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Modern amenities, luxury shopping, tax-free salaries, a vibrant social community… there are many reasons why British expats relocate to Qatar! If you’re toying with the idea, this comprehensive guide walks you through the moving costs, visa options, Qatar culture and workplace, so you can make a fully informed decision.
Below are the average costs of relocating to Qatar with an international moving company. If you’re moving to Qatar with family, you can save money using sea freight and shared containers.
| Volume | Average cost |
| One-bedroom | £1,500 – £3,000 |
| Three-bedroom house | £3,000 – £6,000 |
Disclaimer: The costs above are estimates. The final price can vary according to your needs, destination, volume, etc.
The price of an international company to Qatar from the UK varies based on distance, volume, additional services (packaging, storage, etc.), and seasonal price fluctuations. Sea freight is cheaper compared to air freight.
When moving to Qatar from the UK with a removal company, services like door-to-door delivery and customs clearance are often included. Double-check the terms and conditions before agreeing to work with a moving company.
Want to know exactly how much it costs to move to Qatar? Calculate your costs:
Estimate Costs of Emigrating to QatarWhen researching, always get offers from different international moving companies to Qatar to find the best price. The removal companies below are top-rated and will safely help you move to Qatar from the UK.
If you’re a UK national moving to Qatar, you’ll need a visa if your stay exceeds 30 days. You’ll get a waiver visa on arrival, which can be extended with 30 more days at the Qatari authorities.
Read on to learn about the Qatar visa requirements for UK residents who want to permanently work and live in Qatar.
Not if you’re planning to stay fewer than 30 days. Make sure your passport is valid for six months from the date of entry, and that you have a return or onward ticket. If you plan on moving to Qatar, you need a sponsored visa.
This visa is for British citizens relocating to Qatar to work for a Qatari company. Your employer must sponsor you, and the process includes medical exams and background checks. It’s renewable and typically valid for one to three years.
This visa is for UK citizens looking to bring their spouse or children (dependents) to Qatar. The sponsoring family member should have a residence permit. Documents include marriage or birth certificates, proof of financial stability, and residency documentation of the primary sponsor.
If you’re a British student who’s accepted into a Qatari educational institution, the school will generally sponsor the visa for the duration of the academic program. You’ll need an admission letter, proof of financial support, and health insurance.
This is the most flexible visa for UK citizens and is available for those investing in Qatari businesses or property. You need to show a substantial investment to receive a residence permit. It’s renewable, but contingent on maintaining investment or property ownership.
This permit is tied to a Qatar sponsor, and you’ll receive it after obtaining your visa. With the residence permit, you can open a bank account, lease property, access healthcare, and get a driving licence.
Obtaining Qatar citizenship for British citizens can be challenging! Qatar does not allow dual citizenship, but you can become a citizen after living there for 20 consecutive years. You need a stable income, speak fluent Arabic, and have a good reputation. Other options are citizenship by descent, exceptional citizenship, or marrying a Qatari man as a foreign woman.
Qatar is for you if you’re looking for a high standard of living and unique experiences. The traditional Arabic culture mixed with modern amenities makes life comfortable and safe. While the majority is Muslim, Qatar is tolerant to diverse cultures and welcoming to British expats.
| Item | Doha, Qatar | London, UK |
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | £6.34 | £20.00 |
| Pint of Beer | £9.51 | £6.50 |
| Regular Cappuccino | £4.07 | £3.72 |
| Single Transport Ticket | £0.42 | £2.75 |
| Monthly Rent (1-bed, City Centre) | £1,174.66 | £2,145.00 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | £2,626.67 | £3,493.22 |
Source: Numbeo
What can you expect from life as an expat in Qatar? Apart from fancy malls and luxurious housing, Qatar offers safety and respect. It’s conservative, with cultural norms that expats are expected to adapt to. There are strict rules for alcohol and drug use, as well as not publicly displaying affection and dressing modestly.
With summers being insanely hot, many activities happen indoors during this season. Luckily, there’s no shortage of entertainment with malls, cinemas, theme parks, restaurants, beaches, and social events in abundance.
This luxury, modern, and cultural city is popular among British expats! Besides the sweaty summers, foreigners love the safety, infrastructure, convenient malls, and entertainment. While pricey, the healthcare and education options are excellent.
British citizens who just moved to Doha, Qatar will find it easy to build community through the many social events and English-speaking locals. Whether you enjoy desert safaris, working out, doing watersports, or exploring the diverse dining scene—there’s something for everyone.
Many British citizens are drawn to working in Qatar because of tax-free, competitive wages. The average salaries in Qatar depend on the sector.
Oil and gas, engineering, finance, tech, and healthcare are among the higher-paid sectors with monthly average salaries from around £3,100 to £10,300. Those in education, hospitality, and administration can expect wages of around £3,100 to £10,300 per month. Many expats negotiate housing, schooling, and transportation allowances in their contracts.
Jobs in Qatar for British citizens are best found via portals like Bayt, GulfTalent, and LinkedIn. You can also work with an international recruitment agency, network at industry events, contact Qatari companies directly, or join expat communities. Companies commonly provide a sponsored residence permit upon hiring.
Before travelling halfway across the world to start a new life, you want to be well-informed. Here are the pros and cons of living in Qatar as an expat.
Moving to Qatar from the UK is quite an undertaking, but knowing what to do is half the work. Follow the steps in this checklist on relocating to Qatar to make it as smooth as possible.
