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Working in Qatar

Residence and Work Permits

• For those not familiar with residence and work permits in their own countries, Qatar’s system
may at first seem complicated and restrictive.
• However, this is not the case and you will soon realize that, in most cases, the system is flexible
and inclusive. For instance, if you would like your family to join you in Qatar to live, you can
personally sponsor your family. Additionally, if your wife wishes to work on a local contract basis
she can by simply registering with the Labor Department.

The Residency Permit – the basics :

• All newcomers wishing to work and live in Qatar require a Work Residence Permit (commonly
referred to as an RP) for which they will need a Qatari sponsor (company or individual).
• It is typically the responsibility of the sponsor to handle all paperwork required to obtain the
Residence Permit on behalf of the worker. When a worker first enters Qatar, their sponsor will
arrange for a temporary visa which is then converted to a Work Residency Permit – a process that
typically takes 2-4 weeks and sometimes longer. Applicants may not leave the country during the
period of visa-to-permit conversion.

The Residency Permit :

• Once a worker receives their Work Residence Permit he or she can then access many other
services, apply for further permits and licenses, sign a rental accommodation agreement, apply
for a loan, and the list goes on.
• Another key benefit of the Residence Permit is that it allows the worker to personally sponsor
their immediate family members (spouse, sons, daughters) to join them and live in Qatar (see
Family Residence Visa below).
• Work Residence Permits are renewed each year by the worker’s sponsor.

Family Residence Visa – permission for your family to stay :

• Expatriate workers can sponsor their immediate family members. Every family member, in-
cluding infants, must have an individual Family Residence Visa. The Visa can be purchased for a
period of 1-5 years and is stamped in each family member’s passport.
• Applicants are required to submit a number of documents, including authenticated marriage
and birth certificates, no-objection letter and salary certificate from their employer.
• Registering as a Working Woman
• A woman who is in Qatar on a family sponsorship and who has approval from her husband
may register to work without obtaining a separate work permit. Applicants may visit the Labor
Department to complete the application process.

Searching for a Job

There are many ways to find a job in Qatar. While opportunities are abundant, it’s up to you to
advertise and market your skills to potential employers.

Some resources may be helpful include:
• Newspaper classifieds. Local newspapers include Gulf Times and Qatar Tribune.
• Online job banks, such as Qatar Visitor Jobs, Monster Gulf and Gulf Talent.
• Official websites of companies and organizations in Qatar.
• Business-friendly social media, such as LinkedIn.
• Web forums.

Official Sponsor 89Qatar Business Guide
2016 - 2017