Qatar is a sovereign Arab state located in the Middle East, neighboring Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf. Qatar is a popular place for expatriates, many of whom are relocating to Qatar for job opportunities. Hundreds of expats enter the country each day to begin a new life. If presented with a job opportunity and the offer to move to Qatar, it is important to first research and learn about the country you will potentially be calling home. Below are some things you should know if you are thinking about moving to Qatar.

Can You Bring Your Family?

It is important to know that not all expats are allowed to bring their families with them when relocating to Qatar; expats who earn more than 10,000 QR a month are eligible to bring their families, but those who income is may not. Also, keep in mind that rules on bringing family when moving to Qatar do change. In order to live together in Qatar, couples are required to be married, and if they are not, they would not be able to bring their children to live with them. Furthermore, many companies will only process family visas, if the employee has been living in the country for six months or more.

Is Healthcare Available?

Qatar has a comprehensive healthcare system that offers free healthcare to everyone who registers, including expatriates. While healthcare is free if registered, long waits for treatment are becoming more common, as the system is increasingly under strain. For this reason, many expats choose private healthcare, which is much more costly. Not all companies offer private healthcare for employees, so it is important to check into this.

What Type of Education is Available?

Due to the enormous influx of expatriates in Qatar, there are many English speaking private schools, but note that many fill quickly. Getting your child into a good school oftentimes means getting them on a long waiting list. In addition to long waiting lists, many schools only accept applications for a short time period each year. If you are moving to Qatar and are able to bring your children, one of the first things you should do is get them on a waiting list for a good school. It is also important to note that most schools require formal assessments, so it may mean flying into Qatar before the moving process to have your child assessed.

What is the Cost of Living in Qatar?

Qatar is an oil rich country and, as such, gasoline is extremely cheap; however, most everyday goods are more expensive in Qatar than they are in the US or the UK. More than 90% of Qatar’s food is imported, meaning that even everyday basics, such as bread can be pricey. The cost of entertainment in the country can also prove to be quite costly, and while most employers will offer a return flight home once a year free of charge, other travel expenses can add up fast. While housing is readily available for expats, they must be ready to pay for it. The average cost of a four bedroom villa is more than $2,000 a month and living in more desirable areas, like The Pearl or West Bay, being higher in cost. Some employers may offer housing allowances, so check into this before accepting a job offer.

Women’s Rights

Women do have rights in Qatar. Two common questions are can women in drive in Qatar and do they have to wear the abaya, the full length black gown often worn by Qatari women. Women can drive in Qatar and the do not have to wear an abaya.

Cultural norms do require women to dress modestly, meaning that their midriff, shoulders, knees, and cleavage should be covered. Certain government buildings require women to be covered to their wrists and ankles; however, this is not the norm. If a woman is under her husband’s sponsorship, she is able to enter and exit the country whenever she pleases. Women are also able to work, as long as they are registered.

Leaving the Country

Qatar uses a type of sponsorship system, which means that an employee relocating to Qatar is sponsored by and linked to a single employer. This means that the employer sponsoring you can decide when you can leave the country, even in emergency situations. This is handled differently by different employers; some will allow employees to come and go as they please, while others require you to receive permission before leaving. There is talk of getting rid of the sponsorship system, but it is still a good idea to speak to prospective employers about their policies.

If you are planning on relocating to Qatar, there is a lot to be considered. Qatar is a relatively safe and fairly progressive country where expats arrive every day and live happy lives. If you decide to take a job offer and are looking to buy or rent a place to live, COREO can help. We are a full service rental and real estate agency offering services in and around Doha, Qatar.