Qatar Business Visa: Requirement & Application Guide

Qatar is booming with business opportunities with budding entrepreneurs and business owners trying to move to the country on a Qatar business visa as soon as possible. Qatar has a strong economy, a pro-business government and a strategic location. It is the ultimate place to host your business.

If you wish to plan a business trip to Qatar, our blog will touch upon all the crucial information you need regarding the requirements, application process, costs, and visa validity. 

What is a Qatar Business Visa?

A Qatar business visa allows foreigners to travel for business purposes. With a business visa, you can attend business, conferences, carry out projects, or carry out work activities in Qatar for a specific duration. The duration of staying in Qatar under a business visa depends on the type of visa you attained.

Types of Qatar Business Visa

Qatar offers two types of business visas:

A 72-hour business visa

A 72-hour business visa is a short-term business visa which is meant for attending business meetings and conferences. It is issued on arrival and it can be extended.

30 or 90-day business visa

A 30 or 90-day business visa is a longer-term business visa which is meant for projects or contractual work. This visa should be obtained in advance by the company and it can be extended.

Eligibility Requirements for a Qatar Business Visa

The eligibility criteria for obtaining a Qatar business visa are straightforward.

  • You must be travelling to Qatar for business or professional reasons.
  • You must be above the age of 18.
  • You must have a valid passport for six months.
  • You must not have any criminal records.
  • You must have all the valid documents provided by your company.

Documents Required for a Qatar Business Visa

The following documents are required to apply for a Qatar business visa. It is very important to ensure that all the documents are complete and meet the criteria to prevent any delays in the application process.

  • Original passport that is valid for at least 6 months.
  • Complete the visa application form.
  • Passport size, colour photographs.
  • Clear copy of passport.
  • Copy of valid establishment ID.
  • Visa fee paid by bank card.
  • Proof of income tax returns.
  • Cover letter from the hosting company in Qatar, signed by an authorized person and including their designation, company name, and stamp.
  • Departure and return air ticket.
  • The document that proves the visitor’s profession or validates status as a businessman.

Qatar Business Visa Application Process

There are several ways to apply for a Qatar business visa, you can choose any one based on your convenience. 

1. Online Application via Hukoomi Portal

  • Fill out the online application form with all the necessary information.
  • Attach required documents such as copies of your passport, valid establishment ID, and documents proving your profession.
  • Upon approval, pay the applicable fee.

2. Application via MOI e-services Portal

  • Log in using your smart card on the MOI portal.
  • Go to “Visa Services”, select “Issue Visa”, then select “Business Visa”.
  • Enter your details like name, birthday, birthplace, passport information, contact details, and address. 
  • Provide your current email address to receive a digital visa application receipt. 
  • Confirm and double-check the details you have provided.
  • Proceed to payment for visa issuance. 

3. Offline Application

  • Ensure the company applying for a business visa is legally registered and has a good reputation in Qatar.
  • Download and complete the application form on paper.
  • Submit the form along with the required documents attached at the Unified Services Centres.
  • Pay the processing fee.

For all applications, whether applied online or in person, the applying organization or company must be legally registered in Qatar. Both the MOI portal and Metrash2 application give convenient options for visa application, usually resulting in visa approval within three days of submission.

Obtaining a 72-hour Business Visa and its Requirements

The 72-hour business visa can be obtained immediately upon your arrival from Qatar’s entry points like Hamad International Airport or Abu Samara border, if and only if the following requirements are fulfilled.

  • You must show proof of your business status/background through relevant documents.
  • Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months.
  • Your visit to Qatar should have a valid reason for example a planned invitation to an accredited company.
  • A document which proves the reason for your visit such as an invitation letter.
  • You must have a credit card with a QR 5,000 balance or the same amount in cash.
  • Your hotel reservation for the entire duration of your stay must be confirmed.
  • You must show your departure/ return ticket.

This visa option accommodates short-term business trips to Qatar with a simple, straightforward process at the specified entry points.

How much does the Qatar Business Visa cost?

The Price for a Qatar Business visa depends on the type of visa:

  • 72-hour business visa – QR 50
  • 30 days business visa – QR 200
  • 90-day business visa – QR 600

Expired Visa Fine

If your business visa expires, you must pay a heavy fine of QR 200 per day.

Qatar Business Visa Processing Time

Qatar business visa issuance authorities take 3 to 6 days to process business visas. However, this time could vary depending on different factors i.e. Public holidays, workload, incomplete documents or if any document requires attestation. 

Click Here to Read about Business Visa Satus Check

Extension of Business Visa

Both types of Qatari business visas can be extended:

  • 72-hour business visas can be extended for a further 72 hours. QR 50 fees apply
  • 30-day business visas can be extended for a further 60 days. QR 200 per month fee applies.
  • 90-day business visas can be extended for 180  more days 

How to Extend a Qatar Business ?

The following steps may help you to extend the validity of your visa.

Step 1: Visit the official MOI Website.

Step 2: Click on Visa Extension Service.

Step 3: Enter all required information correctly; you can either use your “Visa Number” or “Passport Number”.

Step 4: Enter your “Nationality”

Step 5: Enter the “Captcha”

Step 6: Click on “Extend” and select the desired time you want to extend your visa.

Step 7: Pay the “Fees” according to your visa extension period. 

You may also extend your visa by visiting the immigration office with your business visa extension form and required documents.

Recently Qatar has reduced the issuance of business visas, limiting them to government or semi-government organizations and major projects. Smaller businesses or enterprises have a lower approval rate.

Qatar’s business visa service functions 24/7 and gives instant visa numbers or initial approvals, the final approval usually takes three days.

Conclusion

Obtaining a business visa is an extensive process but this blog equips you with all the necessary information that you need to know and following the steps closely will ensure a smooth and seamless application process for a Qatar business visa. We wish you luck in your application process!

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)

  1. Can I convert my tourist visa into a business visa?

    To convert a tourist visa to a work visa in Qatar, you must first obtain a job offer from a Qatari employer. The employer will provide you with the necessary employment contract and documents.

  2. Can I convert my business visa into a tourist visa?

    No, it is not allowed to convert your business visa into a tourist visa. To get a tourist visa you must leave the country once your business visa expires then you can apply for a tourist visa.

  3. How long before expiration can I renew my visa?

    you should apply at least 30 days before your current status expires.

  4. Can I work in Qatar with a business visa?

    Business visas offer a temporary stay in Qatar and are not the same as employment visas. This means that business visitor is not allowed to engage in any form of work that will earn them direct pay.

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