Our quick reference guides have vital information on pay, benefits, tax and visas - everything you need to work and live in Qatar:
Economically, Qatar is now a top performer in the Middle East, with GDP growing around 6.5% per year. An average per capita income level of around $30,000 is also among the highest in the world.
Qatar’s goal is to become as self sufficient as possible in terms of its work force. For a candidate to be employed from overseas they must have experience and skills that cannot be found locally. For those candidates with skills in demand, a move to Qatar could be a life changing; remuneration and benefits packages are very generous.
A major incentive to move to Qatar is its status as a free economic zone. You don’t pay income tax here.
To obtain a driving licence, bank account or health insurance you need a Residence Visa. Your employer will act as your sponsor during your stay and it is their responsibility to organise it.
For centuries, Qatar’s economy was based largely on pearling and fishing. The discovery of oil in the 1940s transformed the country’s future. Today, oil and huge offshore gas reserves ensure a high standard of living for its citizens.
Qatar may only be a small peninsula, but it has an infrastructure and transport system to rival any other Middle Eastern nation. While Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken and Persian, Hindi, Nepali and Urdu are also common. This is a country where traditional Islamic values exist alongside modernity and personal freedom, permitting a lifestyle with few limitations.
The majority of expats will be based in the capital, Doha, which offers all the advantages of modern city living. Journey beyond it and you will find beautiful beaches and majestic sand dunes.
If you’re more of an outdoors person, you’ll have no trouble finding a local willing to share their love of fishing, horse riding, golf or water sports with you. Desert driving is also popular - what could be more exciting than taking a 4-wheel drive over the sand dunes?
Budding socialites will be at home among the thriving expat community; relax around the pool at one of the social clubs or sample the cuisine at restaurants serving Arabic, European, American and Asian cuisine.
We recommend that you be covered for healthcare at all times. There are a number of international companies that specialise in private health insurance - comprehensive, regional cover costs around £35 per month.
Long waiting lists are almost unheard of, with every city and major town having at least one modern hospital. They are listed in telephone directories, yellow pages and tourist publications. When choosing a hospital, your best bet is to seek advice from colleagues and friends.
The term ‘clinic’ is used to denote a general practitioner’s surgery. There’s a high ratio of doctors to patients and a routine first diagnostic visit costs about £40, with additional costs for any tests.
The majority of dentists are from Scandinavia, Britain and Russia - embassies keep details of nationals practising dentistry here. Dentists and orthodontists also advertise in telephone directories, expatriate magazines and tourist guides.
If you need to get to A&E, the most reliable method is to use your own transport or go by taxi. On arrival in Qatar take note of the emergency telephone numbers, the location of the major hospitals and the quickest route there.
There are 14 commercial banks operating in Qatar, including six national banks. You’ll be given a cash card to withdraw money from ATM machines and credit cards are widely accepted.
Expats are usually accommodated in self-contained compounds. These comfortable places are ideal for families and often come with swimming pools, tennis courts, satellite TV and security.
Doha also has a choice of spacious villas and comfortable furnished apartments close to the city centre. All homes come have air conditioning.
To find a accommodation, contact real estate agents, scour the newspapers or ask friends and colleagues. Your Michael Page consultant will also be happy to help.
Qatar enjoys excellent transport facilities. In 2002, the government launched the Taxi Company, ‘Karwa’. 100% owned, managed and operated by the government, over 2,000 well-maintained taxis make it easy and affordable to get around the country.
Many expats choose to rent a car during their stay. There are plenty of reputable car rental companies, including Hertz and Avis and the road infrastructure in Doha is good. Expect to pay around 1500 Riyals a month. You can use your national driving licence for one week, after which a Qatari licence must be obtained. Alternatively, an International licence can be used for 6 months.
The main airport is Doha International. After recent major development, the airport is fast becoming one of the world’s largest with a state of the art infrastructure. This is the home of Qatar Airways, a national airline flying to destinations in Europe, Asia and America.
A service charge is usually added to restaurant bills in Qatar. Local custom doesn't require that you leave an additional tip after a meal. The traditional shops where serious bargaining used to take place are becoming rare in Qatar, though you can almost always negotiate a small discount on the price of electronic goods, rental cars and hotel rooms.
