Work Permit (Labour Card) in Qatar
Since the 2020 reforms, you can transfer jobs without an NOC - but the work permit and contract attestation steps still drive everything.
Last verified: 2026-06
Overview
The work permit is the authorisation issued by the Ministry of Labour that allows expatriates to work for a specific employer in Qatar. It is closely linked to the Residence Permit issued by MOI and to the contract registered through the Ministry of Labour's online portal.
Following the 2020 labour reforms, expat workers can transfer to a new employer without a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) by serving the contractual notice period. Both new issuance and transfers require an attested employment contract, a work permit fee, and synchronisation with the RP cycle.
Documents required
- Valid passport
- Approved entry visa (for new hires) or current QID (for transfers)
- Attested employment contract
- Educational certificates attested by MOFA Qatar (skilled categories)
- Medical commission certificate
Eligibility
- Employer holds a valid Computer Card and labour quota
- Applicant matches the approved profession
- Applicant is medically fit
- Notice period served for transfers
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit (per worker) | 500 QAR | Standard MOL fee; confirm current amount on portal.moi.gov.qa and Ministry of Labour site. |
| Contract attestation | 100 QAR | Through Ministry of Labour e-contract system. |
| Transfer fee | 500 QAR | Payable by new employer. |
| Medical commission test | 100 QAR | Standard package; express options cost more. |
Step by step
- 1
Employer obtains entry visa
Employer requests a work entry visa through MOI for new hires after confirming labour quota.
1-3 weeks · online
- 2
Sign and attest contract
Worker signs the standard MOL-template contract; employer uploads it to the Ministry of Labour e-contract system.
Same week · online
- 3
Medical and biometrics
Worker completes medical commission testing and MOI fingerprinting.
1 week · center
- 4
Work permit issued
Ministry of Labour issues the work permit; MOI links it to the new RP.
1-2 weeks · online
- 5
Transfers
For job changes, serve notice period (1-2 months), notify MOL of intent to transfer, and new employer files the work permit transfer once approved.
1-2 months · online
Processing time: New permits: 3-6 weeks end-to-end. Transfers: typically 4-8 weeks including notice period.
Renewal
Work permits are renewed yearly with the RP cycle. The employer files renewal through MOL; failure to renew on time blocks the RP.
Fines & penalties
- Working for an unauthorised employer: deportation and re-entry ban
- Late work permit renewal: daily fines apply on the linked RP
- Employer absconding reports: dispute through the Labour Disputes Resolution Committee
Common pitfalls
- Working before the work permit is issued - even briefly - exposes both parties to fines
- Skipping contract attestation through the MOL e-system
- Assuming the NOC is still required - it was abolished in 2020 for most cases
- Failing to file an absconding response within the legal window
FAQs
No. Since the 2020 labour reforms, expat workers can change employer by serving the contractual notice period (typically 1-2 months) and notifying the Ministry of Labour. NOC is no longer mandatory.
By law, the employer pays the work permit and renewal fees. Workers should not be asked to cover these costs.
From entry visa to issued permit typically takes 3-6 weeks, depending on medical, biometrics, and contract attestation timelines.
Submit a complaint at the Labour Disputes Resolution Committee or the Workers Support and Insurance Fund. With proper notice, the transfer can proceed without employer consent.
Skip the hassle
A vetted typing centre can handle the paperwork end-to-end.
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