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Getting a job in Qatar

Ahmed Saleh, 29. Cybersecurity Specialist in Doha.

Ahmed joined a government-linked technology company in Doha. Security clearance added a short background check.

From
Alexandria, Egypt
Industry
Technology
per month
QAR 20K ≈ $5.5K
Timeline
8–12 weeks
Visa route
Employer-sponsored work residence permit and QID
Ahmed Saleh at work
“Keep your certifications current. They matter more here than the degree.”

Step by step

  • You
  • Employer
  • Government
  1. 1

    Search and interview

    3–8 weeksYou

    Applied for Cybersecurity Specialist roles through recruiters and job boards, then interviewed remotely. Asked for the full package in writing: basic salary, allowances, flights, medical cover and notice period.

  2. 2

    Background check and attestation

    2–4 weeksEmployer

    Police clearance and degree attestation for the security role.

    Cost: about USD 150

  3. 3

    Contract and work visa

    2–3 weeksEmployer

    The employer applies for the work visa. Since 2020 the contract must be approved by the Ministry of Labour and the minimum wage is QAR 1,000 plus food and housing allowances.

  4. 4

    Qatar Visa Centre in home country

    1–2 weeksYou

    Biometrics, medical test and contract signing at the Qatar Visa Centre before travel, in many countries.

  5. 5

    Arrival and QID

    1–2 weeksEmployer

    The QID (residence card) is issued after arrival. Download Metrash and link it to your QID.

  6. 6

    Health card

    1 weekYou

    Register for an HMC health card. It gives access to public clinics at low cost.

    Cost: QAR 100

  7. 7

    Housing and bank

    2–4 weeksYou

    Rent in Doha, register the lease, and open a salary account. Rent is usually paid by post-dated cheques.

Employment journeys

All journeys
Priya Nair, Senior Software Engineer

United Arab Emirates · Dubai

Priya Nair, Senior Software Engineer

Priya moved from a product company in Bengaluru to a Dubai fintech. Her employer sponsored the work permit and residence visa; she handled degree attestation, housing and banking herself.

per month
AED 28K
Timeline
10–14 weeks
Ahmed Hassan, Civil Engineering Project Manager

Saudi Arabia · Riyadh

Ahmed Hassan, Civil Engineering Project Manager

Ahmed joined a contractor delivering a Riyadh metro extension. Engineering roles in Saudi Arabia require professional accreditation, which added a step most other professions do not have.

per month
SAR 22K
Timeline
12–16 weeks
Maria Santos, Registered Nurse (ICU)

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