Qatar's 10-Year Residency will begin its operations on November 1 for entrepreneurs and senior executives, according to Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The move places Qatar alongside regional peers that have rolled out long-term residency options to draw skilled professionals and investors.
Founders who need to decide their next business location should consider that their best choice for international expansion will now have extended visa durations, reduced visa renewal requirements, and increased operational stability.
The new Qatar Long-Term Visa targets entrepreneurs, startup founders, and senior executives who want to base operations in the country. Long-term residency changes the equation for business planning. It makes it easier to relocate teams, commit capital, and think beyond short project cycles.
The policy also supports Qatar’s push to diversify its economy away from gas revenues by anchoring talent and leadership locally. For families moving with founders or executives, stability matters as much as incentives.
Residency is only part of the play. The Prime Minister said the Qatar Investment Authority will expand its venture capital programme by $2 billion. The Qatar Fund of Funds, currently valued at $1 billion, was created to attract venture capital firms to Qatar and strengthen the startup environment.
This broader Qatar Investment Programme aims to give founders access to capital, not just a visa. For anyone considering Qatar Residency for Entrepreneurs, the funding ecosystem can be the difference between testing an idea and scaling a company.
Across the Gulf, long-term visas have become a strategic tool. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have used similar programmes to pull in founders, investors, and senior leadership. Qatar’s move signals a more competitive stance in the race for talent and capital, especially in technology and venture-backed sectors.