Our Red-Tape Guide to Living in Qatar

There's no denying that setting up your life as a new expat is rather a hectic experience. From packing, planning your move, to unloading and establishing a network here of services, there's not much time to actually sit down and give thought to a complicated task. 

More often than not, due to no fault of our own, we're faced with what we like to call a 'red-tape' scenario as and when they pop up. 

To help you be more prepared on what to expect, how to handle the situation and exactly what you need to make the process as smooth as possible, here's our advice on setting up your visa, getting a birth certificate, a liquor license and a death certificate.

Visas
As expats, there are different types of visas you can gain while working and living in Qatar. As expats, you would need to know everything about your residency visa, and if you plan to work, a work permit. 

Residency Visa and Work Permit
These are not normally an issue for you, provided you have a sponsor. Your sponsor would typically get your work permit and assist with all the required paperwork to help you with a smooth transition from visitor to resident. To work as a resident, you need a work permit. These are generally valid up to three years, and is granted to people who have contracts to work in Qatar. 

Ensure that all the appropriate documents are readily available and expect to provide additional documents. Resident visas can take some time and in family circumstances, it is not uncommon to do a visa run within the first 28 days of living in Qatar. Contracts are usually valid for a 2 year period, with 2 months paid leave after completion of contract. 

Once you are a resident, you can obtain residence permit for your family if you earn a salary of QR 10,000 or more. You can sponsor you sons under 25 years old  and daughters for as long as they are unmarried. 

Business Visa
If you are just travelling to Qatar for work, you may obtain a business visa. This is very useful if you're resident in a neighbouring country, but your job requires frequent business trips to Qatar. These are granted to individuals who travel to Qatar for business, however the partner company sponsoring or government establishment, such as the ministry, would have to obtain the required visa. Business visas are typically valid between 2 weeks and 3 months. Hotels can also arrange these for you if necessary.

Family Visit Visa
These are an appropriate option for families with expat status, allowing you to bring your family, siblings or parents over to visit you in Qatar. The visa can range from one month to a maximum of 6 months, and a medical commission check-up is necessary to extend the visa beyond 1 month. 

You can pay at the immigration desk via Visa or MasterCard for standard visit visas. Note that the presence of relatives in the country still requires a hotel booking. Passports must be valid for six months after the date of return. Exit visas are not required.

Multiple Entry Visa
Multiple entry visas are available for 6 months and one year. 2-year and 5-year multiple-entry visas are available for holders of British passports.

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Identity Cards
These are mandatory for all residents of Qatar; this applies to the resident work permit and the family resident permit. The exception is for those under 18. The ID cards contain information such as your blood group, your passport number and nationality not forgetting your signature and can be used instead of your passport in most circumstances. The duration of your ID is the same as your residency.

Medical Tests
To gain your residency visa, you are required to undergo a medical test. This medical procedure is needed for your residency and work permit, as well as a family residency visa. Blood group certificates are required before going for medical tests. This applies to adults and children.

Medical tests include a blood test as well as chest X-rays. The chest X-rays can only be done at the Medical Commission in Abu Hamour. Electronic fingerprinting for adults only can be completed at the Mesaimeer Services Centre.

Birth Certificates and Registration
A birth certificate is issued to every child born in Qatar but children born to foreign nationals are not entitled to Qatari Nationality by reason of their birth in Qatar. The Hamad hospital will issue 2 letters to obtain a birth certificate but the parents must register their child’s birth with their respective country’s embassy or consulate.

The documents required for a birth certificate:

• Childs local birth certificate

• Both parents passports

• Marriage certificates

• Visas and copies of public health department

• Completed birth form

A cost applies per copy of each birth certificate and is normally issued within a week. Newborn babies registration permits must be processed and completed within 60 days of their birth. Failure to do so will result in a Qr 10 per day fine until the visa is issued.

Marriage Certificate and Licence
It is not that common for expats to get married in Qatar, most people either return to their countries of origin or travel abroad for more scenic nuptials.

SEE ALSO: Our guide to the cost of living in Qatar

Nonetheless, while it may not be a common thing, if ever you do plan on arranging your wedding day while living in Qatar, you do have options. There are a number of house churches which meet in various villas around town, as well as a resident Chaplain and a resident Roman Catholic priest in Qatar. There is a state recognised Catholic church with a newly completed building.

Certain embassies are able to officiate civil service ceremonies for their nationals and register these marriages, but it is best to check with your particular embassy’s consular office to see what their requirements are and how to have any ceremony recognised in your home country.

Liquor License
As expats, we must always be mindful of the laws and principles of the country we're living in. Qatar is a Muslim country, and so respect for its laws and culture must always be upheld during your stay here. This applies to the consumption of alcohol, which means expats require a liquor license when purchasing and consuming alcohol. To cater for the expatriate population, there are available places you may get your hands on your favourite drink.

Bars and restaurants inside most hotels and some sports or leisure clubs are licenced to sell alcohol, although an extra charge of 17.5% tax is customary. The Qatar Distribution Company is the exclusive importers of alcohol in Qatar, and because the brewing of alcohol is prohibited, the only vendor of anything alcoholic. They are situated near the industrial area and are the sole location where those with a liquor permit can buy alcohol.

For more information and detailed instructions on gaining your liquor license, visit >>

Death Certificate and Licence
The death of a family member or friend is understandably difficult at any time, but the procedures in a foreign country may add to your stress and pain. Your national embassy will certainly assist wherever they can and will provide you with clear instructions of what needs to be done in order to remove remains for funeral arrangements.

To register a death in Qatar and gaining a death certificate and a Transfer of Dead Body certificate, there are steps and procedures to follow. We've no doubt your/the deceased's sponsor will assist you at this time, especially since they're responsible for the residency visa. 

In the event of a death, the police must be notified first, so they can follow their procedures to allow you to collect a Notification of Death certificate.

For more information and detailed instructions the follow in the event of a death, you can visit >>

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If you have any questions about the below information, feel free to contact any one of Qatar's government services and public contacts, or your own country's embassy, or tag us using #ExpatWoman on social media and we'll try our best to help!