Foreign nationals require a work permit and residence permit.

• Employers must register with the Ministry of Interior, obtain an Immigration Card, and secure visa approval from the Ministry of Labor.
• Employment visas are applied for individually; residence permits must be obtained within 7 days of arrival.
• Employees can only work for their sponsoring employer.

• Payroll Frequency: Monthly; salaries must be paid into an employee bank account.
• Income Components: Salaries, wages, and allowances.
• Deductions: Losses on asset sales, rent, insurance premiums, social security (Qatari employees only).
• Employer Contributions: Social insurance for Qatari employees — 10% employer, 5% employee.‍
• Personal Income Tax: None on salaries, wages, or allowances.

• Contracts may be fixed-term or open-ended.
• Probation Period: Maximum 6 months; only one allowed with the same employer.
• Working Hours: Standard workweek 48 hours; reduced to 36 during Ramadan. Overtime paid at 125–150%, with higher rates for night work and rest days.
• Termination: Notice period ranges from 1 week (<1 year service) to 1 month (>5 years service). Severance after 1 year — at least 3 weeks’ basic wage per year.
• Minimum Wage: QAR 1,000 plus food (QAR 300) and housing (QAR 500) allowances if not provided.‍
• Non-Compete: Allowed, limited to 1 year.

• Annual Leave: 3 weeks (<5 years service), 4 weeks (>5 years service).
• Sick Leave: Granted after 3 months’ service.
• Maternity Leave: 50 days for employees with 1+ year service.
• Paternity Leave: Not mandated; common to give 3–5 days.
• Social Security: Mandatory for Qatari employees only.‍
• Private Benefits: Health insurance required for non-Qatari workers; private health, retirement, and life insurance available.

• Tax Residency: Resident if permanent home in Qatar, 183+ days in 12 months, or center of vital interests in Qatar.
• Tax Year: January 1 – December 31.
• Personal Income Tax: 0% on employment income.
• Tax System: Territorial — only Qatar-source income is taxed.