Deep coverage13 verified routes across visit, study, work, investment, family and more.
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Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Qatar.
4 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Qatar Visa-Free Entry (Visa Waiver on Arrival)
Citizens of 100+ countries receive a free visa waiver on arrival. Tier A nationals (33 countries, incl. most EU/Schengen states) get a multiple-entry waiver valid 180 days allowing 90 days of stay; Tier B nationals (about 47 countries, incl. USA, UK, Canada, Australia) get 30 days, extendable once for a further 30 days. Travellers need a passport valid 3+ months, onward/return ticket and confirmed accommodation; GCC nationals enter with just a passport or GCC ID.
Government fee
QAR 0
Service fee
QAR 160
Max stay
90 days
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (5)
Valid passportValid for at least 3 months from the date of arrival (6 months recommended).How to get it ↓
Return or onward ticketConfirmed return/onward flight ticket if arriving by air.How to get it ↓
Confirmed accommodationHotel booking or host address; bookable/registerable via the Hayya platform.How to get it ↓
Health insuranceOptionalPolicy covering medical treatment in Qatar, per Ministry of Public Health requirements for stays over 30 days.How to get it ↓
Hayya pre-registrationOptionalOptional advance registration on hayya.qa to speed up entry.How to get it ↓
Tourist Visa
Qatar Hayya Tourist Visa (A1)
Electronic tourist visa applied for on the Hayya platform (hayya.qa) by nationals not eligible for the visa waiver; fee QAR 100. Allows a stay of up to 30 days, extendable for a further 30 days. Requires confirmed accommodation (hotel, rental or family/friends hosting), health insurance per MOPH rules, and a return ticket; nationals of India, Pakistan, Thailand and Iran must book an approved hotel via Discover Qatar. A separate Hayya A2 visa (QAR 100) serves GCC residents, and a Qatar-Oman joint tourist visa (30 days, extendable) covers 34 nationalities.
Valid passportValid for at least 3 months from the date of entry into Qatar.How to get it ↓
Passport-style photoRecent digital photo meeting Hayya specifications.How to get it ↓
Confirmed accommodationHotel booking, rental contract, or 'Family and Friends Hosting' registration on Hayya.How to get it ↓
Return ticketConfirmed return/onward flight if travelling by air.How to get it ↓
Health insurancePolicy from a MOPH-registered insurer covering the stay.How to get it ↓
Discover Qatar hotel bookingOptionalMandatory pre-booked approved hotel for passport holders of India, Pakistan, Thailand and Iran.How to get it ↓
Transit Visa
Qatar 96-Hour Transit Visa / Stopover
Free single-entry transit visa for passengers transiting Doha (minimum ~5-hour connection), allowing a stay of up to 96 hours (4 days); it cannot be extended. Issued via Qatar Airways / Discover Qatar (transit desk at Hamad International Airport or pre-arranged) for travellers not eligible for visa-free entry. The linked Qatar Stopover programme offers discounted 4/5-star hotel nights for transits of 12-96 hours.
Confirmed onward ticketQatar Airways (or codeshare) ticket with onward flight to a third country within 96 hours.How to get it ↓
Confirmed accommodationHotel booking in Qatar for the stopover period.How to get it ↓
Passport photoOptionalRecent photo for the application.How to get it ↓
Health insuranceOptionalTravel/medical insurance covering the stay (recommended).How to get it ↓
Business Visitor Visa
Qatar Business Visit Visa
Short-term entry visa for meetings, negotiations and project work, sponsored by a Qatari host company which applies via the Ministry of Interior. Typically issued for up to 30 days (longer-validity business visas exist for priority projects) and does not permit taking up local employment. The host company handles the application and fees; the previous 72-hour express business visa has reportedly been discontinued.
Service fee
QAR 600
Max stay
30 days
Document checklist (6)
Valid passportValid for at least 6 months with copy of data page.How to get it ↓
Invitation letter from Qatari hostSponsoring company letter stating purpose and duration of the visit.How to get it ↓
Host company commercial registrationCopy of the sponsor's CR and establishment card, submitted by the sponsor.How to get it ↓
Passport photoRecent passport-style photograph.How to get it ↓
Travel/health insuranceOptionalInsurance covering the full stay in Qatar.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Medical Treatment Visa
Pilgrimage Visa
1 route
Study & Training
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
Qatar Student Visa and Student Residence Permit
Non-GCC students admitted to a Qatari university obtain a student entry visa online (typically issued within ~72 hours) with the institution acting as sponsor, then convert it to a student Residence Permit after arrival following medical tests and biometrics. The RP is normally valid 1 year and renewed annually through the university until studies end. Students must show admission, financial means for tuition/living costs, and pass health screening.
Study: Enrolled at Qatari institution
Residency: Renewable residence; no standard PR
Service fee
QAR 800
Processing time
3 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (6)
Letter of acceptanceOfficial admission/confirmation letter from the Qatari college or university.How to get it ↓
Valid passportValid for at least 6 months beyond the period of study.How to get it ↓
Proof of fundsFinancial documents showing ability to pay tuition and living costs.How to get it ↓
Medical examinationBlood test, chest X-ray and HIV screening (repeated in Qatar for the RP).How to get it ↓
Passport photosRecent passport-style photographs.How to get it ↓
Sponsorship/registration formsUniversity-sponsored RP application forms filed with the MOI.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Language Course Visa
Internship / Trainee Visa
Exchange Program Visa
2 routes
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
Qatar Mustaqel Entrepreneur Visa (5-Year Residency)
Launched in 2024, the Mustaqel programme grants entrepreneurs a renewable 5-year self-sponsored residence permit. Applicants need a business plan endorsed by an authorised incubator (e.g. Qatar Science & Technology Park, Qatar FinTech Hub) and a minimum investment of QAR 250,000; the application fee is QAR 5,000 and processing runs through the government-owned Jusour platform with MOI pre-approval. Holders can sponsor family, own assets and operate without an employer sponsor; at Web Summit Qatar 2026 the government announced a forthcoming 10-year residency track for entrepreneurs and senior executives.
Endorsed business planBusiness plan approved by an authorised Qatari incubator (QSTP, Qatar FinTech Hub).How to get it ↓
Proof of investment fundsBank statements evidencing minimum QAR 250,000 investment capacity.How to get it ↓
Good conduct certificatePolice clearance from country of residence.How to get it ↓
Digital photoPassport-style digital photograph.How to get it ↓
Application fee paymentQAR 5,000 fee paid via the Mustaqel/Jusour platform.How to get it ↓
Skilled Work Visa
Qatar Work Visa and Work Residence Permit
The only route to employment in Qatar: a Qatari employer (sponsor) obtains Ministry of Labour recruitment approval and an MOI work entry visa (approx. QAR 200), after which the worker completes medical tests, biometrics and contract registration and receives a work Residence Permit (Qatar ID). RPs are issued for 1-3 years and renewed by the employer (roughly QAR 500-1,000/year); the employer is legally required to pay all fees. After 20 years of continuous residence holders may apply for permanent residency.
Work: up to 48 h/week
Study: Permitted; family children enroll
Residency: Renewable residence; no standard PR
Family: If salary QAR10,000+ / housing
Government fee
QAR 200
Service fee
QAR 800
Processing time
30 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Valid passportValid at least 6 months; copy submitted by employer.How to get it ↓
Signed employment contractContract attested/registered with the Ministry of Labour.How to get it ↓
Educational/professional certificatesAttested degree or qualification certificates relevant to the role.How to get it ↓
Police clearance certificateCriminal record certificate from country of origin/residence, attested.How to get it ↓
Medical examinationBlood test, chest X-ray and infectious-disease screening at the Qatar Medical Commission after arrival.How to get it ↓
Biometrics and fingerprintingCompleted in Qatar for issuance of the Qatar ID.How to get it ↓
Passport photosRecent passport-style photographs.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Digital Nomad Visa
Freelancer Visa
Self-Employment Visa
Seasonal Work Visa
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
3 routes
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Qatar Premium Real Estate Residency (QAR 3,650,000+)
Qatar's top property-investment tier: owners of real estate worth at least QAR 3,650,000 (~USD 1 million) qualify for permanent-residency-style benefits covering health care, education and investment privileges, in addition to sponsor-free residency for the family. This is Qatar's de facto 'golden' residency product; it grants PR benefits but not citizenship, and remains tied to maintaining the qualifying ownership. Administered through the Aqarat one-stop window with title and residency issuable within days.
Work: Own businesses, invest freely
Study: Free public education like citizens
Residency: Permanent residency, no expiry
Family: Spouse, children, parents included
Processing time
7 days
Min. investment
QAR 3,650,000
Document checklist (6)
Valid passportCopy of the investor's valid passport.How to get it ↓
Registered title deedProperty of QAR 3,650,000+ registered in an approved ownership area.How to get it ↓
Proof of qualifying valueSale contract or official valuation evidencing the USD 1M threshold.How to get it ↓
Police clearance certificateClean criminal record certificate.How to get it ↓
Medical examinationStandard residency medical screening.How to get it ↓
Passport photosRecent passport-style photographs.How to get it ↓
Residence by Real Estate
Qatar Real Estate Residency Permit (QAR 730,000+)
Foreigners who buy property worth at least QAR 730,000 (~USD 200,000) in designated freehold zones (e.g. The Pearl, Lusail, West Bay Lagoon, Al Khor) receive a renewable residence permit without a local sponsor, valid for as long as they own the property, with the right to sponsor spouse and children. Title and residency can be issued within days of registration; property registration fees are among the region's lowest (0.01% of construction costs). Oversight moved from the Ministry of Justice to the new Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Aqarat) under a 2025 law.
Work: Right to work in Qatar
Study: Right to study; public education access
Residency: 1-yr renewable residence; no standard PR
Family: Sponsor spouse and children
Processing time
7 days
Min. investment
QAR 730,000
Document checklist (7)
Valid passportCopy of the investor's valid passport.How to get it ↓
Registered title deedProperty registered with Aqarat/Real Estate Registration in a designated zone, value QAR 730,000+.How to get it ↓
Proof of payment / property valuationEvidence the qualifying value is met (sale contract, valuation).How to get it ↓
Police clearance certificateClean criminal record certificate.How to get it ↓
Medical examinationStandard residency medical screening in Qatar.How to get it ↓
Passport photosRecent passport-style photographs.How to get it ↓
Health insuranceOptionalCoverage per MOPH requirements.How to get it ↓
Foreign nationals who establish or acquire a company registered in Qatar can obtain a self-sponsored investor residence permit; Law No. 1 of 2019 allows up to 100% foreign ownership in most sectors. Commonly cited minimum capital is around QAR 200,000 (thresholds vary by sector and structure, up to QAR 3 million for some activities), with processing via the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and MOI taking roughly 1-3 months. The permit is renewable while the business remains active and allows family sponsorship.
Commercial registration (CR)Qatari company registration showing the applicant's ownership share.How to get it ↓
Proof of capital investmentBank evidence of paid-up capital meeting the qualifying threshold.How to get it ↓
Trade licence / establishment cardCompany licensing documents from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.How to get it ↓
Police clearance certificateClean criminal record.How to get it ↓
Medical examinationResidency medical screening in Qatar.How to get it ↓
Business planOptionalDescription of the business activity (sector-dependent).How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Citizenship by Investment
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
No verified routes yet
Retire & Lifestyle
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Not yet researched
Retirement Visa
Working Holiday Visa
1 route
Family & Origin
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Family Reunification Visa
Qatar Family Residence Visa
Resident expatriates in approved (professional/technical) occupations can sponsor their spouse and children for residence. Minimum sponsor salary is QAR 10,000/month (government sector, or private sector without employer housing) or QAR 6,000/month with employer-provided family housing, per MOI criteria updated December 2023. Visa issuance costs QAR 200 plus QAR 100 per member converted to a residence permit; dependants' RPs track the sponsor's and are renewed annually.
Government fee
QAR 200
Service fee
QAR 1,000
Validity
365 days
Min. income / month
QAR 10,000
Document checklist (7)
Family visa application formMOI application typed in Arabic, matching passport data.How to get it ↓
Sponsor's Qatar IDCopy of the sponsoring resident's valid QID.How to get it ↓
Dependants' passportsCopies of valid passports of spouse/children.How to get it ↓
Attested marriage certificateAuthenticated marriage contract for spouse sponsorship.How to get it ↓
Attested birth certificatesAuthenticated birth certificates for children.How to get it ↓
Attested employment contract / salary certificateProof of profession and qualifying salary (QAR 10,000, or QAR 6,000 with housing).How to get it ↓
Medical testDependants pass medical screening before RP issuance.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Spouse / Partner Visa
Dependent Relative Visa
Ancestry / Repatriation
2 routes
Special Categories
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Talent / Highly Skilled Visa
Qatar Mustaqel Talent Visa (5-Year Residency)
The talent track of the 2024 Mustaqel programme gives a renewable 5-year self-sponsored residence permit to individuals endorsed by a Qatari government authority in one of 13 approved fields (arts, entertainment, sports, education, scientific research, innovation and similar). Applicants must show either a job offer or minimum funds of QAR 36,500, pay a QAR 4,000 fee, and apply online via the Jusour/Mustaqel platform. The permit allows self-sponsorship, family sponsorship and asset ownership.
Government endorsementApproval from the relevant Qatari authority in one of 13 designated talent fields.How to get it ↓
Job offer or proof of fundsQatari job offer, or bank statement showing at least QAR 36,500.How to get it ↓
Good conduct certificatePolice clearance certificate.How to get it ↓
Digital photoPassport-style digital photograph.How to get it ↓
Application fee paymentQAR 4,000 fee paid via the Mustaqel/Jusour platform.How to get it ↓
Permanent Residence
Qatar Permanent Residency Permit (Law No. 10 of 2018)
Under Law No. 10 of 2018, foreigners may apply for permanent residency after 20 consecutive years of legal residence (10 years if born in Qatar), with absences not exceeding 60 days/year, Arabic proficiency, a clean record and sufficient income (reported minimum basic salary of QAR 20,000 public sector / QAR 30,000 total private sector). Grants are capped at about 100 per year and prioritise children of Qatari women, holders of special competencies and those who rendered services to Qatar. PR holders gain access to public health and education, some property and business ownership rights without a local partner, and can sponsor family.
Document checklist (7)
PR application formApplication to the MOI Permanent Residency Committee.How to get it ↓
Proof of 20 years' legal residenceResidence history (10 years if born in Qatar), absences under 60 days/year.How to get it ↓
Proof of incomeSalary certificates meeting the ministry's income thresholds.How to get it ↓
Evidence of Arabic proficiencyDemonstrated adequate knowledge of Arabic.How to get it ↓
Clean criminal recordNo convictions involving honour or trust.How to get it ↓
Valid passport and QIDCurrent passport and Qatar ID copies.How to get it ↓
Medical fitness certificateOptionalProof of good health.How to get it ↓
How to get these documents General guidance for any passport.
Valid passport
How to get this document
Apply for or renew your passport at your country's passport authority (often the foreign-affairs or interior ministry, a passport office or designated post office). Most visa portals want a clear colour scan of the bio-data page; keep the passport valid at least 6 months beyond your trip with two blank pages.
Issued by
National passport authority
Typical cost
$20–$150
Typical time
1–6 weeks (expedited often available)
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Return or onward ticket
How to get this document
Provide a flight reservation or an onward/return ticket itinerary. Many travellers use a held reservation (not a paid ticket) from an airline, travel agent or flight-itinerary service so they are not committed before the visa is granted.
Issued by
Airline / travel agent
Typical cost
free–$30 for a reservation
Typical time
Same day
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Confirmed accommodation
How to get this document
Show where you will stay: a hotel booking, a signed tenancy/lease, a host's invitation with their address, or an address-registration document. For longer stays a registered rental contract is usually expected.
Issued by
Landlord / host / municipality
Typical cost
free–$50
Typical time
Same day–1 week
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Health insurance
How to get this document
Buy a travel-medical insurance policy covering your whole trip and every destination country, then print the certificate. For the Schengen Area the EU Visa Code requires at least €30,000 of cover for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid across all member states.
Complete the official visa or residence application form for your destination. Most consulates now use an online portal where you fill in the form, upload documents and book an appointment; print and sign the confirmation page.
Issued by
Destination consulate / immigration portal
Typical cost
Usually free (the visa fee is separate)
Typical time
30–60 minutes to complete
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Passport-style photo
How to get this document
Have a recent passport photo taken at a pharmacy, photo booth or photographer, or use a compliant online photo tool. The common size is 35×45 mm with a plain light background, neutral expression and no glasses; the US and a few others require 2×2 in (51×51 mm). Get 2–4 prints plus a digital copy.
Issued by
Any photographer or photo booth (ICAO 9303 standard)
Typical cost
$5–$15
Typical time
Same day
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Discover Qatar hotel booking
How to get this document
Book accommodation and download the confirmation. Use a free-cancellation hotel booking or a host's confirmation so you are not committed before the visa is approved.
Issued by
Hotel / booking platform
Typical cost
Free with a refundable booking
Typical time
Same day
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Letter of acceptance
How to get this document
Once you are accepted, request an admission/acceptance letter or certificate of enrolment from the school or university's admissions or registrar office. It should confirm the programme, the dates and that tuition is arranged.
Issued by
School / university (admissions office)
Typical cost
Usually free
Typical time
A few days–2 weeks
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of funds
How to get this document
Show you can support your stay using bank statements, a salary or pension certificate, a sponsorship/affidavit of support, or evidence of savings or income that meets the published minimum for the visa. Combine several documents if one is not enough.
Issued by
Your bank / employer / sponsor
Typical cost
free–$20
Typical time
Same day–1 week
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Medical examination
How to get this document
Book a medical examination with a doctor or, where required, a clinic on the consulate's approved-panel list. Tests may include a general exam, a chest X-ray/TB screening and blood tests; the clinic issues the certificate directly.
Issued by
Licensed doctor / panel clinic
Typical cost
$30–$200
Typical time
1–2 weeks including results
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Sponsorship/registration forms
How to get this document
Have your sponsor sign a letter or affidavit of support undertaking to cover your costs, attaching their ID and proof of funds or income. Some countries require a notarised affidavit or an official guarantee form.
Issued by
Sponsor (sometimes notarised)
Typical cost
free–$50
Typical time
Days
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Endorsed business plan
How to get this document
Prepare a business or project plan describing the activity, market, financial projections and job creation. You usually write this yourself; some startup or investor visas require it to follow a set template or be reviewed by an approved incubator.
Issued by
Self-prepared (sometimes incubator-endorsed)
Typical cost
free–consultant fee
Typical time
Varies
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Good conduct certificate
How to get this document
Apply for a police clearance or good-conduct certificate from the national police or a designated portal (and from any country where you lived long-term). It typically needs an apostille and translation and must be recent — issued within the last 3–6 months.
Pay the visa or government fee through the channel the consulate specifies — card payment on the application portal, bank transfer, or in person at the visa centre. Keep the receipt or transaction confirmation to upload or present.
Issued by
Destination consulate / payment provider
Typical cost
Varies by visa
Typical time
Immediate–2 days
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Signed employment contract
How to get this document
Obtain a signed copy of your employment contract from your employer's HR. It should show the parties, job title, salary, duration and signatures; some consulates want it stamped or, for work visas, registered with the labour authority.
Issued by
Employer / labour authority
Typical cost
Free
Typical time
Same day–1 week
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Educational/professional certificates
How to get this document
Use your original diploma or degree certificate; for a replacement or official copy, ask the issuing institution's registrar. For use abroad it usually needs to be apostilled or legalised and translated.
Book a biometrics appointment at the destination's visa application centre (e.g. VFS Global, TLScontact or BLS) or consulate, then attend in person to give fingerprints and a facial photo. Bring your passport and the appointment confirmation.
Issued by
Visa application centre / consulate
Typical cost
Often included in the visa feesometimes a small service fee
Typical time
15–30 minute appointment
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Registered title deed
How to get this document
Obtain the title deed or an extract from the land registry proving ownership; for a purchase, provide the notarised purchase contract. The land-registry office issues certified copies.
Issued by
Land registry / notary
Typical cost
$10–$100
Typical time
Same day–2 weeks
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of qualifying value
How to get this document
Write a signed cover or motivation letter explaining the purpose of your trip or application, your plans and your ties to your home country, addressed to the consulate. You prepare this yourself.
Issued by
Self-prepared
Typical cost
Free
Typical time
Same day
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Commercial registration (CR)
How to get this document
Get an up-to-date extract from the commercial/companies register (chamber of commerce or trade registry) showing your company's registration, or your trade or professional licence. Many registries issue this online for a small fee.
Issued by
Commercial register / chamber of commerce
Typical cost
free–$50
Typical time
Same day–1 week
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Attested marriage certificate
How to get this document
Order a certified copy of your marriage (or divorce) certificate from the civil registry that recorded it. For foreign use add an apostille or legalisation and a certified translation.
Order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the civil-registry/vital-records office where you were born (often available online). For foreign use it usually needs an apostille or legalisation and a translation.
Ask your employer's HR or payroll department for your most recent payslips (usually the last three) or a salary certificate stating your role, start date and gross/net pay.
Issued by
Employer (HR / payroll)
Typical cost
Free
Typical time
Same day–a few days
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Government endorsement
How to get this document
Request a letter on company letterhead from your employer stating your position, start date, salary and that your leave or continued employment is approved, signed by HR or a manager. For work visas this may instead be a formal work permit or job-offer letter issued by the employer or labour authority.
Issued by
Employer (HR) / labour authority
Typical cost
Free
Typical time
A few days
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Evidence of Arabic proficiency
How to get this document
Take the required language test (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL for English, DELF/TCF for French, Goethe or telc for German, or a national integration exam) at an accredited test centre and collect the certificate. Book early, as test slots fill up.
Issued by
Accredited test provider
Typical cost
$100–$300
Typical time
2–6 weeks including results
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Clean criminal record
How to get this document
Request a criminal-record certificate from your country's police or justice/interior ministry — many issue it through a national online portal, sometimes requiring fingerprints. For foreign use it usually must be apostilled or legalised and translated, and most consulates accept one issued within the last 3–6 months.
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