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

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

Suppose you are already in Qatar under a tourist visa (or visit visa) and were given an offer of a job you would like to accept: Can I change my tourist visa to employment visa after accepting a job in Qatar and continuing living here? Well, yes, that is also possible-- but not necessarily easy. This is determined by a number of aspects, such as the type of visa provided, by whom you are sponsored, and the existing immigration policies.

This is a practical and realistic guide that will assist you to appreciate the mechanism of the process at work in Qatar:

Is it legally possible?

While certain types of visit visas (especially business visit visas) may be converted in-country, tourist visas generally require the applicant to leave Qatar and re-enter under a work visa.. But this is usually a process which involves certain procedures such as transfer of sponsorship and consent by the authorities.

Option 1: Sponsored visit visa converted to employment visa

If you are in Qatar on a visit visa sponsored by your employer (and not by the particular agency or a person), the transition will be easier.

  • During your stay in the country, your employer is allowed to apply in order to convert your visit visa to work visa.
  • This is usual in case a visit visa was issued for recruitment purposes.

Option 2: Tourist visa or agency-sponsored visit visa

In case you have entered Qatar with a tourist visa (or a visit visa granted through an agent in the country of origin) it gets even more complicated:

  • Most commonly, you will have to leave Qatar and come back again when you get the work visa.
  • It is the responsibility of your employer to make an application for an employment visa when you are out of the country.

Required steps to convert to an employment visa

Secure a job offer

  • You must have a valid job offer from a company licensed in Qatar.
  • The employer must agree to sponsor your employment visa.

Employer applies for employment visa

  • Your future employer must submit the application to the Ministry of Interior (MOI).
  • Required documents include:
    • Passport copy
    • Signed job offer or employment contract
    • Academic or professional certificates (attested)
    • Medical clearance (from an approved health center)
    • NOC (No Objection Certificate) if applicable

Exit and re-entry (if required)

  • In most occasions, particularly with a tourist visa, the applicant has to leave the country, Qatar, prior to the employment visa being completed.
  • Once the visa is granted, the employer will forward you entry permit, and as such, you can re-enter Qatar in your mode of employment.

Complete residency process: Once you enter Qatar on an employment visa, you must complete:

  • Medical test
  • Biometrics (fingerprinting)
  • Issuance of your Qatar ID (residency permit)

Important notes & considerations

  • NOC requirement: In case you were previously under another sponsor (or through an agency, particularly), you might require a No Objection Certificate (NOC). They may be difficult to get, especially when you have no agent, and a formal job offer, when applying with a visa.
  • Time definition: While the official processing time is a few weeks, in practice it often takes one to three months, depending on government approvals.
  • Legal updates: Visas policies of Qatar are subject to change. You should strongly consider asking your employer, the Ministry of Interior or a serious PRO/legal consultant the rules as they stand at present.

Real-life experience

Lots of individuals have been able to shift over a visit visa to an employment visa particularly in a situation whereby the employer is already a part of the process. In some instances it is possible to convert in the country without leaving, and in others it will be necessary to make a brief exit (usually to a neighboring country such as Oman or UAE) to permit re-entry under a work visa.

Final answer

Yes, you can change your Qatar tourist or visit visa to an employment visa, but the ease of the process depends on:

  • Who issued your current visa
  • Whether your employer is willing to handle the paperwork
  • If an NOC is needed
  • And current Qatari immigration laws

In order to prevent problems, make sure your employment offer is genuine, the employer has the appropriate permit to hire foreigners and the documentation is ready. Working while on a tourist or visit visa is illegal and can result in fines, deportation, and bans from re-entry.. The move can be smooth and one may end up being employed in Qatar on a full legal basis, were this done perfectly. 

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