Working in Qatar: labour law, pay, end-of-service, and the cost of being there
Labour law, end-of-service, cost of living, and public holidays for professionals in Doha and across Qatar. Built from primary sources, reviewed monthly.
Quick answers
The four most-asked questions about working in Qatar, with primary sources.
Annual leave entitlement
Three weeks per year for the first five years of service, four weeks per year thereafter, on top of public holidays.
Source: Qatar Labour Law No. 14/2004, Art. 79
End-of-service benefit
21 days of basic salary per year of service with no statutory cap, payable after one year of continuous employment.
Source: Qatar Labour Law No. 14/2004, Art. 54
Notice period
One month for service under five years, two months for service over five years, regardless of which party terminates.
Source: Qatar Labour Law No. 14/2004, Art. 49
Job mobility
Since the 2020 reforms (Law 18/2020), employees can change employers without a no-objection certificate after notice.
Source: Law No. 18 of 2020
Labour law topics
Deep guides on the rules that govern your employment in Qatar.
End-of-Service Benefits
Entitlement calculation, vesting, and payment timelines.
Read full guideTermination
Notice periods, grounds for dismissal, and end-of-service rights.
Read full guideAnnual & Casual Leave
Leave entitlement, public holidays, and carryover.
Read full guideWorking Hours & Conditions
Standard week, overtime, and workplace safety regulations.
Read full guideWork Visa & Sponsorship
Visa types, sponsor obligations, and onboarding.
Read full guideExit Permits & Job Mobility
Post-2020 reform rules on transfers and travel.
Read full guideSalary & Wage Protection
WPS rules, payment terms, and deduction restrictions.
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Calculate your Qatar gratuity
Enter your basic salary and tenure to estimate your end-of-service entitlement. Locked to Qatar rules.
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Estimates for private-sector mainland employees in UAE (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), Saudi Arabia (Royal Decree M/51), Qatar (Law No. 14 of 2004, amended by Law No. 17 of 2020), Bahrain (Law No. 36 of 2012), Kuwait (Law No. 6 of 2010), and Oman (Royal Decree 53/2023). Current as of May 2026. Actual entitlement varies with contract terms, company policy, and judicial interpretation.
DIFC employees are on the DEWS savings scheme (not traditional gratuity). ADGM employees may be on an optional pension scheme. QFC employment does not mandate gratuity. Most other GCC free zones follow national labour law. Oman applies a split-period calculation under Royal Decree 53/2023 (pre- and post-26 July 2023 tenure handled separately). Government employees, domestic workers, and limited/part-time contracts are excluded. Termination for gross misconduct may forfeit entitlement.
Not legal advice. Consult a qualified labour lawyer for specific disputes.
Enter your details to calculate your end-of-service gratuity entitlement
What does life cost in Qatar?
All figures shown gross. Qatar has no personal income tax for most professionals; your gross is effectively your net. Open the full cost-of-living calculator pre-set to Doha.
Open cost-of-living calculatorPlan your 2026 long weekends in Qatar
Public holidays and the bridge days that turn them into long weekends. Islamic-calendar dates rely on moon-sighting confirmation closer to each event.
- 3D · no leave
Thu, Jan 1 – Sat, Jan 3
3 consecutive days off
Thu1New Year DayFri2WeekendSat3WeekendIncludes: New Year Day - 3D · no leave
Thu, Apr 30 – Sat, May 2
3 consecutive days off
Thu30Eid Al FitrFri1Eid Al Fitr – Day 2Sat2Eid Al Fitr – Day 3Includes: Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Fitr – Day 2, Eid Al Fitr – Day 3 - 4D · no leave
Fri, May 29 – Mon, Jun 1
4 consecutive days off
Fri29WeekendSat30WeekendSun31Eid Al Adha – Day 2Mon1Eid Al Adha – Day 3Includes: Eid Al Adha – Day 2, Eid Al Adha – Day 3 - 3D · no leave
Thu, Sep 3 – Sat, Sep 5
3 consecutive days off
Thu3Qatar National DayFri4WeekendSat5WeekendIncludes: Qatar National Day
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Living in Qatar
Practical guides from the Tenure Compass: money, housing, visas, and family life.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum notice period in Qatar?
Under Law No. 14 of 2004, the minimum notice period is one month for employees with less than five years of service, and two months for employees with five years or more. This applies whether the employer or the employee terminates the contract. Payment in lieu of notice is permitted.
How is end-of-service calculated in Qatar?
21 days of basic salary for each year of continuous service, payable after the first year of employment. There is no statutory cap on the total amount. Partial years are calculated pro-rata. Calculation is based on the last basic wage, excluding allowances unless specified in the contract.
Are salaries in Qatar tax-free?
Yes, Qatar has no personal income tax for employed professionals. Social security contributions only apply to Qatari nationals. For expatriates, gross salary is effectively net salary. Corporate tax applies to companies but does not affect employee compensation.
How many annual leave days do I get in Qatar?
Three weeks of paid annual leave per year for employees with less than five years of service, rising to four weeks for those with five years or more. Public holidays (typically nine to twelve days per year, including Eid, National Day, and National Sports Day) are separate from annual leave.
Can I change jobs in Qatar without my employer's permission?
Since the 2020 kafala reforms (Laws 18/2020 and 19/2020), employees can change employers without a no-objection certificate (NOC) after giving the required notice. Exit permits for travel are also no longer required for most workers. Specific procedures are handled through the Ministry of Labour's online platform.
When did Qatar labour law last change?
Law No. 14 of 2004 remains the core labour law, but the 2020 kafala reforms (Laws 18/2020 and 19/2020) materially changed job mobility, exit-permit rules, and minimum wage provisions. The minimum wage was set at QAR 1,000/month plus housing and food allowances. Check the Ministry of Labour website for any subsequent amendments.
This guide summarises public law and policy in Qatar as of . It is general information, not legal advice. For contracts, disputes, visa issues, or employment decisions, consult a licensed employment lawyer in Qatar.