How to Get Qatar Work Visa: Step-by-Step Process (2026 Complete Guide)
Getting a work visa for Qatar isn’t as simple as accepting a job offer and showing up. The process involves your employer, multiple government ministries, medical tests, document attestation, and typically takes 6-12 weeks from start to finish. One missing document or mistake can delay everything by a month.
The complete process: Your employer applies for a work permit at the Ministry of Labor, then an entry permit at the Ministry of Interior. You receive an entry visa, enter Qatar, complete medical tests and fingerprinting, and receive your Qatar ID (QID) – which is your actual residence permit. The timeline is 6-12 weeks if everything goes smoothly, but I’ve seen it take 4-6 months when documents are delayed or rejected.
I’m writing this because most job offers just say “we’ll handle your visa” without explaining what YOU need to do. Employers handle the government applications, but you’re responsible for gathering documents, getting them attested (a complex process that takes 3-8 weeks), and understanding what can go wrong. This guide walks through every step from both sides – what your employer does and what you must do – so you can move to Qatar without delays.
Overview: The Six Stages of Getting Qatar Work Visa
Before diving into details, understand the big picture. Qatar work visa isn’t one application – it’s six sequential stages:
Stage 1: Job Offer & Contract (1-2 weeks)
You receive and sign employment contract
Stage 2: Document Collection & Attestation (3-8 weeks)
You gather educational certificates, police clearance, etc. and get them attested
Stage 3: Work Permit Application (2-4 weeks)
Employer applies to Ministry of Labor for permission to hire you
Stage 4: Entry Permit Application (1-2 weeks)
After work permit approved, employer applies for your entry visa
Stage 5: Entry to Qatar (whenever you book flight)
You enter Qatar with entry permit, valid 30-90 days
Stage 6: Medical Tests, Fingerprinting & QID (2-4 weeks after arrival)
Final health screening and biometrics, then you receive Qatar ID card
Total timeline: 8-16 weeks (2-4 months) from signing contract to holding QID
Total cost to you: QR 500-3,000 (depending on attestation costs in your country)
Most delays happen in Stage 2 (attestation) and Stage 6 (medical test issues). We’ll cover how to avoid both.
Stage 1: Job Offer & Employment Contract
What Happens
After interviews, your employer sends an official job offer and employment contract. This isn’t just a formality – this contract is legally binding and will be submitted to the Ministry of Labor. Every detail matters.
What Should Be in Your Contract
Mandatory elements (required by Qatar Labor Law):
- Your details: Full name (exactly as in passport), nationality, passport number, date of birth
- Employer details: Company name, CR number (commercial registration), address
- Job title: Must match Ministry of Labor approved position
- Basic salary: Monthly amount in QAR
- Allowances: Housing, transportation, food (if provided)
- Total compensation: Basic + allowances
- Contract duration: Start date, typically 1-2 years initially
- Working hours: Standard is 48 hours/week (8 hours/day, 6 days)
- Annual leave: Minimum 3 weeks/year (longer for 5+ year employees)
- Probation period: Usually 6 months
- Notice period: How much notice to resign (usually 1-2 months)
- End of Service Benefits: Calculation method (minimum 3 weeks salary per year)
- Termination conditions: When contract can be ended
- Ticket provision: Annual ticket home (mandatory in Qatar)
Critical items to verify before signing:
Your basic salary vs total package:
Employers often advertise “QR 20,000 package” but contract shows QR 12,000 basic salary + QR 8,000 allowances. This matters because:
- Family visa sponsorship eligibility is based on BASIC salary only (need QR 10,000 minimum)
- End of service benefits calculated on basic salary only
- Banks give loans based on basic salary
Always ask: “What’s my basic salary specifically?” before signing.
Housing provision:
Three models:
- Company provides accommodation (free housing, you don’t choose)
- Housing allowance (QR 4,000-8,000/month, you find apartment)
- No housing provision (basic salary must be higher to compensate)
If housing allowance, make sure it’s realistic for where you’ll live. See our rent price guide by area to check if allowance covers actual rent.
Probation period implications:
During probation (usually 6 months):
- Either party can terminate with 1 week notice
- You won’t get end of service benefits if you leave
- Some companies withhold benefits during probation
After probation ends, you get full labor law protection.
Sponsor change restrictions:
Some contracts include clauses about not joining competitors or changing employers within X years. Qatar labor law now allows sponsor changes after 5 years OR contract completion, but some contracts try to be more restrictive.
Read carefully. If you see “Employee cannot join competitor for 2 years after leaving,” understand this might not be enforceable, but could create friction. See our guide: How to Change Sponsors in Qatar.
What You Do
- Review contract thoroughly – Don’t rush. Check every number, every clause.
- Clarify any confusion – Email HR with questions. Get answers in writing.
- Negotiate if needed – Basic salary, housing allowance, annual tickets, contract duration are all negotiable. See Negotiating Your Qatar Employment Package.
- Sign and return – Usually sign 2 copies, return both, employer returns one signed copy to you
- Request signed copy – Keep this safe. You’ll need it for family visa, bank accounts, etc.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks from offer to signed contract
Stage 2: Document Collection & Attestation (Most Time-Consuming)
This is where most people get stuck. You need specific documents, and most must be “attested” – verified authentic by government authorities. Attestation is a multi-step chain of certifications that proves your documents are legitimate.
Required Documents (Standard for Most Work Visas)
1. Passport
- Valid for minimum 6 months
- At least 2 blank pages
- Color scan/photo of data page
No attestation needed – just valid passport
2. Educational Certificates
What you need:
- Highest degree certificate (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
- Transcripts/marksheets (some employers require, some don’t)
- Original certificates, not photocopies
Attestation chain for educational certificates:
This is the most complex part. The chain varies by country, but standard path:
Step 1: Get certificate attested by university/institution that issued it
- Some universities charge fee (QR 50-500 equivalent)
- May require in-person visit or can be done by mail
- Get official stamp and signature from registrar
Step 2: Attest by Ministry of Education in your country
- Submit university-attested certificate
- Ministry verifies with university
- Adds their stamp and signature
- Fee: varies by country (typically $20-100 equivalent)
- Timeline: 1-3 weeks
Step 3: Attest by Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country
- Takes Education-attested certificate
- Adds MFA stamp
- Fee: $20-50 equivalent
- Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Step 4: Attest by Qatar Embassy in your country
- Takes MFA-attested certificate
- Qatar embassy verifies chain
- Adds embassy stamp
- Fee: $50-150 depending on country
- Timeline: 1-2 weeks (can be 4 weeks in busy embassies)
Step 5 (after arriving in Qatar): Final attestation by Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Your employer handles this
- Verifies embassy attestation
- Final Qatar government stamp
- No additional fee usually
- Timeline: 1 week
Total attestation timeline: 4-8 weeks
This attestation must be started IMMEDIATELY after signing contract. Don’t wait. This is the longest part of the process.
Country-specific notes:
India: Must attest through HRD (Human Resource Development) in your state, then MEA (Ministry of External Affairs), then Qatar embassy. Indian attestation is notoriously slow (6-8 weeks typical).
Pakistan: Through HEC (Higher Education Commission), then MOFA, then Qatar embassy. Similar timeline to India.
Philippines: DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) attestation required, then Qatar embassy. Usually faster (3-4 weeks).
Western countries (US, UK, Canada, EU): Often faster (2-4 weeks) as systems are more streamlined. Some use apostille system which simplifies process.
Pro tip from experience: Many countries now have attestation agents/services that handle the entire chain for you for a fee ($200-500). If you’re not physically present in your home country or don’t want the hassle, using an agent saves enormous time. Search “[your country] Qatar attestation services” to find them.
3. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
What it is: Certificate from your home country police confirming you have no criminal record
How to get:
India: Apply online through NSP (National Service Portal) or in-person at local police station
- Timeline: 2-4 weeks
- Fee: Free-₹500
- Validity: 6 months
Pakistan: Through local police station or Nadra
- Timeline: 2-4 weeks
- Fee: PKR 1,000-2,000
Philippines: NBI Clearance (National Bureau of Investigation)
- Apply online or in-person
- Timeline: 1-3 days to 2 weeks
- Fee: PHP 150
Western countries: FBI check (US), ACRO (UK), RCMP (Canada)
- Usually online application
- Timeline: 2-8 weeks
- Fee: $20-100
Attestation required: Yes, same chain as education certificates (MFA → Qatar Embassy)
Critical timing issue: PCC is usually valid for only 6 months from issue date. If your education attestation takes 8 weeks, don’t get PCC at the same time – it might expire before you use it.
Recommended sequence:
- Start education certificate attestation immediately (Week 0)
- Start PCC application in Week 4
- Both should be ready around Week 8
4. Medical Certificates (Pre-Arrival)
Some employers require:
- General health certificate from your home country
- Specific tests: HIV, Hepatitis B/C, TB screening
Most employers DON’T require pre-arrival medicals because you’ll do comprehensive medical screening after arriving in Qatar (Stage 6). But some industries (healthcare, education) require pre-screening.
If required:
- Visit approved medical center in your country
- Get tests done
- Certificate attested (same chain as above)
- Timeline: 1-2 weeks
- Cost: $100-300
5. Experience Certificates (If Applicable)
What: Letters from previous employers confirming your work experience
When needed: If your job requires prior experience or if your salary is based on experience level
Format: On company letterhead, signed by HR/manager, stating:
- Your employment dates
- Position held
- Brief responsibilities
- Reason for leaving (optional)
Attestation: Sometimes required (chamber of commerce → MFA → Qatar embassy). Check with your employer if attestation is needed.
6. Marriage Certificate (If Bringing Family)
Needed if: You plan to sponsor your spouse on family visa
Attestation chain: Same as education (MFA in your country → Qatar embassy)
Timeline to attest: 4-6 weeks
Critical: Start this simultaneously with education certificate attestation. Don’t wait until you arrive in Qatar to start family visa process.
7. Passport-Size Photos
- 10-15 photos
- White background
- Recent (within 6 months)
- Specifications vary but standard passport photo works
No attestation needed
8. Signed Employment Contract
- 2-3 signed copies (employer provides)
- Already covered in Stage 1
Document Checklist Summary
| Document | Attestation Needed? | Timeline | Your Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport copy | No | Immediate | Free |
| Education certificates | Yes (4-step chain) | 4-8 weeks | $100-500 |
| Police clearance | Yes (MFA + Embassy) | 2-4 weeks + 2 weeks attestation | $50-200 |
| Medical certificate | Sometimes | 1-2 weeks | $100-300 |
| Experience letters | Sometimes | 1-2 weeks | Free |
| Marriage certificate | Yes (if family visa) | 4-6 weeks | $100-300 |
| Photos | No | 1 day | $10-20 |
| TOTAL | 6-10 weeks | $350-1,320 |
This is YOUR cost. Employer doesn’t cover attestation expenses in most cases.
Attestation Services & Agents
If handling attestation yourself seems overwhelming (it is), you have two options:
Option 1: Do it yourself
- Cheaper (just government fees)
- Requires you to be physically present or have someone in home country
- Very time-consuming
- Must understand each authority’s requirements
Option 2: Use attestation agent
- Pay $200-500 additional fee
- Agent handles entire chain
- You just courier documents to them
- Much faster (they know processes)
- Recommended if you’re already outside your home country
Search terms: “[Your country] Qatar embassy attestation services” or “[Your country] MOFA attestation agent”
India: Companies like VFS Global, Attestation services Mumbai/Delhi
Pakistan: Many services in Islamabad, Karachi
Philippines: DFA accredited agencies
Western countries: Various apostille services
What You Do (Stage 2 Action Items)
Week 1 (immediately after signing contract):
- Order police clearance certificate
- Request certified copies of education certificates from university
- Start attestation process for education certificates
Week 2-4:
- Follow up on police clearance (should arrive)
- Continue education attestation chain
- Start police clearance attestation
Week 5-6:
- Both attestation chains nearing completion
- Get marriage certificate attested if bringing family
- Get passport photos
Week 7-8:
- All documents attested and ready
- Scan everything (backup copies)
- Courier originals to employer in Qatar via DHL/FedEx
Critical: Update your employer weekly on progress. If something is delayed, tell them immediately. Employers can sometimes expedite through their government contacts, but only if they know there’s a delay.
Stage 3: Work Permit Application (Employer Does This)
Once your employer receives your attested documents, they begin government applications. This stage is entirely on the employer’s side, but understanding the process helps you track progress.
What Your Employer Does
Step 1: Submit to Ministry of Labor (MOL)
Your employer’s PRO (Public Relations Officer – the person who handles government paperwork) submits:
- Your attested documents
- Employment contract
- Company’s request for work permit
- Quota justification (companies have limits on foreign workers by nationality)
Ministry of Labor verifies:
- Your educational qualifications match job requirements
- Job title is approved occupation
- Salary meets minimum for position
- Company hasn’t exceeded foreign worker quota
- No outstanding labor violations against company
Processing time: 2-4 weeks typically
Possible outcomes:
Approved: Work permit granted, proceed to entry permit
Rejected – document issue: Something wrong with attestation, need to re-submit. Could delay 2-4 more weeks.
Rejected – quota issue: Company exceeded foreign worker limits. Must request quota increase (can take months) or withdraw application.
Rejected – qualification mismatch: Your degree doesn’t match job. Example: Bachelor’s in Marketing but job is “Senior Engineer.” Employer must either change your job title or find someone else.
Your employer should update you: “Work permit submitted” → “Work permit approved”
If you haven’t heard anything in 4 weeks, politely follow up with HR.
Step 2: Labor Contract Registration
After work permit approval, employer registers your employment contract with MOL.
This creates official record in government system linking you to employer.
Timeline: 3-5 days
What Determines Work Permit Approval Speed
Fast approval (2 weeks):
- Large established company with good government relations
- Common job positions (engineer, accountant, teacher)
- Applicant from common nationality for that industry
- All documents perfect
Slow approval (4-6 weeks):
- Small/new company
- Unusual job titles
- Company has pending labor violations
- Document issues requiring re-submission
Very slow (2-3 months):
- Company is in restricted industry
- Applicant nationality faces extra scrutiny
- Major document problems requiring re-attestation
Stage 4: Entry Permit Application (Employer Does This)
After work permit approved and contract registered, employer applies for your entry permit – this is your actual visa to enter Qatar.
What Your Employer Does
Submit to Ministry of Interior:
- Approved work permit
- Your passport copy
- Recent photo
- Entry permit application fee (QR 200)
Ministry of Interior checks:
- Security clearance (background check)
- Your passport isn’t blacklisted
- No prior visa violations in Qatar or GCC
Processing time: 1-2 weeks
Entry permit issued: Electronic visa sent to employer and to you via email
Entry permit details:
- Your name, passport number, nationality
- Visa number
- Valid for entry within 60-90 days (must enter Qatar within this window)
- Single entry only
- Purpose: Employment
What You Do When You Receive Entry Permit
Immediately verify:
- Your name spelled EXACTLY as in passport (even one letter wrong = problem at airport)
- Passport number is correct
- Visa expiry date (when you must enter by)
If anything is wrong: Email employer immediately. Corrections take 1-2 weeks.
If everything correct:
- Book your flight (entry before visa expiry)
- Start planning where you’ll live (temporary accommodation for first month until you find apartment)
- Prepare for arrival
Timeline from work permit approval to entry permit in hand: 2-3 weeks
Stage 5: Entry to Qatar
You have your entry permit. Time to fly to Doha.
Before You Fly
Pack these documents in carry-on (not checked luggage):
- Passport with entry permit (print email confirmation)
- Signed employment contract (original)
- All attested documents (originals) – education, police clearance, etc.
- Passport photos (10 copies)
- Your employer’s contact details (phone number, address)
- Temporary accommodation booking confirmation
Don’t pack attested originals in checked luggage – if bag is lost, you’ll have to re-attest everything (another 2 months).
At Doha Hamad International Airport
Immigration process:
- Join “Residents” line (not “Visitors”) – You’re entering on work visa, not tourist visa
- Hand passport to immigration officer
- Officer checks entry permit in system
- Officer stamps your passport with:
- Entry date
- “Entry Permit” stamp
- Valid for 30-90 days (this is how long you have to complete medical tests and get QID)
- Officer says “Welcome to Qatar”
- Proceed to baggage claim
Entry permit is NOT your residence permit – it’s a temporary status allowing you to stay while processing your QID.
If you stay beyond 30-90 days without QID: You’re overstaying. Fines + possible deportation. This is why Stage 6 must be completed quickly.
First Day in Qatar
Your employer should:
- Arrange airport pickup (some do, some don’t – confirm beforehand)
- Provide temporary accommodation OR advance to help you book hotel
- Schedule you for medical tests within 3-7 days
If employer doesn’t provide accommodation: Book hotel for first 1-2 weeks. Use this time to search for apartment. See our best areas to live guide to know where to look.
Timeline: You’re now in Qatar, Stage 5 complete
Stage 6: Medical Tests, Fingerprinting & QID (Final Stage)
This is the final hurdle. Qatar requires all residents to pass medical fitness test before issuing residence permit (QID).
Medical Fitness Test
When: Within 7-10 days of arrival (employer schedules)
Where: Approved medical centers only. Main one is Hamad Medical Corporation Medical Commission in Doha. Some larger companies have contracts with private centers.
What tests:
1. Chest X-ray (TB screening) 2. Blood tests:
- HIV test
- Hepatitis B and C
- Blood group
- Blood sugar (sometimes)
3. Physical examination (brief checkup by doctor)
Duration: 2-3 hours at center (mostly waiting)
Cost: QR 100-200 (some employers pay, some deduct from salary)
Results: 3-7 days
Medical Test Results: Pass or Fail
If you pass (95% of people):
- Results uploaded to MOI system
- Proceed to fingerprinting
- QID processing begins
If you fail:
This is where things get serious. Qatar has strict health requirements for residence permits.
Conditions that typically result in visa rejection:
- Active tuberculosis (TB)
- HIV positive status
- Hepatitis B or C (depending on severity)
- Drug use (if detected in screening)
If diagnosed with any of above:
- Your entry permit is canceled
- You have 7-14 days to leave Qatar
- Employer terminates contract
- You bear cost of return ticket (usually)
- You’re banned from returning to Qatar (for health reasons)
This is harsh reality. Qatar doesn’t grant exceptions for work visas. Medical test is pass/fail with no appeal process.
How common is medical rejection? Roughly 2-3% of applicants. Most common reason: Previously undiagnosed TB or Hepatitis.
Prevention: If you have any chronic health conditions or know you might test positive for anything, get tested in your home country BEFORE accepting job offer. Don’t arrive in Qatar only to be sent home.
Fingerprinting & Biometrics
After medical clearance:
Employer schedules fingerprinting appointment (usually within 3-5 days of medical clearance).
Where: MOI Biometrics Center (several locations in Doha – employer tells you which)
Process:
- Bring passport and entry permit stamp
- Digital fingerprints of all 10 fingers
- Digital photo taken
- Signature captured
- Full biometric profile created
Duration: 30-60 minutes (mostly waiting)
Cost: Included in QID processing fee (paid by employer)
QID Application Submission
After fingerprints, your employer’s PRO submits final QID application to Ministry of Interior.
Documents submitted:
- Medical clearance
- Biometrics confirmation
- All your attested documents
- Employment contract
- Passport copy
- QID application form
MOI processes:
- Verifies all documents
- Links everything to your biometric profile
- Manufactures QID card
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Receiving Your Qatar ID (QID)
Notification: Employer’s PRO checks system daily. When QID is ready, PRO collects it from MOI.
What you receive:
- Qatar ID card (plastic card, credit card size)
- Your photo
- Full name (Arabic and English)
- QID number (11 digits – this is your permanent ID in Qatar)
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Expiry date (linked to contract end date)
- Sponsor name (employer)
- Address
Front of card: Photo, name, QID number
Back of card: Full details in Arabic and English
This card is your official residence permit. You MUST carry it at all times in Qatar. Police can ask to see it. Not carrying QID = fine.
What Your QID Allows You To Do
Now you’re official Qatar resident. You can:
✅ Open bank account (most banks require QID)
✅ Apply for driving license
✅ Rent apartment in your own name
✅ Sign utility contracts (Kahramaa for electricity/water)
✅ Get mobile phone contract (Ooredoo/Vodafone)
✅ Sponsor family members (if salary qualifies)
✅ Access government services (via Metrash2 app)
✅ Travel in/out of Qatar freely (with passport + QID)
Your work visa is now complete. You’ve gone from “job offer” to “legal resident of Qatar.”
Total timeline from entry to QID in hand: 3-4 weeks
Complete Timeline Summary (Realistic Expectations)
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| 1. Contract signing | 1-2 weeks |
| 2. Document attestation | 6-10 weeks |
| 3. Work permit approval | 2-4 weeks |
| 4. Entry permit approval | 1-2 weeks |
| 5. Flight to Qatar | Few days |
| 6. Medical, fingerprinting, QID | 3-4 weeks |
| TOTAL MINIMUM | 13-22 weeks (3-5.5 months) |
Realistic for most people: 4 months from signing contract to receiving QID
Fast-track (everything perfect): 10-12 weeks (2.5-3 months)
Slow cases (document issues, employer delays): 6-8 months
Total Costs (What You Pay)
Documents & Attestation:
- Education attestation: $100-300
- Police clearance: $50-100
- Police clearance attestation: $100-200
- Marriage certificate attestation (if family): $100-200
- Courier fees (DHL to Qatar): $50-100
- Photos: $10-20
- Attestation agent fee (optional): $200-500
After Arrival:
- Temporary accommodation (if not provided): QR 3,000-6,000 for 2-4 weeks
- Medical test: QR 100-200 (sometimes employer pays)
- Initial food/transport: QR 1,000-2,000
TOTAL OUT OF POCKET: QR 2,000-5,000 ($550-1,375)
What employer pays:
- Work permit fee: QR 200
- Entry permit fee: QR 200
- QID processing: QR 200
- PRO services: QR 500-2,000
- Your flight ticket (usually, check contract)
Most employers cover official fees but NOT your attestation costs.
Common Problems & How to Avoid Them
Problem 1: Attestation Takes Forever (Most Common)
Scenario: You start education attestation in Week 2. By Week 10, it’s still not done. Work permit can’t be filed. Employer gets frustrated. Delay cascades.
Solution:
- Start attestation the DAY you sign contract, not “when you get around to it”
- Use attestation agent if you’re not physically in home country
- Follow up every 3-4 days with each authority
- Have backup plan (if University Registrar is on vacation, find alternate signatory)
Problem 2: Name Mismatch Between Documents
Scenario: Your passport says “Mohammad Ahmed Ali Khan.” Your degree certificate says “Mohammed A. Khan.” Embassy attestation uses “Muhammad Ahmad Ali.” Qatar MOL rejects due to name inconsistency.
Solution:
- Before starting attestation, verify EXACT name spelling across:
- Passport
- Degree certificates
- Police clearance
- Employment contract
- If names don’t match perfectly, get an affidavit from your home country (notarized document stating “Mohammad Ahmed Ali Khan” and “Mohammed A. Khan” are the same person)
- Have this affidavit attested along with other documents
Problem 3: Medical Test Failure
Scenario: You arrive in Qatar. Medical test reveals condition you didn’t know about. Visa canceled. Sent home.
Solution:
- Get comprehensive medical checkup in home country BEFORE accepting offer
- Specifically test for: TB (chest X-ray), HIV, Hepatitis B/C
- If you have any chronic condition, disclose to employer upfront
- Some conditions are manageable with treatment letter from doctor
Problem 4: Employer Delays on Their Side
Scenario: You’ve done everything right. Documents ready by Week 8. But employer’s PRO is slow, or company has internal issues. Work permit isn’t filed until Week 15.
Solution:
- Politely but firmly follow up every week: “Any update on work permit status?”
- Ask for specific timeline: “When exactly will PRO submit to MOL?”
- If delay exceeds 6 weeks beyond your document submission, this might be red flag about employer’s organization or financial situation
- Consider: Is this employer reliable? (Research company on Qatar Living forums, ask other employees)
Problem 5: Entry Permit Expires Before You Can Travel
Scenario: Entry permit issued with 60-day validity. You need to finish things in home country but can’t travel until Day 65. Permit expires. Must reapply (another 2 weeks + fee).
Solution:
- When contract is being negotiated, discuss: “How much notice do I need to give before traveling to Qatar?”
- Plan your home country exit before work permit is even filed
- Don’t book non-refundable flight until entry permit is in hand
- If you need extension, some employers can request 30-day extension from MOI (not guaranteed)
Problem 6: QID Takes Longer Than 30-Day Entry Permit
Scenario: Your entry permit stamp says “valid 30 days.” But medical test delayed, or fingerprinting appointment is 2 weeks out. Day 30 arrives, no QID yet. Technically overstaying.
Solution:
- Your employer’s PRO should monitor this closely
- If QID processing extends beyond entry permit, PRO must file extension request with MOI
- Usually granted automatically (additional 30-60 days)
- You won’t be fined/deported if employer is handling it properly
- But still push employer: “My entry permit expires Day X, where’s my QID?”
What Happens After You Get QID
Your work visa is complete, but your Qatar life is just beginning.
Week 1 with QID:
- Open bank account (take passport + QID + salary certificate from employer)
- Apply for driving license (you’ll need QID + other documents)
- Register with Metrash2 app (Qatar government services app – download it, register with QID number)
Week 2-4:
- Find permanent apartment
- Sign rental contract (landlord requires QID copy)
- Set up utilities (Kahramaa for electricity/water)
- Get mobile plan (Ooredoo vs Vodafone comparison)
Month 2-3:
- If bringing family: Start family visa application
- Settle into work routine
- Explore Qatar on weekends
- Join expat communities
Month 6 (End of probation):
- Review your situation: Happy with job? Employer treating you well?
- If not, understand your rights to change jobs
- If yes, start thinking long-term: housing upgrade, family sponsorship, buying property, career growth
For complete guide to settling into Qatar life: Complete Guide to Living in Qatar as Expat
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I come to Qatar on tourist visa and convert to work visa?
A: No. You cannot convert tourist visa to work visa while in Qatar. Process must be: Employer applies for your work visa while you’re outside Qatar → You receive entry permit → You enter on work visa.
If you’re in Qatar on tourist visa and get job offer, you must exit Qatar, employer processes work visa from outside, then you re-enter on work visa.
Q: How long does Qatar work visa take?
A: Realistically, 3-5 months from signing contract to receiving QID. Breakdown: 6-10 weeks attestation + 2-4 weeks work permit + 1-2 weeks entry permit + 3-4 weeks after arrival for QID = 12-20 weeks.
Q: Can I start working before QID is issued?
A: Technically yes, once you’ve entered Qatar on entry permit and passed medical test, you can start work. But practically, many things require QID (bank account, driving, apartment rental), so some employers prefer you wait until QID is in hand.
Q: What if my medical test fails?
A: Your visa is canceled. You must leave Qatar within 7-14 days. Contract is terminated. This is final – no appeals. Most common reasons: TB, HIV, Hepatitis. Get tested before accepting job offer to avoid this.
Q: Can I bring family immediately?
A: You can start family visa process after you receive your QID and if your salary meets QR 10,000/month minimum. Family visa takes 2-3 months. See Qatar family visa guide.
Q: What if I want to change employers after arriving?
A: If you’ve completed your contract OR worked 5+ years, you can change without current employer permission. If not, you need NOC (No Objection Certificate) from current employer. Many employers refuse. Full details: How to Change Sponsors in Qatar.
Q: What happens if I lose my job?
A: You have 30 days grace period to either: (1) Find new employer who sponsors you, (2) Transfer to family member’s sponsorship, or (3) Leave Qatar. After 30 days without sponsor, you’re illegal and face deportation.
Q: Do I need exit permit to travel?
A: Most employees no longer need exit permit for temporary travel (2-3 week trips). But some positions and nationalities still require it. Check with employer. Full guide: Exit Permit Qatar Rules 2026.
Q: What documents should I bring from home country?
A: Beyond attested education/police clearance:
- Extra copies of all certificates (10 copies each)
- Driver’s license from home country (if you want Qatar license)
- Medical records (if chronic conditions)
- Kids’ school records (if bringing family later)
- Personal items that are expensive in Qatar (electronics, specific medications, ethnic groceries)
Q: How much money should I bring when relocating?
A: Plan for first 2 months expenses before first salary:
- Accommodation: QR 4,000-8,000
- Food: QR 1,500-3,000
- Transport: QR 500-1,000
- Setup costs: QR 2,000-4,000
- Minimum: QR 10,000-15,000 ($2,750-4,100)
Some employers give advance or settling-in allowance. Ask during negotiation.
For detailed cost breakdown: Cost of Living in Qatar
Checklist: Your Work Visa Action Plan
Immediately After Job Offer:
- Review and sign contract
- Order police clearance certificate
- Request certified education certificates from university
- Start education attestation process
- If bringing family: Start marriage certificate attestation
Weeks 2-6:
- Continue attestation chains
- Follow up weekly with attestation authorities
- Get passport photos
- Update employer on progress weekly
Weeks 6-8:
- All attestations complete
- Scan backup copies of everything
- Courier originals to employer in Qatar
After Employer Receives Documents:
- Confirm employer received documents
- Ask for estimated timeline for work permit
- Follow up every 2 weeks
After Entry Permit Issued:
- Verify all details are correct
- Book flight
- Arrange temporary accommodation
- Pack attested documents in carry-on
First Week in Qatar:
- Complete medical test
- Start apartment search
- Meet with employer/HR for onboarding
Weeks 2-4 in Qatar:
- Fingerprinting
- Wait for QID
- Once QID received: bank account, driving license, permanent apartment
Summary: Getting Qatar Work Visa in 2026
The process is straightforward in theory but complex in execution. Your biggest responsibility is document attestation – start immediately, use agents if needed, and don’t underestimate the 6-10 week timeline.
Your employer handles government applications, but you must:
- Provide attested documents on time
- Pass medical test
- Be patient through bureaucratic delays
Timeline: 3-5 months from contract to QID
Your cost: QR 2,000-5,000
Success rate: 97% (3% fail medical tests)
The work visa opens doors to everything else in Qatar: housing, driving, banking, family sponsorship. Get this right, and your Qatar life begins smoothly.
Next steps:
- Review your employment contract carefully
- Start attestation immediately
- Read: Complete Guide to Living in Qatar
- Plan ahead: Best Areas to Live in Doha
- Understand costs: Qatar Salary Guide
About This Guide:
Last updated: February 19, 2026
Based on current Qatar Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Labor procedures. Immigration laws can change – always verify with your employer and official government sources.
Alzeenah – Your trusted guide to life in Qatar