In case you haven’t noticed, Qatar is becoming a powerhouse. It offers so many different opportunities to so many when it comes to work and finding reliable business partners. Sometimes it’s not completely necessary to pick up and move, but a brief visit may be just enough to get the job done (literally). In order to conduct any real business in Qatar it is necessary to apply for a business visa. Now, what happens if you find that you need to stay longer than your business visa allows?
Can a business visa in Qatar be extended? Yes, it is possible to extend a business visa in Qatar. Most business visas are issued for 30 days (from issue date) and can be extended for up to three months.
In some cases, the employer is responsible for arranging this with the MOI since they will need to include various documents that only they would have access to. If you can apply for it yourself, and secure the necessary paperwork from your employer, you may want to go that route as employers oftentimes charge an extra fee on top of the government fees.
What are some other important things to know about Qatar business visas?
These business visas are single entry, which means that once you’re in Qatar you cannot leave and come back, so you are there to stay until the job you’re there to do is done or your visa expires. This type of business visa is the most popular since it allows for at least a month’s time.
The cost to expect when applying for a Qatar business visa should be 200 QAR per month. If you decide to let your employer or another company go through the process you will likely encounter higher fees since they will add an additional amount, as a sort of commission, for their work.
A business visa is required in order to find your own place to stay during the duration of your Qatar visit. Although you may be able to stay at a hotel you will still need to provide proof that you’re there to work for a valid Qatari company or business.
It’s important to note that there are two other types of Qatar business visas. The first is the 72-hour business visa which is perfect for those that are coming to Qatar for a quick business meeting or company retreat. There is also an investor visa, which applies for only specific business ventures. Both of these visas have their own set of rules, regulations, and limitations.
Make sure that you’re applying for the correct one that will suit your specific needs. Each one has its own process and requirements. The one we will mainly be discussing is the 30-day one.
What do I need to present for a Qatar business visa?
Applying for a Qatar business visa is no easy feat. There are many documents that are required and if all Ts are not crossed you’re likely to have it denied and have to start over. A few of the documents and other items you will need when applying for a Qatar business visa are:
- A passport that’s been valid for at least 6 months
- Statement of financial proof & proof of funds (this is to prove that you are financially able to support yourself while you’re staying in Qatar)
- Letter from sponsoring company indicating the purpose of your visit (to prove you really have a job set up – note that the company must be registered under the economy of Qatar)
- Proof of residence (to show that you have a place to stay already set up, which can be a hotel, if need be)
- 2 passport-sized photographs of your face
What happens if my job lasts longer than anticipated (longer than 3 months)?
If you find yourself in a predicament where your job lasted longer than a month and you already had to extend your business visa, and now the job is still not done and your extended visa is about to expire, you may be wondering what you should do.
It’s important to keep in mind that there are fees/fines for those that overstay their business visa. It can be up to 200 QAR per day. While that may not sound like much, it adds up, so that’s not likely what you’re going to want to do. Besides a fine there’s not many other repercussions of overstaying your business visa.
Now, technically, the proper thing you should do, if you know your business project or job will be longer than 3 months, would be to get a temporary work permit which should last up to 6 months. If it’s going to be even longer than that you should look into getting a residence visa. There are a bunch of forms, and even medical tests, involved with those. Make sure, if you plan to go this route, that you have a complete checklist of everything you will need to do and send in. Good luck on all your future business endeavors!