DOHA, Feb 6: Qatar is set to introduce a new 10-year residency programme aimed at entrepreneurs and senior executives, signalling a shift toward longer-term retention of expatriates. The initiative was announced during Web Summit Qatar 2026 and forms part of the country’s broader strategy to attract high-value talent aligned with private-sector growth.

The programme will be restricted to two categories—entrepreneurs and senior executives—and will not be available to general professionals, freelancers, or retirees.

Eligibility for entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs must be founders or owners of high-impact, innovation-driven businesses aligned with Qatar’s economic priorities. Applicants are required to secure formal endorsement from a recognised local incubator, including entities such as the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP).

Financial stability is also mandatory. Applicants must submit bank statements showing a minimum balance of QAR 36,500 ($10,000) maintained over the preceding three months. Authorities said the requirement is intended to demonstrate financial capacity rather than serve as an investment benchmark.

Senior executive track

The executive pathway applies to top leadership roles, including chairman, chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief operating officer, chief technology officer, and executive directors. Applicants must have a minimum of five years’ experience in senior management roles, either within Qatar or internationally.

A valid local employment contract is required, and 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 relevant financial authorities, and consulting firms that provide services to government or semi-government entities.

Salary thresholds are among the highest in the region. Minimum monthly income is set at QAR 50,000 ($13,700) for chairman and C-suite positions, increasing to QAR 80,000 ($22,000) for executive director-level roles.

Application process

The programme is currently in its rollout phase, and authorities have not announced an official launch date. Eligibility criteria have been published through Invest Qatar.

Based on existing long-term residency frameworks, applicants are expected to submit professional and financial documentation, including employment contracts, business plans, credentials, and bank statements. Entrepreneurs will also need institutional endorsement.

Applications are likely to be processed through government platforms such as the Ministry of Interior’s Hukoomi portal, “Start from Qatar,” or the Jusoor portal. Processing timelines for long-term permits in Qatar typically range between four and eight weeks, including medical and security clearances. It remains unclear whether holders of existing five-year residency permits will be eligible to upgrade.

Existing residency pathways

Qatar currently offers long-term residency options linked to real estate investment. Foreign nationals investing at least QAR 730,000 ($200,000) in approved freehold zones qualify for renewable residency without a local sponsor. Investments of QAR 3.65 million ($1 million) may qualify for permanent residency, subject to annual quotas.

Permanent residency grants access to public healthcare and education and operates independently of the new entrepreneur and executive visa, though both fall under Qatar’s wider long-term residency strategy.