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Qatar – Work Permits and Working Legally

Working Legally in Qatar

It is necessary for expats to obtain a work permit to work legally in Qatar.

Who Must Make the Application?

The employer must make the application for a work permit for an expat

Qatari law provides for certain exemptions for certain categories of foreign nationals, including those who are married to Qatari nationals, those who have invested a certain amount of money in Qatar, and those who are managers or executives of multinational companies. However, these exemptions are rare and most expats must obtain a work permit in order to work legally in Qatar.

Types of Work Permits for Expats in Qatar


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There are two types of work permits for expats in Qatar: the Residence Permit and the Work Visa. The Residence Permit is issued for a maximum of two years and allows the holder to live and work in Qatar, while the Work Visa is issued for a specific period of time, typically for one year, and is tied to a specific employer

Info on Eligibility

To be eligible for a work permit in Qatar, an expat must have a valid passport and a job offer from a Qatari company or sponsor. The sponsor must then apply for the work permit on behalf of the expat. The eligibility requirements may vary depending on the type of work permit and the nature of the work being performed.

Work Permit Application Process in Qatar

The procedure to apply for a work permit in Qatar involves the following steps:

  1. The employer must apply for an approval from the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor, and Social Affairs.

  2. The approval must then be forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for endorsement.

  3. The endorsed approval must then be taken to the Embassy of Qatar in the expat’s home country for visa stamping.

  4. Once the visa has been stamped, the expat can enter Qatar and complete the process by applying for a Residence Permit.

The entire process typically takes about three to four weeks, but may take longer depending on the individual circumstances.

Work Permit Documents in Qatar

The following documents are required to apply for a work permit in Qatar:

  1. Valid passport

  2. Job offer letter from the Qatari sponsor

  3. Educational and professional qualifications

  4. Police clearance certificate

  5. Health certificate

  6. Sponsorship agreement

  7. Resume or CV

  8. Passport-sized photographs

Work Permit Costs in Qatar

The costs involved in applying for a work permit in Qatar include visa fees, processing fees, and legal fees, which may vary depending on the type of work permit and the nature of the work being performed. In addition, the expat may also be required to pay for medical examinations and insurance coverage.

Reliable Information on Working Legally in Qatar

Expats can obtain reliable information on working legally in Qatar from the following websites:

  1. Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor, and Social Affairs: http://www.mol.gov.qa

  2. Qatar e-Government Portal: https://portal.moi.gov.qa

  3. Embassy of the State of Qatar in the United States: https://www.qatarembassy.net/


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