From the high-end shopping malls to fancy restaurants, desert safaris, and cricket communities—there’s a lot to explore in Doha and expats know it. If you’re moving to Doha from the UK, this guide is for you. Read on the costs of moving, the best movers, life in Doha as an expat, and other things to know before relocating.
The average cost of moving to Doha from the UK ranges from £3,030 to £8,411 and takes approximately two weeks with sea freight. Air freight can move your belongings within days, but the costs are significantly higher—from £7,610 to £8,411 for a one-bedroom.
The moving costs to Doha often include door-to-door transport and customs clearance, but exclude services like insurance and storage. Prices between movers can change based on seasonality, exact distance and volume, and your needs.
Volume | Average cost |
One-bedroom apartment | £3,030 – £4,416 |
Three-bedroom house | £6,147 – £8,411 |
Disclaimer: The prices above are estimates.
Are you relocating to Doha from the UK? It’s time to declutter and pack your belongings! Get an idea of what your moving volume will be like with the calculator below.
Calculate Your Volume NowYou’re moving to Doha, Qatar but now what? Let’s start by researching the best moving company for your needs. At Sirelo, there’s a large database of trustworthy, renowned international movers that can help ship your belongings. Browse their location, services, and reviews. Select your preferred movers and get free quotes to compare!
These are our preferred movers to relocate from the UK to Doha, Qatar.
Under the Visa Waiver Programme, UK citizens can stay visa-free in Qatar for up to 30 days. This visa does not permit employment or long-term residence. If you plan a permanent move to Doha, Qatar, you’ll need a valid work or residence visa.
UK citizens who would like to work in Doha need a visa. There are several options:
Most British expats moving to Doha will go the work visa route. They’ll secure a job in Qatar, after which the employer handles most of the visa application process. This includes submitting documents (passport, job contract, authenticated certificates, etc.), a medical check-up, fingerprints, and ID registration.
Doha, Qatar has been attracting expats from around the globe for a while now! The British Embassy often hosts events to help UK nationals settle in. Foreigners who settled in Doha love the mix of modern luxury and heritage, as well as Qatar’s booming economy. Let’s look at what to expect from life in Doha as an expat.
You’re probably curious about the living expenses in Qatar. The good news is that you spend way less in Doha, Qatar! Without rent, the cost of living in Doha is around 38% lower than in London. And your local purchasing power is almost 43% higher! Plus, there’s no income tax.
We’ll look at the cost of living in Doha compared to London below.
Item | London, UK | Doha, Qatar |
Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | £20.00 | £5.75 |
Pint of Beer | £6.00 | £8.91 |
Regular Cappuccino | £3.75 | £4.09 |
Eggs (dozen) | £3.52 | £2.07 |
Single Transport Ticket | £2.80 | £0.45 |
Monthly Rent (1-bed, City Center) | £2,205.32 | £1,280.13 |
Monthly Rent (1-bed, Outside Center) | £1,614.38 | £846.77 |
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | £3,252.58 | £2,740.50 |
Source: Numbeo
When moving to Doha from London, you’ll probably upgrade your apartment to a luxury condo with a view! Here’s where most expats settle when relocating to Doha, Qatar.
Many Brits are attracted to living and working in Doha because of the tax-free income and career opportunities. Industries like construction, education, and oil and gas are all booming. Foreigners moving to Doha often work in senior positions in healthcare, education, and hospitality sectors.
Many expats who have moved to Doha, Qatar rave about the safety, modern infrastructure, and high standard of living. While rent prices can be steep, the lack of income tax makes up for it, as well as the stunning views that the many luxury high-rise apartments offer.
Many expats need time to adapt to the more conservative dress codes and public behaviour, including alcohol usage. That said, locals are welcoming and schools with British curriculum are widely available.
So you’re moving to Doha, what do you bring? In this packing checklist, we’ve listed all the important things to know before moving to Doha.