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  • Home
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  •  /  Country Overviews
  •  /  Qatar
  • Country Overviews

Qatar

At a Glance

Capital Doha
Language Arabic
Population 2,881,000
GDP Total $191.4 billion
GDP Per Capita $68,793.70
Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

 

When traveling to Qatar, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you require work authorization. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

 

Traveling for Business

 

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Qatar, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

  • » Attend business meetings or conferences
  • » Buy goods for sale outside the country
  • » Tour a company facility
  • » Conduct negotiations or exploratory activities

 

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Qatar?

Most foreign nationals, including nationals of the United States and the European Union member states, are required to obtain a Business Visa from a Qatari Consulate or Embassy prior to travel. Only nationals from eligible Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states are eligible for visa waiver status, which allows visitors to enter and conduct business activities in Qatar. Please obtain an individual assessment prior to travel to determine your eligibility for a visa waiver.

 

Working in Qatar

 

What types of activities require work authorization?

Foreign nationals may work in Qatar with a Business Visa or visa waiver on a short-term basis without having to obtain work or residence authorization, as long as they are not remunerated in Qatar. Foreign nationals are advised to consult with their immigration counsel prior to travel to verify that their activities are permitted without obtaining work authorization.

 

If I am traveling to Qatar for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

The requirements for work authorization depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and on whether your employer has an entity in Qatar. The most common types of work authorization for Qatar are:

  • » Mission Visa (short-term work visa for defense contractors)
  • » Work Visa and Residence Permit (long-term work authorization)

 

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

While not exempt from work authorization requirements, nationals of eligible GCC member states benefit from an abbreviated process for obtaining work authorization in Qatar. However, registrations or other formalities may be required prior to working or residing in Qatar.

 

What else should I know?

 

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

 

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.


News and Events

7 Apr 22

‘Visa on Arrival’ requirements to be changed for...

Qatar

2 Mar 22

COVID-19: New travel, entry policies implemented

COVID-19 Qatar

31 Jan 22

COVID-19: Travel restriction lists updated

COVID-19 Qatar

6 Jan 22

COVID-19: Travel restriction lists updated

COVID-19 Qatar

4 Jan 22

COVID-19: Vaccination validity to be reduced, travel lists...

COVID-19 Qatar

21 Dec 21

COVID-19: Travel restriction lists updated

COIVD-19 Qatar

6 Dec 21

COVID-19: Travel restriction lists updated

COVID-19 Qatar

18 Nov 21

COVID-19: Travel restriction lists updated

COVID-19 Qatar

27 Oct 21

Mandatory health insurance for foreign nationals forthcoming

Qatar

12 Oct 21

Legal status grace period announced

Qatar

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At a Glance

Capital Doha
Language Arabic
Population 2,881,000
GDP Total $191.4 billion
GDP Per Capita $68,793.70

Related News

  • ‘Visa on Arrival’ requirements to be changed for...

    QATAR   7 Apr 22

  • COVID-19: New travel, entry policies implemented

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    QATAR   31 Jan 22

  • COVID-19: Travel restriction lists updated

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    QATAR   12 Oct 21

  • COVID-19: New travel and return policy announced

    QATAR   5 Oct 21

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    QATAR   19 Jul 21

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  • COVID-19: Pandemic measures reimposed amid uptick in cases

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  • COVID-19: Quarantine exemption announced for vaccinated travelers

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  • COVID-19: Travel and return policy amendments announced

    QATAR   4 Feb 21

  • COVID-19: List of low-risk countries updated again effective...

    QATAR   22 Dec 20

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  • COVID-19: List of low-risk countries updated again

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  • COVID-19: Low-risk countries Green List updated

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  • COVID-19: Exceptional entry permit service launching

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  • COVID-19: New entry regulations implemented

    QATAR   26 Jun 20

  • COVID-19: Government updates travel, virus-related restrictions

    QATAR   26 May 20

  • COVID-19: Establishment Cards renewal

    QATAR   7 May 20

  • COVID-19: Visitor relief measures implemented

    QATAR   24 Apr 20

  • COVID-19: Travel ban extended, visa extension measures implemented

    QATAR   3 Apr 20

  • Visa and travel suspensions announced

    QATAR   17 Mar 20

  • Mandatory address registration period now open

    QATAR   28 Jan 20

  • Address registration to be required under National Address...

    QATAR   9 Dec 19

  • Family Visa applicants now required to use Metrash...

    QATAR   18 Oct 19

  • Degree certificates, related documents now required for ‘general...

    QATAR   25 Jun 19

  • Permanent residence applications now accepted from long-time residents

    QATAR   7 May 19

  • Update: exit permit still required in free zones

    QATAR   25 Apr 19

  • Exit permit requirement ends

    QATAR   29 Oct 18

  • Implementation date still unknown for new law to...

    QATAR   12 Oct 18

  • New rules set for foreign engineers

    QATAR   17 May 18

  • Expatriates may stay and use banks beyond visa...

    QATAR   13 Nov 17

  • New rule implemented for block visa amendments

    QATAR   7 Nov 17

  • Qatar launches new e-visa system

    QATAR   10 Oct 17

  • Pakistani nationals now eligible for visas on arrival

    PAKISTAN, QATAR   10 Oct 17

  • Qatar moves toward providing permanent residency to some...

    QATAR   28 Sep 17

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    UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, QATAR   12 Jul 17

  • Qatar says nationals of countries that have cut...

    GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL, QATAR   12 Jun 17

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    GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL, JORDAN, PHILIPPINES, QATAR   8 Jun 17

  • Travel to Qatar restricted, as several countries cut...

    EGYPT, GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL, QATAR   5 Jun 17

  • Egyptian nationals face increased denials for visas, visas...

    QATAR   1 May 17

  • Visitors must show proof of return ticket

    QATAR   16 Feb 17

  • Reforms to kafala system coming in December

    QATAR   14 Nov 16

  • Stricter requirements imposed on attestation of diplomas

    QATAR   25 Aug 16

  • Restrictive driver’s license policy announced

    QATAR   4 Jan 16

  • In-country conversions to work visas no longer allowed

    QATAR   20 May 15

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