Last Reviewed: February 2026 | Topic: Qatar Relocation Guide | Reading Time: 16 minutes

Quick Answer: Moving to Qatar involves four stages: before you leave home (attest documents, arrange accommodation, prepare finances), Week 1 (medical test at Abu Hamour, SIM card, bank account), Month 1 (QID, driving license, permanent accommodation, PHCC registration, utilities), and Month 2 to 3 (family visa applications, school enrolment, car purchase). The QID is the single most important document — every other step unlocks from it.

Qatar is home to over 2.5 million expatriates who make up 88 percent of the country’s population. Almost everyone who lives here came from somewhere else, which means two things: there is an enormous amount of collective knowledge about making this move work, and there are also a lot of recurring mistakes that new arrivals make simply because nobody handed them a proper ordered list.

This guide is that list. It is organised by timeline — what to do before you leave home, what to do in your first week, what must be completed by the end of Month 1, and what to tackle in Months 2 and 3. At each stage, costs are included so you can budget accurately. The cultural notes and the common mistakes section at the end are based on what the expat community most consistently reports wishing they had known earlier.

Table of Contents

Before You Leave Your Home Country

The work you do before departure determines how smoothly the first few weeks go. Two areas require more attention than anything else: document attestation and financial preparation.

Get Your Documents Attested

Attestation is the process of getting official documents certified so they are legally recognised in Qatar. It is the single most overlooked step by new arrivals, and its absence causes enormous delays when they later try to sponsor family members.

Every educational certificate you plan to use in Qatar — your degree, professional qualifications, and school transcripts — should be attested by your home country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and then by the Qatar Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

If you plan to bring your family to Qatar at any point, also attest your marriage certificate and your children’s birth certificates before you leave. Once you are in Qatar, getting documents attested from abroad is slower, more expensive, and requires trusting documents to international couriers. Getting it done at home costs between USD 50 and USD 200 per document set, depending on your country.

Arrange Temporary Accommodation

Your employer may provide company-arranged housing — confirm this in writing before departure. If not, book a hotel or serviced apartment for the first two to four weeks. Do not commit to a long-term lease before you arrive.

Qatar is not a city you can fully understand from property listings. The area that looks perfect online may be too far from your office, too noisy, or simply not the right fit for your lifestyle. Serviced apartments in Al Sadd, West Bay, or Lusail run from QR 3,000 to QR 6,000 per month and give you the time to explore properly before committing.

Financial Preparation

Notify your home country bank that you are moving abroad to prevent your cards being blocked for unusual international transactions. Bring the equivalent of USD 1,000 to USD 2,000 in cash for your first week — you will not have a Qatar bank account yet, and some services still require cash.

Qatar’s currency, the Qatari Riyal (QAR), is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of 3.64. There is no exchange rate risk to worry about for USD-earning or USD-thinking residents.

If your employer has not offered a joining allowance or relocation package, now is the time to negotiate one. Lump-sum joining bonuses of QR 5,000 to QR 15,000 are common in Qatar’s oil and gas, construction, healthcare, and education sectors.

What to Pack and What to Leave Behind

Most household goods can be imported duty-free as personal effects when you arrive with a new work visa, provided you prepare an itemised inventory list in English and Arabic. Do not ship a car from abroad — importing used vehicles into Qatar is heavily restricted and rarely worth the customs complexity. Buy locally.

Alcohol is purchased in Qatar through the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) by licensed residents — you cannot import it from home. Pork products are not available in mainstream supermarkets but are found in specialist stores and some hotel restaurants.

Any medications you take regularly should be accompanied by a valid prescription letter from your doctor, translated into English. Qatar Customs checks medications at entry — controlled substances require prior approval from Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health.

Week 1 in Qatar: The Seven Days That Matter Most

Day 1: Land at HIA, Get a SIM Card Immediately

The arrivals hall at Hamad International Airport has kiosks from both of Qatar’s mobile operators — Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar. Buy a prepaid SIM before you reach the taxi rank. A starter SIM with data costs QR 30 to QR 60.

You will need a local mobile number within hours of landing. The Metrash app — Qatar’s MOI services platform — sends all notifications and OTPs to a local mobile number. Landlords, banks, and government offices all communicate via local numbers.

One critical update for 2026: the old Metrash2 app was discontinued from March 1 2026. Download the updated Metrash app from the App Store or Google Play immediately after landing. Metrash handles visa applications, NOC requests, QID status, residence permits, and almost every other MOI interaction you will have during your time in Qatar.

Days 1 to 3: Complete the Medical Test at Abu Hamour

The medical examination at the Medical Commission is the first formal step of your residency process in Qatar. It must be completed before your QID can be issued. Do not wait until the end of the week — go on Day 2 or Day 3 after arrival.

Where: Al Muntazah Street, off E-Ring Road, Abu Hamour, Doha. Search “Medical Commission Department Qatar” on Google Maps.

Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

What to bring: Original passport, work visa printout, and a debit or credit card for the QR 100 fee (no cash accepted).

What happens: Blood tests (HIV, Hepatitis B and C), chest X-ray (tuberculosis screening), and a brief physical examination. The entire process takes between 45 minutes and 3 hours depending on queues.

Results: Available within 24 to 72 hours via the MOPH website at moph.gov.qa, or by SMS. Keep the MC number from your registration receipt — you need it to check your results online.

Arrive early. The morning session queue fills quickly from Sunday to Monday. Mid-week afternoons (Tuesday and Wednesday, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM) are typically the least crowded.

Days 2 to 4: Open a Bank Account

Most banks in Qatar allow new expats to open an account using their work visa and passport while their QID is still being processed. Confirm this with the specific bank before visiting, as policies vary.

The major banks used by expats in Qatar are QNB (the largest network and most international-friendly), Commercial Bank (strong digital banking), and QIIB or QIB for those who prefer Islamic banking products.

Bring your original passport, work visa printout, a salary letter from your employer, and accommodation proof (hotel booking or tenancy contract). Your employer will need your IBAN once the account is open to set up your WPS salary transfer.

For sending money home, do not use your primary bank account’s international transfer service — the fees are high. Qatar has an excellent network of licensed exchange houses (Al Fardan, Al Ansari, Western Union partners) that offer better rates for remittances.

Days 5 to 7: Fingerprinting and QID Application

Once your medical test results show as FIT on the MOPH website, you can proceed to fingerprinting.

Go to the CEID office on Salwa Road or the Mesaimeer MOI Service Centre. Bring your original passport, work visa printout, and the MC number receipt from the Medical Commission.

After fingerprinting is logged, apply for the QID either through the Metrash app (Residency section) or directly at the MOI Service Centre counter. The QID card costs QR 500 for a one-year residence permit. If you want it delivered to your door, pay an additional QR 20 for QPost delivery. Same-day printing is available at the MOI Service Centre counter if you apply in person.

Track QPost delivery at moi.gov.qa under Inquiries > QPost Service > QPost Requests Tracking.

Month 1: Building Your Life in Qatar

Register Your National Address (Do This the Day You Get Your QID)

Qatar law requires all residents to register a National Address with the MOI. It is a mandatory step that takes 5 minutes in the Metrash app. Go to Certificates > National Address Certificate, enter your home address details, and submit.

This step is consistently skipped or forgotten by new arrivals and then causes frustration at QID renewal time. Do it the same day your QID arrives.

Register with a PHCC Clinic

All legal Qatar residents are entitled to primary healthcare at subsidised rates through the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC). Registration is free and done at the PHCC clinic nearest to your home address — bring your QID and they will set up your patient record on the spot.

Consultation fees are QR 30 per visit for expatriates. Your employer’s health insurance covers private hospitals and specialists, but PHCC covers everyday GP needs, basic prescriptions, vaccinations, and referrals — and is far quicker for routine appointments than private clinics in peak hours.

Find your nearest clinic at phcc.com.qa.

Get Your Qatar Driving License

Qatar outside central Doha is not walkable and public transport coverage is still limited. A Qatar driving license is one of the most practically important things you can obtain in Month 1.

If your home country qualifies for a direct license exchange (most Western, European, Australian, and several other nationalities), the process is simple: get an NOC from your sponsor via the Metrash app, take the NOC and your original foreign license to an authorised driving school, complete an eye test, and submit the application. The Qatar license is issued within a few days.

If your nationality does not qualify for direct exchange, enrol in an authorised driving school, complete the theory test, practical training sessions, and road test. Total cost: QR 1,500 to QR 3,500 depending on school and the number of lessons needed.

The Metrash NOC for driving license is found under the Permits section of the app. It is free and processed within 24 hours.

Open a Traffic File

Before you can register or buy a vehicle in Qatar, you need a traffic file in your name at the MOI’s General Directorate of Traffic. Visit any MOI Service Centre Traffic Department counter with your QID, passport, and a passport photo. The fee is approximately QR 100 and the file is opened on the spot.

Find Permanent Accommodation

After two to four weeks of living in a serviced apartment, you will know which parts of Doha suit you. Use that knowledge to make a confident long-term rental decision.

Key things to understand about renting in Qatar: most landlords require annual rent paid upfront or in quarterly post-dated cheques. Monthly payment arrangements exist but typically command a premium of 10 to 20 percent above the annual rate. All tenancy contracts should be registered through the Ejari system — your landlord handles this, but confirm it is done.

Rental costs in Doha vary enormously by area. A 1-bedroom apartment in Al Sadd or Najma runs from QR 3,500 to QR 6,000 per month. The same apartment in The Pearl or West Bay costs QR 7,000 to QR 12,000. Compound villas with pools and gyms in areas like Al Gharrafa, Al Wukair, or Ain Khalid range from QR 8,000 to QR 15,000 per month for a 2 to 3 bedroom unit.

Set Up Your Utilities

Electricity and water in Qatar are supplied by Kahramaa. In most apartments, the landlord sets up the account — confirm this before moving in. In villas with direct meters, you may need to register your own Kahramaa account at kahramaa.com.qa.

For internet, both Ooredoo Home and Vodafone Qatar offer fibre packages starting from QR 149 per month for 100 Mbps up to QR 399 for 1 Gbps. Installation takes 3 to 7 working days.

Get a Woqood Fuel Card

Qatar has some of the cheapest fuel in the world — approximately QR 0.85 per litre for premium grade as of 2026. Most petrol stations are operated by Woqood, Qatar’s national fuel company. A Woqood card lets you pay at the pump via the app without cash. Apply at any Woqood station or via the Woqood app with your QID.

Months 2 to 3: Sponsoring Family and Long-Term Settling In

Apply for Family Visa or Family Residence Permit

Once your QID is established and your salary is confirmed on WPS, you can apply for family visas. The minimum salary to sponsor a spouse and children for a visit visa is QR 5,000 per month. For a family residence permit, the threshold is QR 6,000 per month with employer-provided housing, or QR 10,000 without.

Apply through the Metrash app under the Visa section. For the full step-by-step process, see our guides: [How to Apply for a Family Visit Visa in Qatar] and [How to Convert a Family Visit Visa to a Residence Permit in Qatar].

Enrol Children in School

School applications in Qatar open months before the September academic year start. If your children will be school-age, apply to international schools as early as possible — the most popular schools have waiting lists that stretch 6 to 12 months. Documents required include birth certificates, previous school records, immunisation history, passport copies, and your QID.

Annual school fees range from QR 15,000 for community-level schools to QR 90,000 for top-tier international campuses.

Understand Your Labour Rights

Qatar Labour Law covers every private sector worker in the country. Every expat should know: you are entitled to a minimum of 3 weeks annual leave per year, end of service gratuity of 3 weeks of basic salary per year of service, and salary payment via WPS within 7 days of the due date. The exit permit for most workers was abolished in 2020 — you do not need employer permission to leave Qatar for most professions.

If you have concerns about your employment contract, the Ministry of Labour operates a worker support centre and hotline. Document all communications with your employer in writing.

The Apps and Numbers You Need From Day One

Download Metrash (updated March 2026 version), Karwa Taxi, Careem, Talabat, Kahramaa, Woqood, Qatar Rail, and PHCC Qatar in your first 24 hours. These seven apps cover transportation, food, utilities, fuel, healthcare, and all MOI government services.

Key numbers to save: MOI Contact Centre 2347444, Medical Commission 4467 9111, Qatar Police Emergency 999, Kahramaa 991, PHCC appointments 107, Ooredoo customer service 800 7777, Vodafone Qatar 800 7111.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to get a QID after arriving in Qatar? For most new employees, the QID is ready within 7 to 14 days of arrival. Medical test on Day 2 or 3, wait for FIT result (24 to 72 hours), fingerprinting on Day 5 to 7, QID application same day, card either printed same day at MOI Service Centre or delivered by QPost within 3 to 5 working days.

Q: Can I drive in Qatar before getting a Qatar driving license? Yes, for a limited period. An international driving permit is valid for 6 months from arrival. Your home country license alone is generally valid for car rental for up to 2 weeks. Apply for a Qatar license as early as possible in Month 1.

Q: Do I need to carry my QID at all times? Yes. Qatar law requires all residents to carry valid identification. Always carry your QID once it is issued.

Q: Do I need an exit permit to leave Qatar? For most workers in 2026, no. The exit permit was abolished for the majority of private sector workers in September 2020. Certain essential workers in specific employer categories may still require one — check your contract. Outstanding debts and court-ordered travel bans are separate matters and can prevent departure regardless.

Q: What is the QDC and how do I get an alcohol licence? The Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) is the only licensed alcohol retailer in Qatar available to residents. Apply for a QDC licence online at qdc.com.qa once your QID and WPS salary are active. The licence costs QR 70 per month and allows a monthly alcohol purchasing quota based on your salary level.

Q: How do I send money home from Qatar? Use a licensed exchange house — Al Fardan Exchange, Al Ansari Exchange, Western Union, or any bank-authorised money transfer service. Exchange houses consistently offer better rates and lower fees than bank international wire transfers. Most accept cash and card for transfers.

Summary

Moving to Qatar is entirely manageable when approached in the right order. Attest your documents before you leave home. Get the medical test done in the first 3 days. Have your QID in hand within the first 2 weeks. Build out from there: driving license, bank account upgrades, permanent accommodation, PHCC registration, family visas. The city rewards residents who take the time to understand how it works — and it is an extraordinary place to live once you do.

Moving to Qatar – The Complete 2026 Checklist for Expats