Home Arrow FAQs Arrow Can I change my Qatar business visa to an employment visa?

Can I change my Qatar business visa to an employment visa?

If you're in Qatar on a business visa and receive a job offer, one of the first questions that comes to mind is:
Can I change my business visa to an employment visa without leaving the country?
The answer is yes, however, it largely depends on your current visa sponsor and on the willingness of the employer to go through the legal procedure.

The following is a complete and practical guide to the process of switching your Qatar business visa to an employment visa and its eligibility, legalities, and possibly encounter difficulties.

Is it legally possible?

Yes, a business visa can be changed to an employment visa in Qatar but not all business visas are eligible for conversion, especially short-term business visas issued for temporary assignments. Always check your visa type and your sponsor’s willingness to provide a NOC.

Understanding the process

Secure a job offer

  • First and foremost, you need to secure a job offer from a company in Qatar.
  • The employer must be licensed and eligible to sponsor foreign workers.

Request a no objection certificate (NOC)

  • NOC is an official document by your existing sponsor (that gave you your business visa) that they do not object to your visa alteration.
  • In cases where your business visa was sponsored by a reputable corporation (e.g. business partner or client in Qatar), then they might agree to issue a NOC.
  • In case your visa was arranged through a recruitment agency or issued in your home country, it is typically harder to obtain a NOC, since such sponsors are not interested in following up procedures.

What if you cannot get a NOC?

  • In case you are unable to get a NOC, you will be forced to leave Qatar.
  • After being outside the country, your employer may proceed to apply for an employment visa on your behalf.
  • In case the application succeeds, an entry visa will be issued to come to Qatar and stay there legally within the employment category.

Required documents for employment visa

Once the NOC (if applicable) is secured or you're applying from outside the country, your new employer must handle the following:

  • A valid job offer letter
  • Copy of your passport
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Attested educational certificates (if required for the position)
  • Completed medical examination (upon arrival or at authorized centers)
  • Employment contract approved by the Ministry of Labour

Completing the residency process

Once you enter Qatar under an employment visa, you will need to complete the Qatar ID (residency permit) process, which includes:

  • Medical check-up
  • Fingerprinting
  • Biometric data registration
  • Finalization of your residency/work permit

Important notes

  • No exit needed under NOC: In case you receive a legal no objection certificate from your current business visa sponsor, you are not required to leave Qatar.
  • Departure without NOC: In the case of absence of NOC, you will have to depart and allow your new employer to initiate the procedure of the employment visa in your home country or any other country.
  • Processing time: Conversion or issuing a Visa can be processed in a matter of weeks depending on paperwork and approval from the Ministry.
  • Legal opinion: To get the current regulations consult the Qatar Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Labour or other reliable legal adviser.

Final thoughts

Yes, it is possible to change Qatar business visa to employment visa but mostly it depends on the cooperation of your current sponsor. The simplest thing is a No Objection Certificate (NOC), without which you will have to leave Qatar and then come back after your new visa is granted.

Never forget to inform your new employer about what kind of visa you already have so that he or she can be ready to manage the legal process correctly. It is also worth understanding your visa status and legal rights early on at the initial stage so that you can save yourself time, money and legal hassles.

Tips: It is advisable to first check with your employer HR or a certified PRO (Public Relations Officer) to go through the right way depending on your specific visa status.

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