Ways to live in Qatar
These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.
Programme details are shown in English.
Investment and golden visa Investment and golden visas →
Real estate residence for property owners
Foreigners who buy property in the areas open to non-Qataris can get a residence permit tied to it. A larger purchase adds the benefits of permanent residency.
- What you need
- Property worth at least 730,000 QAR (about $200,000) for residence tied to the property. Property worth at least 3,650,000 QAR (about $1 million) for residence with permanent-residency benefits: public healthcare, education and the right to invest.
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- Through a single one-stop window after registering the property; information from the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Aqarat)
- Path to permanent residence
- The top tier, from 3,650,000 QAR, gives the same health, education and investment benefits as permanent residency.
Residence permit Residence permits →
Invest Qatar Residency Program for entrepreneurs and executives
Self-sponsored long-term residence for startup founders backed by a Qatari business incubator, and for senior executives already living in Qatar.
- What you need
- Founders: endorsement from a recognised Qatari incubator and a 3-month bank statement with at least $10,000 (applicants abroad) or 36,500 QAR (residents), plus a police certificate. Executives: Qatar ID, at least 5 years in senior management and a monthly salary of at least 50,000 QAR (C-level) or 80,000 QAR (other executive directors) at a listed company, bank, insurer or consulting firm.
- Savings
- about $10,000
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- Founders are nominated by their incubator to Jusour (Invest Qatar's talent and residency service), executives by their employer; then an online application
- Family
- Family members can come with you
Cost of living
Monthly amounts in US dollars.
| Room in a shared flat | $600 |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom flat | $1,500 |
| Two-bedroom flat | $2,200 |
| Bills | $100 |
| Typical local salary | $2,500 |
Some of these figures are estimates; treat them as a rough guide.
Cities to consider
Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.
What life is like
Programme details are shown in English.
Why people move
Doha offers polished living: waterfront towers in West Bay and The Pearl, world-class museums and a huge range of international food. Desert dunes and the inland sea are a short drive away, and the city feels very safe.
Day to day
The Doha Metro covers key areas, but most people drive or use ride-hailing. Healthcare is modern, with good public and private hospitals. Cards and mobile payments work everywhere, internet is fast. Arabic is official, English is the everyday working language.
Trade-offs
Summer heat makes outdoor life nearly impossible for months. Social norms are conservative, alcohol is restricted, and the country is small, so weekends can feel repetitive.
Before you move: visa-free entry
Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:
United States30 days
United Kingdom30 days
Australia30 days
Canada30 days
New Zealand30 days
Switzerland90 days
Norway90 days
Singapore30 days
Japan30 days
South Korea90 days
IsraelVisa
United Arab EmiratesVisa-free
Hong Kong30 days
South Africa30 days
Mexico30 days
Brazil90 days
Questions
Does Qatar have a digital nomad visa?
Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.
How can I move to Qatar?
The routes we have checked are: Investment and golden visa, Residence permit.
Sources and last check
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.
