Business

Business Visa to Qatar: What You Need to Know

Qatar is thriving with business opportunities, attracting entrepreneurs and business owners eager to relocate with a Qatar business visa. Boasting a robust economy, a pro-business government, and a strategic location, Qatar is an ideal destination for establishing your business.

If you’re planning a business trip to Qatar, in this article will cover all the essential information you need regarding visa requirements, the application process, costs, validity, and medical insurance in Qatar.

What is a Qatar Business Visa?

A Qatar business visa allows foreigners to travel for business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or undertaking projects and work activities in Qatar for a specified duration. The length of stay under a business visa depends on the type acquired.

Types of Qatar Business Visa

Qatar offers two types of business visas:

  1. A 72-hour business visa is a short-term option for attending meetings and conferences. It is issued upon arrival and is extendable.
  2. A 30 or 90-day business visa caters to longer-term engagements like projects or contractual work. This visa should be secured in advance by the sponsoring company and can also be extended.

What do you need to get a business visa?

If you’re wondering how to get visa for Qatar, here are the eligibility requirements:

To be eligible for a Qatar business visa, you must:

  • Travel to Qatar for business or professional purposes.
  • Be over 18 years old.
  • Hold a passport valid for at least six months.
  • Have no criminal record.
  • Possess all necessary documents provided by your company.

Documents Required for a Qatar Business Visa

The following documents are needed for a Qatar business visa application. Ensuring completeness and compliance with the criteria will prevent delays in processing:

  • The original passport is valid for at least six months.
  • Completed visa application form.

    Documents for obtaining a visa
    Documents for obtaining a visa
  • Proof of income tax returns.
  • Passport-sized color photographs.
  • Clear photocopy of passport.
  • Copy of valid establishment ID.
  • Visa fee paid by bank card.
  • Cover note from the hosting company in Qatar, signed by an authorized person including their designation, company name, and stamp.
  • Departure and return air tickets.
  • Documentation verifying the visitor’s profession or business status.

Qatar Business Visa Application Process

Applying for a Qatar business visa can be done through various convenient methods:

  1. Online Application via Hukoomi Portal
  • Complete the online application form with all required details.
  • Attach necessary documents, including copies of your passport, a valid establishment ID, and proof of your profession.
  • Pay the applicable fee after approval.
  1. Application via MOI e-services Portal
  • Log in operating your smart card on the MOI portal.
  • Navigate to “Visa Services,” select “Issue Visa,” and then choose “Business Visa.”
  • Enter your personal details such as name, birthdate, birthplace, passport information, contact, and address.
  • Provide your current email address to receive a digital receipt of your visa application.
  • Verify the accuracy of all provided details.
  • Proceed with the payment for visa issuance.
  1. Offline Application
  • Ensure the company applying for the visa is legally registered and reputable in Qatar.
  • Download and finish the application form on paper.
  • Submit the form with the necessary documents at Unified Services Centres.
  • Pay the processing fee.

For all application methods, the applying organization must be legally registered in Qatar. The MOI portal and Metrash2 application offer convenient options, typically resulting in visa authorization within three days of submission.

Applying for a business visa
Applying for a business visa

Obtaining a 72-hour Business Visa and its Requirements

The 72-hour business visa for Qatar can be obtained upon coming at entry points such as Hamad International Airport, provided you meet certain criteria:

  • business documents: have a passport valid for 6 months;
  • a valid reason for visiting like a company invitation;
  • proof of finances;
  • hotel reservation and a return ticket.

This visa facilitates short-term business trips with a straightforward process.

Qatar Business Visa Processing Time

Processing for a Qatar business visa takes 3 to 6 days, but this can vary due to factors like public holidays, workload, incomplete documents, or the need for document attestation.

Extension of Business Visa

Qatar business visas can be extended: 72-hour visas for an extra 72 hours (QR 50), 30-day visas for an additional 60 days (QR 200 per month), and 90-day visas for another 180 days. To extend, use the MOI website or visit the immigration office with required documents.

Recently, business visas are primarily issued to government, semi-government organizations, and major projects, with smaller businesses facing lower approval rates. The visa service operates 24/7, with final approval taking about three days.