Relocating to Qatar is a major life move. We've broken it into 8 phases. Work through them in order — each one builds on the last.
Accept the Offer & Negotiate Your Package
Before you sign, confirm: housing allowance (or compound housing), school fees coverage, annual flights, health insurance, and car allowance. Get it in writing. See the full cost breakdown to understand what you're really committing to.
Document Attestation (Start Immediately)
This takes 4-8 weeks. You'll need: degree certificate, marriage certificate, birth certificates for all children, school reports, and sometimes employment references. Each needs: solicitor/notary → Foreign Office apostille → Qatar embassy attestation. Full attestation guide.
Apply to Schools (12-18 Months Ahead)
Apply before you have your QID — schools accept applications without it. Have 2-3 backups. Top schools: Doha College, DESS, Brighton College, ASD. View school database.
Secure Housing
If your employer provides housing, confirm the compound name and move-in date. If not, start searching 3-4 months before arrival. Budget 12,000-18,000 QAR/month for a family compound. View compound database.
Arrange Your QID (Qatar ID)
Your employer sponsors this. Medical test (blood test + chest X-ray) → fingerprinting → QID issued. Takes 2-4 weeks once you're in Qatar. You cannot open a bank account or get a driving licence without it.
Set Up Banking & Money
QNB and HSBC are popular with British expats. Bring your UK proof of address. You'll need QID + employment letter. International transfers between QAR and GBP are standard.
Get Your Health Card
Download the Nar'aakom app. Register with your QID. Choose your health centre. This gives you access to subsidised healthcare at Hamad Medical Corporation facilities.
First Week in Doha
Get a car (lease or buy). Set up DEWA (electricity/water) via the Kharmaa app. Buy a local SIM (Ooredoo or Vodafone). Register with Metrash for government services. Find your local supermarket (Carrefour, Lulu). Join expat groups on Facebook.
Get the Complete Checklist
52-point printable checklist covering every step above plus the ones we didn't have space for.
Download Free PDF