Qatar work visa - all the details...
02 Oct 2023

A work visa in Qatar represents a vital official document for working in this country, which is characterized by its economic activity and prosperity. Qatar is an attractive destination for many seeking to work and reside there. A work visa is the official document that authorizes expatriates to work in Qatar, and it follows government directives and regulations and changes regularly.
You are required to follow the following steps to obtain a work visa in Qatar:
- Obtaining an employment contract from an accredited Qatari company.
- Submit a work visa application through an approved work visa office abroad.
- Submit all required documents, which include the passport, experience certificate, academic qualifications, and health, security and safety certificate.
- Pay work visa fees.
After submitting the application and paying the fees, the application is reviewed and studied by the competent government authorities in Qatar. If the application is approved, a work visa will be issued and sent to you via email. Applicants must adhere to the labor and residency laws in Qatar, and the validity of the visa is determined by the type of work and the company for which the applicant will work.
To obtain a work visa in Qatar, a number of general conditions must be adhered to, which vary according to the nationality, qualifications, and personal experience of the applicant. Here are the most important conditions:
- Obtaining an employment contract from an accredited Qatari company.
- The visa applicant must be over the legal age specified for work in Qatar.
- Conducting the necessary medical examination to work in Qatar.
- Submit all required documents, which include the passport, experience certificate, academic qualifications, and health, security and safety certificate.
- Submit a recent personal photo.
- Pay visa fees.
Attention: Visa applications in Qatar are evaluated based on the applicant's actual need for work, and the application may be rejected if all conditions and requirements specified in Qatar are not met.
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Work visa fees in Qatar
The cost of a work visa in Qatar varies depending on its type. For example, a business visa costs around 200 Qatari riyals, while a 30-day tourist visa costs around 100 Qatari riyals.
For residents from GCC countries, the cost of their visa is approximately 100 Qatari riyals. As for family visas for accompanying residents from GCC countries, they also cost about 100 Qatari riyals. It is noted that these fees are subject to change and may vary according to government policies and instructions in Qatar.
There are several types of work visas in Qatar, varying according to the type of work and length of stay required. Here are the most important types of work visas in Qatar:
- Work visa for employees: It is issued to people who work in Qatari companies and is valid for two years, and can be renewed after its expiration.
- Work visa for domestic workers: It is issued to domestic workers such as maids and drivers. It is valid for one year only, and is renewed after its expiration.
- Work visa for investors: It is issued to owners of companies and businessmen who wish to invest and work in Qatar. It is valid for three years, and can be renewed after its expiration.
- Work visa for trainees: Issued to students or trainees who wish to learn new skills or work in Qatari companies, and is valid for one year only.
It is important to note that these types may change according to Qatari policies and regulations, so it is always preferable to check the latest information through the official website of the Qatari Ministry of Interior regarding work visas in Qatar.
To obtain a work visa in Qatar, you must submit a set of basic documents. Here are the required documents:
- Passport: The passport must be valid and contain enough blank pages to apply for the visa.
- Experience Certificate: An experience certificate from previous work must be submitted to clarify previous experience and skills.
- Educational Qualifications: University degrees or educational courses related to the work required are required.
- Health and Safety Certificate: A medical examination must be conducted to ensure that there are no contagious diseases or health problems before travel.
- Employment contract from an approved Qatari company: An employment contract must be obtained from a legally operating and recognized Qatari company.
- Pay the required fees: You must pay the fees related to the work visa, which vary according to the type of visa and period of stay.
Remember that you should always check the latest regulations and requirements for obtaining a work visa in Qatar through the relevant official sources, as these regulations can change periodically.
How long does the process of obtaining a work visa in Qatar take?
The length of time it takes to obtain a work visa in Qatar depends on several factors such as nationality, educational qualifications, and experience of the applicant. In general, the process can take between 2 weeks to 3 months.
The applicant must be aware that there are careful evaluations and examinations carried out by the Qatari authorities, which may be taken into consideration to determine whether a visa can be granted or not. Therefore, it is always preferable to submit your visa application and start the process well in advance of your scheduled travel to Qatar to ensure sufficient time to process the application and go through the necessary procedures.
The visit visa can be converted into a work visa in Qatar. To do this, you must follow the following procedures:
- Obtaining an employment contract: You must obtain an employment contract from an accredited Qatari company that wants to employ you.
- Submitting the required documents: The required documents must be submitted for visa transfer, which include the passport, experience certificate, academic qualifications, and health, security and safety certificate.
- Submitting a conversion request: You must submit an official request to convert your visa from a visit to work through the relevant office in Qatar.
- Payment of fees: The prescribed fees for visa transfer must be paid in accordance with government instructions.
- Waiting for approval: After submitting the application, it is reviewed and studied by the Qatari authorities. If your transfer request is approved, you will receive a work visa.
It must be taken into account that there are precise conditions and laws for transferring a visa that vary depending on the situation and the desired job. It is always preferable to consult the competent authorities in Qatar or the Qatari embassy in your country to obtain the necessary information and guidance on how to carry out this procedure correctly and legally.
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