The thriving economy in Qatar is one of many factors that make this Middle Eastern nation an attractive destination for international companies, workers, and investors. If your company intends to expand operations to Qatar, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the immigration process so that you can secure the necessary visas and permits for all employees.
Types of work visas in Qatar
A variety of visas are available to nationals from other countries seeking entry to Qatar, including:
- Official visas
- Businessmen visas
- Visit visas
- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Residents Visit visas
- Entry visa for companions of GCC Nationals
- Transit visas
- Joint Tourist visa (for visiting Qatar and Oman)
- Work visas
For employment purposes, your team members will need a Qatar work visa.
Requirements to obtain Qatar work visas
International employees will need a work visa as well as a residence permit before they can begin employment in Qatar.
Before arriving to Qatar, the employee will need to secure a job offer from an employer in Qatar and obtain an employment contract, which is necessary for further processing.
Upon securing a job offer, the employer will be the sponsor of the application, and the following are some of the required documents when applying for a work visa:
- Copy of the employee’s passport
- Employment contract
- Company’s registration documents
- A duly completed application form from the Ministry of Interior
- A medical certificate proving the employee is in good health
Upon approval, a work visa (entry visa) is issued, allowing entry into Qatar for employment purposes. After arrival, the employee must proceed with further formalities, such as:
- Undergo a medical examination at an approved medical center, including tests for transmissible diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and hepatitis.
- Provide fingerprints and other biometric data at the Criminal Evidence and Information Department (CEID).
To obtain a residence permit, applicants must provide the following documentation:
- A valid passport with entry visa
- 2 passport photos
- A completed application form
- Medical examination report
- Employment contract
- Company’s registration documents
Application process
Qatar has a relatively complex process for hiring international employees. To begin the process, companies will need to register with the Immigration Department within the Ministry of Interior. You cannot apply for a work permit before completing this process. Employers will need to provide several documents, including a copy of their trade license. Upon approval, an Immigration Card and a Representative Card will be granted.
Next, companies must apply for a block of work permit for all international workers. You’ll need to complete the application in Arabic and disclose the total number of international employees, their job positions, and their nationalities. Approval will be granted by the Ministry of Labor.
Upon the approval of the work permits, companies must apply for employment visas for each international worker. The necessary documents for each employee, which are listed in the previous section, must be submitted to the Ministry of Labor.
Employees can travel to Qatar after receiving their work visas. Within 7 days of the employee’s arrival, companies must lodge an application for their residence permit. The required documents are listed in the previous section, and they should be submitted to the Ministry of Labor.
Once the residence permit has been issued, the employee may begin working in Qatar. These permits allow the employee to work for your company only. Permits can be renewed on a case-by-case basis.
Other important considerations
You should make sure employees are aware that they are required to carry their ID and any relevant visas at all times. Labor officials may carry out inspections at your business, and employees will need to show these documents.
Employees should also know that they will need an exit permit to leave Qatar. This permit is issued by the Ministry of Interior and must be approved by the employer.
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