Qatar 10-Year Residence Permit for Executives and Entrepreneurs

Qatar has unveiled a major long-term residency initiative designed to attract global entrepreneurs, senior executives, and high-value talent to live and work in the country for up to a decade.

Announced on February 1 by Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the program introduces new renewable residence pathways aligned with Qatar’s strategy to diversify its economy, accelerate innovation, and position Doha as a leading regional business hub.

According to Invest Qatar, the scheme offers two five-year permits — Entrepreneur Residency and Executive Residency — each of which is renewable, allowing approved applicants to remain in Qatar for up to 10 years.

Entrepreneur Residency Pathway

The entrepreneur track is aimed at founders and innovators looking to launch or expand ventures in Qatar.

Key requirements:

• Secure endorsement from a Qatari incubator or approved platform
• Maintain a minimum bank balance of QAR 36,500 over the previous three months

Benefits include:

• Mentorship and startup support
• Assistance with licensing and regulatory procedures
• Access to healthcare
• Eligibility for lifestyle and merchant discounts that may reduce living costs
• Ability to sponsor family members and domestic workers

The pathway is expected to strengthen Qatar’s startup ecosystem, particularly across technology, healthcare, finance, logistics, and sustainable industries.

Executive Residency Pathway

The executive route targets experienced senior leaders already working in Qatar.

Eligibility criteria:

Applicants must:

• Hold qualifying roles such as CEO, CFO, CTO, COO, chairman, or executive director
• Earn at least QAR 80,000 per month (executive directors) or QAR 50,000 per month (C-suite roles)
• Have a minimum of five years’ experience in the position
• Receive a nomination from their employer

Employers must also meet specific conditions, including being listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange or regulated by bodies such as the Qatar Central Bank.

Approved executives gain:

• Long-term residency security
• Family and domestic worker sponsorship
• Greater flexibility to invest and establish businesses in Qatar
• Access to premium services and commercial benefits

Why This Matters

The introduction of these visas coincides with Qatar’s decision to inject an additional $2 billion into its Fund of Funds program, reinforcing support for venture capital and high-growth sectors.

Together, the policies send a clear signal: Qatar is intensifying efforts to compete globally for expertise, entrepreneurs, and strategic investors.

Alternative Residency Routes

For investors outside the executive or startup categories, Qatar continues to offer residency through property investment:

• Permanent residency with added benefits for properties valued at QAR 3.65 million or more
• Standard residency permits for investments starting from QAR 730,000

Alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030

The long-term residency expansion supports national objectives to:

• Enhance labour market mobility
• Attract specialized international talent
• Promote private sector growth
• Build a diversified, knowledge-based economy

Further immigration and investment-friendly frameworks are expected as Qatar advances the priorities of the Third National Development Strategy.