Important Updates
Important Updates
April 1, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Permanent Residence and Citizenship Filing Fees Increased
April 6, 2026 | United States, United Arab EmiratesEB-5 Essentials: EB-5 for Africa and MENA: Processing Timelines, Travel Bans, and the 2026 Deadline
April 6, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
April 2, 2026 | CanadaCanada: New Recruitment Requirements for Low‑Wage Positions under Temporary Foreign Worker Program
April 1, 2026 | United StatesBloomberg Law: DOL Wage Overhaul Adds to H-1B Sticker Shock for Employers
April 1, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Permanent Residence and Citizenship Filing Fees Increased
April 6, 2026 | United States, United Arab EmiratesEB-5 Essentials: EB-5 for Africa and MENA: Processing Timelines, Travel Bans, and the 2026 Deadline
April 6, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
April 2, 2026 | CanadaCanada: New Recruitment Requirements for Low‑Wage Positions under Temporary Foreign Worker Program
April 1, 2026 | United StatesBloomberg Law: DOL Wage Overhaul Adds to H-1B Sticker Shock for Employers
April 1, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Permanent Residence and Citizenship Filing Fees Increased
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastNavigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

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

February 5, 2026

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • QatarQatar

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

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. 

Country / Territory

  • QatarQatar

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

EB-5 Essentials: EB-5 for Africa and MENA: Processing Timelines, Travel Bans, and the 2026 Deadline

Partner Isha Atassi and Director Nofisatu Mojidi discuss key considerations for investors from Africa and the Middle East in the EB-5 program.

Learn more

Work authorization

German Offshore Wind Expansion: Compliance Essentials for Third-Country Nationals

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer examines how Germany’s strictly territorial migration and employment laws impact the deployment of third‑country nationals in offshore wind projects, highlighting compliance risks arising from maritime zone boundaries, work authorization limits and Schengen documentation challenges.

Learn more

Work authorization

EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and Schengen Overstays: New Risks and Legal Solutions

Senior Associate Tugba Ozyakup and Senior Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis explore how the EU’s Entry/Exit System is reshaping Schengen overstay enforcement, the risks facing travellers and employers and the legal remedies available to challenge or prevent adverse outcomes.

Learn more

Video

Welcome to the Great White North—Immigration Behind the Beautiful Game | #FragomenFC - Ep. 16

Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss Canada’s entry requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa-required and visa-exempt nationals, visitor entry rules and key planning considerations for fans, teams, media and volunteers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: DOL Wage Overhaul Adds to H-1B Sticker Shock for Employers

Partner Kevin Miner discusses the DOL’s proposed H-1B wage rule and its potential to add significant unplanned costs for US employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Care Talk Business: What the Casey Commission Means for Social Care’s Workforce

Manager Asif Hanif, Senior Immigration Consultant Georgia Marshall and Immigration Consultant Inderjit Kaur examine how the Casey Commission could reshape workforce models, immigration policy and international recruitment in UK adult social care.

Learn more

Video

Staatsangehörigkeit Allgemein | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler highlights key pathways to German citizenship, including descent-based eligibility and standard naturalization requirements and outlines important considerations for individuals exploring their options.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: How to Safeguard Your Sponsor Licences

Senior Manager Louise Senior outlines key compliance considerations for UK hospitality sponsors as regulatory expectations continue to evolve.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: US Proposes Sharp Hike in H-1B, PERM Wage Thresholds; May Adversely Impact Entry-Level Hiring

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler said proposed H-1B and PERM wage increases could raise hiring costs and apply only to new and pending applications.

Learn more

Work authorization

Falling Demand, Rising Fees: Reassessing the UK’s 2026 Immigration Policy

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explores the latest UK immigration fee increases and their wider implications for migration trends, labour supply and workforce planning.

Learn more

Video

FIFA Pass for the 2026 World Cup | #MobilityMinute

Partner Karine Wenger outlines US visa considerations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the FIFA Pass priority scheduling system and the importance of early planning.

Learn more

Media mentions

RNZ Asia: Immigration Experts Divided Over Skilled Migrant Residency Reform

Business Immigration Supervisor Fiona Zhou says the restructured Skilled Migrant Category creates clearer pathways and retains skilled workers.

Learn more

Media mentions

EB-5 Essentials: EB-5 for Africa and MENA: Processing Timelines, Travel Bans, and the 2026 Deadline

Partner Isha Atassi and Director Nofisatu Mojidi discuss key considerations for investors from Africa and the Middle East in the EB-5 program.

Learn more

Work authorization

German Offshore Wind Expansion: Compliance Essentials for Third-Country Nationals

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer examines how Germany’s strictly territorial migration and employment laws impact the deployment of third‑country nationals in offshore wind projects, highlighting compliance risks arising from maritime zone boundaries, work authorization limits and Schengen documentation challenges.

Learn more

Work authorization

EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and Schengen Overstays: New Risks and Legal Solutions

Senior Associate Tugba Ozyakup and Senior Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis explore how the EU’s Entry/Exit System is reshaping Schengen overstay enforcement, the risks facing travellers and employers and the legal remedies available to challenge or prevent adverse outcomes.

Learn more

Video

Welcome to the Great White North—Immigration Behind the Beautiful Game | #FragomenFC - Ep. 16

Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss Canada’s entry requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa-required and visa-exempt nationals, visitor entry rules and key planning considerations for fans, teams, media and volunteers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: DOL Wage Overhaul Adds to H-1B Sticker Shock for Employers

Partner Kevin Miner discusses the DOL’s proposed H-1B wage rule and its potential to add significant unplanned costs for US employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Care Talk Business: What the Casey Commission Means for Social Care’s Workforce

Manager Asif Hanif, Senior Immigration Consultant Georgia Marshall and Immigration Consultant Inderjit Kaur examine how the Casey Commission could reshape workforce models, immigration policy and international recruitment in UK adult social care.

Learn more

Video

Staatsangehörigkeit Allgemein | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler highlights key pathways to German citizenship, including descent-based eligibility and standard naturalization requirements and outlines important considerations for individuals exploring their options.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: How to Safeguard Your Sponsor Licences

Senior Manager Louise Senior outlines key compliance considerations for UK hospitality sponsors as regulatory expectations continue to evolve.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: US Proposes Sharp Hike in H-1B, PERM Wage Thresholds; May Adversely Impact Entry-Level Hiring

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler said proposed H-1B and PERM wage increases could raise hiring costs and apply only to new and pending applications.

Learn more

Work authorization

Falling Demand, Rising Fees: Reassessing the UK’s 2026 Immigration Policy

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explores the latest UK immigration fee increases and their wider implications for migration trends, labour supply and workforce planning.

Learn more

Video

FIFA Pass for the 2026 World Cup | #MobilityMinute

Partner Karine Wenger outlines US visa considerations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the FIFA Pass priority scheduling system and the importance of early planning.

Learn more

Media mentions

RNZ Asia: Immigration Experts Divided Over Skilled Migrant Residency Reform

Business Immigration Supervisor Fiona Zhou says the restructured Skilled Migrant Category creates clearer pathways and retains skilled workers.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2026 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.