Fastest Way to Get a Visa in Qatar – A Guide for Businesses Expanding Globally

Qatar, a flourishing Middle Eastern nation, is increasingly becoming a top choice for expatriates and businesses seeking opportunities in the Gulf region, and it's easy to see why. With its relatively low living costs, proximity to major projects, and rich culture, Qatar presents promising prospects for companies looking to hire international talent. As global businesses turn their attention to Qatar, it's crucial to understand the intricacies of obtaining the correct visa. The process of securing a Qatari work visa can significantly impact your company's expansion plans and timelines. Therefore, comprehending Qatar's immigration system is essential to ensure a seamless transition for your workforce and to comply with the country's laws and regulations.

In this guide, we will provide insights on obtaining a work visa in Qatar and explore the fundamentals of Qatar’s visa system. Whether you’re a small start-up company or a large corporation wanting to expand globally, we will equip you with the knowledge to secure a work visa for your new potential employees efficiently.  

Why Do Expats Choose Qatar for Work?

Qatar continues to be a magnet for expatriates seeking career opportunities. The nation's workforce is predominantly international, with Qatari nationals comprising only 15% of the 3 million population and internationals making up 85%. One main reason for this is the attraction to Qatar's tax-free salaries, where professional expats can earn between 30,000 to 60,000 Qatari rials monthly (£81,600 to £163,200 annually). Additionally, being geographically located in the Persian Gulf, Qatar is an ideal hub for businesses operating in the chemicals, gas, and petroleum industries, with oil and gas remaining a primary employer.

The Qatari government has also introduced several reforms, including the introduction of a minimum wage and efforts to improve labour conditions, further enhancing the country’s appeal. Qatar's blend of modern amenities and traditional Arab hospitality continues to attract a diverse international workforce, perfect for Qatari businesses wanting to go global.

Understanding Qatar’s Visa System

Qatar's business visa system facilitates global expansion and assists international companies in establishing a presence in the country. However, before hiring a foreign national for your job vacancy, you must prove there are no suitable Qatari nationals.

Types of Visas

• Qatar Work Visa: This is the primary visa for expatriates who want to work in Qatar. However, it’s a temporary visa, valid for 1-3 months. To extend the validity, the visa must be converted into a Work Residence Permit (RP) arranged by the employer, allowing the employee to live in the country. This residence permit is valid for up to 5 years and is renewable, ideal for prolonged work contracts. (Fee = QAR 200 + 500 for RP)
• Business Visa: This visa is ideal for short-term business visits and is valid for up to four weeks. Your company must be government-approved to apply for this visa. (Fee = QAR 200)
• Family Residence Visa: This visa allows immediate family members of work permit holders to reside in Qatar through sponsorship. Each family member must have a Family Residence Visa, which can be applied for at the Foreign Ministry or online through the Qatari government’s portal. (Fee = QAR 200)
• GCC Resident Visa: This visa is available for residents of Gulf Co-operation Council countries working in approved professions. It applies to citizens of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Oman.
• Exit Visa: Qatar has a unique policy requiring employees to obtain an exit visa when they want to leave the country. For the employee to leave, the employer must terminate the work contract. (Fee = QAR 10)

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for a Qatar work visa, so it’s important to check this beforehand.

• The applicant must have a genuine business purpose for visiting Qatar, such as professional, business, or investment activities.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Possess a passport valid for at least 6 months.
• Have no criminal record.
• Be in good health.
• Have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.

Key Documents Required

When applying for a Qatar work visa, you’ll need to make sure your prospective employee provides you with the following documents, all certified by their home country’s embassy and submitted to the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

• A completed business visa application form.
• A clear copy of the applicant's passport.
• Passport-sized photographs.
• A copy of a valid establishment ID.
• Documentation proving the profession or business purpose.
• A copy of the company’s commercial registration.
• Proof of accommodation in Qatar.
• A clean criminal record certificate from their home country.
• A medical certificate and biometric information proving good health.
• Educational and professional certificates (authenticated and translated into Arabic)

The Process of Obtaining a Work Visa in Qatar

1. Job Offer and Contract

To obtain a Qatar work visa, the employee must have received a job offer from a Qatar-based employer and have the employment contract approved by the Ministry of Labor. The prospective employer will be the foreign employee's sponsor, handling most of the application process, including visa fees.

2. Employer Registration

Your company must register with the Immigration Department within the Ministry of Interior, providing a copy of your trade license. Once registered and approved, you will receive a Representative Card and Immigration Card, allowing you to start the application process for your employees' visas with the Ministry of Labor.

3. Work Permit Application

Once the Representative Card and Immigration Card have been received, the employer must apply for all work permits for all expatriate employees they intend to hire. The primary type is the Work Residence Permit (RP), approved by the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor, and Social Affairs (MADLSA). As the employer, you are responsible for handling this application, providing all documentation and renewing the permit each year.

4. Entry Visa Application

After receiving approval from MADLSA for the work permits, you, the employer, must apply for individual entry visas for each employee through the Ministry of Interior. These visas ensure the expatriate worker can enter Qatar for employment commitments. Entry visa requests can also be completed through Hayya, an online platform which accommodates entry visa requests from all countries worldwide, regardless of profession. This platform allows for the application of tourist visas, GCC residents' visas, and Electronic Travel Authorisation to Qatar.

5. Arrive in Qatar

Employees can enter Qatar with their visas; however, they must undergo a mandatory medical examination and provide biometric information within two weeks of arrival to ensure compliance with Qatari laws.  

6. Residence Permit Application

The employer must apply for the employee’s residence permit within 7 days of arrival to ensure they can live in the country for the duration of the job contract.

7. ID Card Issuance

Upon approval, the employee receives a Qatari ID card, which serves as their work and residence permit.

Visa Processing Times

The processing time for a Qatar visa typically takes about three to six days. However, this duration may vary depending on factors such as public holidays, workload, incomplete documents, or any document requiring attestation.

Need to Renew a Qatar Work Permit?

Employees can renew their work permits for one to three years. This process is facilitated through the official Residence Services online platform. Employers authorised to use this system are provided with Qatari Smart ID cards, allowing them to submit renewal applications electronically.

It's advisable to initiate the renewal process up to three months before the employee’s permit expires. The cost for renewals varies based on the sponsorship type:

• Corporate sponsorships: QAR 1,000
• Family-sponsored individuals: QAR 500
• Personal sponsorships: QAR 300

Want to Expand Your Remote Workforce in Qatar?

For businesses aiming to tap into Qatar's talent pool without establishing a physical presence in the country, several viable options exist to facilitate remote workforce expansion. One increasingly popular solution is to partner with an Employer of Record (EOR) company. This approach allows companies to legally hire and manage employees in Qatar without setting up a local entity. EORs handle all aspects of employment, from payroll to compliance with local labour laws, enabling businesses to focus on their core operations while benefiting from Qatar's skilled workforce.

NES Fircroft is a world-leading EOR company, providing recruitment, payroll, tax, and HR solutions to businesses of all sizes looking to improve their global presence. If you have questions about remote workforces and international hiring, contact our experts today to learn more about our services.