Qatar is set to introduce a 10-year residency programme aimed exclusively at entrepreneurs and senior executives, signalling a major shift in the country’s approach to long-term expatriate residence. The initiative was announced at Web Summit Qatar 2026.
The visa is not open to general professionals, freelancers or retirees, and is designed to attract high-impact business founders and top-tier corporate leadership aligned with Qatar’s economic priorities.
Who is Eligible?
The programme is limited to two categories: entrepreneurs/startup founders and senior executives.
Entrepreneurs and Startup Founders
Applicants must be building innovation-led or high-growth businesses aligned with Qatar’s private-sector strategy. A key requirement is formal endorsement from a recognised Qatari incubator, such as Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP).
Entrepreneurs must also demonstrate financial stability by maintaining a minimum bank balance of QAR 36,500 ($10,000) over the previous three months. This threshold is intended to establish baseline financial capacity rather than serve as an investment requirement.
Senior executives
The executive pathway applies to roles such as chairman, CEO, CFO, COO, CTO and executive directors. Applicants must have at least five years’ experience in senior executive management, either in Qatar or internationally.
A valid local employment contract is mandatory. Eligible employers are limited to:
- Public shareholding companies listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange
- Banks and financial institutions licensed by the Qatar Central Bank
- Insurance companies regulated by the Qatar Central Bank or the Qatar Financial Markets Authority
- Consulting firms providing management, financial, legal or accounting services to government or semi-government entities
Salary thresholds are among the highest in the region, starting at QAR 50,000 ($13,700) per month for chairman and C-suite roles, and rising to QAR 80,000 ($22,000) for executive director positions.
