A Qatar business visa allows foreign nationals to travel to Qatar for business purposes, such as attending conferences, meetings, or business activities, without the need for a work or residence permit. This visa allows them to work in Qatar without being remunerated. There are different types of business visas available in Qatar, including a 72-hour visa, a short-term contract work visa (up to 3 months), and an investor visa.
What is Qatar Business Visa?
The Qatari business visa allows foreign nationals to visit Qatar for business purposes. Under this visa, individuals can participate in conferences, business meetings or other commercial activities. Provided that they do not receive a salary in Qatar
In this case, neither a work permit nor a residence permit is required. Qatar issues several types of business visas, including a 72-hour express visa, a short-term visa on a contract basis (valid for up to three months), and an investment visa.
Key aspects of a Qatar Business Visa:
- Purpose: To facilitate temporary business activities in Qatar for business professionals.
- Duration: Normally valid for 3 months, with a maximum stay of 30 days allowed per entry.
- Permitted activities: Facilitating conferences, business negotiations, trade exhibitions and conducting business with foreign firms.
- Requirements: Applicants must enter Qatar for professional, investment or commercial purposes, and must have relevant documentation from a Qatari sponsor.
- Employment Prohibition: According to VisaHQ guidelines, business visitors on this visa are not permitted to engage in any activity for which they are directly compensated.
- Required Documents: A valid passport, invitation letter from a Qatari firm, and proof of financial stability are usually required.
- Online process: Many business visa applications can be submitted online, upon confirmation of which a PDF document is issued which must be carried with you during travel.
Eligibility of Business Visa
To qualify for a business visa, applicants generally must prove that their travel is purely for business purposes, that they have the financial capacity to cover all expenses of their stay, and that they are committed to returning to their home country upon completion of the trip. These requirements may vary by country and visa type.
Required Documents:
- Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay in Qatar.
- Visa Application Form: Applicants must submit the visa form completely and accurately.
Required supporting documents:
- Invitation letter: Issued by a business entity in the host country.
- Proof of company registration: Documents related to the applicant’s business organization.
- Proof of business relations: Contracts, emails or other supporting records.
- Financial evidence: Proof of financial ability to cover travel expenses.
- Passport size photos: Generally required photos.
- Travel itinerary: Detailed planning of the business trip.
Description of the purpose of the trip:
- Applicants are required to fully explain the primary purpose of their visit and its business nature.
Specific examples of business visas (in light of research findings):
India:
Indian business visas are issued for specific purposes such as business meetings trade exhibitions and investment opportunities.
Nigeria:
Nigerian business visas are available for those attending conferences, seminars, business negotiations and trade fairs.
United States:
The B-1 visa is reserved for temporary business visitors, requiring applicants to prove that their travel is for legitimate business purposes and that they will return to their home country.
Pakistan:
Pakistani business visas are issued with varying durations and entry requirements, taking into account the applicant’s income and business volume.
United Kingdom: The UK Business Visitor Visa is designed for those visiting for business purposes, with multiple entries and extension options.
Important Notes:
- Subject to change: As visa requirements are subject to change, applicants should check with their respective embassy or consulate for the latest requirements.
- Additional steps: Some countries may require an interview or other additional steps for a business visa.
- Documentary Preparation: Applicants must be prepared to provide complete evidence to prove their eligibility and strengthen the application.
Types of Business Visas
There are two main types of visas available for business visitors to Qatar. The first is a short-term visa that is issued at the airport for a stay of only 72 hours and can be extended if needed. The second is a long-term visa, usually issued for 30 or 90 days and suitable for business cooperation or job search, which requires sponsorship by a Qatari company or licensed institution.
72-Hour Business Visa:
This visa is issued to visitors upon arrival at the airport, and is specifically designed for temporary business purposes such as attending conferences or business meetings. The initial validity of this visa is 72 hours, which can be extended for another 72 hours if required.
30 or 90-Day Business Visa:
This visa is reserved for professionals who will be engaged in long-term business projects, consulting services or contractual work in Qatar. The application process for this visa can usually only be completed through a company or licensed entity registered in Qatar, which is responsible for sponsoring the applicant.
Investor Visa:
This visa is considered a specific type of business visa, specifically reserved for investors who wish to invest financial resources or participate in business projects in Qatar.
Visa Extension Fees:
- 72-Hour Business Visa: QAR 50
- 30-Day Business Visa: QAR 200 per month
Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a visa in Qatar depends on the type of visa and the individual circumstances of the applicant. Typically:
- Tourist Visa: 1 to 3 business days
- E-Visa (for eligible countries): 1 to 3 business days
- Work Permit: 2 to 4 weeks
- Residence Permit (RP): 8 weeks to 3 months
Note: These times are estimates and may change based on immigration policies or application volume. It is recommended to check with the embassy or official website for the latest information.
How To Apply for Qatar Business Visa Online
The process of submitting an online application for a business visa in Qatar is very simple. First, you need to prepare the required documents such as a passport valid for at least six months, a recent passport-sized photograph and a business invitation (if necessary). Then visit the official website of the Qatar Visa Service visa-qatar.com, and enter the correct information in the online application form.
After uploading scanned copies of all the required documents, pay the visa fee through a credit or debit card. Check all the information carefully before completing the application. Visa approval usually takes three to five business days, the status of which you can also track on the website.
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
- Valid Passport: Must have at least 6 months validity beyond your stay.
- Passport-Size Photo: Recent, clear, with a white background.
- Business Invitation Letter (if applicable): Issued by a Qatari company.
- Employment Letter (if applicable): From your employer confirming your business purpose.
- Return Flight Ticket: Proof of onward/return travel.
- Additional Supporting Documents: Hotel bookings, business cover letter, or itinerary (if required).
Step 2: Complete Online Application
- Visit Official Portal: Go to visa-qatar.com or the Qatar Visa Service website.
- Fill Application Form: Enter personal, passport, and trip details accurately.
- Upload Documents: Submit scanned copies in specified formats (PDF/JPG).
- Pay Visa Fee: Use a credit/debit card for online payment (fees vary by visa type).
- Submit Application: Review all details before final submission.
Step 3: Track & Receive Visa
- Processing Time: Typically 3-5 business days (may vary).
- Approval Notification: Sent via email with the e-visa (download/print).
- Check Status: Track progress on the visa portal using your application number.
Pro Tips for Success
✔ Apply Early: Avoid last-minute delays (recommended: 2+ weeks before travel).
✔ Double-Check Details: Ensure no errors in names, dates, or document expiry.
✔ Verify Requirements: Some nationalities may need additional steps (e.g., biometrics).
Need Help?
- Use authorized agents like VisaHQ or BTW Visas for guided assistance.
- Contact the Qatar Embassy for urgent queries.
Online Application Through Hukoomi Portal
- Visit Official Portal: (https://portal.moi.gov.qa/)
Go to Hukoomi’s official website. - Login/Create Account:
- Use your National Authentication System (NAS) credentials to log in.
- First-time users: Register to create an NAS account.
- Navigate to Visa Services:
- Select the “Visa Service” section.
- Choose “Business Visa” from the application options.
- Complete the Form:
Fill out the online application with all required details accurately.
Documents required:
- Passport Copy: Must be valid for at least six months from the date of application.
- Passport-Sized Photograph: Recent (taken within the last 3 months) with a white background.
- Business Invitation Letter: Issued by a registered Qatari company (if applicable).
- Sponsor’s Commercial Documents: Including Commercial Registration copy of the hosting Qatari company.
How to Apply for a Qatar Business Visa Online (Step-by-Step Guide):
- Access the Official Portal:
Navigate to the Qatar Visa Service official website. - Choose Visa Category:
Select “Business Visa” from the available visa options. - Complete Application Form:
Enter all required details accurately, including:- Personal information
- Passport details
- Purpose of visit
- Upload Supporting Documents:
Attach clear scanned copies of:- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Passport-sized photograph
- Business invitation letter (if applicable)
- Sponsoring company’s commercial registration
- Make Payment:
Pay the visa fee securely via:- Credit/Debit card
- Other accepted online payment methods
- Submit Application:
Review all entered information carefully before final submission. - Receive Approved Visa:
- Processing typically takes 3-5 business days
- Approved visa will be sent to your registered email
- Print a copy to carry during travel
Important Notes:
✔ Double-check all uploaded documents for clarity
✔ Ensure passport validity meets requirements
✔ Keep payment receipt for reference
Documents required for visa:
Required Documents for Qatar Business Visa Application:
- Completed Visa Application Form
- Fully filled with accurate personal and travel details
- Valid Passport Copy
- Clear, colored scan of bio-data page
- Minimum 6 months validity from date of entry
- Proof of Employment/Business Purpose
- Official letter from employer (for employees)
- Company registration documents (for business owners)
- Sponsor Documents (if applicable)
- Qatari company’s Commercial Registration copy
- Invitation letter on company letterhead
- Confirmed Round-Trip Flight Tickets
- Showing entry and exit dates from Qatar
Additional Notes:
✓ All documents must be in English/Arabic (translated if original in other languages)
✓ Scans should be high-quality (300 DPI recommended)
✓ Ensure passport copy shows full details clearly
How to Obtain a 72-Hour Qatar Business Visa on Arrival
To obtain a 72-hour business visa in Qatar. Applicants must present a valid passport (with a minimum validity of six months), an original invitation letter from a Qatari company, hotel booking or proof of accommodation, a confirmed return flight ticket, and proof of financial means (bank statement or credit card). All documents must be in English or Arabic and provided as high-quality scanned copies.
The required conditions for visa on arrival:
The applicant must provide a clear explanation of their business purpose, which must be supported by relevant documents. The visitor must state the purpose of their visit to Qatar, as well as prove financial capacity of at least 5,000 Qatari Riyals (or equivalent) –
Either by credit card or in cash. Hotel booking and return flight tickets must be presented. Note that visa on arrival is only available for certain nationalities, so check Qatar’s visa policy. The final decision is at the discretion of the immigration officer.
Business Visa Requirements (72 Hours Visa On Arrival)
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity
- An official invitation letter from a Qatari company
- Return flight ticket
- Hotel reservation
- A credit card amount of QR 5000 or the equivalent in cash
Business visa fee
| Visa Type | Fee (QAR) |
|---|---|
| 72-Hour Business Visa | 50 |
| 30-Day Business Visa | 200 |
| 90-Day Business Visa | 600 |
Fine for overstaying Qatar business visa:
- Daily Fine:
- QR 200 per day (≈ $55 USD) for each day beyond visa expiry
- Additional Consequences:
- Travel ban until fine is paid
- Possible deportation at traveler’s expense
- Future visa applications may be affected
- Grace Period:
- Some visas allow 1-3 day grace period (confirm with MOI Qatar)
- How to Check/Pay:
- Visit MOI Qatar website (www.moi.gov.qa)
- Use the Metrash2 app
- Pay at Immigration Department offices
Pro Tip: Always verify your visa expiry date via:
- MOI Visa Inquiry Service
- Metrash2 app (under “Visa Services”)
Advantages over other visas:
The Qatar business visa offers several advantages over other visa types, including faster processing (typically 1-3 business days), no requirement for local sponsorship for short-term stays, flexibility for multiple entries, and permission to conduct professional activities like attending meetings and signing contracts – unlike tourist visas.
Business visas also don’t mandate salary transfers through Qatari banks (unlike work visas) and can serve as a pathway to long-term visas. While more flexible than tourist visas for professional purposes, they don’t permit employment and have shorter validity than residency visas.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, knowing the Qatar visa types, application steps, and fee structures is key to avoiding delays or denials.
Whether you’re planning a leisure getaway, heading over for business, or reuniting with loved ones, it’s essential to stay updated on the exact visa requirements for Qatar.
Get the paperwork right, follow the proper process, and settle the fees. Then you’re all set to experience everything Qatar has to offer without a hitch.
FAQ’s
How to get a Qatar business visa from Pakistan?
Securing a Qatar business visa from Pakistan usually involves applying through the Qatar Ministry of Interior’s online portal or using trusted third-party services like VisaHQ. You’ll need to fill out the application form, upload the required documents, and pay the applicable visa fee. In many cases, the Qatari employer or sponsoring company may take care of the application process on your behalf, streamlining the steps for you.
How much bank balance is required for a Qatar visa?
To get a Qatar visa, you typically need to show a minimum bank balance of 5,000 QAR or around 1,400 USD, plus three months of bank statements. A sponsor’s salary usually 10,000 QAR/month or less if housing is included may also be required.
How long is the business visa for Qatar?
A Qatar business visa is available for 30 or 90 days, both typically non-extendable. However, in rare cases, the 90-day visa may be extended for up to 9 additional months, depending on approval.
What is the difference between A1 and A3 visas in Qatar?
In Qatar, the A1 visa is a 30-day single-entry tourist visa, valid for 90 days. While the A3 visa (Hayya ETA) is for travelers with valid visas or residency in countries like the US, UK, Schengen, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. The A3 visa is processed faster usually within 2 working days, compared to 5–7 days for the A1.
- Also Read Must:
- QDC Appointment in Qatar
- Qatar Family Residence Visa Complete Guide (2025)
- Guide to Qatar ID Check
SEO Specialist | Helping Business Grow with Proven Search Strategies | Also Professional Blogger & WordPress Developer