Qatar Country
Guide 2024

Qatar

The State of Qatar is a country in Western Asia; it is one of the richest countries in the world, and has a very high human development. The weather can get some taking used to due to the heat, especially in the summer, but there are a lot of beaches, and breathtaking desert landscapes.

Due to a large influx of expats in Qaatar, English is quickly becoming the official language for conducting business, and there are a large number of job opportunities and an impressive range of culture and entertainment. Qatar is a very safe place to live, and it is easy to own a car due to low petrol prices, which is a bonus considering there is hardly any public transport. The healthcare system is very good, and it is possible to get free medical treatment even as a foreigner. 

• Capital: Doha
• Spoken Languages: Arabic, English
• Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR)
• Minimum monthly wage: QAR 1,000

Entry Visa

Nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council can enter Qatar without a visa – all other foreigners must obtain one.

Work Permit / Residence Permit

Individuals with a job offer in Qatar must obtain a Work Residence Permit (RP); the application is done fully by the employer. This process can take up to 4 weeks, so the employer can arrange a temporary visa so the employee can enter Qatar. After receiving the RP, the individual can find a place to live and start accessing government services.

Social Security Registration

There are no social security contributions for foreign nationals working in Qatar.

Working Hours

The maximum allowed working hours are 8 hours a day/ 48 hours a week since the standard working week is 6 days. During the month of Ramadan, the working hours for Muslims are reduced to 6 hours / day.

Public Holidays

• National Sports Day, 2nd Tuesday of February
• Eid Al Fitr, (5 days, usually in April/May)
• Arafat Day, (Not s standard date)
• Eid Al Adha, (3 days, starts the day after Arafat)
• National Day, 18 Dec

Vacation Allowance

Employees are entitled to 3 weeks annual leave if they have been working for the employer for less than 5 years; after 5 years, the allowance is increased to 4 weeks.

Sick Leave

Employees are entitled to 60 working day’s sick leave in any 12 month period, which is fully paid. The employer may request a medical certificate with proof of illness. If an individual is sick for more than 60 working days in a year, the employer is allowed to terminate the employment without notice.

Maternity / Paternity leave

• Maternity: 50 days with full pay, provided the employee has worked at the company for at least a year. Up to 15 days before the birth, and at least 35 after.
• Paternity: None. However, some companies may offer paid leave.

Termination & Severance

According to the Qatar Labour Law, employees are entitled to an End of Service Gratuity, which is based on the contract and the number of years worked, provided the service lasted at least a year. The amount paid is a minimum of 3 weeks basic salary per year worked.

Notice Period

Social Security

Employee social security contributions are deducted automatically from the wage. Employer contributions are not deducted from the employee’s wage, but paid by the employers themselves.

The contributions are paid by the employer monthly.

Pension

Foreign employees in Qatar are not entitled to any pension benefits.

Taxation in Qatar

There is no personal income tax in Qatar.

Health Insurance

Qatar has booth free and subsidized public healthcare, which is also accessible for foreigners; it is mandatory to have health insurance when working and living in Qatar. However, individuals can also opt to buy private healthcare.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Qatar can be quite expensive, depending on the location. The estimated monthly cost for a single person is around QAR 7,200 – 9,400, with QAR 4,000 – 6,300 going to rent.

How We Can Help

We provide a full set of services in Qatar allowing corporate clients, recruitment agencies and professional contractors to operate in an optimal manner while ensuring that all local employment obligations are taken care of.

Access Financial offers the following solution in Qatar:

• Employed/EOR Solution

If you would like to discuss how Access Financial can help in Qatar, please contact us.

Disclaimer

WE HAVE PREPARED THIS AS A GUIDE ONLY; IT DOES NOT FORM PART OF AN OFFER. PLEASE REQUEST ILLUSTRATIONS BASED ON YOUR SPECIFIC CASE FROM ONE OF OUR SOLUTION MANAGERS.