Work visas
Qatari Work Residence Permit (Employment Visa)
The employer-sponsored residence permit that lets an expatriate legally live and work in Qatar, tied to an attested employment contract and a Qatar ID.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Any specific QID/permit fee (e.g. ~QAR 1,000/year) and the 7-day post-arrival window come from secondary sources and are not confirmed on an official fee page — verify with the Ministry of Labour / General Directorate of Passports.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Qatar government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Work Residence Permit
- Route type
- Employer-sponsored residence and work permit
- Sponsorship
- Employer-sponsored (requires attested employment contract)
- Renewal
- Renewed by employer, typically annually
- Outcome
- Qatar ID (QID) residence card
Who it is for
- Expatriates with a job offer from a Qatar-based employer
- Employers recruiting foreign workers who arrange the work visa and permit
Requirements
- Employer sponsorship and recruitment/work-visa approval
- Attested employment contract (attested via the Ministry of Labour)
- Medical examination at an approved centre after arrival
- Fingerprinting / biometrics
- Valid passport
What you can do
- Live in Qatar and work for the sponsoring employer
- Later sponsor family members for a family residence visa if income/housing conditions are met
- Apply for a Qatar ID (QID)
How to apply
- Employer obtains work-visa / recruitment approval (Ministry of Labour fast-track e-service for compliant companies)
- Employee enters Qatar on the work visa
- Complete medical test, biometrics and contract attestation
- Employer finalises the residence permit and Qatar ID through the General Directorate of Passports / Hukoomi
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.