A Work Visit Visa holder is entitled to bring their immediate family with them to live in Qatar. Expatriate employees are generally allowed to sponsor their immediate family for Personal Visit Visas.

Work Visa Holders have to obtain an exit permit to leave Qatar, but this is not required for their dependents.

Work Visit Visas are not transferable to different employers for at least two years. After this, the expatriate employee can change jobs in Qatar if the new employer agrees to sponsor them and the original employer provides a letter confirming their release.

Residence Permits

All foreign nationals are required to hold a residence permit in order to live and work in Qatar. It is necessary to obtain hold this permit to be eligible for a health card, driving licence etc. Residence permits are granted for up to three years, depending on the duration of the person's employment contract.

In order to be issued with a residence permit, foreign nationals are required to undergo a medical examination, blood test and finger-printing. The procedures include testing for Aids, Hepatitis and tuberculosis. A large number of passport-size photos are needed for various stages of the application procedure.

Citizenship

Qatar does not recognize dual nationality.

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