A great deal has been written and published widely about moving to live in Dubai, but much less is known about what it’s like moving to Qatar to live as an expat.
In this report, we’re going to share 7 top tips from British expats who are already settled in Qatar and who have been through everything they’re enduring right now!
The sovereign Arab state is following hot on Dubai’s heels in some senses. For example, the number of new expats arriving daily in Doha is on a sharp increase.
Qatar is becoming known as a destination where expats can earn a very decent salary and have a high standard of living.
The good news is that successfully moving to Qatar and establishing a great lifestyle is achievable for every member of the family.
The bad news is that bureaucracy and rules change so often that any advice relating to visas, healthcare, education, etc., needs to be rechecked for validity often! Beyond this summary, however, there is an awful lot to get to grips with.
1. Don’t bank on your family being able to live with you in Qatar
If you’ve been offered a well-paying job in Qatar, giving your career a much-wanted boost and offering you the chance to get ahead, chances are there’s a part of you that wants to jump at the opportunity.
However, before you do, you need to know that if you have a partner and/or children, they might not be able to accompany you on your assignment.
If you’re unmarried, you won’t be able to live with your partner, and your children won’t be able to accompany you if you’re not married to your partner either.
Additionally, a recent change to visa rules has seen cases of women who have been offered a job in Qatar being refused when they apply to sponsor their families to join them.
If you’re going to be earning less than 10,000 Qatari riyal (which is just shy of £2,000) a month, you’re not allowed to sponsor your family to join you either.
And finally on this point, because of the hard work and complexity associated with sorting out multiple visas for an entire family, some companies won’t offer family visas until their employee has been with them for 3, 6 or even 12 months.
In summary, therefore, before accepting a job offer to Qatar, ensure you can sponsor your family or ensure that you and they can endure a period of enforced separation. For some, this is an unpalatable reality.
2. The Qatar residency process is pretty straightforward
Looking at the residency process on paper, it seems complex and unfathomable.
The good news is that the reality of it is not that bad. And because the numbers of expats arriving every day are somewhere in the region of 500, government departments and associated offices are getting better at the smooth processing of paperwork.
Don’t stress about the residency process. You will find it’s a smooth experience!
Expect to have tests for tuberculosis, hepatitis, and HIV and be fingerprinted – and expect to have to produce every single piece of paperwork you can think of, from marriage and birth certificates to bank statements and rental contracts.
Get the agreement in writing in advance from your sponsoring company that they will walk you through the process and assist your family in the same way if/when they join you in Qatar.
Finally, if you do find you’re on your own and moving to Qatar alone, just ask other expats you meet to help you!
Everyone who wants to remain beyond a visit visa has to go through it, so they will be able to tell you where to start. After that, each step is a logical one, and you’ll find you get through it!
3. Getting your child into school could prove difficult, so have a plan B
If you want to make money, go and open a really good international school in Qatar – you will be full before you’ve even laid the foundations!
Private international school places are in short supply, waiting lists are long, fees are high, and competition is intense.
Some families planning on moving to Qatar fly children in and out for mandatory assessments well in advance of their relocation to ensure their child has a school place for when they move to Qatar.
You will need to be acutely aware of the challenges facing you if you want to get your child into school – any school – let alone the best school.
Having a plan B is critical – from homeschooling to sending your child to boarding school in another nation or even leaving them (and your spouse) back home to remain at their current school.
Qatar is aware of this issue – expect to see more international schools opening their doors in years to come. But in the interim, the problem is a serious one, and it is reportedly affecting many expats’ choices about whether they should move to Qatar or not.
4. Compulsory health insurance
Whilst Qatar offers free healthcare to all who register, it is a system under strain, meaning that all who can afford to have insurance in place instead. But this can be very expensive.
Additionally, the Qatari government introduced a compulsory health insurance scheme for the citizens. This means that all companies will have to offer some form of health insurance scheme for all employees.
From 2016, the Social Medical Insurance scheme in Qatar made it compulsory for all expatriates and visitors to have health insurance. Employers must provide coverage for basic health services.
You need to be aware of this because you need to ensure that your company will pay towards medical expenses/health insurance in the interim otherwise you could face a massive bill if you want to insure your entire family.
Make sure you and your family’s health are covered before moving to Qatar because other than for very minor ailments, the public, free health scheme shouldn’t be relied upon by expats.
If you are opting for international health insurance, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal.
5. You will need an international driving license to drive in Qatar
Whilst you can rent a car for a week if you’re in Qatar for longer, you’ll need an international driver’s license – and then, if you’re applying for residency, you will have to get your Qatari driving license.
This, of course, results in more paperwork and bureaucracy – but that’s truly the least of your worries. Getting around Doha is very stressful and dangerous.
The public transport system is overburdened, taxis are scary and can be unpleasant, and the roads are quite literally lethal.
Britons often joke about the bad driving on the continent in Paris or Rome for example, but until you’ve seen Doha’s roads in rush hour, you’ve yet to see the true reality of horrifically dangerous driving.
There is no way around this issue. Be prepared. The only good thing about Qatar’s roads is that there is zero drink-drive tolerance.
6. The cost of living can eat up even the most attractive expat salary
Almost everything in Qatar costs more than you think it will – with perhaps the exception of petrol.
As most food is imported, a lot of it is expensive, alcohol (where it is available) is expensive, rent is expensive, and school fees and insurance are expensive.
If you possibly can, before committing to moving to Qatar, visit for a week or so before accepting any job offer – then you will get as good an idea of what things cost before negotiating your expat salary package.
Some employers factor in things like school fees, a rent allowance, a single flight home once a year, and so on…but some don’t.
So, don’t sell yourself short – make sure you negotiate a very good salary in order to enjoy a decent standard of living and have some leftovers to save.
7. Finally, don’t think you can just come and go as you please
One of the biggest shocks for some expats is that they can’t just leave Qatar when they want to. They can only leave with the permission of their sponsor – which is invariably the company they are working for.
This means that you can’t decide you hate your job and flee. You can’t leave behind a failing expat experience on a whim and leg it home.
More worryingly, perhaps, should an emergency arise back in your home country, for example, you can’t necessarily sort your exit visa out quickly enough to enable you to attend to any issue.
Discuss the policy your employer has in place regarding this issue. For some, they are granted a multi-exit visa. For others, they have access to an emergency contact should they need an exit visa at short notice.
Don’t leave this issue unexplored.
To conclude, Qatar can be a fantasist place to live, work and bring up children: it certainly offers many expats significant career breaks and salary prospects. However, it is a destination that presents many challenges.
If you’re the sort of person willing to roll with it and adapt and explore, Qatar could be a great posting.
Consider an exploratory visit ahead of a commitment to relocate.
Hi, would 17000 QAR a month be ok to rent a nice one bed flat, live comfortably and save? I would be relocating from London.
Hi Peter, In Qatar, the average salary is $3,977.93 per month which is around 14500 QAR. With this income, people can cover their basic expenses, rent and enjoy some luxuries like travel, etc. and even save money depending on the lifestyle, of course.
There are several potential advantages for UK citizens living in Qatar. Here are some pros:
High standard of living: Qatar is known for its high standard of living, with excellent infrastructure, modern amenities, and a strong economy. UK citizens can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with access to high-quality healthcare, education, and various recreational activities.
Tax-free income: Qatar does not impose income tax on individuals, which can be a significant financial advantage for UK citizens. This means that a larger portion of their income can be saved or spent on other things. UK citizens get paid really higher in Qatar.
Expatriate-friendly environment: Qatar has a significant expatriate community, including many British citizens. The country has developed a welcoming and supportive environment for foreigners, with numerous international schools, social clubs, and organizations that cater to the needs of expatriates.
Career opportunities: Qatar has a rapidly growing economy driven by its vast oil and gas reserves, as well as ambitious development projects. This creates opportunities for UK citizens to find employment in various sectors, including energy, finance, construction, education, and healthcare.
Cultural experiences: Qatar offers a rich cultural experience, blending traditional Qatari heritage with modern influences. UK citizens can explore unique attractions like the Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, and the awe-inspiring desert landscapes. Additionally, Qatar hosts numerous international events and festivals, making it an exciting place to live.
Strategic location: Qatar’s geographical location in the Middle East provides UK citizens with easy access to other countries in the region. This makes it convenient for travel and exploration, allowing residents to visit nearby destinations such as Dubai, Oman, Bahrain, and more.
Safety and security: Qatar is generally considered a safe country with a low crime rate. The government prioritizes the safety and security of residents, making it an appealing destination for UK citizens seeking a peaceful environment to live in.
It’s worth noting that individual experiences may vary, and there may be some challenges or considerations associated with living in any foreign country. It’s important to research and understand the specific requirements, culture, and lifestyle in Qatar before making any decisions about relocating.