Qatar Business Visa: Complete Guide (2024)

Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 30 July 2024.

Qatar is one of the region’s most significant financial, trade, and business centres. It has become one of the most prominent investment destinations for foreign companies because of its business-friendly environment. Moreover, many conferences, exhibitions, and congresses are held in the country, attracting professionals worldwide.

Visitors to Qatar can use the various types of visit visas offered, and the most suitable one for business visitors will be the business visa. This article will discuss Qatar Business Visa requirements, types, validity, cost, and the application process.

What is Business Visa?

A business visa is a travel authorization that allows entrepreneurs and company employees to work temporarily abroad. The purpose of business visas is to allow holders to perform temporary tasks that cannot be considered permanent employment, while work permits allow holders to perform tasks that can be considered permanent employment.

Qatar Business Visa Eligibility

The most important requirement for issuing a Qatar Business Visa is that the visitor should be coming for professional, business or investment purposes. The purpose of the visit should be clear and supported with valid documents from a local establishment. Needless to say, the visitor should be above 18 years, have a passport valid for six months and no criminal records in the past.

Qatar Business Visa Types

There are two types of business visas being issued by Qatar:

a) 72 Hours Business Visa: This is a short-term visa for quick business visits like attending meetings, conferences, exhibitions etc. This visa is issued on arrival and can be extended for another 72 hours.

b) 30 or 90 Days Business Visa: This visa is valid for 30 or 90 days and is mainly used by people working on short-term projects like consultants and contractual works. This visa must be applied by established businesses or authorised agents in Qatar.

Qatar Business Visa Validity

As explained above, the validity of the Qatar Business Visa depends upon the type of visa.

Visa TypeNormal Visa Validity
72-Hour Business Visa72 Hours
30 Days Business Visa30 Days
90 Days Business Visa90 Days

Qatar Business Visa Extension

  • 72 Hour Business Visas are extendable for another 72 hours (A total of 6 days). A fee of QR 50 applies.
  • 30 Days Business Visas are extendable for another 60 days (A total of 3 months). The fee is QR 200 per month.
  • Recently, 90 Days Business Visas were extended up to 9 months. However, this may not be possible in all cases.

How To Apply for Qatar Business Visa Online

The 30 or 90 days Business Visa should be applied by the local business or agency inviting the visitor. Only entities with smart card can log in to the MOI portal to apply for a business visa. Below are the steps to apply for Qatar Business Visa online:

Step 1: Log in to the MOI portal

The online application should be through the Ministry of Interior (MOI) online portal.

Step 2: Select “Visa Services”, then “Issue Visa”, and choose “Business Visa”

Step 3: Fill out the required information

These include name, birth date and place, passport details, phone number and address. Enter your email address to receive a soft copy of the visa application receipt. Click on “Confirm”.

Step 4: Pay appropriate fees to issue the visa

After the transaction is completed, an approval number is provided for follow-up. The final approval takes less than three days.

This service is also available via Metrash2, MOI self-service kiosks and MOI Service Centres.

How To Apply for Qatar Business Visa Directly

Companies can also apply directly at the MOI Services Centres or Directorate Headquarters. A company or establishment applying for a business visa should be legally registered in Qatar and in good standing.

The Business Visa Application Form should be downloaded and filled up. The company representative or owner has to submit the below documents directly:

Qatar Business Visa Requirements

  • Completed business visa application form
  • Clear copy of the visitor’s passport
  • Copy of valid establishment ID
  • Copy of document that proves the profession
  • Return air ticket for the visitor
  • Visa fee should be paid by bank card

How To Get 72 Hours Qatar Business Visa On Arrival

This type of visa is issued for businessmen instantly on arrival at the entry borders (Hamad International Airport or Abu Samara border). The required conditions are as below:

  • The visitor should prove his business status by producing the necessary documents.
  • There must be a reason for the visitor to visit the country, such as visiting an accredited company.
  • The visitor must have a credit card with a balance of QR 5,000 or its equivalent in cash.
  • The visitor should have a hotel reservation for the period of stay.
  • He should hold a return ticket.

Qatar Business Visa Requirements (72 Hours Visa On Arrival)

The following are the requirements for 72 hours business visa issued on arrival:

  • Passport with six months’ validity
  • Document to prove business purpose (letter of invitation etc.)
  • Return air ticket
  • Hotel reservation
  • Credit card with QR 5000 balance or equivalent in cash
Business Meeting

A business visa on arrival is not being issued nowadays. Travellers can opt for a Qatar visa on arrival.


Qatar Business Visa Price

The cost of a Qatar Business Visa depends on the duration of the visa.

Visa TypeVisa Price
72-Hour Business VisaQR 50
30 Days Business VisaQR 200
90 Days Business VisaQR 600

There will be an additional fee for visa extension beyond the regular validity period.

  • The extension fee for 72 Hour Business Visa is QR 50 for 72 hours more.
  • The extension fee for other Business visas is QR 200 per month.

Qatar Business Visa Fine

An expired business visa has a high penalty of QR 200 per day.

Advantages of Qatar Business Visa

The advantages of the Qatar Business Visa are as below:

  • The business visa process is relatively simpler than the employment visa
  • You are legally allowed to offer your services to a business
  • You are not bound by a sponsorship or labour contract

Current Status of Qatar Business Visa

Due to the travel restrictions after the pandemic, Qatar has reduced the number of business visas issued. Nowadays, business visas are primarily approved for government or semi-government companies or big projects. Hence the approval rate for smaller businesses is low.

READ NEXT: Qatar Visa On Arrival Procedure


FAQ on Qatar Business Visa


How can I get a business visa in Qatar?

A 72-hour business visa can be issued on arrival. A 30 or 90 days business visa should be applied for by a business registered in Qatar.

Can I change business visa to work visa in Qatar?

Qatar business visa can be converted to a work visa by getting a NOC from the original company that applied for your business visa.

Is Qatar business visa available now?

A 72-hour business visa on arrival is currently suspended in Qatar. 30 or 90 days business visas are only issued for high-priority projects.

How much is a business visa for Qatar?

A 72-hour business visa on arrival costs QR 50, while a 30-day business visa costs QR 200.


Related Articles:

  1. Qatar Visit Visa Types, Requirements and Process
  2. Qatar Family Visit Visa Requirements And How To Apply
  3. MOI Qatar Visa Check Online And Printing
  4. Visiting Qatar: Complete Guide
  5. Driving in Qatar: Rules For Residents And Visitors

Copyright © DohaGuides.com – Full or partial reproduction of this article in any language is prohibited.


Share This With Someone Who Needs It

18 thoughts on “Qatar Business Visa: Complete Guide (2024)”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Akhil, Please check with the sponsor (company) who is applying for your visa. They will receive a message if it is required.

  1. Hi,
    Do you gave any idea that now BV requires medical test.
    My company applied for Work visa, it was rejected. Then applied for BV. Approved on the same day. But now i have to undergo medical at QVC same process as of Work visa for a 90 days visa.
    What is this modification MOI is doing/?

  2. Hi DG Team,

    I just wanted to ask, do you know the process of transferring Business visa to RP (Family Visa)? Thank you.

  3. Hi, I need to ask for the 90 Days Business visa, there is a requirement for the return air ticket.
    Departure ticket should be booked within the 30 days period after arrival. Is it so? By this I mean I have to go back after 30 days.

  4. Hi, I am currently in 90 Days business visa, and I got an offer to work for different organization now. is it possible to change my current visa to RP?? What is the way further?

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Jeevaprasad, To change current business visa to employment (inside country) you will need NOC from the existing sponsor. If not, you can exit the country and apply for new visa. Your new sponsor should apply for your visa.

  5. Please I want to register a company in qatar How can I go about that? Can I go to Qatar with visitor’s visa and register my company on arrive in qatar? thanks

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Raheem, Normally you need a Qatari sponsor to register a company (except in some rare cases). It is better to consult with a consultancy or PRO service.

  6. when will business visa will be reinstated ? my client in oman says they stopped issuing business visas in country now ? only visa option is visitor ? can i attend a meeting or conference on visit visa ?

  7. For a business visa type, do I have to purchase a visitor health insurance in order to enter the country

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi LE Thu Ja, If you will be staying more than 30 days as a visitor it may be required. You can purchase it online on your mobile phone if you are asked at the airport.