Qatar’s new renewable long-term residency programme is aimed at attracting entrepreneurs, founders and senior executives as part of the country’s efforts to support innovation, investment and economic diversification.
The programme forms part of Qatar’s wider strategy to attract global talent and position the country as a long-term destination for innovation and leadership.
How does the programme work?
The long-term residency programme is managed mainly through the Jusour platform and offers streamlined immigration and labour procedures, along with business support for professionals seeking to live, work and invest in Qatar.
The programme is divided into two main streams: Entrepreneur Residency and Executive Residency.
ENTREPRENEUR RESIDENCY
The Entrepreneur Residency stream is designed for founders seeking to establish, operate and grow businesses in Qatar. The programme works in partnership with several national incubators and innovation entities, including:
* Qatar Business Incubation Centre
* Scale7
* Qatar Science & Technology Park
The programme also supports entrepreneurs endorsed by Startup Qatar, an Invest Qatar initiative that serves as a single, comprehensive gateway to information, support, and opportunities for startups..
Entrepreneur eligibility criteria
Applicants must:
* Obtain an official endorsement certificate from a recognised business incubator in Qatar
* Provide a bank statement showing a minimum balance of QAR36,500, or equivalent in local currency (if an overseas entrepreneur), over the previous three months
Benefits of Entrepreneur Residency
Successful applicants will receive:
* Renewable long-term residency
* Sponsorship of dependents and relatives
* Ability to issue family visit visas
* Sponsorship of domestic workers
* Ownership of assets in Qatar
* Access to tailored incubator support and mentorship
* Exclusive discounts across a merchant network aimed at reducing living costs and providing preferential commercial access
Required documents for resident entrepreneurs
Applicants already living in Qatar must submit documents showing a minimum age of 18 years, copy of Qatari ID, recent personal photograph, stamped three-month bank statement and curriculum Vitae. As special requirements, they should also submit an endorsement letter from a local incubator and an establishment card
Required documents for overseas entrepreneurs
Applicants applying from outside Qatar must submit documents showing a minimum age of 18 years, passport with at least six months’ validity, recent personal photograph, attested three-month bank statement with a minimum balance of USD10,000, curriculum Vitae and an attested police clearance certificate.
As special requirement, they should also submit an endorsement letter from a local incubator
Note on attestation: Attested documents must be authenticated by the releasing entity, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the issuing country and the relevant Qatar Embassy (or by Qatar MoFA if attested within Qatar).
Entrepreneur Application Journey (QID holders)
1. Entrepreneurs should be incubated by an accredited-business incubator in Qatar.
2. Incubator nominates the entrepreneur to Jusour along with an endorsement letter.
3. Entrepreneur receives a notification with a link to apply.
4. Complete the application form and upload.
5. Receive QID upon approval.
6. Ongoing support and post-placement assistance.
Entrepreneur Application Journey (Overseas)
1. Entrepreneur should be incubated by an accredited-business incubator in Qatar.
2. Incubator nominates the entrepreneur to Jusour along with an endorsement letter.
3. Entrepreneur receives a notification with a link to apply.
4.Complete the application form and upload.
5. Receive entrepreneur entry permit.
6. Enter Qatar, complete medical test, fingerprinting, and QID issuance.
7. Post-arrival support and assistance.
EXECUTIVE RESIDENCY
The Executive Residency stream is aimed at senior professionals already residing in Qatar with valid QIDs. Executive Residency enables them to transition smoothly and efficiently while maintaining business continuity. This stream is based on employer nomination, document verification, and an expedited process.
Executive eligibility criteria
Applicants must meet the following salary and experience requirements:
* Minimum monthly salary of QAR50,000 for positions including Chairman, CEO, CFO, CTO and COO
* Minimum monthly salary of QAR80,000 for other Executive Director titles
* At least five years of experience in a senior executive management role inside or outside Qatar
Employment Contract Requirements
Applicants must hold a valid local employment contract with an eligible employer, including companies listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange, banks, financial institutions and insurance companies licensed by Qatar Central Bank or the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority, or consulting firms providing management, finance, legal or accounting services to government or semi-government entities.
NOTE: Acceptance of nominating companies is subject to Jusour’s discretion. Submission of a nomination or employment contract does not guarantee approval. Company eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis in coordination with relevant authorities in the State of Qatar.
Benefits of Executive Residency
Approved executive residents are eligible for:
* Renewable long-term residency
* Sponsorship of dependents and relatives
* Ability to issue family visit visas
* Sponsorship of domestic workers
* Ownership of assets
* Exclusive discounts across a merchant network aimed at reducing living costs
A key feature of the programme is that executive residents retain their residency status even if they change or lose their jobs, helping provide greater long-term stability and security.
Required documents for Executive Residency
Applicants must submit a document showing a minimum age of 18 years, copy of Qatari ID (QID), recent personal photograph, signed and stamped three-month bank statement, attested experience letters and Curriculum Vitae, attested academic degrees, and valid health insurance.
As a special requirement, they should also submit a valid establishment card, valid company commercial registration copy, copy of Board of Directors appointment decision, recently issued employment letter and valid employment contract.
Executive Application Journey
1. The executive expresses interest to their employer.
2. The employer nominates the executive using the Jusour Platform.
3. The executive receives a notification with a link to apply.
4. Apply: Upload passport copy, QID, stamped three months bank statement, establishment card, personal photo, CV, and supporting documents.
5. QID issuance upon approval.
6. Dedicated support throughout the placement.
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