Qatar’s 10-Year Residency Programme: What Global Professionals and Investors Should Know

Key Takeaways

• Qatar has launched a 10-year residency program for entrepreneurs and senior executives, now open for application on the Jusour platform.
• The initiative aims to attract and retain global talent, support business leadership, and enhance economic diversification.
• There are two main tracks: Entrepreneur Residency (for founders and innovators) and Executive Residency (for senior professionals).
• Benefits include long-term residency with renewal options, family sponsorship rights, asset ownership privileges, and tailored business support.
• The program aligns with Qatar’s broader shift toward innovation-focused immigration and complements related initiatives such as expanded venture capital support.

Introduction and Context

Attracting global talent and investment is now a key strategic priority for Qatar’s economic diversification and global competitiveness. In early 2026, Qatar officially opened the 10-year residency program targeting entrepreneurs and senior executives, a move announced at Web Summit Qatar 2026 and operationalized through the Jusour platform run by Qatar Manpower Solutions Company.

This new pathway offers long-term residency and stability for high-caliber professionals who contribute to Qatar’s business and innovation ecosystem. It complements the longstanding residency-by-investment visa that ties property investment to residency rights, enhancing Qatar’s overall appeal for international investors and skilled professionals.

What the 10-Year Residency Program Includes

Qatar’s 10-year route extends beyond traditional employment-linked visas by offering structured pathways tailored to high-impact professionals. It consists of two main streams:

Entrepreneur Residency

This track is designed for founders and business innovators who wish to establish, scale, and operate ventures within Qatar. Applicants must receive endorsement from approved incubators such as Qatar Development Bank, Qatar FinTech Hub, Qatar Business Incubation Centre, Scale7, and Qatar Science & Technology Park before applying.

Executive Residency

This stream targets senior corporate professionals who hold a valid Qatari ID (QID) and are nominated by employers. Eligible executives include chairmen, CEOs, and directors who meet specified salary and professional criteria. Once granted, the residency remains valid even if the executive changes or loses their job, offering stability and continuity.

Key benefits of both tracks include:

• Long-term residency with renewal options
• Ability to sponsor dependents, relatives, and domestic workers
• Asset ownership rights and access to business support services
• Lifestyle and commercial benefits negotiated through partnering organizations
• Business ecosystem support, including mentorship and access to incubator networks

How This Fits Qatar’s Strategy for Global Talent

The introduction of the 10-year residency program follows similar policies in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, both of which have long-term visa categories to attract global talent.

Qatar’s program aims to position the country as a business and innovation hub in the Gulf, offering a stable base for companies, founders, and executives to operate and grow. It also signals confidence in Qatar’s broader economic diversification strategy, which includes expanded venture capital funding and initiatives to reduce reliance on hydrocarbon revenues.

Eligibility and Application Process

Applications are currently accepted through the Jusour website, with requirements varying by track:

• Entrepreneur Residency: Applicants must first obtain endorsement from a recognized incubator.
• Executive Residency: Candidates require nomination by their employer and must meet published criteria for professional status.

Detailed eligibility, salary thresholds, and documentation requirements are published on the Jusour portal and are evolving as the program scales.

Implications for Expats, Investors, and Businesses

For expatriates considering long-term settlement in Qatar, this residency program offers greater certainty, especially for professionals with entrepreneurial or executive ambitions. It reduces dependency on employer sponsorship and enables participants to build long-term personal, professional, and investment plans within Qatar.

For international investors evaluating the Qatar real estate and business environment:

• Long-term residencies support property demand stability, as professionals may choose residential property while relocating families and businesses.
• Extended residency correlates with increased housing search activity in areas well connected to business, services, and educational infrastructure.

How FGREALTY Can Help

At FGREALTY, we assist expats, entrepreneurs, and investors navigating Qatar’s evolving residency landscape by providing:

• Verified listings aligned with long-term living priorities
• Area guidance on residential demand near business hubs and transport links
• Advisory services tailored to international buyers and professionals

Whether you are seeking real estate investments in prime districts or family homes with lifestyle amenities, FGREALTY agents offer insights to support long-term settlement and confidence in decision-making.

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of Qatar’s 10-year residency program?

A: It’s designed to attract and retain talented entrepreneurs and senior executives by offering long-term residency stability with benefits for families and business continuity.

Q: Who qualifies for this residency?

A: Founders endorsed by recognized incubators and senior executives nominated by employers.

Q: Does the program allow family sponsorship?

A: Yes, residents under this program can sponsor dependents and domestic workers.

Q: How does this compare with other GCC long-term visas?

A: Like long-term residency options in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Qatar’s program aims to offer stability and confidence to global professionals and innovators.

Q: Will this residency impact real estate ownership?

A: While the program itself is not a property investment visa, long-term residents often seek housing in strategic districts, supporting broader rental and buyer demand.