What is the cost of a Qatar working visa?

Average cost of a Qatar work visa

Generally, the price of the Qatar working visa covers the government processing fee, medical examinations, fingerprinting and issuing a residency card. As a rough estimate, the overall out-of-pocket cost (government fees plus any required third-party services such as attestations and optional processing charges) often falls in the QAR 1,000–2,000 range, depending on the case.

For example, many employers budget a mid-range total cost per new hire, but the exact figure varies by required services and company arrangements. The employer usually pays these charges in most companies, but out of pocket charges may be required depending on the company policy. It is always important to check with your human resources or recruitment agency before doing so.

Why costs vary

The final amount depends on a number of factors:

Nationality quotas: Processing requirements can vary based on employer approvals, sector rules, and compliance checks, which may affect timelines and associated service needs.
Profession type: Certain roles may require additional documentation (e.g., degree verification or attestation), which can add third-party costs and time.
Employer sponsorship: There are those companies that are going to pay all the related fees and there are those that would require the employee to pay the medical tests or fingerprints.
Other checks: Background checks, document attestations and travel expenses may be added to the overall charges.

Qatar work visa process: Step-by-step

The Qatar working visa process involves multiple government departments. Below is a clear breakdown of each stage and how long it typically takes.

Employer secures the required hiring and immigration approvals

Before the employee can be onboarded, the employer must complete the relevant immigration and employment approvals required for the role and the company’s sponsorship file.

Time needed: dependent on employer and availability of quota.

Medical examination in Qatar (3–5 days)

Once the applicant arrives in Qatar on an entry visa, the first mandatory step is the medical check-up. This includes:

Blood test
Chest X-ray

The purpose is to screen for infectious diseases.
Processing time: 24–72 hours, through timelines can vary.

Fingerprinting at the criminal investigation department (3–7 days)

After the medical report clears, the applicant must visit Qatar’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for biometric fingerprinting. Fingerprinting is part of the identity verification and security screening required for issuing the residence permit and Qatar ID. This step usually takes 3–7 days, unless a major issue appears.

Residency permit issuance (1–3 days)

Once the checks are completed, the employer finalizes the residence permit (RP) and Qatar ID (QID) process, which formalizes the employee’s legal residency and authorization to work under the sponsor.

Processing time: 1-3 days based on the applicant and internal approvals.

Once the RP is issued, the employee is given their Qatar ID (QID) which formally gives him or her the right to work and live in the country.

How long does the entire Qatar work visa process take?

In straightforward cases, the in-country steps (medical, fingerprinting, and RP/QID issuance) can be completed in about 1–2 weeks, but delays are possible depending on appointments and approvals.

Final thoughts

The average cost of a Qatar working visa is QAR 1,000–2,000.
For many Indian professionals, the expected cost is around QAR 1,450.
Some expenses may be the employee’s responsibility, depending on the employer.
Always verify costs with your HR department to avoid surprises.

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