The government of Qatar has announced the introduction of a new residence permit program tailored for talented individuals and entrepreneurs, enabling them to live and work in Qatar for up to five years, with the option for renewal.
This initiative aims to provide foreign nationals with an avenue for long-term stability and investment in Qatar, underscoring the government’s commitment to attracting and retaining skilled individuals and entrepreneurs who can drive economic growth and innovation in the country.
Expected to roll out in the coming months, the new residence permit program will offer two categories of eligibility:
Talent Category:
Applicants must secure endorsement from a relevant Qatari government authority, recognizing them as talented individuals in one of 13 approved fields such as arts, entertainment, sports, education, scientific research, development, or innovation.
They should possess either a job offer or employment contract with a Qatari employer, or demonstrate financial means equivalent to at least QAR 36,500 (approximately USD 10,027) to sustain themselves during the immigration process in Qatar.
Entrepreneur Category:
Eligible candidates must present a comprehensive business plan for investment in Qatar, endorsed by authorized business incubators in the country, such as the Qatar Science & Technology Park and Qatar Fintech Hub.
The proposed investment must meet a minimum threshold of QAR 250,000 (approximately USD 68,671).
This initiative aligns closely with Qatar’s strategic vision to diversify its economy and establish an investor-friendly environment, positioning the country as an attractive destination for foreign investment and skilled talent.