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Qatar
Ministry of Interior (MOI) — General Directorate of Passports (with Ministry of Labour for work permits)
✔ Most visitors enter visa-free (100+ countries) or with a Hayya e-visa.
✔ Work and family visas need a Qatar-based sponsor, usually your employer.
✔ Your university sponsors your student visa and Qatar ID.
✔ Students cannot work without a separate permit plus sponsor approval.
✔ No post-study work visa; graduates must switch to employer sponsorship quickly.
✔ Permanent residency is rare: capped at 100 grants per year.
Currency Qatari Riyal (QAR)
Languages Arabic (official); English widely used
Population ~3.1 million (roughly 88% foreign nationals)
Visitor visas
Visa-Free Entry / Tourist Visa on Arrival
Visa Waiver / VOA
Citizens of over 102 approved countries can enter Qatar visa-free or obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Hamad International Airport for tourism or short business trips. Eligible Western nationalities can also take the Qatar-Oman Joint Tourist Visa on arrival (30 days, multi-entry, valid for both countries, extendable). MOI requires some nationalities to show a confirmed booking made via the Discover Qatar platform.
Fees
Free for most visa-exempt nationalities; QAR 100 for paid visa on arrival
Processing
Immediate at the border
Validity
Typically 30 days stay, extendable by a further 30 days; up to 90 days for some nationalities; GCC residents get a 60-day multi-entry visa on arrival
Who can apply: You can use this if your country is on Qatar's list of over 102 approved nationalities. It is for short holidays, visiting friends, or quick business trips. You just need a valid passport, a return ticket, and a place to stay.
Key requirements (5)
- Passport valid for at least 3 months (6 months for some nationalities) from arrival
- Confirmed hotel/accommodation booking (Discover Qatar booking required by MOI for certain nationalities)
- Onward or return ticket
- Visitor health insurance from a Ministry of Public Health-approved insurer (approx. QAR 50/month) required for stays over 30 days; recommended (and purchasable on arrival) for shorter stays
- Nationality on the MOI/Qatar Tourism visa-waiver or on-arrival list
How to apply — step by step
- Check the Visit Qatar website (visitqatar.com) to see if your country is on the visa-free or visa-on-arrival list.
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months (6 months for some nationalities).
- Book your hotel; some nationalities must book through the official Discover Qatar platform.
- Buy visitor health insurance from a Ministry of Public Health-approved insurer if you will stay more than 30 days.
- Fly to Hamad International Airport with a return or onward ticket.
- At passport control, enter free of charge or pay QAR 100 for the visa on arrival.
Path to PR: None directly; visit time does not count toward residency
Official Site ↗
Hayya Tourist E-Visa (A1)
Hayya A1
Qatar's flagship online tourist e-visa via the Hayya platform (legacy of the FIFA World Cup 2022 system) for nationalities that need prior approval. Related categories on the same portal: A2 (GCC residents, 60-day multi-entry), A3 (ETA for holders of valid UK/US/Canada/Australia/NZ/Schengen visas or residence), and A4 (companions of GCC citizens).
Fees
QAR 100 application fee; extension fees apply per additional month (approx. QAR 200)
Processing
Typically 3-7 working days (often faster)
Validity
Entry permit valid 90 days from issue; stay of 30 days, extendable up to two additional months
Who can apply: You can apply if your country is not on Qatar's visa-free list and you want to visit as a tourist. People who hold a valid US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Schengen visa can use the easier A3 option, and GCC residents can use A2, all on the same portal.
Key requirements (6)
- Passport valid at least 3 months (6 months recommended) beyond arrival
- Confirmed accommodation booking in Qatar
- Return/onward flight ticket
- Recent passport-style photo and payment card for the fee
- Visitor health insurance from an MOPH-approved insurer for stays over 30 days
- For A3 (ETA): valid visa or residence permit from UK, US, Canada, Australia, NZ or Schengen; for A2: valid GCC residence permit
How to apply — step by step
- Create an account on the Hayya portal (hayya.qa) or the Hayya mobile app.
- Choose the Tourist Visa (A1) option and fill in your personal and travel details.
- Upload your passport photo page, a personal photo, and your hotel booking.
- Pay the QAR 100 fee with a bank card.
- Wait about 3-7 working days for approval in the app or by email.
- Download your entry permit and show it with your passport when you arrive in Qatar.
Path to PR: None; visit visas do not count toward the 20-year PR residency requirement
Official Site ↗
Study visas
Student Visa / Educational Residence Visa
For international students admitted to a recognized Qatari institution (e.g., Qatar University, Education City campuses). The institution or a resident parent/guardian sponsors the student; requests are approved by the MOI's Committee Reviewing Recruitment Applications, then converted to a student residence permit (QID). Qatar University has its own international student visa e-service on Hukoomi.
Fees
The educational residence visa itself is issued free of charge (per Hukoomi); expect residence-permit, medical exam (QAR 100-500) and insurance costs — typically under QAR 1,500 total in year one
Processing
2-4 weeks for the entry visa; residence permit issued 2-4 weeks after arrival
Validity
1 year, renewable annually for the duration of the study program
Who can apply: You can apply if a recognized school or university in Qatar, like Qatar University or an Education City campus, has accepted you. The university or a parent who already lives in Qatar must sponsor you. You also need to show you can pay for your studies and living costs.
Key requirements (7)
- Official admission/acceptance letter from a recognized Qatari institution (letter from accredited educational authority)
- Valid passport (6+ months) and passport photos
- Good conduct certificate certified by the concerned authorities
- Proof of passing the required medical examination outside the country (per MOI mechanism), plus medical exam and fingerprinting after arrival
- Sponsorship by the institution or a parent/guardian resident in Qatar
- Proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living costs (roughly QAR 30,000-50,000 recommended)
- Health insurance (approx. QAR 1,000/year basic cover)
How to apply — step by step
- Apply to a recognized Qatari institution and receive your official acceptance letter.
- Ask the university's admissions or international office to start your visa sponsorship, or use the Apply for Educational Residence Visa service on the Hukoomi portal (hukoomi.gov.qa).
- Prepare your passport, photos, good-conduct certificate, proof of funds, and pre-arrival medical proof.
- Submit the documents and wait about 2-4 weeks for the MOI's Committee Reviewing Recruitment Applications to approve your entry visa.
- Travel to Qatar and complete your medical exam and fingerprinting.
- Receive your student residence permit and Qatar ID, renewed each year of your program.
Path to PR: Study years count as legal residence toward the 20-year PR requirement; graduates of Qatari universities receive priority consideration for PR under Law 10/2018
Official Site ↗
Work visas
Work Visa & Work Residence Permit (QID)
Work Entry Visa + RP
The standard route for foreign employees: a Qatar-licensed employer obtains Ministry of Labour quota approval and sponsors an entry visa, which is converted after arrival into a work residence permit and Qatar ID. You cannot self-apply — sponsorship is mandatory.
Fees
Entry visa QAR 200; work permit QAR 100/year; residence permit issuance/renewal approx. QAR 500/year (all payable by employer)
Processing
4-8 weeks from signed offer to Qatar ID (work permit approval 1-2 weeks; in-country RP conversion 2-4 weeks)
Validity
1-3 years, renewable; tied to the sponsoring employer
Who can apply: You can get this if a licensed company in Qatar has offered you a job and agreed to sponsor you. You cannot apply on your own — your employer must do it, after getting permission from the Ministry of Labour to hire a foreign worker.
Key requirements (7)
- Confirmed job offer and signed employment contract with a licensed Qatari employer (Arabic version legally governs)
- Employer labor-quota approval from the Ministry of Labour
- Medical examination at an approved centre (including infectious-disease screening) after arrival
- Fingerprinting/biometrics with the Criminal Evidence and Information Department
- Attested educational certificates for professional/skilled roles
- Police clearance certificate for certain nationalities and roles
- Employer-provided or approved health insurance
How to apply — step by step
- Accept the job offer and sign an employment contract with a Qatar-licensed employer.
- Your employer gets labour-quota approval from the Ministry of Labour to hire you.
- Your employer applies for your work entry visa on the MOI e-services portal or the Metrash app (which replaced Metrash2 in 2025).
- Travel to Qatar on the entry visa and take a medical test at an approved Qatar Medical Commission centre.
- Give your fingerprints at the Criminal Evidence and Information Department.
- Your employer registers your contract with the Ministry of Labour and completes your residence permit.
- Collect your Qatar ID (QID) card, valid 1-3 years and renewable.
Path to PR: Continuous legal residence counts toward Law No. 10 of 2018 PR (20 years, or 10 if born in Qatar)
Official Site ↗
Permanent residency & settlement
Permanent Residency (Law No. 10 of 2018)
Law No. 10 of 2018
Qatar's landmark permanent residency card — the first in the GCC — granted by the MOI's Permanent Residence Card Granting Committee to long-term residents and special categories (children of Qatari women, persons with special competencies needed by the state, and those who rendered great services to Qatar). Capped at 100 approvals per year.
Fees
QAR 3,000 application fee
Processing
No published SLA — committee review typically takes many months to 2+ years given the 100-grants-per-year cap
Validity
Indefinite status; PR card renewable (5-year card cycles); freedom to exit/re-enter without permission
Who can apply: You can apply if you have lived legally in Qatar for 20 years in a row (10 years if you were born there), speak basic Arabic, earn enough to support your family, and have a clean record. Children of Qatari mothers and people with special skills Qatar needs can apply without the long wait. Only 100 people are approved each year.
Key requirements (6)
- 20 years of continuous legal residence in Qatar (10 years if born in Qatar); absences under 60 days/year
- Sufficient lawful income to support yourself and your family
- Good conduct and reputation; no convictions for dishonorable offences
- Adequate knowledge of the Arabic language
- Application via MOI e-services with smart card; committee interview/assessment
- Special categories (children of Qatari women, special competencies, notable service to Qatar) may be exempted from the residency-duration condition
How to apply — step by step
- Live in Qatar legally for 20 continuous years (10 if born in Qatar), leaving no more than about 60 days per year.
- Make sure you have steady income, good conduct, and adequate Arabic.
- Log in to the MOI e-services portal with your smart card and open the permanent residency application.
- Fill in the form and upload proof of residence, income, and conduct.
- Pay the QAR 3,000 application fee.
- Attend the interview and assessment set by the Permanent Residence Card Granting Committee.
- Wait for the committee's decision — approvals are capped at 100 per year, so it can take a long time.
Path to PR: This is permanent residence: no sponsor needed, government healthcare and education, property ownership, and business ownership without a Qatari partner
Official Site ↗
Family visas
Lets expatriate employees with a valid Qatar ID sponsor their spouse, children, and in some cases parents to live in Qatar long-term. Each family member, including infants, receives an individual residence permit.
Fees
Residence permit approx. QAR 500 per dependent per year; entry visa fees additional (approx. QAR 200)
Processing
7-10 working days for visa approval (via Metrash2/MOI); RP conversion 2-4 weeks after arrival
Validity
1-5 years, renewable, linked to the sponsor's residence permit
Who can apply: You can apply if you live in Qatar with a valid Qatar ID, work in an approved profession, and earn at least QAR 10,000 a month (or QAR 6,000 if your employer gives you housing). It lets your spouse, children, and sometimes parents live with you in Qatar.
Key requirements (7)
- Sponsor holds a valid QID/residence permit in an eligible profession
- Minimum monthly salary of QAR 10,000 (or QAR 6,000 with employer-provided housing)
- Authenticated marriage certificate (spouse) and birth certificates (children)
- Salary certificate/no-objection letter from the sponsor's employer
- Suitable family accommodation (tenancy contract)
- Health insurance covering all sponsored dependents
- Dependents complete medical exam and fingerprinting after arrival for RP issuance
How to apply — step by step
- Check that your job title and salary meet the MOI's family sponsorship rules.
- Get your marriage and birth certificates attested by the Qatari embassy in your home country and Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Apply for the family residence visa on the Metrash app (formerly Metrash2) or at an MOI service centre.
- Upload your salary certificate, tenancy contract, and the attested certificates.
- After approval, your family enters Qatar on the entry visa.
- They complete a medical exam and fingerprinting in Qatar.
- Pay about QAR 500 per person per year and collect each family member's Qatar ID.
Path to PR: Dependents' residence years count toward PR eligibility; children of Qatari women have a preferential PR track
Official Site ↗
Short-term visa allowing resident expatriate workers to host family members in Qatar, applied for and tracked through Metrash2/MOI e-services. Extendable up to six months for immediate family (wife, sons, daughters) and three months for other relatives.
Fees
Approx. QAR 200 application fee; monthly extension fees apply after the first month
Processing
Approximately 3-10 working days
Validity
Initially 1 month after entry, extendable month-to-month up to 6 months (immediate family) or 3 months (other relatives)
Who can apply: You can apply if you work in Qatar with a valid Qatar ID in an approved profession and want family members to visit you for a short time. Close family (wife, sons, daughters) can stay up to 6 months; other relatives up to 3 months.
Key requirements (5)
- Sponsor holds a valid Qatar ID in an approved profession
- Proof of relationship (attested marriage/birth certificates)
- Sponsor salary certificate meeting MOI criteria
- Visitor health insurance for the stay
- Medical check required for extensions beyond the initial period
How to apply — step by step
- Log in to the Metrash app (formerly Metrash2) or the MOI e-services portal with your smart ID.
- Choose Visa Services and select the family visit visa.
- Enter your relative's details and upload attested proof of your relationship.
- Upload your salary certificate and arrange visitor health insurance.
- Pay the fee of about QAR 200 and wait 3-10 working days for approval.
- After your relative arrives, extend the visa month by month on the Metrash app (a medical test is needed for longer stays).
Path to PR: None
Official Site ↗
Business & investor visas
Investor Residence Permit (Real Estate / Investment Residency)
Residency through property ownership in designated freehold/usufruct zones (The Pearl, Lusail, West Bay Lagoon, Al Khor Resort, and others) or approved business investment. Two official tiers set by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Aqarat): renewable property-tied residency from QAR 730,000 (~USD 200,000), and residency with PR-card benefits (health, education, investment) from QAR 3,650,000 (~USD 1 million).
Fees
Residence visa for real estate owners costs QAR 200 (per Hukoomi), plus standard RP issuance fees (approx. QAR 500-1,000/year) and property registration costs; investment thresholds QAR 730,000 / QAR 3,650,000
Processing
Days to ~4 weeks once the property title is registered and verified
Validity
Renewable residence permit (issued for up to 5 years) valid as long as ownership and presence conditions are met
Who can apply: You can apply if you buy property worth at least QAR 730,000 (about USD 200,000) in an approved area like The Pearl or Lusail. If you invest QAR 3.65 million or more, you also get extra benefits like state health care and education. You must keep the property and spend at least 90 days a year in Qatar.
Key requirements (6)
- Own approved real estate worth at least QAR 730,000 (~USD 200,000) in a designated zone, registered with the Ministry of Justice
- For PR-card benefits (health/education/investment): property worth at least QAR 3,650,000 (~USD 1 million)
- Maintain ownership for the duration of the permit; residency lapses if the property is sold
- Physical presence in Qatar of at least 90 days per year
- Clean criminal record (good conduct certificate), valid passport, and medical check-up
- Proof of funds/health insurance; spouse and children can be included
How to apply — step by step
- Choose an approved property worth at least QAR 730,000 in a designated zone such as The Pearl, Lusail, or West Bay Lagoon.
- Buy the property and register the title deed with the Ministry of Justice's real estate registration department.
- Apply for the real-estate owner residence visa through the Aqarat portal (aqarat.gov.qa) or MOI e-services.
- Upload your title deed, passport, and good-conduct certificate.
- Complete a medical check and pay the QAR 200 visa fee plus residence-permit fees.
- Collect your residence permit; keep the property and spend 90+ days a year in Qatar to renew it.
Path to PR: QAR 3.65M+ investment grants permanent-residency-card benefits; investor residence years also count toward Law 10/2018 PR
Official Site ↗
Executive & Entrepreneur Residence Permits (Jusour Residency Program)
Jusour Residency / Mustaqel (pending)
Qatar's newest flagship talent program, launched in early February 2026 and processed by state-owned Jusour with MOI, Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Commerce: non-sponsored Executive and Entrepreneur residence permits of up to 10 years with an option to renew. The separate Mustaqel 5-year self-sponsored visa for entrepreneurs, talents and skilled workers is still listed as 'Coming Soon' on Jusour as of mid-2026.
Fees
Not officially published for the 2026 Executive/Entrepreneur permits; the earlier-announced 5-year talent/entrepreneur (Mustaqel) fees were QAR 4,000 (talent) / QAR 5,000 (entrepreneur), refundable if rejected
Processing
Not officially published; typically several weeks after endorsement/nomination is secured (nomination, notification, application, approval, then QID issuance)
Validity
Up to 10 years, renewable/extendable (Executive and Entrepreneur permits); 5 years for the pending Mustaqel visa
Who can apply: Entrepreneurs can apply if an approved Qatari incubator like Qatar Development Bank, QSTP, or Startup Qatar backs their business and they have at least QAR 36,500 (or USD 10,000 from abroad) in the bank. Executives can apply if they already live in Qatar, are nominated by a stock-exchange-listed company, bank, insurer, or government consultancy, and earn at least QAR 50,000-80,000 a month. Both get a residence permit of up to 10 years with no employer sponsor needed.
Key requirements (5)
- Entrepreneur track: business endorsed by an approved Qatar incubator — Qatar Development Bank (QFTH, QBIC, Scale 7), QSTP, or Startup Qatar (Invest Qatar)
- Entrepreneur bank balance: minimum QAR 36,500 maintained over the past 3 months (residents) or USD 10,000 (overseas applicants); minimum age 18
- Executive track: current Qatar resident (QID holder) nominated by a Qatar Stock Exchange-listed company, licensed bank or insurance firm, or consultancy serving government entities
- Executive salary threshold: QAR 50,000/month (Chairman, CEO, CFO, CTO, COO) or QAR 80,000/month (other executive director titles), with 5+ years senior executive management experience
- Valid passport, clean record, and health insurance; overseas entrepreneurs complete medical/fingerprinting on arrival
How to apply — step by step
- Entrepreneurs: get your business endorsed by an approved incubator such as QDB (QFTH, QBIC, Scale 7), QSTP, or Startup Qatar.
- Executives: get nominated by your qualifying Qatar employer (QSE-listed company, licensed bank or insurer, or government consultancy).
- Create an account and apply through the Residency Program on the Jusour website (jusour.qa).
- Upload your passport, bank statements or salary proof, and the endorsement or nomination documents.
- Wait for Jusour to process approvals with the MOI, Ministry of Labour, and Ministry of Commerce.
- Complete medical and fingerprinting steps (on arrival if applying from abroad).
- Receive your non-sponsored Qatar ID valid up to 10 years, renewable.
Path to PR: Non-sponsored status with family and dependent sponsorship (including family visit visas) and asset ownership; residence years count toward Law 10/2018 PR and holders of 'special competencies' may qualify for PR directly
Official Site ↗
Popular universities & fees
Qatar University
Doha · University · Qatar's flagship public university
QAR 33k-42k/yr (medicine higher)
University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST)
Doha · University · Applied engineering, health & business
~QAR 37k-45k/yr
Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)
Doha (Education City) · University · Graduate research, generous scholarships
~QAR 70k-120k/yr; full waivers common
Doha Institute for Graduate Studies
Doha · Institute · Graduate social sciences & humanities
Grad-only; most students fully funded
Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar
Doha (Education City) · University · Computer science & business
~USD $69.7k/yr
Georgetown University in Qatar
Doha (Education City) · University · International affairs & politics
~USD $74.5k/yr (aid common)
Northwestern University in Qatar
Doha (Education City) · University · Journalism, media & communication
~USD $71.8k/yr
Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar
Doha (Education City) · University · US MD medical degree
~USD $73.3k/yr
VCUarts Qatar (Virginia Commonwealth University)
Doha (Education City) · University · Art & design
~USD $37.6k/yr
Scholarships to know: Qatar University International Students Scholarship (Full tuition + housing + flights + stipend) · HBKU Scholarships (Qatar Foundation) (Full/partial tuition + stipend + airfare) · Doha Institute Tamim & Sanad Scholarships (Full tuition + housing + stipend) · UDST Amiri (Emiri) Scholarship (Full tuition + housing + stipend + flights)
Official portals
Ministry of Interior (MOI) Portal
Qatar's immigration authority: visas, residence permits (QID), the Permanent Residence Card Granting Committee, and e-services/Metrash2 access.
Official
Hayya Portal
Official platform for all visit e-visas: A1 Tourist, A2 GCC Resident, A3 ETA, A4 GCC-citizen companion, and entry-permit management.
Official
Hukoomi — Qatar e-Government
National online eServices portal with 1,000+ services, including visa applications, residence-permit issuance/renewal, and PR eligibility inquiry.
Official
Visit Qatar — Visas
Qatar Tourism's official visa checker: visa-free eligibility by nationality, QAR 100 visa on arrival, and Hayya application guidance.
Official
Jusour (Qatar Manpower Solutions)
State-owned company running Qatar's talent programs: the Residency Program (Entrepreneur and Executive permits) and the upcoming Mustaqel 5-year visa.
Official
Community & guides