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Qatar: Long-Term Residence Permit for Executives and Entrepreneurs Announced

February 5, 2026

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Country / Territory

  • QatarQatar

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At a Glance

  • Executives and Entrepreneurs who are nominated by their employer or obtain an endorsement approval from a specified business incubator in Qatar and who meet certain eligibility conditions are now eligible to apply for a residence permit to work and reside in Qatar for up to 10 years.  
  • Additional benefits of the program include the ability to sponsor dependents and domestic workers, asset ownership and merchant discounts.  

The situation 

A new program in Qatar allows eligible executives and entrepreneurs to apply for a residence permit to work and reside in Qatar for up to 10 years.  

A closer look

Executives category 

Entrepreneurs category 

Eligibility criteria 

  • Nomination by registered employer 
  • Valid residency in Qatar 
  • Minimum monthly salary of at least QAR 50,000 for the following positions: Chairman, CEO, CFO, CTO, COO; or a minimum monthly salary of at least QAR 80,000 for other executive director titles; 
  • Minimum of five years of experience in a senior executive management position, inside or outside Qatar, within a company or other organization 
  • Valid employment contract with an employer in Qatar classified under one of the following categories: public shareholding companies listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange; banks and financial institutions licensed by Qatar Central Bank; insurance companies licensed by Qatar Central Bank or the Qatar Financial Markets Authority; or consulting firms operating in the fields of management, finance, legal and accounting services for governmental and semi-governmental entities. 

 

  • Be an entrepreneur launching or expanding a business 
  • Nomination by a specified business incubator in Qatar (approved incubators are Qatar Development Bank, QFTH, QBIC, Scale 7 and the Qatar Science and Technology Park) 
  • Endorsement letter from recognized business incubator in Qatar 
  • Bank statements with a minimum balance of at least QAR 36,500 or the equivalent in local currency, maintained over the past three months. 

  

Application process 

  • Company nominates the executive.  
  • Link to submit application and documentation sent to applicant. 
  • Upon approval, a Qatar Identity Card is issued. 
  • Participation in an approved business incubator program. 
  • Nomination by incubator, including submission of an endorsement letter. 
  • Link to submit application and required documentation sent to applicant. 
  • Upon approval, an Entry Visa is issued, or if the person is already in Qatar, a Qatar Identity Card is issued. 

 

Impact 

The long-term residence permit in Qatar offers specific categories of foreign nationals the opportunity for long-term stability and investment.  

Both programs offer benefits such as the ability to sponsor dependents and domestic workers, the ability to own assets and apply for merchant discounts. 

Background 

These new visa categories will offer long-term residence for professionals and their families, streamlined immigration processes, and tailored support for entrepreneurs to start or grow businesses. These steps are in line with Qatari government goals to draw global expertise, foster investment and develop the country as a hub for innovation and sustainable growth. 

Looking ahead 

Guided by the Qatar National Vision 2030 (the country’s long-term framework for sustainable development) and the Third National Development Strategy (outlining economic, social, and infrastructure priorities), Qatar continues to develop strategic initiatives to enhance labour market flexibility, attract skilled professionals and strengthen its position as a regional hub. It is anticipated that further migration pathways will be created and rolled out in the future.  

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen. 

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