Living in Doha: Everything New Expats Should Know
A practical overview of residence permits, housing, schools, healthcare and daily life for new arrivals in Doha.
In short
Doha is compact, safe and well connected by metro. Most expats live in West Bay, The Pearl, Lusail or Al Waab. Plan your first month around getting a QID, a bank account, a home and a phone line.
- Climate
- Hot, 45°C+ in summer
- Weekend
- Friday–Saturday
- Currency
- Qatari riyal (QAR)
- Emergency
- 999
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
Medical, fingerprints, SIM card with passport.
Week 1
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Dress modestly in malls and public offices
- Carry your QID
Don’t
- Don’t drink alcohol in public
- Don’t photograph people without permission
Cost estimator
Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.
Watch out
- Summer heat is dangerous. Avoid outdoor activity between 11:00 and 15:00 from June to September.
Common questions
Is Doha safe?
Yes, Qatar regularly ranks among the safest countries in the world.
Official links
Background and more detail
Residence permit
Your employer sponsors your Residence Permit (RP). After arrival you complete a medical exam and fingerprinting, after which your Qatar ID is issued.
Where to live
Popular areas include The Pearl, West Bay, Lusail and Al Waab. Many employers include housing in your package; check whether utilities are included.
Getting around
The Doha Metro covers the main business districts and was expanded for the 2022 World Cup. Ride-hailing apps are widely used.
Healthcare
Residents register with the Hamad Medical Corporation and receive a health card. Many employers also provide private insurance.
Schools
International schools follow British, American, IB and other curricula. The Ministry of Education regulates fee increases.
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