Immigration
Qatar | New five-year residence permit for certain categories
The Government of Qatar has announced the introduction of a new five-year Residence Permit programme (also referred to as the ‘Mustaqel Visa’) for talented individuals and entrepreneurs and is expected to be open for applications in the next few months.
The Mustaqel visa, led by Jusour, a private joint stock company wholly owned by the government of the State of Qatar, represents a pioneering initiative within Qatar’s evolving landscape, crafted to rejuvenate the nation’s labour market. This five-year visa is expected to be open to a wide spectrum of international entrepreneurs, exceptional talent and certain professionals.
To be eligible under the Exceptional Talents category, the applicant must secure an endorsement from a relevant government authority in Qatar, affirming their status as a talented individual within one of the 13 approved fields, including sports, education, entertainment, cultural talent, scientific research, development and innovation. They should have a job offer from an entity in Qatar or financial means for three months (QAR 36,500 or more) to sustain themselves until their immigration process is finalised.
In order to succeed under the Entrepreneur category, the applicant must obtain an approval from any of the seven authorised Business Incubators, including the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), the Qatar University Business Incubation, the Media City and the Qatar Fintech Hub (QFH) with a project value at QAR 250,000 or more.
All applicants under both categories are required to visit the Mustaqel website to register an account, select the relevant category and provide specific documents required for each category. Additional documents will be required depending on the category and location applied from, such as a Qatar residence permit, an employment contract or non objection certificate from the local sponsor, work experience letter or proof, in addition to other required documentation.
The Government fee for the five-year Residence Permit under the Exceptional Talents category is QAR 4,000 (approximately USD 1,099), while the fee under the Entrepreneur category is QAR 5,000 (approximately USD 1,374).
The new Mustaqel Visa aligns with Qatar’s strategy for diversifying its economy and establishing a premier investor and business-friendly environment. This initiative aims to position Qatar as a preferred destination for foreign investment and talented individuals alike.
Additional information regarding the five-year programme is expected to be unveiled closer to its launch date, and our team will continue to closely monitor and provide timely guidance on any new updates announced by the Government. We will be able to assist individuals with the application process, which will include an initial assessment.
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Anir Chatterji
EMEA Immigration Partner
Rekha Simpson
Director, Middle East Immigration
Marilyn Serrao
Senior Associate, Middle East Immigration
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Contact us on the following address: de_vialto_visa-immigration@vialto.com
Vialto Partners (“Vialto”) refers to wholly owned subsidiaries of CD&R Galaxy UK OpCo Limited as well as the other members of the Vialto Partners global network. The information contained in this document is for general guidance on matters of interest only. Vialto is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will Vialto, its related entities, or the agents or employees thereof be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this document or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
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Further information on Vialto Partners can be found here: www.vialtopartners.com
Vialto Partners (“Vialto”) refers to wholly owned subsidiaries of CD&R Galaxy UK OpCo Limited as well as the other members of the Vialto Partners global network. The information contained in this document is for general guidance on matters of interest only. Vialto is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will Vialto, its related entities, or the agents or employees thereof be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this document or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
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