Qatar Work Visa – Requirements, Apply, Price and More

Qatar Work Visa. The average foreigner in Qatar makes between 30 to 60 thousand Qatari rials every single month, so you need a job in Qatar to earn this amount.

You will be delighted to know that there are several high-demand occupations in Qatar, including masons, waitresses, sales representatives, event managers, architectural/civil engineers, healthcare IEHPS, oil & petroleum workers, and teachers.

Working in Qatar is a dream for many international skilled workers because of the high quality of life and the high salary, plus working in a country that has over 250k millionaires.

The country is also home to the world’s third-largest number of millionaires. According to a recent report, more than 17% of Qatar’s population is already millionaire.

What is a Qatar Work Visa?

Qatar work visas are work permits and residency permits issued by the Qatar government for foreign employees. The Qatar work visa application is usually handled by the employer (a company or individual) of the employee.

After receiving their work visa, Employees have access to many services for applying for further permits and licenses, the ability to sign a rental accommodation agreement, the ability to apply for a loan, and the ability to sponsor their family members to join them in Qatar.

There are a variety of work visas available to expatriates, including entry visas for domestic workers, special work permits, and residence visas. The Ministry of Interior (MoI) and the Ministry of Labour (MoL) offer expatriates the following types of work visas:

  • A work visa sponsored by a company
  • The entry visa for house workers is based on personal sponsorship
  • For household workers, an entry visa is required
  • Work visa with multiple entries
  • Permit for the first time in residence
  • Residence visas for families 
  • Group visa
  • A special work permit is issued to sponsor their families, Gulf citizens, permanent residents, investors, etc.
  • The Full-Time Secondment Work Permit and the Part-Time Work Permit

Work Visa on Company Sponsorship

A work visa under company sponsorship is issued to expatriates employed by ministries, government organizations, semi-government entities, public sector institutions, and various private companies. The employer in these cases sponsors the employee’s visa.

Required Documents

  • Attested educational certificates relevant to the profession.
  • Police clearance certificate from the expatriate’s home country, attested by the Qatar Embassy or its representative mission.
  • A signed employment contract between the worker and employer.
  • Medical test results must be submitted as per the country’s norms.

Fees: The visa fee is QAR 300.

Personal Sponsorship Entry Visa for House Workers

This visa is for expatriates employed as domestic workers in the sponsor’s household, with the house owner acting as the visa sponsor.

Required Documents

  • Police clearance certificate attested by the Qatar Embassy or the representing mission.
  • An employment contract is signed between the worker and the sponsor.
  • Medical test results meet the country’s requirements.

Fees: The visa fee is QAR 300.

Entry Visa for Household Workers

This visa is issued to expatriates working in household-related jobs under personal sponsorship but outside the sponsor’s home. The employer sponsors this visa.

Required Documents

  1. Police clearance certificate from the expatriate’s home country, attested by the Qatar Embassy or its representative mission.
  2. Signed employment contract.
  3. Medical test results in accordance with local regulations.

Additional Requirements

  • A valid need for domestic workers.
  • The number of workers hired should be appropriate for the size of the sponsor’s family.
  • Financial capability of the employer to support the hired workers.
  • The health conditions of the employer must allow for such employment.
  • No legal restrictions against the applicant.

For Seamen, Farmers, and Shepherds: Special approval based on relevant authority letters and specifics regarding vessel size, farm size, or livestock quantity.

Fees: QAR 300.

Multiple-Entry Work Visit Visa

This visa allows companies and government institutions to hire expatriates for rare professions. It is valid for one month and can be extended up to six months.

Required Documents

  1. Approval from RARC.
  2. Sponsor’s establishment ID.
  3. Passport copy of the employee.
  4. Proof of professional or educational qualifications.
  5. Medical tests are required for stays exceeding 30 days.

Fees

  • Free for government authorities.
  • QAR 200 for private companies.

First-Time Residence Permit

This permit is available to individuals arriving in the country on a residence visa. The application can be made on personal or company sponsorship.

Required Documents for Personal Sponsorship

  1. Completed application form.
  2. Original passport.
  3. Sponsor’s signed application form.
  4. Sponsor’s valid ID copy.
  5. Employee’s photo.
  6. Blood group certificate.

Required Documents for Company Sponsorship

  1. Completed application form.
  2. Original passport.
  3. Attested labor contract.
  4. Signed application form by the sponsor.
  5. Company’s establishment ID.
  6. Sponsorship number.
  7. Employee’s photo.
  8. Blood group certificate.

Fees

  • Personal sponsorship: QAR 100 (work permit), QAR 300 (residence permit) annually.
  • Company sponsorship: QAR 100 (work permit), QAR 1000 (residence permit) annually.

Family Residence Visa

This visa allows expatriates to sponsor family members for residence.

Required Documents

  1. Completed application form.
  2. Supporting documents, including attested work contracts.
  3. Proof of relationship.
  4. Attested police clearance certificate for adults.
  5. Medical test results as per regulations.

Fees: QAR 200.

Group Visa

This visa applies to groups of expatriates, issued to individuals, companies, or government entities.

Required Documents

  1. Approval from the Permanent Committee for Recruitment.
  2. Establishment ID and passport copies of the workers.

Fees

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

Special Work Permit

This permit is for individuals on a non-work residence visa who want to enter the Qatari job market without changing their residency status. The employer must apply for the permit on behalf of the worker.

Required Documents

  1. Worker’s passport photos.
  2. 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

This permit allows an employee to work temporarily at another establishment without changing employers. The new employer submits the secondment request.

Requirements

  1. Comply with Qatar’s Labour Law.
  2. Active registration for the establishment.
  3. No existing bans or restrictions on the applicant.
  4. The secondment should not exceed six months, renewable.

Fees: QAR 500.

Qatar Work Visa Requirements

Foreign employees seeking employment in Qatar must secure both a work permit and a residence permit before commencing work. The required documents for obtaining a work permit include:

  • The employment contract
  • A completed application form from the Ministry of Labour
  • A medical certificate confirming the employee’s good health
  • A copy of the employee’s passport
  • Two passport-sized photos
  • Relevant educational certificates
  • The employer’s immigration card
  • The employment visa
  • Biometrics, such as fingerprints

There are some general requirements that most applicants need to meet, regardless of the type of visa they need:

  • 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

It is not possible for you as a job seeker or individual who got a job offer from an employer in Qatar to apply directly for a work visa, instead, employers will pursue your case through the Qatar Ministry of Interior and here is the step-by-step procedure:

  1. To work in Qatar (private or government sector), you must apply
  2. You must accept the job offer and submit your documents for the work visa/residence permit process to the employer.
  3. After that, your employer will submit your work visa/residence permit application to Qatar’s Ministry of Interior along with their trade license and other documents.
  4. That employer will be able to apply for their worker’s work visa for Qatar (Application would be in Arabic language, so your employer would be able to do so)
  5. Qatar’s Ministry of Labor will approve your application after your employer submits it and marks it for issuance of Qatar’s work visa upon approval.
  6. Upon receiving your work visa – you can travel to Qatar – and within 7 days of your arrival, you are required to obtain Qatar’s residence permit. In order to obtain the residence permit, you would have to submit your documents to your employer, who would then submit your application to the Ministry of Labour for final approval.

Qatar Work Visa Price 

A Qatar work visa price for Qatar costs around QAR 200, and a residence permit for conversion costs another QAR 500. In most cases, employers pay these fees.

How to Get a Qatar Work Visa

Your organization will handle the majority of the application process as an employer. Your first step is to register with the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Interior so that you may obtain two important documents – a Representative Card and an Immigration Card.

Your employees’ work visa applications can be processed with the Ministry of Labour once they have these cards. Your employees can travel to Qatar once these have been approved.

You will need to apply for residency permits for each of your employees during the first week they are in Qatar. In Qatar, they will be legally entitled to work once approved.

How to Check Qatar Work Visa Status

To check the status of your Qatari work visa, you can easily do so through the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website by following these simple steps:

  1. Visit the official Ministry of Interior website.
  2. Navigate to the ‘Visa Services’ section.
  3. Select ‘Visa Inquiry & Printing’.
  4. Enter your visa number or passport number.
  5. Provide your nationality and the verification code displayed on the page.
  6. Click the ‘Submit’ button to view the current status of your work visa.

You can check your Qatar visa status online. Click on the provided link.

Qatar Work Visa Age Limit

Is there an age limit for applying for a Qatar work visa? If you are applying for a job in the Qatar government, you must be under 60 years of age, but if you are going to be employed in the private sector, there is no age limit, so you can easily get a work visa for Qatar at any age.

Qatar Work Visa Processing

The Qatar work visa process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on factors like document verification, employer approvals, and administrative checks, ensuring timely approval for employment opportunities.

Qatar Work Visa Application Form PDF

FAQs About Qatar Work Visa

 Q1) What is the average salary for foreigners working in Qatar?

Ans:- The average salary for foreigners in Qatar ranges from 30,000 to 60,000 Qatari rials per month, depending on the occupation and level of experience.

Q2) What types of jobs are in high demand in Qatar?

Ans:- High-demand occupations in Qatar include masons, waitresses, sales representatives, event managers, architectural/civil engineers, healthcare professionals, oil and petroleum workers, and teachers.

Q3) How can I apply for a Qatar work visa?

Ans:- To apply for a Qatar work visa, you must accept a job offer, and your employer will apply on your behalf to the Qatar Ministry of Interior, along with the necessary documents.

Conclusion

Qatar Work Visa offers expatriates an attractive salary and lifestyle, supported by various work visa options and high demand for skilled professionals. With proper documentation and employer support, securing a position in this thriving economy is attainable.

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