Working in Qatar
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Average Salary
Qatar offers tax-free salaries and competitive pay across all sectors, with average monthly earnings typically ranging from QAR 8,000 – 25,000 ($2,200 - $6,900) depending on industry and experience. Professionals in engineering and the energy sector can expect higher salaries, with energy engineers earning around QAR 16,000 a month on average ($4,400), and senior project managers or specialists earning QAR 35,000 – 55,000 a month ($9,600 - $15,000), often including generous allowances and benefits.
General information
Currency
Qatari Riyal (QAR)
Official language
Arabic
Conversational languages
English Hindi Urdu Bengali
Time zone
Arabian Standard Time (UTC+03:00)
Common types of Employment or Contracting
In Qatar, most expats work under formal employment contracts, and contracting is usually done through a sponsoring company or agency, as independent freelancing is generally restricted and requires appropriate licensing and sponsorship.
Common types of employment
Common types of contracting
Already secured a job overseas?
If you have secured an assignment but are unsure of where to start with setting up as a Freelancer or B2B contractor, please feel free to reach out to our International team for assistance.
Living in Qatar
Living in Qatar offers a modern, comfortable lifestyle, especially in Doha, where world-class infrastructure and entertainment are readily available. The country is highly culturally and ethnically diverse, with expats making up the majority of the population, though local culture remains strongly influenced by Islamic traditions. The cost of living can be high, with central Doha and areas like The Pearl or West Bay being the most expensive.
- The average cost of a weekly grocery shop for a small family is around QAR 600 – 1,000 ($165 - $275)
- Monthly rent costs on average QAR 4,000 – 15,000 ($1,100 - $4,100) depending on location and property size (lower outside central Doha)
- Monthly childcare costs range from QAR 1,500 – 4,500 ($410 - $1,230)
- A litre of petrol costs around QAR 1.95 ($0.54) and a litre of diesel costs QAR 2.00 ($0.55)
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road in Qatar. Expats can obtain a Qatari driving licence by converting their home licence – this option is available to nationals of certain approved countries such as the UK, USA, EU nations, Canada, and Australia. Alternatively, they can take driving lessons and pass theory and road tests if their licence is not eligible for direct exchange. The process requires a valid residence permit, an eye test, and supporting documents. While a generally straightforward process, timelines can vary depending on nationality and test availability.
Weather in Qatar
Qatar has a hot desert climate with long, extremely hot summers and short, mild winters, and very little rainfall throughout the year. Summer is intensely hot and humid, with daytime highs often reaching 40 - 45°C and occasionally higher. Winter is much more comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 18 - 25°C. Sunshine is abundant year-round, and most rainfall occurs during the winter months, though it remains minimal overall.
Language and integration support
Whilst Arabic is the official language in Qatar, English is widely spoken and used across business, education, healthcare, and government services. Despite this, learning basic Arabic can help with cultural integration. Language and integration support is available through private language schools, international schools, community centres, and employer-led induction programmes, as well as expat social groups and professional networks.
For any translation needs - especially those required for work permit or visa applications - our dedicated Languages team is ready to support you. They provide accurate, timely translations and can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary documents meet the required standards.
Our services in Qatar
Across the globe, we support energy and engineering companies with the international recruitment and global mobilisation solutions they need to extend their capability and grow their businesses.
Find out about our international services
Global mobility
NRL Recruitment simplifies international employee relocation with seamless global mobility services. From visa assistance to cultural onboarding, we ensure your staff transitions smoothly across borders, minimising disruption and maximising productivity.
Payroll solutions
Managing payroll across multiple countries can be complex, but our payroll solutions make it simple. We handle accurate, compliant compensation for your global workforce, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, every time.
Global employer of record
With our global employer of record services, you can legally employ staff overseas without establishing local entities. We manage compliance, contracts, and HR administration, giving you the freedom to expand globally with confidence and ease.
International recruitment
Finding the right talent worldwide is effortless with our international recruitment solutions. We connect your business with top-tier professionals, managing the end-to-end hiring process so you can focus on growth and strategic priorities.
