Qatar has set out the monthly income requirements foreign residents must meet before they can bring their families to live with them in the Gulf country.
The rules apply to expatriates working in both government and private-sector jobs, with the required salary varying depending on the worker’s employment sector and whether housing is included in their employment package.
Salary requirements for government employees in Qatar
Foreign workers employed by Qatar’s government or semi-government institutions must meet two main conditions before sponsoring their families.
First, the expatriate must hold a senior profession recognised under their employment contract or confirmed through an official letter from their employer.
The worker must then either receive family accommodation from the employer or earn a minimum monthly salary of QAR 10,000 (about KSh 357,000), as stated in the employment contract.
Private sector employees in Qatar: Salary requirements
Foreign workers in Qatar’s private sector face slightly different requirements depending on whether their employer provides family housing.
An expatriate who does not receive employer-provided family accommodation must earn at least QAR 10,000 (about KSh 357,000) per month.
However, the minimum salary requirement falls to QAR 6,000 (about KSh 214,000) if the employer provides suitable family accommodation.
Other conditions for family sponsorship
- The expatriate must have valid health insurance covering the full period of the sponsored family member’s stay in Qatar.
- Male children can qualify for family sponsorship if they are aged 25 or below.
- Female children must be unmarried to qualify under the family sponsorship arrangement.
Foreign workers planning to bring their families to Qatar should confirm the latest requirements with the country’s Ministry of Interior, as immigration and residency rules can change.
