Questions on working/living in Qatar

Niz1984 wrote:

Hi,

29 M from Ottawa, Canada considering a move to Qatar and I have some questions that would help clarify what I have read so far. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

How much roughly it costs per month to live in Qatar? (I am not into the bar scene, and would be looking to share average condo in west bay) is 14000qr per month enough to cover all living expenses including pocket money?
look on dubizzle or property finder if you want property details - including costs of shared apartments, but probably about 5000/mth - pay TV about 300QR a month - utilities no more than 500/mth - phone/internet will depend on your plan check out ooredoo for costs - "living" I would say around 2000/mth (our family of 4 spend about 6K a month on eating/outings etc) and you might also consider transport - are you buying/renting/leasing or sticking with taxis.

Is it possible to buy alcohol to bring home?
Once you have your residence visa, with a letter from your employer you can get an alcohol licence - which allows you to purchase alcohol from Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) for you to consume at home.

I heard that any time you want to leave the country you need your employer's stamp? Like say if I want to leave for the weekend to visit friends in Dubai...is that true??!
In order to leave the country you DO require an exit visa from your employer, that is your employer has to "allow" you to leave - it is unlikely that your employer will allow you to have an exit visa during your probation (depends on the employer). Once you have finished probation there is not usually any issues with getting permission and an exit visa, although you will need to apply a few days before you want to go so they can process it - the other thing you can ask for/negotiate is a 'multi-entry visa' which is valid for a period of time i.e. 6mths and allows you to leave at any time.

Please advise!

Nizar

Thanks dragonlady! how long is the probation period usually? I expect to be on a 'definite' type contract for 3 years....

Probation would be a minimum of 3mths but could be as long as 6mths - again depends on the company - it is a question that is always worth asking over here.

It is also important to ask if they will process your residence permit during your probation or whether they will only start that process after you have completed probation.

I appreciate your feedback!

Nizar