You want to live in Qatar as an entrepreneur, not only set up a company there. You then need a residence permit, shown by the resident card (QID). Here are the routes.
French citizens need no visa for a stay of less than 90 days. You need a passport valid for more than six months, a return ticket and proof of accommodation. Health insurance is compulsory for stays over 30 days. Other nationalities should check their own entry rules. A short stay does not allow you to work or to reside.
This is the most common route. Once the company is registered, it obtains its establishment card from the Ministry of Interior. That card is what lets it apply for residence permits, first for you, then for your employees. The law also lets the Ministry of Interior grant investors a residence permit without a sponsor, for five years, renewable.
Our service from 4,999 EUR includes the approval to hire on work visas. The visas themselves are extra.
Foreigners can buy property in defined areas such as The Pearl or Lusail. There are two thresholds:
See our page on property in Qatar.
Since February 2026 Qatar offers two new permits, valid for up to ten years and renewable: one for executives, one for entrepreneurs. The entrepreneur permit requires nomination by a recognised incubator in Qatar, with an endorsement letter, and a bank balance of at least QAR 36,500 (USD 10,000 for applicants abroad) over the past three months.
A resident can bring a spouse and children, subject to income and housing conditions. The exact rules depend on your status: we check them with you for your case.
If your goal is to work in Qatar with your own business, the company comes first: it carries your residence permit. Read how to set up a company in Qatar in 8 steps.
Every situation is different. In a 30-minute introductory call you tell us about your project and we tell you whether we can help and what the next steps are. Book a call or see how we register companies in Qatar.