renewed, and your residency extended for another term.

Qatar Work Visa Application Form PDF

Applying for a Block of Work Permits

The next step is to apply for a block of work permits once the company has been registered.

The application must be approved by the Ministry of Labour.

Application for Employment Visas

Once the block of work permits has been approved, companies can apply for employment visas on behalf of their foreign employees.

The Ministry of Interior issues these visas.

Traveling to Qatar After Receiving Work Visas

A valid work visa is required for foreign employees to travel to Qatar. Their employer must initiate the process of obtaining a residence permit after they arrive.

Applying for a Residence Permit Within Seven Days of Arrival

Within seven days of the employee’s arrival in Qatar, the residence permit application must be submitted. This process is usually handled by the employer. It is the Immigration Department that issues these permits.

Disadvantages of Qatar Work Visa

Advantages of Qatar Work Visa

FAQs About Qatar Work Visa

Conclusion

Qatar’s expanding job market and streamlined visa process make it a top destination for international workers. With abundant opportunities across various sectors, understanding the Qatar Work Visa requirements is essential for a smooth transition and successful career journey.