JOBS AND VACANCIES IN QATAR

Qatar is a small country in the Middle East, located next to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE. The state is widely known for having the highest per capita income. Along with Luxembourg, Ireland, Singapore and Switzerland, it is among the top 5 richest countries in the world. Competent policy of the Qatari authorities during the last decades allowed to avoid internal conflicts and significantly increase the economic potential of the state. Mainly due to the extraction of profits from the sale of oil and gas.

Today Qatar has an ideal infrastructure, health care and education spheres are developing at an accelerated pace. For the World Cup in 2022, a huge number of new facilities have been built in the country, which require labor, including foreign labor. Undoubtedly, this is of interest to migrant workers from different parts of the world. For example, work in Qatar for foreigners in 2025, in addition to the oil and gas industry, is available in tourism, construction and information technology.

Work in Qatar

A large number of international companies open branches and representative offices in Qatar, which creates additional jobs for expats. Foreign entrepreneurs invest in the local economy and do business quite successfully. Qatari citizens are characterized by hospitality and have a relaxed attitude towards immigrants. This is largely due to the high standard of living. Next, learn how to find a job in Qatar and what requirements are imposed on foreigners, describe the labor market and the peculiarities of the business culture, as well as familiarize yourself with available jobs and salaries in 2025.

Labor market in Qatar

The population of Qatar in 2025 is just over 3 million. The labor force numbers around 1.6 million, with an unemployment rate of almost none, or rather less than 0.2%. Most of the migrant workers come from India, Nepal and the Philippines. Qatar is a Muslim state with characteristic traditions and culture, which foreigners from European and other countries should take into account when planning employment. The official language is Arabic, but in recent years English has been widely used in the business sphere.

The working week in Qatar lasts from Sunday to Thursday, however, overtime and weekend work is often practiced. Pay special attention to the health care system and pensions. Due to the high level of GDP per capita, local citizens are guaranteed free medical care and other social benefits. Foreign workers have no such rights. Health insurance and other aspects of employment are discussed in advance with the employer, and legal or consulting assistance may be required.

Qatar's labor laws state that all employees are entitled to 10 paid days off per year. After one year of employment, employees receive three weeks paid vacation. After another five years, vacation increases to a minimum of four weeks. For outdoor workers, new rules went into effect a couple of years ago that prohibit working outdoors between 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. from June 1 through September 15. In addition, employment must be terminated if the temperature at any workplace exceeds 32.1°.

Qatar's rapid pace of development and the government's desire to diversify the economy are helping to attract skilled foreign professionals. In addition, locals are unable to fully fill the gaps in the labor market. On the other hand, many young Qataris receive quality education in the UK or the US, after which they return and work for the benefit of their homeland. The country's authorities are extremely interested in providing jobs for its native citizens, so they set certain requirements for foreign workers.

Requirements for employment in Qatar

In order to move to Qatar for employment purposes, it is necessary to first find a local employer (sponsor) and conclude an employment contract. On this basis, the applicant is granted a work visa and the right to apply for a residence permit. The list of required documents may vary depending on the vacancy. The local company will provide practical assistance in this matter. Upon arrival, the foreign applicant must undergo a medical examination and be fingerprinted.

The employment contract is approved by the local Ministry of Labor and must contain the smallest details of the foreigner's employment, including working conditions, salary level, rights and obligations of the employee. Usually, for the first six months of professional activity in Qatar it is not allowed to change the employer, which is stipulated in the contract. During the period of registration of a residence permit, which may take 1.5-2 months or more, the applicant is not recommended to leave the Qatari territory. To leave Qatar, an exit visa is required.

In most cases, successful employment in Qatar implies that the applicant has a university degree. Some specialized professions require additional proof of qualification. In particular, this applies to lawyers, doctors and teachers. All documents must be notarized and approved by the Qatari embassy in the applicant's country. Sometimes it is even necessary to provide an official letter from the university confirming the level of qualification.

Business culture in Qatar

For successful adaptation in Qatar, it is very important for foreigners to respect local social and cultural norms, including in the business environment. For example, handshakes between men and women (non-Muslims) are acceptable. But when you meet a Muslim woman, it is considered polite to wait until she extends her hand first. Arab men may greet each other with a hug or a kiss on the cheek, nose or forehead, but this is not required of expatriates.

In the business environment of Qatar it is customary to exchange business cards. It is desirable that the details are printed in both English and Arabic. The Qatari approach to meetings is more informal than in European countries. It is considered the norm to spend some time on small talk before getting down to business. There is no need to discuss politics or religion. It is better to talk about sports or family. Hospitality is of great importance. At business meetings, tea, coffee and snacks (dates and cakes) are obligatory.

How to find a job in Qatar

Independent job search in Qatar is a very complicated process. The candidate must have obvious professional advantages, primarily experience, qualifications and language skills. Often foreigners fill vacancies in Qatar as a result of transfers from international companies or through foreign recruitment agencies. Such intermediary organizations are plentiful in the Qatari market, both local and international.

Recruitment agencies in Qatar – QHR, Al Noof, Bayt, Work Circle, and Gulfaar.

International staffing agencies for job search in Qatar – Adecco, Robert Half, Michael Page, Hays.

The vast majority of jobs for job seekers from abroad are concentrated in the capital and largest city of Qatar – Doha, where about 800 thousand people live. Here are located the largest oil and gas and financial companies of the country, for example, Qatar Petroleum, Qatargas, RasGas, Qatar Exchange and International Bank of Qatar. In addition, jobs in Qatar are available in cities such as Al-Haur, Rayyan and Dukhan.

Compose a competent resume and cover letter. Contact large companies directly and offer your services. Visit thematic forums, search for experienced migrant workers on the Internet and ask questions. Register on a professional social network – linkedin.com.

Some foreigners consider internships or volunteering in Qatar. Such opportunities exist in many of the country's major companies: Shell, DHL, Qatar Airways, Woqod, , the Qatar-America Institute, HSBC and KPMG. Note that internships are mostly available only to locals. Volunteers can apply to organizations in Qatar such as Qatar Animal Welfare Society, Qatar Diabetes Association and Qatar Voluntary Center.

Popular job search sites in Qatar

gulftalent.com

naukrigulf.com

jobsinqatar.org

gotogulf.com

qatarliving.com

International resources with vacancies in Qatar

careerjet.com.qa

qa.indeed.com

learn4good.com

monstergulf.com

bayt.com

Famous Qatar newspapers (in English)

gulf-times.com

qatar-tribune.com

Jobs and salaries in Qatar

Working in Qatar does not in all cases imply huge incomes, as it may seem at first glance, due to the excessive wealth of the country. For example, on the eve of the World Cup on soccer thousands of migrants in the construction industry became almost hostages of local employers, who often paid workers underestimated wages in the neighborhood of 200-250 dollars, instead of the promised 1-1,5 thousand.

Important. To conclude a labor contract should be approached with special care and in advance to provide all the details, including financial remuneration.

The minimum wage in Qatar is not established, but to protect the rights of migrant workers in 2017 a temporary rate of 750 Qatari riyals per month was established. In 2025, foreigners receive at least 1,000 riyals per month ($275), plus housing (500 riyals) and food allowance (300 riyals). In general, even unskilled workers in Qatar, particularly domestic staff, earn around 500-600 dollars.

The average monthly salary in Qatar in 2025 is about 3.5 thousand dollars. It all depends on the profession. For example, ordinary construction workers receive in the neighborhood of 1.2 thousand dollars, and construction project managers can earn 10 thousand and more. Experienced specialists in information technology earn about 4.5 thousand dollars, oil workers from 5-5.5 thousand. At the same time, prices in Qatar are very high. The average monthly cost of living for one person is about 2.5 thousand dollars.

Vacancies in Qatar for foreigners in 2025 are available in the following areas:

  • Energy, in particular, the oil and gas industry.

  • Construction.

  • Tourism and hotel and restaurant business.

  • IT sector.

  • Finance and Real Estate.

Experienced specialists are sometimes required in telecommunications, education and medicine. Qualified foreign workers can earn from 3-4 thousand dollars and more. Very often recruitment agencies offer jobs in Qatar in hotels and restaurants. Waitresses, maids, cleaners, hostesses are required. Labor remuneration varies from 500 to 2 thousand dollars.

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