Where can I get a business visa for Qatar?

If your objective is to obtain a business visa for Qatar, the process is tied to a Qatari-based company or institution acting as your sponsor. The business visa can only be applied for by a Qatari company or institution that holds a valid Smart Card and is registered with the Ministry of Interior (MOI) to submit visa applications electronically. Below is a breakdown of where and how you can apply, and what to watch out for.

Where apply business visa for Qatar

The application must be lodged by a company or institution in Qatar that is accredited by the Ministry of Interior (Qatar) (MOI) or the relevant immigration authority.
The sponsoring company must hold a valid accreditation (often via a smart-card or registration in the MOI system) before it can submit the business visa application.
The sponsor uses the MOI e-Services portal (or the official visa/immigration portal) to submit the application electronically, attaching all required documents and paying the fee.
For most nationalities, the business visa must be arranged in advance through the sponsoring company in Qatar; however, some nationalities eligible for visa-on-arrival may enter for short business visits under that scheme (sometimes digitally or as an approval letter) so that the traveller can enter.
Once approved, you can travel to Qatar using the issued visa. No residence registration is required for business visa holders unless they convert to a work visa.

Validity and extension business visa Qatar

Typically, the business visa is valid for 30 days on initial entry.
The visa is extendable for an additional 60 days, with stipulated fees per month.
The fee for each additional month of extension is QR 200 per month.
Over-staying or not applying for the extension via the sponsor may lead to penalties or entry issues.

Important application steps

The sponsoring company must ensure it is accredited and authorised to submit business visa applications.
The company logs into the MOI electronic portal, selects “Business Visa,” uploads a copy of the traveller’s passport and other documents, and pays the standard fee (commonly QR 200 for the first month).
After submission and approval, the applicant receives a visa “approval number” or document which must be presented at immigration when entering Qatar.
The applicant must ensure that their visit corresponds with the business purpose outlined in the application (e.g., meetings, conferences, contract work) — the business visa is not a work permit for long-term employment.

In summary

In order to obtain a business visa to Qatar, one must be sponsored by a company or organization based in Qatar that has been recognized by the MOI. The sponsor makes an electronic application, pays the required fee and you have to enter within the validity period. The first visa is 30 days and it is renewed for another 60 days by paying QR 200/month as a fee. Under such circumstances, it is most essential to do business with a decent Qatari business, apply at the first opportunity, and make sure that your purpose of business corresponds to the type of visa.

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