How to Apply Business Visa in Qatar? A Step-by-Step Guide

Qatar sparkles like a diamond in the desert sands – abundant opportunities await within its glittering capital of Doha. Yet this prosperous nation must still be within reach for many global businesses. The powerful Qatar business visa stands guard at its gates, granting access only to the few who can master its complex procedures.

For hopeful entrepreneurs with dreams of entering this thriving hub, the lengthy visa process can quickly dash their dreams. Despite endless paperwork and stringent requirements, securing Qatar’s potential is a pipe dream. What if unlocking it was easier?

Using this guide, Qatar business visas become gateways to prosperity, not barriers. The visa rules collapse into easy-to-follow steps anyone can follow to success. We make the whole process clear to help you craft the perfect application.

Types of Qatar Business Visas

Qatar offers two main categories of business visas for foreign nationals wishing to conduct temporary business activities in Qatar:

72-Hour Visa

The 72-hour business visa allows a short Qatar stay for up to 3 days. This suits business travelers who must make brief trips for meetings, evaluations, and other urgent commercial matters. 

Featuring:

• Issued on arrival at immigration
• Valid for 72 hours maximum
• Extendable once for an additional 72 hours
• Required documents: business letter, return ticket, health insurance

90-Day Business Visa

For mid-term business activities like project work, training, and technical support, the 90-day business visa is ideal. It enables stays in Qatar for up to 90 days.

What It Covers:

• Employees taking up work abroad
• Temporary contractual assignments
• Technical staff sent for a knowledge transfer
• Tradesmen supporting short-term projects

Eligibility Criteria for Qatar Business Visas

The government of Qatar has established clear eligibility requirements that applicants must meet to obtain a business visa. Understanding these criteria in-depth is necessary for securing approval.

Purpose of Visit

It is the most important criterion for eligibility. Your stated purpose for visiting Qatar must fall into acceptable business/professional categories such as:

• Organizational events, meetings, and conferences hosted in Qatar.
• Pre-planned Qatar business trips with confirmed appointments.
• Projects, technical support, and knowledge transfer for a local company.
• Incorporation, licensing, registration, etc., should be verified.

Local Sponsorship 

The sponsoring entity in Qatar provides key supporting documentation for the business visa application, including:

• Visa invitation letter requesting issuance and confirming purpose, duration, etc.
• Bonafide letter taking responsibility for the applicant’s activities in Qatar
• Accommodation bookings, event agendas, employment contracts, etc.

Age Requirement

Only applicants aged 18 years or above qualify for business visas. Under Qatar’s regulations, minors under 18 are not eligible for a business visa.

Valid Passport

Passports must have at least 6 months remaining validity from Qatar’s expected final departure date. Applicant’s passports that expire sooner do not meet the validity period required by Qatari immigration.

Clean Criminal Record

Past convictions for any criminal offense would immediately disqualify the applicant. Local police clearances validating a clean record are sometimes necessary.

Qatar Business Visa Documents

Applicants for Qatar business visas must submit all required documentation to immigration authorities. It helps facilitate the visa approval process.

Valid Passport

• Validity must be at least 6 months, with blank pages for visa stamping.
• Incomplete or damaged passports are not acceptable.
• A Qatar visa and entry/exit stamp provide travel history.

Visa Application Form

• Online visa applications must contain all personal and professional information.
• An error or missing input can delay or deny a business visa.

Passport Photos

• Please submit passport-size photographs.
• Photos must have a white background and a neutral expression.
• Avoid glasses and headwear except for religious reasons.

Company Invitation Letter

• Sponsoring companies in Qatar provide this key visa document.
• You must use official letterhead, sign and stamp it for immigration.
• Applicants must confirm their identity, the purpose of their visit, the duration, and the arrangements for hosting.

Proof of Business

• Establishing a genuine establishment requires evidence such as licenses, websites, and business correspondence.
• Financial records and employment letters may be required.
• Business activities should be reflected in the documentation.

How to Apply for a Qatar Business Visa Online

The entire application process for a 30 or 90-day Qatar business visa must be completed online by the sponsoring local entity. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Sponsor Logs into MOI Portal

Qatar’s sponsoring company or organization must have an authorized login to the Ministry of Interior (MOI) visa application portal. 

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Visa Service

After logging in, click on “Visa Services” and “Issue Visa.” Then choose “Business Visa” as the visa type from the dropdown options.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form

Thoroughly fill out all the applicant’s required details in the form, including full name, birth information, passport details, contact information, trip purpose, and duration. Carefully review before confirming submission.

Step 4: Pay Visa Fees to Confirm

Pay the applicable visa fees through the portal by debit/credit card. A reference number tracks the application status upon successful payment.

How to Apply for a Qatar Business Visa Offline

Sponsoring companies can submit Qatar business visa applications manually if online submission is impossible.

Step 1: Qatar Company Registration

First, verify that the sponsoring company is legally registered and in good standing with Qatar authorities. It is necessary to obtain the proper registration certificates.

Step 2: Fill Out the Paper Visa Application

Download the physical visa application form and fill it out completely by hand with all the required applicant details. 

Step 3: Attach Supporting Documents

Gather and attach clear copies of all the mandatory documents like passport, photos, invitation letters, business proofs, etc.

Step 4: Submit the Application at Service Center

Submit the finished visa application and documents at the Unified Service Centers operated by the Ministry of Interior.

Step 5: Pay Required Visa Fees

Pay the prescribed visa fees at the service center through cash or credit/debit card to complete the submission.

Step 6: Track Status Online

Track the application status online using the reference number provided on the MOI Qatar Visa Check portal. 

Qatar Business Visa Validity

The validity duration of a Qatar business visa depends on the specific type issued. Each category has standardized validity as follows:

72-Hour Business Visa Validity 

This short-stay visa is issued on arrival and enables a maximum stay of 72 hours (3 days).

• An extension of 72 hours is possible only once.
• A maximum of 6 days is allowed.

30-Day Business Visa Validity 

This visa allows business visits to Qatar for up to 30 days.

• Applications are accepted online/offline in advance.
• Validity is limited to 30 days.

90-Day Business Visa Validity

This long-term business visa permits stays in Qatar for up to 90 days.

• Through company sponsors.
• Extending beyond 90 days is not permitted.
• Suitable for short-term projects.

Qatar Business Visa Fees

The fees for obtaining a Qatar business visa vary based on the duration of stay permitted for each type:

72-Hour Business Visa Fees

Upon landing at immigration, the QR 50 (approximately USD 14) visa is made available to you. It is payable with cash or credit card upon arrival.

30-Day Business Visa Fees

Apply online for a visa and pay QR 200 (approximately USD 55) to stay in Qatar for 30 days.

90-Day Business Visa Fees

A long-term visa costs QR 600 (approximately $165 US). This is valid for 90 days and is suitable for short-term project work and technical visits.

Conclusion

The key to opening up Qatar’s immense opportunities is to get a Qatar business visa. Global professionals and companies can apply easily and quickly for visas. With the proper preparation, your dreams can become a reality.