Important Updates
Important Updates
July 23, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration Reforms: What’s Next for Construction Employers?
July 24, 2025 | China, AzerbaijanAzerbaijan/Mainland China: Reciprocal Visa Exemption in Effect
July 24, 2025 | United StatesThe PIE: More Declines Loom in “Seriously Concerning” US Visa Trends
July 24, 2025 | United Kingdom, IndiaUnited Kingdom/India: Free Trade Agreement and Social Security Agreement Forthcoming
July 24, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Ninth Circuit Affirms Nationwide Scope of Birthright Citizenship Injunction
July 23, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration Reforms: What’s Next for Construction Employers?
July 24, 2025 | China, AzerbaijanAzerbaijan/Mainland China: Reciprocal Visa Exemption in Effect
July 24, 2025 | United StatesThe PIE: More Declines Loom in “Seriously Concerning” US Visa Trends
July 24, 2025 | United Kingdom, IndiaUnited Kingdom/India: Free Trade Agreement and Social Security Agreement Forthcoming
July 24, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Ninth Circuit Affirms Nationwide Scope of Birthright Citizenship Injunction
July 23, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration Reforms: What’s Next for Construction Employers?
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
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
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • 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

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

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
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Qatar: New Five-year Residence Permit for Talented Individuals and Entrepreneurs Announced

March 22, 2024

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

  • The government of Qatar announced the launch of a new residence permit program for talented individuals and entrepreneurs, which will allow them to work and reside in Qatar for five years, with the possibility of renewal.
  • The new residence permit offers foreign nationals the opportunity for long-term stability and investment in Qatar, while also signaling continued efforts by the Qatari government to attract and retain talented individuals and entrepreneurs who can boost economic growth and innovation in the country.
  • The new residence permit program is expected to open for applications in the next few months.

The situation

The government of Qatar announced the launch of a new residence permit program for talented individuals and entrepreneurs, which will allow them to work and reside in Qatar for five years, with the possibility of renewal.

Eligibility conditions

  • Eligibility for talent category. To be eligible under the talent category, the applicant must:
    • Obtain an endorsement from a relevant government authority in Qatar as a talented individual in one of 13 approved fields, including arts, entertainment, sports, education, scientific research, development or innovation; and
    • Have a job offer or an employment contract with an employer in Qatar, or prove that they have a minimum of QAR 36,500 (approximately USD 10,027) to support themselves until their immigration process in Qatar is complete.
  • Eligibility for entrepreneur category. To be eligible under the entrepreneur category:
    • The applicant must have a business plan for an investment in Qatar which has been endorsed by one of the authorized businesses incubators in Qatar, including the Qatar Science & Technology Park and Qatar Fintech Hub; and
    • The investment must be worth a minimum of QAR 250,000 (approximately USD 68,671).

Documentary requirements

  • Required documentation for all applicants. Applicants in both permit categories must provide:
    • a passport valid for at least six months from the visa application date (those applying from outside of Qatar must also ensure that their passport is valid for minimum of six months from the date of entry to Qatar);
    • a digital photograph;
    • a good conduct certificate issued in the last three months (or a police clearance certificate). Either document must be authenticated by the relevant authorities in the issuing country if applying from outside of Qatar); and
    • a personal bank statement (details of this requirement have not been clarified yet).
  • Varied document requirements by category/location. Additionally, depending on the category of the residence permit and whether the individual is in Qatar or outside of Qatar when applying for the permit, the following documents may need to be provided (among others):
    • Applicant’s Qatar Identity Card;
    • A no-objection certificate from a current employer in Qatar (only if the applicant is currently employed in Qatar);
    • An employment contract with a previous employer in Qatar or a letter of experience;
    • An employment contract or a job offer with a new employer in Qatar; and/or
    • A current sponsor’s Qatar Identity Card or company establishment card.

Additional information on the required documents is expected to be released closer to when the system opens for applications.

Application process and fees

Applicants must complete the following steps:

  • Endorsement. Foreign nationals must first obtain an endorsement approval from a relevant government authority in Qatar, which they are expected to be able to complete electronically, although specific details and requirements have not yet been announced.
  • Online application. Upon receiving the endorsement approval, they can then initiate the residence permit application process through an online platform, expected to be on the Mustaqel website; however, the website does not yet include the process.
  • Issuance. Upon submitting the application and required documents, successful applicants will be issued an electronic pre-approval which will allow them to finalize their immigration process in Qatar.
  • Visa endorsement. Those applying from outside of Qatar will have to present the pre-approval at a dedicated immigration counter upon arrival for an entry visa to be endorsed on the passport; they will then be required to complete a medical examination and obtain a Qatar Identity Card. The government has yet to release information on how individuals applying from within Qatar will obtain their visa endorsement or if their status will simply be reflected in the immigration system.
  • Work authorization. It is not yet clear at which stage the individual will be authorized to work in Qatar.
  • Fees. The government fee for the five-year residence permit under the talented individuals category is QAR 4,000 (approximately USD 1,099) and QAR 5,000 (approximately USD 1,374) for the entrepreneur category.

Impact

The new residence permit offers foreign nationals the opportunity for long-term stability and investment in Qatar, while also signaling continued efforts by the Qatari government to attract and retain talented individuals and entrepreneurs who can boost economic growth and innovation in the country.

Background

The new program aligns with Qatar’s strategy for diversifying its economy and creating a leading investor and business-friendly environment, making it a favored destination for foreign investment and skilled talent.

Looking ahead

Additional details on the program are expected to be released closer to when the program will be open for applications, expected within the next few months.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

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

The PIE: More Declines Loom in “Seriously Concerning” US Visa Trends

Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Reforms: What’s Next for Construction Employers?

Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Grand Designs Magazine: How to Buy Your Dream Home Overseas

Director Isobel Neilson discusses how changes to golden visa programmes are affecting UK buyers pursuing overseas property investment.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechInformed: Global Talent, Local Growth: Immigration’s Role in the Tech Economy

Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Associates Aisha Shahid and Yinny Tan outline how UK immigration changes affect tech talent access and business alignment.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Hoping to Visit the U.S.? It Might Cost You an Extra $250.

Partner Parisa Karaahmet is quoted on a new country-specific, $250 "visa integrity fee" introduced by the current US administration as part of a domestic policy bill.

Learn more

Media mentions

New Civil Engineer: The immigration white paper and the government’s Industrial Strategy – how do they compare?

Paralegal Sean Pearce discusses the UK government's immigration White Paper in the context of its Industrial Strategy, noting the importance of overseas talent in meeting infrastructure and housing goals.

Learn more

Video

Update on U.S. Tariffs | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Partner Christian Dallman shares an update on US tariffs as the August 1 deadline for trade negotiations approaches.

Learn more

Media mentions

Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape

Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.

Learn more

Podcast

Visa Policy Changes in Nigeria

Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice's Kunle Obebe and Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms.

Learn more

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Creative Industries & Immigration: What the 2025 Policy Changes Mean

Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Learn more

Media mentions

AAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys

Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: More Declines Loom in “Seriously Concerning” US Visa Trends

Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Reforms: What’s Next for Construction Employers?

Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Grand Designs Magazine: How to Buy Your Dream Home Overseas

Director Isobel Neilson discusses how changes to golden visa programmes are affecting UK buyers pursuing overseas property investment.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechInformed: Global Talent, Local Growth: Immigration’s Role in the Tech Economy

Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Associates Aisha Shahid and Yinny Tan outline how UK immigration changes affect tech talent access and business alignment.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Hoping to Visit the U.S.? It Might Cost You an Extra $250.

Partner Parisa Karaahmet is quoted on a new country-specific, $250 "visa integrity fee" introduced by the current US administration as part of a domestic policy bill.

Learn more

Media mentions

New Civil Engineer: The immigration white paper and the government’s Industrial Strategy – how do they compare?

Paralegal Sean Pearce discusses the UK government's immigration White Paper in the context of its Industrial Strategy, noting the importance of overseas talent in meeting infrastructure and housing goals.

Learn more

Video

Update on U.S. Tariffs | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Partner Christian Dallman shares an update on US tariffs as the August 1 deadline for trade negotiations approaches.

Learn more

Media mentions

Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape

Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.

Learn more

Podcast

Visa Policy Changes in Nigeria

Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice's Kunle Obebe and Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms.

Learn more

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Creative Industries & Immigration: What the 2025 Policy Changes Mean

Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Learn more

Media mentions

AAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys

Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

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
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

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

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

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

© 2025 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.