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Many expats love living in Doha! It’s a global city with a mix of different cultures. The locals are friendly and helpful, while expat communities are a great source of fun activities and new connections. Besides its welcoming atmosphere, Doha also offers opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.

High salaries and no income tax are major deciding factors for expats choosing a move to Doha. Expats typically earn about 45,000 QAR a month, which is around 12,360 USD. Of course, your salary will depend on your skills, experience, and qualifications.

You’ll find many excellent neighborhoods for expats. Two popular choices that stand out are The Pearl Qatar and West Bay.

The Pearl Qatar is an artificial island off the coast of Doha. There are upscale shopping malls, top-tier restaurants with diverse dining options, entertainment, and excellent residential areas, making it a favorite among expats. Unsurprisingly, the luxury lifestyle comes at a high cost of living compared to other areas in Doha. Even so, expats who have lived here say it’s well worth it.

West Bay is equally appealing and popular among expats. This modern area, located in the center of Doha, offers easy access to everything you might need, including restaurants, office buildings, shopping malls, and educational institutions. With its abundance of schools and nurseries, West Bay is also perfect for families.

The cost of living in Doha depends on your lifestyle and location. Both singles and families will find that expenses vary, especially between the city center and outer areas. Finding a nice yet affordable place to live can be challenging. Here’s an overview of the approximate monthly cost of living in Doha.

Obtaining a visa is the first thing you need to prepare, since it can be quite difficult to get one. Qatar offers various visa types depending on your needs, including vacation visas, family visas, GCC visas, business visas, and work visas.

To get a work permit and visa for Doha, you need to prepare several documents:

A valid passport

An employment contract or proof of qualifications

An application form from the Ministry of Labor

A medical certificate or health check

Biometric information

Also, you’ll need sponsorship from your employer. The Employment Entry Visa costs 200 QAR (about 55 USD), and the Work Residence Permit costs 500 QAR (about 138 USD). Usually, your employer will cover the cost of the work permit. For more information on visas and work permits in Doha, check out our visa guide for Qatar.

Starting in 2024, it’s mandatory for expats in Doha to have private health insurance. While expats have access to both public and private healthcare services, many still prefer private facilities. Why? Private healthcare usually has English-speaking staff, making it easy to communicate and book appointments. Plus, they provide a broad range of medical specialties and quick, responsive services.

If you have a residency permit, you can apply for a health card at any Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) or Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) facility or hospital, ideally the one closest to your residence. To apply, adults need to bring a valid passport, a valid residence permit, and passport-sized photographs. If you’re applying for your child, you may also need their vaccination card. The process is straightforward: simply fill out the necessary forms and provide all required documents. The health card costs 100 QAR for expats and is valid for one year. It must be renewed annually for the same fee.

Since Qatar is a Muslim country, it’s important to be familiar with and respect local traditions and beliefs. While expats aren’t expected to adhere to the strict local dress code, they are still expected to dress modestly — both men and women should wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees in public. These cultural norms apply throughout Qatar.

Physical contact such as hugging or kissing between members of the opposite sex can be considered inappropriate in public. Unmarried couples are also not allowed to live or stay together. Although these rules may not be as strictly enforced for foreigners, it’s still important to remain mindful of the local culture.