Visas & ResidencyQatar
Qatar permanent residency and property residence
Who can apply and the property-linked residence option.
3 min readUpdated 29 Oct 2026
Country guide · QA
Living in Qatar
A compact, high-income peninsula state with world-class infrastructure built for the 2022 World Cup and a large professional expat community.
Overview
Qatar is a small, wealthy peninsula where most residents live in and around Doha. The economy is driven by liquefied natural gas, with strong demand in healthcare, education, construction and hospitality.
Labour reforms since 2020 removed exit permits for most workers, introduced a minimum wage and allowed job changes without employer consent. The Doha Metro, a compact city and very low crime make daily life straightforward. There is no income tax and no VAT.
Getting a job in Qatar
Qatar · Doha
Maria Santos, Registered Nurse (ICU)
Maria was recruited by a Doha hospital through a licensed agency. Healthcare is the longest route on this site because licensing has to finish before the visa can start.
- per month
- QAR 11K
- Timeline
- 16–24 weeks
Qatar · Doha
Vikram Rao, Civil Engineer
Vikram joined an infrastructure consultancy in Doha. Engineers must be registered with the Ministry of Municipality before signing drawings.
- per month
- QAR 18K
- Timeline
- 10–14 weeks
Qatar · Doha
Ana Ferreira, Front Office Manager
Ana manages front office at a Doha hotel. Housing, transport and meals were part of the package.
- per month
- QAR 14K
- Timeline
- 6–10 weeks
Qatar · Doha
Ahmed Saleh, Cybersecurity Specialist
Ahmed joined a government-linked technology company in Doha. Security clearance added a short background check.
- per month
- QAR 20K
- Timeline
- 8–12 weeks
Qatar · Al Wakrah
Hannah Brooks, Secondary Science Teacher
Hannah teaches in a private school south of Doha. The school offered housing and a tuition discount.
- per month
- QAR 13K
- Timeline
- 10–14 weeks
Visas and residency
Residence permits (RP) are employer-sponsored. Family residence is available above salary thresholds, and permanent residency exists for limited categories.
Climate
Hot desert climate with humid summers above 40°C; mild winters from November to March.
Cities
Qatar guides
Starting a BusinessQatar
Starting a business in Qatar
QFC, QFZ and mainland options with ownership rules.
3 min readUpdated 29 Oct 2026
Banking & FinanceQatar
Sending money home from Qatar
Exchange houses vs banks vs apps, and costs.
3 min readUpdated 29 Oct 2026
Schools & EducationQatar
Private schools in Qatar: how to choose
Curricula, Ministry ratings, fees and admissions timeline.
3 min readUpdated 29 Oct 2026
Moving Your FamilyQatar
Family residence visa in Qatar
Salary requirements, documents and steps to sponsor family.
3 min readUpdated 29 Oct 2026
TransportationQatar
Getting a driving licence in Qatar
Conversion for eligible countries, driving school and Metrash fines.
3 min readUpdated 29 Oct 2026
Frequently asked questions
Is health insurance mandatory in Qatar?
Yes. Mandatory health insurance applies to residents and visitors under Law No. 22 of 2021.
Do I need an exit permit to leave Qatar?
Most workers no longer need an exit permit since the 2020 reforms. A small group of senior roles may require employer notification.
Is there a minimum wage?
Yes. Qatar has a minimum wage for all workers, plus minimum allowances for food and housing when they are not provided.
Can I change jobs?
Yes. You can move to a new employer without a no-objection certificate, subject to the notice period in your contract.
What is Metrash?
Metrash is the Ministry of Interior app for residence, visa, traffic and family services.