Middle East
Qatar immigration and visa guide
Qatar offers Permanent Residency under Law No. 10 (with free healthcare and education), Real Estate Residency, Qatar Free Zones Investor Permits, and 0% personal income tax.
Ministry of Interior (MOI Qatar) & Permanent Residency Committee
- Processing time
- 2 – 6 weeks
- Passport validity
- 6+ months
- Points-based system
- No
- Digital nomad friendly
- No
Visa options in Qatar
Key requirements
- Employment contract with a Qatari entity with approved Qatar Ministry of Labour quota
- Blood group test, biometric fingerprinting, and medical commission screening in Doha
- For Real Estate Residency: property ownership value ≥ QAR 730,000 (~$200,000 USD)
How to apply for a Qatar visa: step by step
- 1
Employer Visa Petition via Metrash2 / MOI
Employer applies for work entry visa through the Ministry of Interior online system.
1 - 2 weeks
- 2
Medical Commission & Biometrics in Doha
Complete chest X-ray and blood screening at the Medical Commission and fingerprinting at CEID.
3 - 5 business days
- 3
Qatar ID (QID) Card Issuance
Receive physical microchip QID card with residence permit validity.
2 - 3 business days
Official government links
Frequently asked questions
What rights does Qatar Permanent Residency grant?
Holders of Qatar Permanent Residence receive free government healthcare and state education on par with Qatari citizens, priority in government civil service, and the right to own commercial properties and engage in business without a local partner.
Find a licensed adviser
For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.
Look for a lawyer registered with the national bar association or law society in Qatar. The official immigration website explains any rules on who may represent applicants.
Ministry of Interior (MOI Qatar) & Permanent Residency CommitteeGeneral information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with Ministry of Interior (MOI Qatar) & Permanent Residency Committee on the official website before applying.