Moving to Qatar
Perhaps best known for its successful FIFA World Cup 2022 bid, expats moving to Qatar may also know the country as a natural gas powerhouse which punches well above its weight. So powerful, that it consistently boasts one of the highest per capita income in the world, faring well alongside destinations such as Luxembourg, Switzerland and Norway.
Driven by gas and oil, the small emirate has emerged as an important global player. As a result of the fossil fuel boom, as well as the relatively liberal policies established under former Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar now hosts regiments of Western and South Asian expats. Increasing numbers of foreigners are moving to Qatar to work hard and save money in the tax-free environment, as well as to enjoy a standard of living relatively similar to that of Western Europe.
While there are plenty of work opportunities for expats interested in employment in the petrochemical sector, Qatar is also working to increase foreign investment in non-energy sectors, such as IT, construction, and – much like the UAE – tourism.
With its successful 2022 FIFA World Cup bid, the country has also been spending vast amounts to improve infrastructure. It’s therefore likely that more manpower will be required to continue transforming Doha, the capital city often described as half building site, half park, into something whole. Cranes, alongside the desert’s suffocating heat, are constants.
Expats and their families can look forward to an emirate that emphasises culture and education. Whereas Qatar used to be one of the least developed countries in the region, it now aims to be the Middle Eastern flagship for social development and intellectualism. In recent years, it has worked hard to create a “knowledge economy”, and to promote ventures like the Museum of Islamic Art and a massive Education City. That said, Qatar adheres to Islamic law, while censorship is still enforced and foreigners will probably never command a position equal to locals in Qatari society.
Expats considering moving to Qatar should also remember that the peninsula is still fairly new to the global stage, and provincialisms still exist. There are many non-English speakers in the service sector, the red tape of bureaucracy can be endlessly frustrating, and some sections of its Arab society are not as liberal as its neighbours in the UAE or Bahrain.
Despite these challenges, however, the expat community in Qatar is large and welcoming. Making connections is not difficult and can ease the relocation process, helping new arrivals to overcome any initial culture shock.
Population: About 2.57 million
Capital city: Doha (also largest city)
Other major cities: Al Rayyan, Al Khor, Al Wakrah
Neighbouring countries: Situated on the northeastern coast of the Arab peninsula, Qatar is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the west, with the island state of Bahrain to the northwest. Across the Persian Gulf to the northeast is Iran, while the United Arab Emirates is situated to the southeast.
Geography: The peninsula of Qatar is low lying. In the east of the country, there are smooth plains covered by fine-grained dust. The south and southwest portion of the peninsula is made up of sand salt flats. The coastline is emergent and gently slopes toward the sea. Many flat, low-lying off-shore islands are located near the coast and accompanied by coral reefs. Because of the salt water which comes into contact with the low lying land, many salt pans have formed along the coast.
Political system: The political system in Qatar is an absolute monarchy with the Emir of Qatar as head of state and head of government. Sharia law shapes most legislation in Qatar.
Major religion: Islam
Main languages: Arabic (official), English
Money: The currency is the Qatari Riyal (QAR), which is divided into 100 dirhams. Expats are able to open a bank account in Qatar but will need their employer to provide a “no objection” letter for their application. ATMs are widely available.
Tipping: A 10 percent service charge is often added to hotel and restaurant bills, and remains the expected amount when service hasn’t been charged for. Taxi drivers also expect a small gratuity, and rounding up the due amount is often enough.
Time: GMT +3
Emergency contacts: The general emergency number for police ambulances and fire services in Qatar is 999. Operators will often speak English.
Transport and driving: Traffic in Qatar drives on the right. Expats should drive defensively because the country is known for having high accident rates. Taxis are available in certain areas but buses are scarce and the rail network is only due for completion in 2030.
SAFETY
There are few major concerns when it comes to safety in Qatar. Confidence in the emirate’s security capabilities was highlighted when it was chosen to host the FIFA 2022 World Cup.
Most crime occurs among unskilled labourers, although there are concerns about crime increasing in the coming years. Nonetheless, security infrastructure is expected to improve even further in the run-up to the event and safety is likely to remain a priority for the Qatari government.
Crime in Qatar
Crimes in Qatar that affect foreign visitors are mainly petty in nature and include unarmed opportunistic theft, commercial and residential burglary and theft from unattended vehicles. The Qatar police force has acted to safeguard locals and expats alike and provides a high standard of security. The force is highly visible and capable.
Financial fraud is a growing concern in Qatar and expats are strongly advised to take precautions in their financial dealings. Credit and debit card fraud also occur; however, the overall threat is no higher than in most cities in the West.
Terrorism in Qatar
While terrorist activity in the country has historically been low, Qatar isn’t immune to the threat of Islamist extremism. The high number of expats in Qatar, particularly Westerners, and the government’s growing involvement in regional political affairs increases the possibility that it may be targeted in the future.
That said, the last major terrorist attack against civilians in Qatar happened in 2005 and the security force has an efficient counter-terrorism unit, which lowers the likelihood of future attacks being successful.
Protests in Qatar
Qatar was one of several Middle Eastern states that weren’t affected by the 2011 Arab Spring and its fallout. The government remains popular and political opposition is limited. As a result, public protests are rare and, when they do take place, are generally peaceful and undisruptive.
Road safety in Qatar
The greatest safety threat to expats in Qatar is road travel. Traffic fatalities are among the leading causes of death in the country. Speeding, disobeying basic traffic laws and poor driving standards are often blamed for the high accident rate. Poor visibility during sandstorms and wandering livestock on highways outside of Doha also pose threats to drivers.
COST OF LIVING IN QATAR
Official sources and on-the-ground experiences tell different stories about the cost of living in Qatar. The 2018 Mercer Cost of Living Index places the capital, Doha, at 115th out of 209 cities surveyed, placing it as well below other major Middle Eastern cities like Dubai and Riyadh, but as more expensive than Kuwait City and Muscat.
Qatar’s wealth is on par with other Gulf regional power players and the country is among those nations with the highest GDP per capita in the world, creating the impression that all residents benefit from a high standard of living.
In reality, there is a huge wealth gap in Qatar with the highest echelons of society mostly made up of locals. Below them are wealthier expats, middle management and unskilled workers.
Lucrative employment packages are the main draw for many expats, but salaries in Qatar have decreased in recent years, while goods and services have become more expensive.
This might make the country seem less appealing, but the expat population continues to grow and there are still opportunities to make and save money in Qatar.
Cost of accommodation in Qatar
Rent prices in Qatar depend on the type of property and its location and can be ridiculously high for expat accommodation. Prices also depend on whether a place is furnished or unfurnished, but it doesn’t hurt to try and negotiate a lower price.
Most expats in Qatar are based in Doha and choose to live in an area based on availability and its proximity to work or their children’s school. Different areas of Doha will appeal to different tastes, but it has no ‘bad’ neighbourhoods.
Some expat salaries include a housing allowance that is either paid in monthly instalments or one lump sum, so it is good to double check this. Others might include a shipping allowance, which could be used to bring over larger or more expensive items, depending on how long an expat intends to stay. Furniture, home accessories and electronics are expensive in Qatar, and local stores may not have the range or quality expats are used to.
Utilities are reasonably priced but extra accommodation costs can add up. Some apartments have maintenance fees, so expats should find out whether the tenant or the landlord is responsible for paying.
Cost of transportation in Qatar
Petrol in Qatar is cheap, which adds to the intense love people have for their cars and may explain the nearly non-existent public transport system.
Hiring a driver, buying and renting a car are all viable options. While drivers might be less hassle, they may not allow as much freedom but might be economical for expats who only plan on travelling for work and grocery shopping.
There are plenty of car rental companies in Qatar, many of which offer better rates the longer the lease period.
Buying a new car is not a problem, but the high turnover rate of expats means that there are very good deals on used vehicles.
When deciding on a car, it is important to note that most European and American car parts are more expensive and harder to source than Asian brands.
Free parking in Qatar is available in certain public places (Corniche, Rumaila Park) and shopping centres. But parking and speeding violations come with hefty fines.
Public transport in Qatar consists of buses and taxis, both of which are good value. Buses only run the main routes of Doha, and taxis are usually found at a handful of ranks around the city or in shopping centre parking lots.
It is also important to remember that Qatar is not the cheapest travel destination. Most employment packages offer expats a travel allowance or annual flights to their home country, but getting there is often expensive, especially during the summer and at the end of the year.
Cost of food in Qatar
Qatar imports most its food products so, while expats can find familiar brands, they will be far more expensive than local equivalents. Organic produce, meat and dairy products are available but come at a price.
A small selection of local fruit, vegetables and fish can be quite reasonable, while fresh Qatari flatbreads are downright cheap. Depending on the size of their family, expats will probably spend around 10 percent of their salaries on food.
There are numerous options when it comes to eating out in Qatar. Small, independent restaurants are cheaper and offer better value for money than the chain eateries and posh establishments found in hotels.
Alcohol is expensive, can only be purchased from one warehouse and requires a permit, but drinking out is even more expensive.
Cost of education in Qatar
The free public school system in Qatar is almost exclusively for locals, so foreigners will have to pay for their children’s education. Although the quality of private education is good, it can be expensive.
Many employers offer an education allowance but it is good to double check this. School fees vary depending on the school and the child’s grade level. There will also be additional costs such as application costs, excursions, uniforms and transport fees.
Cost of living in Qatar chart
Prices may vary depending on product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for Doha in October 2018.
Accommodation (monthly rent) |
|
Two-bedroom apartment in Al Sadd |
QAR 13,500 |
Two-bedroom apartment in West Bay |
QAR 14,500 |
Two-bedroom apartment in the Pearl |
QAR 18,000 |
Shopping |
|
Eggs (dozen) |
QAR 13 |
Milk (1 litre) |
QAR 8 |
Rice (1 kg) |
QAR 10 |
Loaf of white bread |
QAR 6 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) |
QAR 30 |
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) |
QAR 12 |
Eating out |
|
Big Mac meal |
QAR 25 |
Coca-Cola (330ml) |
QAR 8 |
Cappuccino |
QAR 18 |
Bottle of beer |
QAR 38 |
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant |
QAR 200 |
Utilities |
|
Mobile to mobile call rate (per minute) |
QAR 0.78 |
Internet (Uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) |
QAR 300 |
Basic utilities (per month for standard household) |
QAR 250 |
Hourly rate for domestic help |
QAR 33 |
Transportation |
|
Taxi rate (per kilometre) |
QAR 2.50 |
Bus/train fare in the city centre |
QAR 5 |
Petrol/gasoline (per litre) |
QAR 1.91 |
BANKING/ MONEY AND TAXES IN QATAR
As a country with one of the world’s highest per capita income, the emirate’s inhabitants need adequate infrastructure to protect their earnings. As such, expats generally find that banking in Qatar, with its well-maintained network of local and international banks, is easy.
Banking in Qatar
The banking industry is supervised by the Qatar Central Bank, which oversees commercial banks such as Ahli Bank, the Commercial Bank of Qatar, Doha Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, International Bank of Qatar and the Qatar National Bank (QNB).
Most local banks have services in both English and Arabic and offer the familiar account types found in most global destinations.
Alternatively, expats can open an international account for use in Qatar, with banks such as HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank having established a presence in the country. This kind of account may be of benefit to those who would like to consider offshore account options, or who already have an account with one of the service providers in their home country. Some expats also report that they prefer the convenience and security of having their finances centralised in this way.
Banks in Qatar are generally open from Sunday to Thursday between 7.30am and 1pm, but many are also open in the afternoon and on Saturday mornings. Downtown Qatar National Bank branches are usually open on Fridays and Saturdays.
Money in Qatar
The currency used in Qatar is the riyal (QAR), which is subdivided into 100 dirhams. The riyal is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 1 USD to 3.64 QAR, and can be found in the following denominations:
-
Notes: 1 QAR, 5 QAR, 10 QAR, 50 QAR, 100 QAR, and 500 QAR
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 dirhams (1, 5 and 10 dirham coins are not often found in circulation)
ATMs and credit cards
ATMs are readily available in Qatar and will, more often than not, accept both local and international credit and debit cards. Note that 24-hour access to ATMs is not always guaranteed, and that using ATMs operated by banks other than one’s own, or using a credit card to withdraw cash, will incur extra charges.
Taxes in Qatar
One of the great attractions of relocating to Qatar is that no personal or income tax is levied against individual salaries, even as an expat. This means that, while in Qatar, an expat’s gross salary will be paid to them without any deductions whatsoever.
However, expats are strongly advised to research whether a double taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA) exists between Qatar and their country of origin; if there isn’t, they will be liable to pay tax in their country of origin on the money earned in Qatar.
Opening a bank account in Qatar
For those who don’t go the international account route, opening a bank account in Qatar is a relatively simple, stress-free process. Expats will need to apply in person with documents that generally include:
- Residency/work permit and copies
- Passport, plus copies of information and visa pages
- A ‘no objection’ letter from the expat’s Qatari employer, stating their monthly salary
- Some banks require two passport photos
Once the application has been approved, the bank will provide the applicant with a letter for their employer, confirming that they are happy to receive salary payments into the new account.
Qatar also has an officially appointed banking ombudsman affiliated with Qatar’s Central Bank, accessible to anyone who has a complaint against a bank and is in need of assistance.
WORK PERMITS FOR QATAR
In order to legally work in Qatar, expats will require the relevant permits. Work permits for Qatar are formally known as Work Residence Permits. All types of visas allow entry into the country and are exchanged for an employment-based residence permit after the holder arrives.
Getting a work permit for Qatar
Expats will need to have found a job and a local employer to act as their sponsor before they apply for a work residence permit for Qatar. After the necessary paperwork is completed, the employing sponsor usually takes responsibility for the application and following up on its progress.
Here are the steps to securing a work residence permit for Qatar:
►Step 1 – Find a job
Expats must first secure a job before applying for their working visa. Once this is done, the employer is largely responsible for the application process.
►Step 2 – Work entry visa application
After negotiating the terms of employment, the employer applies for a business entry visa at the Ministry of the Interior. Given the number of foreign workers in Qatar, many companies are familiar with the application process and some even have a separate department devoted to it.
The company should know which documents are needed to start the application process since requirements often vary between jobs. Expats should have multiple, notarised copies of all the required documents for their personal records.
Applications generally take four to eight weeks, after which a copy of the approval can be printed out from the Qatari Ministry of the Interior website.
This document is provided at the border entry point in Qatar, where the corresponding visa is granted.
►Step 3 – Applying for a residence permit in Qatar
Applying for a residence permit in Qatar can be tedious, and certain documents will have to be brought from the employee’s home country. The employer should confirm the specifics but this generally includes police clearance, passport photos, copies of qualifications and the employment contract.
After arriving in Qatar, the employer arranges a medical check-up for the employee. Once this is completed and the necessary documents are gathered, the residence permit application is filed. This can take up to six weeks.
Part of the residency process involves passing a medical test. To do this, expats first have to obtain a blood-type certificate from any clinic. Afterwards, a medical test is taken at the Supreme Council of Health, which certifies that the patient doesn’t have HIV or TB. Although the process is simple, waiting times can be long. Expats should go early, bring a good book and postpone their other appointments.
After the medical test, the applicant needs to go for fingerprinting, which can be done at the General Directorate of Civil Defence or Civil Investigation Department. Application forms are available on site or will be organised in advance by the employer. They must be translated into Arabic, which can also be done on site.
Family sponsorship
Expats who have a residence work permit for Qatar and earn more than 10,000 QAR per month can legally sponsor their family for a residence visa.
Certain documents have to be submitted to the Ministry of Labour in Qatar, including application forms for each family member, an employer’s letter, passport copies and proof of residence, as well as birth and marriage certificates, where applicable.
Expats in Qatar on a family-sponsored residence permit are not allowed to work but can apply to the Labour Department for the right to do so after they arrive.
*Visa and work permit regulations are subject to change at short notice and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.
EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS IN QATAR
Various challenges face expats moving to the Middle Eastern emirate, but navigating the system of education in Qatar is one part of the process that doesn’t have to be too complicated.
Most expats send their children to private international schools and their biggest obstacle is often not the lack of places in Qatari schools, but rather choosing between them.
Expat parents should research potential schools and apply as soon as possible. To help with this, the Supreme Education Council of Qatar (SEC) provides a list of schools on its official website.
Private international schools in Qatar
Even though the government puts a lot of effort into ensuring the standards of local schools, most expat children attend private international schools in Qatar. There are many options, with schools following various curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB), British, American and Indian systems.
Education in Qatar can be a significant expense, so expats should try and negotiate school fees into their contract or ensure that they budget carefully. Fees can add up quickly for tuition, as well as additional expenses like registration fees, uniforms and excursions, and most fees are expected to be paid upfront at the beginning of the school year.
Enrolment requires long-term planning because waiting lists for spaces in schools can be long. Some expats secure places for their children in a school before signing their employment contract, since some companies reserve spaces in schools.
Expats applying to a school can expect to pay a non-refundable application fee. They will need to fill out an application and provide previous school documents, their child’s health history, and physical exam results. Some schools also require a letter of recommendation, on-site entrance exams and a language test.
After enrolment, expats may also need to give copies of the student’s residence permit, passport copies, photos and immunisation records, as well as copies of their residence permits.
The school year in Qatar runs from September to June, with a typical school day lasting from 7.30am to 2pm. After-school activities extend the school day for children who take part in them.