Moving to Qatar from The United States

Choosing to up sticks and move locally can be a stressful ordeal – but moving to a completely different country introduces new levels of unease.

If you are considering making the move from The United States to Qatar, this guide will tell you everything you need to know – from visa requirements to cost of living differences; healthcare top tips to rules about moving country with your pets – helping you to feel empowered when the time comes to make the big move.

Quick Qatar Facts:

Population: 2.688 million (2021 estimate)
Official Language: Arabic (de facto) with English used commonly as a second language
GDP Per Capita: $66,838 USD (2021 estimate)
Random Fact: Qatar is known as being the second-flattest country in the world, with the most elevated area being just 338 feet
Currency: Qatari Riyal (QR). As of late 2023, $1 = 3.64 QR, £1 = 4.64 QR, €1 = 3.98 QR, $1 CAD = 2.72 QR, $1 AUD = 2.44 QR

Sections

1. Moving Costs to Qatar from The United States

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from some of the largest US port cities and shipping to Qatar:

Origin Port	20FT	40FT
Charleston	$2,900 - $3,300	$4,600 - $5,100
Houston	$3,000 - $3,400	$4,700 - $5,200
Long Beach	$3,100 - $3,500	$4,800 - $5,300
Los Angeles	$3,000 - $3,400	$4,700 - $5,200
Miami	$2,800 - $3,200	$4,500 - $5,000
New York	$2,900 - $3,300	$4,600 - $5,100
Oakland	$3,000 - $3,400	$4,700 - $5,200
Savannah	$2,900 - $3,300	$4,600 - $5,100
Seattle	$3,100 - $3,500	$4,800 - $5,300
Virginia	$2,900 - $3,300	$4,600 - $5,100

All figures are in USD;
The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (July 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from either Freightos, iContainers, or SeaRates;
To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
Please also see our guide to international container shipping.

2. How Long Does It Take To Move to Qatar from The United States?

There can be big discrepancies in move time duration when it comes to moving from America due to the vastness of the country.

Let’s take a look at some states from a range of locations in the north, east, south and west of the country to give you an idea of move time when relocating to Qatar.

New York to Doha – 22 hours, 30 minutes – $995
Los Angeles to Doha – 19 hours, 25 minutes – $1,000
Minneapolis to Doha – 26 hours, 5 minutes – $1,200
Dallas to Doha – 19 hours, 30 minutes – $1,150

This duration covers the flight time only, so additional time will need to be added to get you from the terminal to your final location.

3. Moving Restrictions to Qatar from The United States

Moving from one country to take up residency in another will incur various restrictions – most notably, this comes in the form of visa requirements, which we will cover in the next section.

It’s important to carry out thorough research before travelling to Qatar, especially if you need to bring medication with you, as some may not be permitted – such as strong painkillers, and stimulants. If you are pregnant and unmarried, you are advised to speak to the U.S. Embassy before travelling to understand what prenatal care you can access in Qatar, as you need to show a marriage certificate to have prenatal care.

You will need at least six months left on your passport, with a minimum of two blank pages in your passport for customs, and must carry a visa relevant to the purpose of your visit. You will need to take out health insurance, and your current U.S. care plans – such as Medicare or Medicaid – will not be accepted, and most establishments will require cash payments for any treatment.

At the time of writing, there are no COVID-19 travel restrictions, but this can change, so it’s best to check this as close to your travel date as possible for the most up-to-date information.

4. Visa Requirements to Qatar from The United States

Alongside a valid passport, you will need a visa to grant you entry into Qatar. As previously stated, you will need at least six months’ validity left on your passport, including two blank pages, as an additional entry requirement.

For tourism purposes, you’re able to get a tourist visa when you arrive at Doha International Airport, but for long-term stays, you must arrange your visa in advance of travel. To be eligible for a long-term visa, you will need:

Completed visa application form
A valid passport
Passport photos
Business introduction letter, and a letter of support
Proof of financial stability

There are different types of visas available, ranging from:

Tourist visa
Business visa
Investor visa
Family visit visa

If you are wanting to live and work in Qatar, you will need a Work Residence Permit, which will usually be arranged by your Qatari employer. The standard processing time for a visa is around two weeks, but if you are having an eVisa prepared, you can have those in a shorter time frame.

In all cases, you need to speak to a visa specialist to advise you on your circumstances and always keep up to date with the latest changes in the rules.

5. Cost of Living Differences in Qatar

While this article is covering Qatar as a whole, house prices will vary from area to area but the figures below will give you an indication of what’s available at what price.

As a general note, it is estimated that the cost of living in New York is 44.7% higher than that of Doha, with rent being around 57.1% higher.

Monthly Rental Prices in Qatar:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: 6,000+ QR
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: 3,600+ QR
3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: 11,170+ QR
3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: 7,500+ QR

Qatar Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: 18,400+ QR
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside the City: 12,900+ QR

Source: Numbeo

6. Tax Treaties in Qatar

There is no tax treaty in place between Qatar and The United States, which means that there is no protection against double taxation. However, there is no income tax in Qatar, so this taxation law only applies to self-employed income in Qatar.

There are several tax forms individuals will need to fill in, however, and it’s important to have these correctly completed to avoid any penalties or fines for failing to provide something. As it is such a complex system, it is advised that you enlist the help of a Qatari tax professional to handle this for you, and advise you on exactly what is needed of you, and at what time, to prevent any issues.

7. Working Rules in Qatar

In Qatar, the maximum working hours per week are capped at 48, or split as eight hours per day. The only change to this rule is during Ramadan, where this is decreased to 36 hours per week, equating to six hours per day.

After five consecutive hours of work, employees must take an hour break. It’s ruled that employees must not work two Fridays in a row, and can have at least one day off per week, which is usually Friday.

You must have a written letter of employment, and this will be required to form part of your visa application. This contract will lay out your terms of employment, and what is expected of you, including your salary, working hours, annual leave, and any additional benefits.

Whatever your employment circumstances, it’s important to have your visa ironed out before entering the country to ensure a smooth transition. It’s also important to get up to speed with taxes and any beneficial programs, such as healthcare schemes so that you are completely clued up on your rights.

8. Healthcare in Qatar

It’s important to take out health insurance before travelling to Qatar – and it is recommended that you take out insurance that will cover medical evacuation if you are needing to be transported back to The United States due to a medical condition or accident while in Qatar.

Your Medicare or Medicaid health insurance will not be accepted in Qatar, with most medical establishments from hospitals to doctor’s surgeries wanting cash payments at the time of medical service.

Before travelling, you are advised to check if any of your required medications from The United States are legal in Qatar. Some medications, such as those to treat HIV+, strong painkillers and stimulants may not be permitted, and some may not be available at all in the country.

If you are pregnant, you must present your healthcare provider with a marriage certificate to have access to prenatal care. If you are pregnant, and not married, you must speak to the U.S. Embassy before travelling to Qatar to understand what you can receive in terms of prenatal care.

9. Rules Around Moving With Pets in Qatar

Moving house includes lots of boxes of belongings – but it can also include some particularly important furry friends, too! If you are needing to move to Qatar with a pet in tow, here’s what you need to know.

For your pet to enter Qatar, they must:

Be fitted with a microchip
Have a valid rabies vaccination, administered at least 30 days before your date of entry, and a rabies test will be required as proof of this
Have a valid health certificate from an accredited veterinarian

There are types of dogs that will require special permission to enter Qatar. These include:

American Staffordshire Terrier
Boerboel
Boston Terrier
Boxer
Bull Terrier
Bulldog
Chinese Shar-Pei
Doberman
Great Dane
Japanese Akita
Neopolitan Mastiff
Afghan Hound
Rottweiler
Staffordshire Bull Terrier

As the climate is hot and humid in Qatar, special consideration will need to be given as to whether or not your pet will be able to acclimatise to the new conditions. Dog owners are to be made aware that dog walking isn’t permitted everywhere, which is important to consider before bringing your pet to Qatar.

It can be a stressful, confusing experience bringing a pet into a different country, so if you are at all unsure of your guidelines, it’s best to enlist the help of a pet moving specialist to ensure the process is as smooth as possible, and stress-free for you and your pet.

10. Similar Cities

When comparing Qatar to other countries, the United Arab Emirates comes high on the list, with similar demographics and sizes.

Being situated on the Persian Gulf, they share similar desert-like climates, with hot and arid conditions, with daytime temperatures commonly topping 104°F. There is minimal rainfall in both countries, with sandstorms being common in both locations which can reduce visibility.

Both Qatar and UAE’s economies rely on oil and natural gas, which makes Qatar one of the wealthiest countries per capita. They have modern architecture and development in infrastructure is vast, including futuristic skylines and resorts.

11. Pros and Cons of Moving to Qatar from The United States

Perhaps you’re moving for a new job opportunity, or just want to try out a completely different country and climate – whatever your reason for wanting to move from The United States to Qatar, let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons associated with moving.

Advantages of Moving from The United States to Qatar	Disadvantages of Moving from The United States to Qatar
Qatar offers a tax-free income environment, providing the potential for higher disposable income.	The climate in Qatar can be extremely hot, with scorching temperatures during the summer months.
Qatar boasts modern infrastructure, luxurious amenities, and a diverse expatriate community.	The legal and cultural norms in Qatar, including strict social codes and restrictions on certain behaviors, may require adjustment.
Qatar provides a high standard of living, with top-notch healthcare, education, and various recreational facilities.	The cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and education, can be relatively high. Expatriates should be aware of cultural differences and navigate residency regulations and visa requirements carefully.

Whatever you decide, you must understand the legal factors affecting your move – be sure to speak to The U.S. Embassy and Consulates for all the information you need.