As the country ranks among the top destinations for work and life opportunities, many foreigners move to Qatar. Foreign citizens are welcome here, and their numbers significantly exceed those of the local population. As a result, the demand for residence permits in the Emirate is expected to increase in 2025. Let's examine the process of obtaining an investor residence permit in Qatar, as well as other types.
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Types of residence permits in Qatar
There are several possible options for obtaining residency in the country:
- Regardless of the field you choose, it is essential to conclude an employment contract with an employer. The employer, acting as the sponsor, submits the application to the employment service, specifying the gender, nationality, and position of the applicant. The processing time for the request usually ranges from several days to several weeks. Upon receiving a positive response, you can apply to the Ministry of Interior for a visa, the duration of which depends on the type of employment and the term of the contract. After that, you can apply for a residence permit.
- Opening a new business or transferring an existing one to the Emirate are viable In many sectors, a Qatari citizen is required to own the majority of the company's shares. Registration and additional documentation are processed for both short-term and long-term visas, allowing you to obtain a residence permit upon completing all necessary procedures.
- Investments in the economy totalling USD 825,000 (QAR 3 million) grant access to a residence permit through a special programme.
- Purchasing an apartment or house in Qatar worth more than USD 200,000 grants the right to residence. However, you can only select a property in a limited number of Before buying property in Qatar, it's worth carefully studying specific areas and their infrastructure. The resident card is valid for 1 year. An extension of a residence permit in Qatar is possible an unlimited number of times, provided that property ownership is maintained.
- To obtain a student residence permit, students can enrol in 7 universities, branches of international institutions, and language schools. Universities often provide grants for free education to international students, as well as assistance in obtaining visas and residence permits.
- Marriage to a citizenship holder provides an opportunity to obtain a residence permit, but this procedure involves many nuances. The couple must obtain permission from the authorities by passing an interview with the Ministry of Interior committee. With a positive outcome, the application for a residence permit is submitted with the support of the Qatari spouse. A child born to a Qatari parent in marriage automatically receives Qatari citizenship status. However, the local population strictly follows Islamic traditions, which complicates marriages between Muslims and representatives of other religions.
How to obtain a residence permit in Qatar for investment. How much does it cost
The minimum cost of a residence permit in Qatar through the property investment programme is USD 200,000. Additional expenses include translation and certification of required documents, payment for a medical examination, and a state fee of USD 825.
What a residence permit in Qatar provides
Although a residence permit does not provide foreigners with all the rights and privileges available to citizens of the state, it offers a comfortable life for you and your family:
- Foreign nationals with residence permits can register with government institutions, such as the labour exchange, and find work or start their own business.
- Residents can open accounts and, if necessary, obtain loans from local banks.
- The visa provides access to educational and medical services.
What property to choose in Qatar
The process of obtaining a residency permit in Qatar
It includes several steps:
- First, you must choose the basis and study the conditions for obtaining a residence permit in Qatar. You can obtain a residence permit based on an employment contract, opening a private business, studying, purchasing a house or apartment in Qatar, investing in the economy, or marrying a The country has a sponsorship system, so a sponsor must confirm the visa application. A sponsor can be a spouse, employer, or another organisation willing to vouch for you.
- The next stage involves gathering documents, which varies based on the selected option. The state does not recognise the Apostille Convention, so documents such as diplomas or birth certificates must first be translated into English and then certified at a consulate.
- The application is submitted to the Emirate's migration service either independently or with the assistance of a professional consultant. This step is crucial and necessitates thorough preparation and verification of all required
- Obtaining a Qatar ID Card. After successfully submitting and reviewing the application, the applicant will receive an identity card.
How to get permanent residence in Qatar
Law No. 10 of 2018 on Permanent Residence regulates the process of obtaining a permanent residence permit. According to its norms, foreign citizens can apply for permanent resident status after an extended period of legal stay in the emirate.
To obtain permanent residency, the following conditions must be met:
- 20 years of residence for foreigners born outside Qatar;
- 10 years of residence for those born in Qatar.
During this time, travel outside the country should not exceed 60 days per year. These days of absence will be deducted from the total period of stay.
Foreign nationals must also meet several additional requirements:
- The applicant must have a stable income for themselves and their family. The minimum threshold for civil servants is typically around QAR 20,000 per month, equivalent to approximately USD 5,500. For commercial sector workers, the amount is QAR 30,000 (approximately USD 8,250);
- The applicant must confirm the absence of criminal records or other offences;
- It is necessary to demonstrate a sufficient level of Arabic language.
Foreign nationals whose activities are of particular interest to Qatar or who have made significant contributions to the country's development can apply for permanent residency, regardless of the duration of their stay in the country. For example, they can invest USD 1 million in real estate.
Documents for obtaining a residence permit in Qatar
The exact list of documents to apply for a residence permit in Qatar depends on the specific programme. Still, there is a basic package required for all:
- passport (valid for at least 6 months);
- photographs;
- biometrics;
- certified copies of diplomas, certificates, and a contract with the employer for a work visa;
- marriage certificate and children's birth certificates for a family visa;
- medical examination (tests for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, fluorography)
- medical insurance.
Documents must be translated into Arabic and English and notarised. The package can be submitted independently or through an employer, attaching an employment contract and a receipt for payment of the state fee. The application is typically reviewed within 14 days; however, the process may take up to 2 months if additional information is required.