A Guide to Obtaining Work Visas in Qatar

Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Work Visas in Qatar

Bringing foreign staff to Qatar involves the following process:

Employer Registration with Qatari Authorities

Before hiring foreign employees, your company needs to register with Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) and Ministry of Labour (MOL) to obtain a Company Licenses and Immigration Card which authorises your company to act as a sponsor and handle work visa applications.

Submit Work Visa Application

Once registered, you can begin the application process. This involves submitting a Labour Quota request to process the work visa, a completed application form, and supporting documents such as passport copies and proof of qualifications to the Ministry of Labour, employment contract once all of this is submitted the visa would be issued.

Document Requirements: In addition to the employment contract, your employees will need:

• A valid passport
• Biometric information
• Academic and professional certificates (Attested by Qatar embassy and translated to Arabic)

All non-Arabic documents must be translated into Arabic by a certified translator and attested by the relevant authorities in the country of origin, followed by the Qatari Embassy or Consulate in that country. Once in Qatar, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) provides the final attestation.

Apply for Residence Permit (RP)

Within the first week of arrival, your company must apply for the Residence Permit through the Ministry of Labour. The RP is crucial as it provides legal status for the employee to live and work in Qatar. The permit includes personal information and sponsorship details, and it must be renewed annually by the sponsoring company.

Employee Medical Examination

Upon arrival in Qatar, employees have to undergo a medical examination at an approved medical centre. This includes a health checkup and screening for certain infectious diseases.

Biometric and Fingerprinting Registration

Employees also need to complete fingerprinting and biometric registration with the Criminal Evidences and Information Department. This step is essential for verifying identity and finalizing the residence permit.

Employment contract and final RP

Once the Medical examination and fingerprint are approved, the employee would need to submit the request of the issuance of the employment contract and issue the resident permit Card.

Converting a family visit visa to a work visa in Qatar

This is possible under certain conditions. For example. if an individual on a family visit visa secures employment, the employer can facilitate the conversion through the Ministry of Interior's e-services portal. The fee is QR 500, plus any applicable fines, but, it's important to note that tourist visas cannot be converted to work visas; the conversion only applies to visit visas.

Additional Considerations for Employers

Qatar’s immigration requirements are comprehensive, but managing these details effectively ensures that employees are compliant with local laws.

• Exit Visas: Under Qatari law, employers must authorise exit permits for employees to leave the country. Although reforms are easing this process for many professionals, it’s important to confirm if any of your employees will require an exit permit. this is applicable only for 5% from the total number of employees.
• Family Sponsorship: Employees holding a Work Residence Permit may sponsor immediate family members to join them in Qatar, provided they meet the income requirements and complete the necessary documentation, including marriage and birth certificates.

Work Visa Costs in Qatar

While the costs of work permits vary, the fees are generally:

• Work Entry Visa: QAR 100
• Medical Examinations: QAR 100
• Employment contract: QAR 60
• Work Residence Permit: QAR 1220 (plus additional costs for renewals or replacements)

Typically, the employer covers these fees, though it’s advisable to confirm these arrangements with employees before they arrive.

Renewing Residence Permits

The Residence Permit is valid for one to three years, depending on the employment terms. Renewals must be submitted at least three months before expiration through Qatar’s Residence Services portal. Fees for renewals can range between QAR 1,220 to QAR 3,220 depending on the years of the renewal, and the employer must ensure these are up-to-date to avoid penalties.

How can Sovereign PPG assist? 

Sovereign PPG has in-depth knowledge of the Qatari market and close connections with government departments. We offer comprehensive support in securing work visas, including assistance with document preparation, translation, attestation, and navigating the application procedures. If you need assistance with setting up a company in Qatar or any related onshore or offshore company setup, restructuring, local partner, or PRO support matter, please contact us on +974 (0)44 788 765, email us at info@sovereigngroup.com, or complete the contact form below. We will be delighted to assist you.