Living in Qatar
Information for British citizens moving to or living in Qatar, including guidance on local laws and customs, employment and travel bans.
This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Qatar. Read about how our Embassy in Doha can help.
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Qatari authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Support for British Nationals abroad: a guide sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.
The vast majority of British expatriates and visitors have a trouble free and enjoyable time while staying or living in Qatar. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office research shows that the majority of difficulties that British nationals find themselves in abroad can be avoided. Respecting local laws and customs can help you avoid getting into trouble. Have a great time in Qatar but make the necessary preparations to ensure you are well informed and know what is expected of you as a visitor and resident of this country. For further information please visit the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s Travel Advice (you can sign up for email alerts), as well as our guide about the support we are able to offer British nationals abroad.
Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad..
To stay up to date: follow the British Embassy Doha on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Social ethics and traditions
There are a few things you need to know while you are here to ensure that your time in Qatar is memorable, for all the right reasons. Keep in mind that the laws and values of Qatar are different to the UK, and you should follow the laws of the country you are in.
Traditions
Qatar is built on generations of Islamic traditions. These traditions have been passed down from generation to generation and form the very cornerstone of everyday life for a Qatari family. The Qataris are welcoming people who show tolerance and an open-minded approach to visitors. Their culture and values should always be respected.
Expat community
The population of Qatar is now almost 3 million. In the last 20 years, Doha has gone through a total transformation from small Arab pearl trading port into a modern city with a vision taking it through to 2030. Doha is a vibrant city, and you will meet many people from many places and cultures, with different values and opinions.
Social ethics
The culture and laws in Qatar are designed to ensure that everyone is respectful of each other regardless of their faith and nationality. Visitors and residents alike should avoid types of improper conduct and behaviour which can otherwise lead to fines, imprisonment and deportation.
Sexual relationships outside of marriage are illegal, irrespective of any relationship you may have with your partner in the UK or elsewhere. Cohabiting, including in hotels is also illegal. If you become pregnant outside of marriage, both you and your partner face the possibility of imprisonment. If you seek medical attention during the pregnancy and do not have a marriage certificate, medical professionals are obligated to report the pregnancy to the police. There will be legal ramifications when registering the birth with the local authorities and obtaining a birth certificate.
Holding hands for married couples is accepted but kissing or any other public displays of affection are considered offences against public decency.
Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar. There have been reports of individuals being punished for homosexual activity and/or sexual activity outside marriage, particularly where there is any public element, or the behaviour has caused offence. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
Sexual harassment or randomly addressing women in public, or taking their photos without permission, is strictly frowned upon.
Offensive language, spitting and aggressive behaviour (including hand gestures) are viewed very seriously and can result in imprisonment and deportation. This includes “road rage”.
Qatar has a zero-tolerance policy towards drinking and driving. You can be charged and imprisoned if you are caught with even the smallest amount of alcohol in your system.
Smoking is forbidden inside government buildings, offices and shopping malls. There are however many designated areas where smoking is allowed.
Be aware of cultural sensitivities when filming or photographing people as taking pictures of people without their consent can cause offense. Some visitors attempting to film or photograph near religious, military, government or constructions sites have been arrested. If in doubt, seek permission.
Alcohol and pork
It is an offence to drink alcohol or be drunk in public. Alcohol consumption is allowed only by non-Muslims in licensed restaurants, bars, clubs and at home (for residents who have a liquor permit). Non-Muslim Qatar residence permit holders can obtain a liquor permit to purchase alcohol and pork from Qatar Distribution Company (QDC). QDC is the only licensed distributor to supply individuals with alcohol and pork. To obtain a liquor permit, you must have permission from your employer.
This permit is only a permit for buying alcohol. It does not give any immunity from alcohol related criminal offences. Don’t carry alcohol around with you (except to take it on the day of collection from the warehouse to your home). It is an offence to carry alcohol in your car if you do not hold the liquor permit. If you come to the attention of the police, you may be arrested, even though you may have purchased the alcohol legally. The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21, and establishments serving alcohol will ask for original photo ID upon entry.
Drugs
Drugs are strictly forbidden, regardless of the amount. Consuming or carrying drugs, even if you are transiting through the airport from one country to another, is taken very seriously in Qatar, and can result in severe penalties. Buying or selling narcotics is considered a serious crime which can result in life-imprisonment or can be punishable by death. If you are using prescribed drugs it is advisable to carry a doctor’s note with you.
Dress code
Qataris dress conservatively in traditional dress and can be offended when people dress inappropriately or not in accordance with Islamic values. You should dress modestly, including while driving and in public places including shopping malls, restaurants and parks. Be aware that if you enter one of these areas dressed inappropriately you may be asked to leave. Clothing should not be transparent, indecently expose parts of the body or display offensive pictures or slogans. Women and men should cover their shoulders and knees. Any form of nudity is strictly forbidden, including topless sunbathing for women.
Respect for religion
Islamic religious values are greatly respected in the Qatar. Showing any disrespect towards religious beliefs or practices is considered deeply offensive and very likely to result in a heavy fine and/or imprisonment. Other religions are respected and can be followed by the expatriate community.
Learn a few simple facts:
- Muslims pray five times a day. You will notice that the mosques call people to pray through a speaker system. At this time you will also notice public music is turned off as Muslims perform their daily prayers
- be aware that drivers, who are not close to a mosque, may stop at a convenient lay-by to pray privately
- during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Throughout this month eating, drinking, smoking, playing loud music and dancing in public places during daylight hours is strictly forbidden and punishable by law, including for non-Muslims
- every evening during Ramadan, Muslims break their fast with an evening meal called Iftar. You will find many hotels and restaurants throughout Qatar who provide Iftar buffets
Access to media and the internet
Access to certain media outlets and internet sites is restricted if they are deemed to cause offence to public decency. Films shown in cinemas may be censored to comply with local sensitivities.
Visas and residency
For information on entry requirements, visit our Travel Advice pages.
Work Residence Permit
Expatriate workers are required to have a residence permit in order to live and work in Qatar. The permit is granted to expatriates who hold employment contracts in Qatar. It is usually the responsibility of the sponsor to handle all paperwork involved in obtaining the residence permit. Once the process to get a residence permit has begun, applicants should not leave the country as the application will be rejected and the process will have to start again on re-entering Qatar.
Transfer of employment
The ability to change your employer and when you can do this will all depend on the type of contract you have, fixed term or indefinite, with your current employer.
For further information, please refer to the employment and workplace section of the official portal of the Qatar Government.
Register as working woman
Women who are in Qatar on family sponsorship will need to obtain a separate work permit in order to undertake employment. The employer may be able to assist with this process. Applicants may visit the Ministry of Interior’s Labour Department or the service centres to complete the application process.
Requirement:
- Copy of Company Registration Card
- Copy of passport with a valid residence (Temporary residency for individuals bearing a Qatari document)
- Copy of academic certificates certified and translated + License to practice for medical professions
- Copy of current sponsor’s ID Card
- Photo ID
- Certificate of good conduct issued by the State of Qatar
- Letter of resignation or statement of services termination in case of a previous job
- Labour Contract (3 original counterparts)
- Letter of approval from the Ministry of Education & Higher Education (for Independent schools, private schools and kindergarten)
- Letter of approval from the Family Affairs Department - Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour & Social Affairs (for nurseries)
- Letter of approval from the Social Development Centre (for beauty salons)
Exit visa
In 2019 the requirement for most expatriate workers in Qatar to hold a valid exit permit when leaving the country was abolished. However, certain companies are able to nominate up to 5% of their workforce as still requiring an exit permit. You should check with your sponsor if this applies to you. The sponsor is responsible for arranging the exit permit. This requirement does not extend to spouses and children under the sponsorship of family members.
The British Embassy Doha cannot issue exit permits for British passport holders under any circumstances, this must be done through the employer and the Ministry of Interior.
British nationals who believe they have been unfairly denied an exit permit by their sponsor may seek redress through the Ministry of Interior’s Expatriate Exit Grievance Committee. Further information can be sought from any Government Services Centre (see full list of centres).
Sponsoring family members
Male sponsor
A male expatriate can sponsor certain family members provided that their salary is over QAR 10,000. The prospective sponsor must have their residence permit prior to starting the residence permit application for their family members. A male expatriate can sponsor the following family members:
- wife
- children
- stepchildren
Sponsoring your wife in Qatar
A husband who wishes to sponsor his wife will need the following documents:
- application form (available from employer / MOI)
- passport in which the original entry permit has been stamped & a copy
- photographs
- original medical clearance certificate
- copy of the husband’s employment contract
- salary certificate from the employer stating the employee’s monthly salary
- 6 months’ of bank statements
- marriage certificate (legalised by relevant authority)
If the marriage certificate is British, the Qatari authorities require the marriage certificate to be attested. This should be done first by the Legalisation Office of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and then by the Qatari Embassy in London. The certificate should then be taken to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar.
Sponsoring your children in Qatar
A father can sponsor unmarried daughters up to any age and sons up until they are 25 years old. The following documents will be required in order to sponsor children:
- the same documents as listed under the wife category.
- the child’s birth certificate (legalised by the relevant authority)
If the birth certificate is British, the Qatari authorities require the birth certificate to be attested. This should be done first by the Legalisation Office of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and then by the Qatari Embassy in London. The certificate should then be taken to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar.
If a British child was born in a country other than the UK and the birth was registered at the embassy in that country and a British birth registration certificate was issued, the certificate needs to be attested. This should be done first by the Legalisation Office of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and then by the Qatari Embassy in London. If there was no British birth registration the birth certificate will need to be legalised by the country of origin.
Sponsoring your stepchildren in Qatar
Applications to sponsor stepchildren are considered by the immigration authorities on a case-by-case basis. You may wish to approach the immigration authorities before submitting any application. The authorities may ask for additional or a variation on the following documents:
- the same documents listed under the wife category
- a No Objection letter from the biological father
- if the biological father is deceased, the death certificate of the biological parent
If the biological father is in agreement to the child’s move to Qatar, he should make a declaration before a notary public in the UK. This declaration must state that the father has no objection to his child living in Qatar under the sponsorship of the stepfather. This declaration should then be attested by the Legalisation Section of the FCDO and then by the Qatar Embassy in London.
If, for whatever reason, a declaration cannot be obtained from the biological father, the Qatari authorities will require evidence that the mother has sole parental responsibility. The Qatari authorities may require a declaration signed by the stepfather undertaking to support the child throughout the family’s residency in Qatar.
The death certificate must be attested at the embassy of the country where the death certificate was issued and then certified by the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It may be required to be translated into Arabic.
If the death certificate was issued in the UK the attestation process should be done by the Legalisation Office of the FCDO and then by the Qatari Embassy in London. The certificate should then be taken to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar.
Female sponsor
In Qatar, a wife can only sponsor her husband and children if she holds a residence permit for certain professions and her salary is over QAR 10,000. The same documents listed above will be required. A single mother may sponsor her child with the same documents needed under children. The Qatar authorities may ask for documents similar to those listed under the stepchildren category.
Passports and travel
You can apply for or renew your British passport from Qatar.
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Qatar.
Healthcare in Qatar
Generally, emergency treatment in government hospitals is free. Any follow up treatment may be charged. If you use a private hospital, make sure you have comprehensive medical insurance or the funds to pay for it. For access to the government healthcare system, which you may need to use even with private healthcare, residents must apply for a government health card. Cards can be purchased or renewed at your nearest health centre. More information can be found on the health section of the official portal of the Qatar Government. For information on government health services, see the Qatar Ministry of Public Health website.
Guidance on bringing medication into Qatar
Some prescribed and over the counter medicines may be controlled substances in Qatar. If you need to bring in controlled/prescription medication into Qatar, ensure you carry your official signed and stamped doctor’s prescription or hospital note.
For further information please contact the Qatar Ministry of Public Health.
Working in Qatar
For information on employment in Qatar, please visit the employment and workplace section of the official portal of the Qatar Government.
For recognition of UK educational qualifications and details of the legalisation process for Qatar, please see the FCDO website. In the publications section you find detailed instructions on how to prepare your documents for use in Qatar.
British nationals seeking advice on employment issues or disputes are advised to consult our guidance.
Studying in Qatar
Independent schools are state-funded schools with the autonomy to recruit teachers and staff, and establish their own methods of teaching. Independent schools are free for Qatari citizens. Admissions for non-Qataris are subject to individual school policy.
Private schools operate either as commercial establishments or non-profit community schools that may be sponsored by their embassies. School fees may vary significantly from school to school. Private schools are free to set their own curriculum. Many foreign schools base their curriculum on the standards of their home countries. However, all schools are required to meet the standards of the Qatar National School Accreditation system. For information about education and a list of schools in Qatar, visit the Ministry of Education and Higher Education website.
Tax
There is no income tax on salaries or wages paid in Qatar.
The UK does have a Double Taxation Agreement with Qatar. For further information, please refer to UK/Qatar Tax Treaties.
Read guidance on:
- tax if you leave the UK to live abroad
- tax on your UK income if you live abroad
- tax if you get a pension and live abroad
- paying National Insurance while abroad to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances
Benefits
The Qatar Government does not provide social welfare benefits to non-Qatari nationals.
Find out what UK benefits you might be able to get while abroad and how to claim them by visiting Benefits if you’re abroad.
Pensions
Read State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.
Life certificates for UK State Pensions
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.
Finance
Financial crimes, including fraud, bouncing cheques (including post-dated and ‘security cheques’) and the non-payment of bills (including hotel bills) can often result in imprisonment and/or a fine in Qatar. Bank accounts and other assets may also be frozen. You may also be liable for cheques that have been signed by you on behalf of a company.
When leaving Qatar you should ensure that any outstanding financial commitments have been settled in full. You should obtain a letter from your bank / lender to confirm that all debts have been settled and/or your bank account closed. Should you leave any unpaid debts or fines, you may be prevented from leaving by the Immigration Authorities at the airport. If you leave Qatar with any unsettled cases, these may be referred to Interpol.
Residents of Qatar are able to open a local bank account.
For other investment opportunities in Qatar, visit the Department for Business and Trade website.
Travel bans
Travel bans are legal prohibitions the Qatari government imposes to prevent persons involved in disputes from departing the country. They can be the result of any sort of civil or criminal dispute or immigration violation. They are not normally lifted until the matter is settled, i.e., civil suit, criminal case or immigration violation.
A travel ban can result from any number of causes. For example, courts in Qatar can (and do) impose travel bans over financial disputes. Such disputes might include disputes between business partners, between borrowers and lenders, landlords and tenants. If a financial dispute is the basis of the travel ban, it may be possible to get the ban lifted by depositing a sum of money equal to the amount in dispute with the court or if the parties mutually settle the matter and withdraw litigation proceedings.
The Public Prosecutor’s office may also impose travel bans on individuals while it is conducting criminal investigations in order to prevent them from leaving the country. The Ministry of the Interior will also impose travel bans on those who violate their visa status by overstaying, working without authorisation, etc. These bans will not usually be lifted until the case is concluded. Persons who are involved in disputes or investigations can check whether travel bans exist by checking with the METRASH application. Often travellers do not learn that they are subject to a travel ban until they attempt to depart the country or on entry into the country.
Accommodation and buying property
Driving in Qatar
All persons driving in Qatar are required to carry a valid driving licence. The Ministry of Interior’s Traffic Department regulates the issuance of licences.
You can drive in Qatar with a valid UK driving licence for one week (7 days from arrival). If you wish to drive for longer than a week you can apply for a temporary Qatari license which is valid for 3 months. Alternatively, you can drive on a valid International Driving Permit for a maximum of 6 months.
If you hold a Qatari residence permit, you can apply for a Qatari driving license. The minimum age for learning to drive and to hold a license is 18 years old. Certain professions are not allowed to apply for a driving license.
For more information, visit the public services and transportation area of the official portal of the Qatar Government.
The British embassy cannot issue or renew a UK driving licence. Read more information about renewing a licence or applying for a new licence.
Voting
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:
Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership
Births
If your child is born in Qatar, you should register the birth with the local authorities. You can then register with the UK authorities, but this is not mandatory.
If you are unmarried and pregnant, we strongly recommend against giving birth in Qatar. There are legal ramifications when registering birth with the local authorities, who are unlikely to issue a birth certificate. This will cause complications when applying for citizenship and passport for the child. If you are married and pregnant, you might still find that a local birth certificate will be denied if the child is born less than 9 months after the wedding date as per marriage certificate.
You do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport.
Deaths
If someone dies in Qatar read our bereavement guidance for Qatar. Additionally, you can read the guidance on what to do if someone dies abroad.
Marriage and civil partnership
Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad.
Sexual relationships outside of marriage are illegal in Qatar.
Civil partnerships are not recognised in Qatar, the concept of a civil partnership does not exist and will also be treated as a sexual relationship outside of marriage which is illegal.
Pets
You must obtain a permit for importing pets. You can find more information on the Qatar government portal.
Emergencies
Dial 999 for the police, ambulance or fire brigade.
Dial 999 to report a missing child.
If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in Qatar, read the guidance on what to do and where to get support in cases of rape and sexual assault. Find further guidance on rape and sexual assault abroad.
Find a lawyer in Qatar.
If you’re the victim of a crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British Embassy Doha on +974 4496 2000.
Read the guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.
Leaving Qatar
If you have been a resident of Qatar and are leaving for good, you will need to cancel your residency status. As part of this process, you will need to:
- close all your accounts (bank and credit cards)
- pay off any fines and all debts
- cancel Kahrama, Ooredoo and mobile phone subscriptions
- check Metrash 2 for any outstanding traffic violations
- check that there is no outstanding travel ban against you. These can be imposed upon you for any sort of criminal, civil or immigration violation. They will normally only be lifted once the matter has been settled
- apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct from the Ministry of Interior. For further information, visit the Qatar government electronic portal. Once you leave Qatar, it is very difficult to obtain this document
Failure to complete the steps above could delay your departure or mean you are marked on the immigration system as an absconder or debtor. This could cause problems in the future, even if you only transit through Qatar.
Returning to the UK
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.
Disclaimer
This information is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the embassy by the relevant local authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. The FCDO and the British Embassy will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. British nationals wishing to obtain any further information must contact the relevant local authority.
Updates to this page
Published 25 November 2013Last updated 20 May 2024 + show all updates
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Guidance updated in full with added sections on visas, passports, tax, pensions, travel bans, and others.
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Edited sections: Social ethics, Alcohol, and Drugs
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Coronavirus section added with a link to guidance on vaccines.
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First published.