Qatar Introduces New Long-Term Residence Visas for Executives and Entrepreneurs

Qatar has announced the launch of two new long-term residence permit categories in early February 2026, designed to attract senior global talent and high-potential entrepreneurs. The new Executive and Entrepreneur residence permits allow eligible foreign nationals to live and work in Qatar long term (up to 10 years), offering stability, flexibility and benefits. 

This development reflects Qatar’s continued commitment to economic diversification, innovation and global competitiveness. This presents a compelling opportunity for executives, founders and businesses looking for a long-term base in the region. 

This blog explores what these new visas mean, who qualifies and how individuals and companies can prepare. 

Why Has Qatar Introduced These New Visa Categories? 

Qatar is moving beyond traditional employer-sponsored immigration models. With the launch of these long-term residence permits, the government aims to: 

• • • Attract and retain senior leadership talent  

• • • Encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and foreign investment 

• • • Provide long-term stability for key contributors to the economy 

• • • Enhance Qatar’s position as a regional business and financial hub 

By offering extended residency, asset ownership rights and family sponsorship, Qatar is signalling that it wants executives and entrepreneurs not just to work in the country but to build their futures here.  

Overview of the New Visa Categories 

1. Executive Long-Term Residence Permit 

This category is designed for senior executives holding leadership positions in qualifying organizations in Qatar. 

Key eligibility requirements include: 

• • • Nomination by a registered employer in Qatar 

• • • Valid Qatar residency at the time of application 

• • • Minimum monthly salary: 

• • • QAR 50,000 (approximately USD 13,900) for Chairman, CEO, CFO, CTO, COO 

• • • QAR 80,000 (approximately USD 22,300) for other Executive Director titles 

• • • At least five years of senior executive management experience 

• • • Employment with a qualifying organization, such as: 

• • • Public shareholding companies listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange 

• • • Banks and financial institutions licensed by Qatar Central Bank or the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) 

• • • Insurance companies regulated by Qatar Central Bank or the QFCRA  

• • • Consulting firms operating in the fields of management, finance, legal and accounting services for governmental and semi-governmental entities. 

Successful applicants receive a non-sponsored residence status and a new Qatar ID (QID). 

2. Entrepreneur Long-Term Residence Permit 

This category supports entrepreneurs who are launching or expanding a business in Qatar. 

Key eligibility requirements include: 

• • • Nomination by a recognized business incubator in Qatar 

• • • Qatar Development Bank (Qatar FinTech Hub, Qatar Business Incubation Center, Scale 7 Hub)  

• • • Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) 

• • • Start Up Qatar 

• • • An official endorsement letter from the incubator 

• • • Proof of financial capacity: 

• • • Minimum bank balance of USD 10,000 (approximately QAR 36,500) maintained over the last three months 

Depending on whether the applicant is inside or outside Qatar, requirements may include a passport, police clearance certificate, company registration documents and bank statements. 

Approved applicants will receive an Entry Visa if they are outside of Qatar and then obtain a QID, while those already in the country will receive the QID directly. 

What is Qatar Aiming to Achieve? 

With the introduction of these new visa types, Qatar is seeking to compete with the rest of the GCC and their long-term visa programs.  Key features of the visa types include: * 

• • • Longer validity: Up to 10 years with an option to further renew/extend 

• • • Non-sponsored status: Approved individuals move away from traditional employer-tied sponsorship 

• • • Family and domestic worker sponsorship: A major advantage for senior professionals relocating long-term 

• • • Business-friendly benefits: Including asset ownership and merchant discounts  

• • • Entrepreneurs have access to tailored incubator support and mentorship as well as lowered cost of living and preferential commercial access 

For many high-earning professionals and founders, this initiative makes Qatar an attractive option. 

How to Prepare 

Given the documentation and nomination requirements, early preparation is key. Eligible individuals should consider: 

• • • Assessing eligibility early, particularly salary thresholds and qualifying job titles 

• • • Engaging with employers or approved incubators to confirm nomination pathways 

• • • Preparing documentation in advance, including: 

• • • Attested degrees and experience letters 

• • • Stamped bank statements 

• • • Police clearance certificates (where applicable) 

• • • Reviewing company eligibility, especially for executive nominations 

• • • Planning timelines for attestation, endorsements and approvals 

Proactive planning can significantly reduce processing delays and compliance risks. 

Looking Ahead 

The Highly Skilled Talent Visa is part of Qatar’s push to attract global talent and investment and have been designed as a strategic tool to diversify Qatar’s economy under the National Vision 2030. It is expected to be rolled out soon.  

Creative Visa 

H.H. Sheikha Al‑Mayassa has also unveiled plans for a new Creative Visa designed to attract artists and cultural innovators to Qatar. This visa will enable creative professionals to collaborate with Qatari cultural institutions and spend extended periods working in the country. 

While full details of the program are still to be announced, the initiative reflects Qatar’s broader ambition to evolve into a knowledge‑based economy. 

How Fragomen Can Help 

Fragomen supports executives, entrepreneurs and corporate clients throughout the entire process, including: 

• • • Eligibility assessments and strategic immigration planning 

• • • Employer and incubator nomination guidance 

• • • Application preparation and submission 

• • • Document attestation and legalization support 

• • • Company registration and compliance advisory 

• • • Post arrival support and assistance 

• • • In country procedure (medical and biometrics) support 

• • • Ongoing immigration and residency support for families and dependents 

Whether you are an executive seeking long-term stability in Qatar, an entrepreneur launching your next venture, or a company looking to retain key leadership talent, we can help you navigate this new visa category with confidence. Our team provides end-to end support as well as speedy, accurate and risk-free assistance.  

Need to Know More 

For any questions about Qatar’s new visas or long-term investment permits, please contact us at [email protected]. 

This blog was published on 18 February 2026. Given ongoing developments, requirements and processes may change. To stay up to date on global immigration developments, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.