The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar) has announced the launch of two new long-term residency visa categories aimed at high-growth entrepreneurs and senior executives.
The new visas were unveiled during the opening night of Web Summit Qatar 2026, underscoring Qatar’s ambition to position itself as a leading global hub for talent, technology, and investment.
Invest Qatar stated that the initiative aligns with Qatar’s long-term development agenda to expand private sector participation, enhance innovation capacity, and attract high-caliber international talent.
Designed for senior professionals contributing to the growth of Qatar’s private sector
Provides a streamlined, employer-nominated pathway to long-term residency
Ensures leadership continuity across national priority sectors
Strengthens the executive talent base within Qatar’s business landscape
2. Residency Visa for Entrepreneurs
Designed for founders, partners and innovators seeking to establish or expand ventures in Qatar
Offers a structured framework to launch, operate and scale high-impact enterprises
Facilitates efficient business formation within Qatar’s dynamic and growing economy
Integrates applicants into the national innovation ecosystem, including incubators, accelerators and strategic partners
Long-term residency and business support
The two visa categories offer a five-year, self-sponsored residency with renewal options, alongside preferential access to government facilitation platforms.
Holders will benefit from structured onboarding pathways covering licensing and work permits, as well as priority access to incubators, accelerators, and strategic business networks.
Additional incentives include access to funding, capital support, capability development programs, and market-entry opportunities, helping reduce operational costs and accelerate growth.
Abdulrahman bin Hesham Al Sowaidi CEO Qatar Development Bank
“The introduction of the new residency visas marks an important milestone in strengthening Qatar’s entrepreneurial and private sector landscape. It paves the way toward achieving the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 to build a knowledge-based economy. This new residency also enables entrepreneurs to establish and expand their businesses in Qatar, which offers a high quality of life, world-class infrastructure, and a supportive business environment. At Qatar Development Bank, we are committed to supporting the attraction of global talent by providing access to funding, capital, capability development, and market opportunities that enable entrepreneurs and executives to innovate, grow, and contribute to diversifying the national economy and enhancing its competitiveness.”
Sheikh Ali bin Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO of Invest Qatar, stated that, “Qatar’s growth story is powered by innovators, leaders, and builders who recognize the opportunities created by our evolving economic landscape. These residency visas are designed to empower exceptional talent to establish, scale, and thrive in Qatar.”
