Mustaqel Visa (Entrepreneur)

The Mustaqel Visa (Entrepreneur) is a five-year renewable residence permit that allows foreign nationals to establish or expand a business in Qatar without traditional employer sponsorship. Administered by Jusoor (Qatar Manpower Solutions Company), the program is part of Qatar's National Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and attract global entrepreneurs. The name "Mustaqel" means "independent" in Arabic, reflecting the self-sponsored nature of the visa.

• Present a business plan endorsed by one of Qatar's authorized business incubators
• Business project must have a minimum investment value of QAR 250,000 (~USD 68,700)
• Applicants in Qatar must show a bank balance of at least QAR 36,500 over the preceding 3 months
• Overseas applicants must show a bank balance of at least USD 10,000
• Minimum age of 18 years
• Police clearance certificate issued within the last 3 months
• Must maintain at least 90 days of physical presence per year in Qatar

Authorized business incubators include Qatar Development Bank (QDB) programs (Qatar Fintech Hub, Qatar Business Incubation Center, Scale 7), Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), Qatar University Business Incubation (QUBI), Digital Incubation Center (DIC), Media City, Qatar Museum M7, and Startup Qatar.

For residents (QID holders):

• Qatar Identity Card (QID) copy
• Recent digital photograph
• 3-month stamped bank statement (minimum QAR 36,500 balance)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Endorsement letter from authorized business incubator
• Establishment card
• No-objection certificate from current employer (if applicable)

For overseas applicants:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Recent digital photograph
• Attested 3-month bank statement (minimum USD 10,000 balance)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Attested police clearance certificate (issued within last 3 months)
• Endorsement letter from authorized business incubator

Overseas documents must be attested by the releasing entity, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the issuing country, and the relevant Qatar Embassy.

The visa is granted for 5 years and is renewable for additional 5-year periods. The application fee is QAR 5,000 (~USD 1,374), with rejected applications receiving a full refund minus administrative fees.

Holders may sponsor family members including spouse and children for residence in Qatar. Holders may also sponsor domestic workers. Dependants can reside in Qatar for the duration of the main applicant's visa.

Qatar does not impose personal income tax on salaries, wages, or allowances. Business income from a Qatar-registered entity may be subject to corporate income tax at a flat rate of 10% on Qatar-source profits for foreign-owned businesses (GCC nationals are exempt). Businesses in Qatar Free Zones may benefit from a 20-year tax holiday. Tax residency is generally established by physical presence of 183+ days in a calendar year.

1. Approach one of Qatar's authorized business incubators with a business plan and seek endorsement
2. The incubator nominates the entrepreneur to Jusoor and provides an endorsement letter
3. Receive a notification with a link to apply on the Jusoor portal (jusour.qa)
4. Complete the online application, upload required documents, and pay the QAR 5,000 fee
5. Monitor application status through the Jusoor portal
6. Upon approval, QID holders receive an updated Qatar Identity Card; overseas applicants receive electronic pre-approval
7. Overseas applicants present the pre-approval at a dedicated immigration counter upon arrival, then complete medical examination, fingerprinting, and obtain a Qatar Identity Card
8. Apply for a special work permit through the Ministry of Labour