Your first 30 days in Qatar

Most things in Qatar depend on your Qatar ID (QID). Bank accounts, a postpaid phone plan, your health card, KAHRAMAA utilities and a driving licence all ask for it. So the trick is simple: get the QID moving first, and do everything else in the order it unlocks.

Before you start

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months) and your residence entry visa
• Employment contract and offer letter
• Passport photos (white background)
• Attested degree certificate, if your job title requires one
• Attested marriage and birth certificates, if family will follow

Step by step

1. Days 1–2: Get a local SIM

   Buy a prepaid SIM from Ooredoo or Vodafone Qatar at the airport or a mall using your passport. You need a Qatari number for SMS updates from the Medical Commission and MOI. You can move to a postpaid plan once your QID is issued.

2. Days 1–7: Book and do your medical exam

   Your employer’s PRO usually books this through the Ministry of Public Health’s Medical Commission system. It must be done within 30 days of entry. Bring your original passport and a copy of your visa with your mobile number written on it.

3. Week 1–2: Give fingerprints

   After your medical results reach MOI (allow up to 72 hours), you give fingerprints at the MOI centre for your sponsorship type. Confirm the centre and its hours before you go.

4. Week 2–3: Receive your QID

   Your sponsor completes the residence-permit application. Once it is issued, install the Metrash app and register with your QID and Qatari number. Metrash is where you will handle most government tasks from now on.

5. Week 2–3: Open a bank account

   Most banks need your QID, passport and a salary certificate or letter from your employer. Ask HR which bank your salary will be paid into — some employers have a preferred bank.

   Read guide: Open a bank account →

6. Week 3: Get your health card

   Apply through the PHCC Naraakom app or at your local PHCC health centre. It gives you access to subsidised public healthcare.

   Read guide: Get your health card →

7. Week 3–4: Find and register your home

   Once you have a QID you can sign a lease, register it with the municipality and connect KAHRAMAA.

   Read guide: Rent a home with confidence →

8. Month 2: Driving licence

   If your home licence is from an approved country you may be able to transfer it. Otherwise you will go through a driving school.

   Read guide: Get a Qatar driving licence →

What it costs

Official fees at the time of review. Fees change, so confirm before paying.

Common mistakes

• Missing the 30-day window for the medical exam — fines and delays follow.
• Paying unofficial “express” fees. The official medical fee is QAR 100.
• Signing a lease before your QID is issued — you cannot register it or connect utilities without one.

Official sources

• Ministry of Interior e-services (MOI portal) ↗
• Ministry of Public Health (Medical Commission) ↗
• Hukoomi – Qatar government services portal ↗
• PHCC – Health card page ↗

Always check the official source before acting. QatarSteps is independent and not a government website.

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