Qatar is a country with a strong economy that attracts expats from all over the world. However, the employment procedure here has certain peculiarities. Learn more about the country's labor market, available vacancies, visa application features, and more

Qatar is a country located in the Middle East, on the Qatar peninsula of the same name. It is one of the largest exporters of natural gas and oil in the world, the profits from which form the basis of its economy.

Given the high standard of living, the country attracts expats. They are mainly residents of neighboring countries, but many foreigners from countries located relatively far away also work in Qatar.

How to move to Qatar for work? A detailed guide for foreigners follows.

Advantages of employment in Qatar

- To get almost any job, you only need to speak spoken English.

- Sick leave is paid, annual leave is provided.

- The employee receives a health insurance policy.

- High level of wages - additional fees, bonuses and tips are provided.

- The employer provides free accommodation, meals and helps with the purchase of a ticket.

- Specialized training courses are held.

The labor market in Qatar

Currently, the unemployment rate in Qatar is 0.1%. The best industries for expats to work in are the oil and gas industry. In addition, the need for highly qualified workers is observed in the finance, insurance and real estate sectors.

Many large multinational companies have offices in Qatar. Among them are Shell, ExxonMobil, BNP Paribas, HSBC and Standard Charted. However, many large local companies also work here. Among them are Qatar Petroleum, Woqod, Qatar Steel and Msheired.

Qatar also offers jobs for unskilled workers, mainly in construction, hospitality, retail, transport and consumer services. These positions often require a minimum level of education or certain skills, making them available to those without a degree or experience.

Salary level in Qatar

The minimum wage in Qatar is slightly more than $250 per month. However, the average salary in the country is high, about $3,560 per month. Depending on the job, a foreigner in Qatar can receive one of the following monthly amounts:

- CEO of a multinational company: $33,320-$43,025.

- HR manager: $12,000-$15,700.

- IT manager: $12,000-$15,750.

- Event Manager: $5,000-$8,000.

- Lawyer: $9,400-$12,130.

- General practitioner: $9,300-$11,800.

- Bank branch manager: $8,100-$13,150.

- PR manager: $7,500-$10,000.

Work culture in Qatar

With so many expats in Qatar, the work culture brings together a variety of styles and perspectives from around the world. Therefore, in a sense, it is an international environment that can be very exciting and tolerant. However, Qatar is a Muslim country, so you can expect a more conservative work style. Also, keep in mind that the work culture is very hierarchical and patriarchal.

Personal relationships are very important for doing business in Qatar. Therefore, you will need to build relationships with colleagues and business partners.

In addition, despite the fact that English is the main business language, knowledge of Arabic, even a little, will be a plus.

Punctuality is not considered important in Qatar, so you should be fine with being late.

Labor laws of Qatar

Qatar has several Labor Laws that aim to protect workers. The main provisions are as follows:

- Employees must not work more than six days a week or 10 hours a day.

- For work longer than 8 hours a day, you must receive overtime pay.

- If the company dismisses the employee before the end of the contract, he must pay compensation after the end of the work.

- Companies must provide private health insurance for foreign workers.

- After the end of the contract, employees receive remuneration. This is usually 15-20 days' salary for the first three years or one month's salary for each subsequent year.

- Most workers are entitled to three or four weeks of annual leave.

- Employees are also entitled to sick leave of up to two weeks with wages.

In addition to all of the above, many foreigners receive additional benefits. These vary by contract, but usually include the following: ticketing assistance, rental support, children's education and a company car.

Work visa in Qatar

To begin the employment process in Qatar, job seekers in the country must receive an offer from a Qatari company that will act as their sponsor and apply for a work permit on their behalf.

The sponsor must meet certain documentation requirements and follow the rules set by the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs (MADLSA).

These residence permits also allow you to bring your family to Qatar.

The permit must be renewed annually.

What are the types of long-term visas in Qatar?

Qatar has several different types of long-term visas for non-citizens. A work visa depends on the applicant's employment in Qatar and is usually valid for the duration of the employment contract. In addition, Qatar offers several types of long-term visas. They include:

● Investor visa

Under the Qatar Investment Visa, foreign nationals who have invested in a specific Qatari business can obtain long-term residency without employer sponsorship. To apply for a Qatari investor visa, applicants will need to demonstrate ownership of relevant shares or property, a health certificate and proof of no criminal record.

● Visa for real estate

Similar to the investor visa, this visa offers long-term residency in Qatar to foreign nationals who have purchased or invested in real estate in Qatar. The requirements for an application for a real estate visa are the same as for an investor visa.

● Family visa

The Qatar family residence visa is for dependents (including spouses) of Qatari residents who hold another type of long-term visa in the country.

How to get a work visa to Qatar?

In addition to sponsorship from a Qatari employer, a visa applicant needs the following documents:

- Completed questionnaire.

- Valid passport.

- Payment of application fees.

- Biometric information.

- Medical documents confirming the state of health.

- Confirmation of qualification.

What are the visa requirements for digital nomads in Qatar?

Qatar does not offer special visas for digital nomads. However, there are several ways for workers to legally obtain remote freelance work while living in Qatar on a work visa. The most common way to legally work remotely in Qatar is to work as a "seconded employee".

In this case, the employee will have official sponsorship from the Qatari employer, but will receive permission from their employer to work for a secondary company. This can include both full-time and part-time work performed in addition to the employee's primary job.

How to find a job in Qatar?

● Internet portals

You can find a job in Qatar just like in other countries. Online resources will be key to your job search, so take advantage of them. It is important to create a good profile on LinkedIn and see what jobs are advertised on the platform. Similarly, you can browse online job banks such as Monster Gulf and Gulf Talent.

Also, if you have an idea of which companies you would like to work for, you can directly browse their career pages. All major oil companies, banks and hospitality organizations post jobs directly on their company websites, so keep an eye out for them.

● Personnel agencies

If you already have several years of work experience, finding a job in Qatar may be easier if you contact a recruitment agency. There are many of them in the country, from small local companies to huge international agencies. From abroad, you will be best off working with companies such as Adecco, Robert Half, Michael Page or Hays. Locally, you can try QHR, Al Noof, Bayt, Work Circle and Gulfaar.

● Work in newspapers

Surprisingly, newspapers can be a good source if you are looking for a job in Qatar. For example, check out the ads in the Gulf Times and Qatar Tribune.

Employment in Qatar is a path to a career in a country with a thriving economy, fair wages, core benefits and long-term prospects. That is why in 2024, Qatar remains an attractive destination for professionals looking for new opportunities.

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Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

To move, travel or work safely in Qatar, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Qatar;

Legal advice on business issues in Qatar;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Qatar;

Medical insurance around the world.