Your Future in Qatar: Study and Work Options, Everyday Life and Residency Essentials

Your plans for Qatar begin with defining your goal: university studies, a job opportunity, starting a business or moving with your family. Each path has requirements and costs you need to understand before making a decision. ElWijha presents key information about studying, scholarships, employment, residency and everyday life to help you understand your options and prepare for your next step.

Entry requirements vary according to your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Before travelling, check the visa requirements, passport validity, accommodation, insurance and permitted length of stay.

Studying, working and family residency involve separate procedures. Employers generally handle their employees’ residency procedures.

Choose your programme, then check the university’s website for qualification requirements, language proficiency, tests, documents, fees and application deadlines. These vary by institution and field of study.

At Qatar University, the student visa application may require a passport, proof of financial sponsorship, a health assessment, a certificate of good conduct and additional documents, depending on the circumstances. This route requires a financial sponsor other than the student.

These requirements apply to Qatar University. Academic admission alone does not guarantee a visa.

Qatar University offers competitive scholarships for new international undergraduate students. Depending on the scholarship’s conditions, benefits include tuition and textbook fee exemptions, shared student accommodation, university transport, a monthly allowance and annual airline tickets.

At Hamad Bin Khalifa University, graduate funding is considered as part of the admission application, without a separate scholarship application. It may include tuition waivers and a stipend, but funding is not guaranteed for every admitted student. The university does not provide direct payment for housing.

Before signing your contract, review the salary, accommodation, food, transport, health coverage, working hours and leave entitlements.

The minimum wage is QAR 1,000 per month. An accommodation allowance of at least QAR 500 must be added if the employer does not provide adequate housing, along with a food allowance of at least QAR 300 if food is not provided. This is a legal minimum, not a living budget.

To change employers, you must follow the official procedures, including the notice requirements applicable to your situation.

Foreign ownership can reach 100% in several sectors, depending on the business activity and required approvals, with certain exceptions. Check licensing, costs and residency requirements before establishing your business.

Family residency is different from a family visit visa. Eligibility depends on residency status, the employment contract, occupation, salary, housing and proof of family relationship. Insurance and children’s education requirements may also apply, depending on the circumstances.

For people residing under family sponsorship, a special work permit service is available, with the application submitted by the employer.

Budget for rent, the security deposit, utilities, food, transport and healthcare. Include university fees or children’s schooling where relevant. Compare these expenses with what your employment contract or scholarship covers, and obtain current prices before committing.

Citizens and residents can apply for a health card to access Primary Health Care Corporation and Hamad Medical Corporation services at subsidised rates. Some consultations, treatments and medicines may still involve charges.

For visitors, the published basic premium for mandatory visitor insurance is QAR 50 per month. Check whether it applies to your entry route and review the limits of its coverage.

General requirements include legal residency of 20 years for people born outside Qatar, or 10 years for those born in Qatar, sufficient income, good conduct and adequate knowledge of Arabic. Exceptions apply to certain categories.

Completing the required residency period alone does not guarantee permanent residency.

Yes, scholarships are available for international students. However, eligibility and coverage vary by university and level of study. Admission does not guarantee a scholarship.

A student residence permit is not a general work permit. Check with your university and the relevant authority whether you are eligible to work or undertake an internship, and what authorisation is required.

No. You must obtain the required approvals, permit and appropriate residency status before starting work.

Yes, provided they meet the family residency requirements relating to occupation, salary, housing and the required documents.