Qatar will introduce a 10-year residency programme for entrepreneurs and senior corporate executives, signalling a fresh push to attract global business leaders and startup founders to the country.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. He said the new residency option would provide long-term certainty for founders and executives looking to base themselves in Qatar.
With this move, Qatar joins regional peers such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which have already rolled out long-term residency schemes to draw talent, capital and innovation.
Alongside residency reform, the prime minister announced a $2 billion expansion of Qatar’s venture capital programme.
This builds on the existing Fund of Funds initiative, currently valued at $1 billion, which was created to:
Attract international venture capital firms
Support entrepreneurship and early-stage companies
Reduce the economy’s dependence on gas revenues
The expanded programme is expected to accelerate startup growth, anchor global investors in Qatar and deepen the country’s innovation ecosystem.
The new residency programme is part of a broader strategy to position Qatar as a regional hub for business, innovation and startups.
Although detailed eligibility rules and timelines have not yet been announced, the policy reflects a clear regional trend. Gulf economies are increasingly offering longer stays to skilled professionals, founders and investors to ensure continuity, stability and economic diversification.
Saudi Arabia’s long-term residency framework is closely aligned with Vision 2030, its strategy to move away from oil dependence.
At the centre of this is the Saudi Premium Residency, often compared to a green card system. Key features include:
Long-term or permanent residency without a local sponsor
Rights to own property and operate businesses
Freedom to change jobs and sponsor family members
The programme targets investors, entrepreneurs, specialised professionals and property owners who meet defined income or asset thresholds.
The UAE was among the first in the region to act, launching and steadily expanding its golden visa programme. These visas typically last five or ten years and are renewable.
Eligibility covers:
Investors and entrepreneurs
Scientists, researchers and senior professionals
Doctors, engineers, creatives and high-performing students
Golden visa holders can live, work and study without a national sponsor, sponsor family members and, in many cases, fully own their businesses. Over time, the UAE has widened eligibility to include mid-career professionals to meet labour market needs.
According to immigration and mobility experts, Qatar’s proposed 10-year residency is likely to mirror key elements of the Saudi and UAE models. It is expected to offer greater predictability for entrepreneurs setting up startups, regional headquarters or investment platforms in the country.
Together with expanded venture funding, the policy underscores Qatar’s intent to compete more aggressively for global talent and long-term capital.
