Qatar Visa Types, Eligibility & Documents Required (2025)

Complete List of Qatar Visa Types (2025 Updated)

Qatar offers different visa options for people with different needs. Whether you want to work, visit family, or explore the country, there’s a visa made for you. Below is a simple breakdown of each type. This will help you understand which visa fits your purpose best.

Tourist Visa

Purpose:
A Qatar Tourist Visa is designed for people who want to visit Qatar for a short time. This includes tourism, attending events, or spending time with friends and family. It allows visitors to explore Qatar’s culture, landmarks, and lifestyle.

Validity:
The tourist visa is usually valid for 30 days from the date of entry. In some cases, travelers can apply for a one-time extension for an additional 30 days if needed.

Who Can Apply:
This visa is available to citizens from most countries, depending on Qatar’s visa policy. Applicants must provide a valid passport, hotel reservation, return flight ticket, and proof of having enough funds to cover their stay. Some nationalities may also benefit from visa-on-arrival services, making the process even easier.

Transit Visa

Purpose:
A Qatar Transit Visa is perfect for travelers who have a long layover in Qatar and want to leave the airport for a short visit. It allows passengers to explore the city, relax, or meet friends before catching their next flight. This visa is not for tourism or work but only for short stays between flights.

Validity:
The transit visa is usually valid for 5 to 96 hours. It cannot be extended beyond this period.

Who Can Apply:
Travelers of any nationality can apply if they have a confirmed onward flight from Qatar and are flying with Qatar Airways or other approved airlines. A hotel booking and valid passport are often required to get this visa.

Business Visa

Purpose:
A Qatar Business Visa is designed for professionals visiting Qatar to attend meetings, conferences, training, or explore new opportunities. It’s not meant for full-time employment.

Validity:

• 72‑hour visa on arrival: ideal for short stays, extendable once for another 72 hrs at QAR 50.
• 30‑ or 90‑day visa: can be extended (30‑day visa +60 days; 90‑day visa up to 9 months in special cases).
• Multiple‑entry visa (6–12 months): each stay up to 30 days.

Who Can Apply:
Applicants need a Qatari sponsor—a company, government department, or registered agency. Required documents include an invitation letter, passport copy, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. A short‑stay visa (72 hrs) can be granted on arrival, while longer visas require online processing via MOI.

Key Stats & Costs:

• QAR 50 for a 72‑hour visa, QAR 200/month for 30‑/90‑day visas, QAR 500 for a multiple‑entry visa.
• 72‑hour business visa extension allowed once; 30‑day visa extended up to 60 more days.

Recent Update (July 2024):
Now, even for business visas, applicants must complete the QVC medical check at a Qatar Visa Center abroad—previously only required for work visas—adding a step in the approval process.

Work Visa (Qatar Work Visa)

Purpose:
A Qatar Work Visa is for individuals who have secured a job in Qatar and plan to live and work there legally. This visa allows foreign workers to enter Qatar, complete the residency process, and begin employment. It is strictly for long-term work, not short visits or freelance projects.

Validity:
The initial work visa is usually issued for 1 to 3 months for entry. Once the applicant arrives in Qatar, the employer helps convert this into a Qatar Residence Permit (RP), which is typically valid for 1 to 3 years and can be renewed.

Who Can Apply:
Anyone with a valid job offer from a registered company in Qatar can apply. The employer must sponsor the visa and handle the paperwork. Applicants need to pass a medical exam, provide educational certificates, a police clearance certificate, and attend a biometrics appointment at a Qatar Visa Center (QVC) in their home country.

Important Fact:
Over 85% of Qatar’s population consists of expatriate workers. Most of these workers enter through the work visa route, making it the most commonly issued visa type for long-term stays in Qatar.

Let me know when you’re ready for 1.5 Family Visit Visa — I’ll continue with the same energy!

Family Visit Visa (Qatar Family Visa)

Purpose:
A Qatar Family Visit Visa allows residents or workers in Qatar to invite their immediate family members for a short-term visit. It is ideal for parents, spouse, or children who wish to visit their loved ones living and working in Qatar. This visa is strictly for visits, not for permanent stay or employment.

Validity:
The family visit visa is usually issued for 30 days. It can often be extended up to 6 months for immediate family like spouse, children, or parents. Extensions require a medical test after the first month.

Who Can Apply:
Residents and workers in Qatar who hold a valid Qatar Residence Permit (RP) can sponsor their immediate family. Applicants need to provide proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates), passport copies, and evidence of the sponsor’s employment contract and salary certificate.

Helpful Tip:
Thousands of families visit Qatar through this visa every year. The government has made the process easier with online applications through the MOI portal, making it faster and more transparent for applicants.

Let me know when you’re ready for 1.6 GCC Resident Visit Visa — I’m ready to keep going!

GCC Resident Visit Visa

Purpose:
The GCC Resident Visit Visa is for people who are residents of other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and wish to visit Qatar for a short stay. This visa is typically used for tourism, attending events, or short business trips. It is not meant for employment purposes.

Validity:
This visa is usually valid for 30 days. In many cases, it can be extended for an additional 30 days if the visitor wishes to stay longer.

Who Can Apply:
Applicants must hold a valid GCC residency card and belong to approved professions listed by the Qatar government (such as doctors, engineers, managers, etc.). Proof of profession, a valid passport, and GCC residency documents are required. The process is often smooth and can be done online through the MOI portal.

Quick Fact:
This visa strengthens ties between GCC countries, allowing easy movement for skilled professionals and their families across borders.

Ready to continue? Let me know and I’ll move on to 1.7 Real Estate Visa with the same quality.

Real Estate Visa

Purpose:
The Qatar Real Estate Visa is designed for foreign nationals who own property in specific areas of Qatar. This visa allows property owners to stay in the country for longer periods and enjoy certain residency benefits. It is aimed at encouraging foreign investment in Qatar’s real estate market.

Validity:
The validity of this visa can range from 1 year to permanent residency, depending on the value and location of the property. Properties of higher value may allow for longer or more flexible residency options under Qatar’s investment laws.

Who Can Apply:
Foreign investors who have purchased approved properties in designated areas such as Lusail, The Pearl, or West Bay Lagoon are eligible. Applicants must show proof of ownership, property value documents, and meet the minimum investment threshold set by the government. Some cases may require a medical check and police clearance.

Interesting Fact:
Qatar offers long-term residency options to property investors as part of its strategy to boost the real estate sector and attract foreign capital.

Let me know when you’re ready for the next one: 1.8 Official Visa. I’ll keep the same detailed, clear, and user-friendly tone.

Official Visa

Purpose:
A Qatar Official Visa is issued to people visiting Qatar for official government-related work. This includes diplomats, government officials, and individuals representing foreign ministries or international organizations. It is used strictly for official duties and formal assignments, not for tourism or personal travel.

Validity:
The validity of this visa depends on the duration of the official assignment. Typically, it ranges from a few days to several months. Extensions are possible through coordination between the concerned government departments.

Who Can Apply:
Government employees, diplomats, and individuals who have an official invitation from a Qatari ministry or governmental body can apply. The sponsoring entity in Qatar handles most of the process. Required documents often include an official letter from the applicant’s government, passport copies, and assignment details.

Helpful Tip:
Official visas are processed through special government channels and are usually faster than other visa types. However, they require precise documentation and approvals from both governments.

Eligibility Criteria for Each Visa Type

Each Qatar visa type comes with its own set of eligibility rules. It’s important to understand these before you apply. This will help you avoid delays and rejections. Below is a simple breakdown for quick understanding:

Tourist Visa Eligibility:

• Valid passport
• Hotel booking or accommodation proof
• Return flight ticket
• Financial proof (enough funds for your stay)

Transit Visa Eligibility:

• Confirmed onward flight from Qatar within 96 hours
• Valid passport
• Ticket must be issued by Qatar Airways or other approved airlines

Business Visa Eligibility:

• Invitation from a Qatar-based company
• Valid passport
• Purpose clearly mentioned (meeting, conference, etc.)
• Hotel booking or accommodation details

Work Visa Eligibility:

• Valid job offer from a registered Qatari company
• Educational certificates (if required)
• Clean police record
• Medical fitness report
• Biometrics through QVC

Family Visit Visa Eligibility:

• Qatar resident sponsor with valid Residence Permit
• Proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificates)
• Sufficient salary and accommodation proof by the sponsor

GCC Resident Visit Visa Eligibility:

• Valid GCC residency with an approved profession
• Valid passport and GCC resident card
• Profession matches Qatar’s eligibility list

Real Estate Visa Eligibility:

• Ownership of property in approved locations
• Proof of property value
• Meeting minimum investment threshold

Official Visa Eligibility:

• Official invitation from a Qatari government body
• Supporting documents from applicant’s home government
• Passport and assignment details

FAQs

Is Qatar getting a work visa in 2025?
Yes, Qatar is still issuing work visas in 2025. Applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a Qatar-based employer who will act as their sponsor.

What are the different types of visas for Qatar?
The main visa categories include work visas, family visit visas, tourist visas, business visas, student visas, and transit visas. Each has specific requirements and validity periods.

How to check Qatar visa eligibility?
You can check eligibility through the MOI Qatar official website or by contacting an approved visa agent. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and you meet all specific criteria for your visa type.

Is Qatar visa easy for Pakistani?
Yes, Pakistani citizens can apply for a Qatar visa without major difficulty, provided they meet the requirements and submit all necessary documents. Processing time and approval depend on the visa type.

What is the visa limit for 2025?
There is no fixed annual limit for visas, but availability may be affected during peak seasons or for certain categories like work and family visas.

What’s on in Qatar in 2025?
Qatar is hosting multiple international sports, cultural, and business events in 2025, which may increase travel demand. Applying early is recommended if you’re visiting for these events.

What is the skilled visa 2025?
The Skilled Visa is for professionals with specialized expertise needed in Qatar’s industries, such as engineering, healthcare, IT, and construction. It usually requires an employment contract and proof of qualifications.

Are visa slots open for 2025?
Yes, most visa slots are open in 2025. However, availability can change depending on demand, so applying early increases your chances of approval.

Conclusion

Getting the right Qatar visa in 2025 is all about knowing your options, meeting the eligibility requirements, and applying with complete documents. Whether you’re visiting for work, family, or tourism, understanding the process can save you both time and money. Always apply early, double-check your information, and use official channels like the MOI website or approved agencies. With proper preparation, your journey to Qatar can be smooth, stress-free, and successful.