Qatar to Offer 10-Year Residency for Entrepreneurs & Senior Executives — What It Means for Skilled Pakistanis
Qatar is preparing to introduce a 10-year residency program designed to attract entrepreneurs and senior executives—a clear signal that the country wants to retain high-value global talent for the long term.
Announced during Web Summit Qatar 2026, the initiative supports Qatar’s broader economic direction: strengthening the private sector, encouraging innovation, and building a more diversified economy beyond energy revenues.
What Is Qatar’s New 10-Year Residency Program?
The Qatar 10-year residency visa is a long-term residency pathway for select professionals who can contribute to business growth, investment, and job creation.
Unlike short-term work permits that require frequent renewals, this program aims to provide stability for people in leadership and entrepreneurial roles—making it easier to live, work, and invest in Qatar.
Who Is Eligible (and Who Is Not)?
This residency option is not for everyone. Based on the announced direction, it will apply to:
✅ Eligible
- Entrepreneurs / startup founders
- Senior executives (top leadership roles in companies)
- High-value professionals aligned with innovation and business expansion
❌ Not Eligible
- General professionals (most standard job roles)
- Freelancers
- Retirees
This targeted approach shows Qatar’s intention to attract individuals who can build companies, lead regional operations, and support economic expansion.
Why Qatar Is Launching a 10-Year Residency Visa
Across the Gulf, countries are competing to bring in:
- skilled professionals
- startup founders
- investors and business leaders
Qatar’s 10-year residency program mirrors similar long-term schemes in the region, but with a clear focus on business leadership and entrepreneurship.
The program also supports Qatar’s national goals to:
- reduce reliance on gas revenues
- diversify the economy
- grow innovation-driven industries
Why This Matters for Skilled Pakistani Workers
For Pakistanis already working in Qatar—or those aiming for leadership positions—this program could offer major benefits, including:
- Long-term stability for families and career planning
- Easier business setup for founders and investors
- Reduced visa renewal pressure for senior management roles
- Better confidence to expand startups or run regional operations from Doha
In short: if you’re a Pakistani professional in a senior role (or building a business), Qatar may become a more secure, long-term base.
Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) Boosts Venture Capital by $2 Billion
Alongside the residency program, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) announced a significant expansion of its venture capital efforts.
- QIA will add $2 billion to its venture capital program
- This expands the existing Fund of Funds, which currently stands at $1 billion
- The goal is to attract global VC firms and support startups operating in Qatar
This combination—long-term residency + stronger venture funding—is designed to accelerate Qatar’s startup ecosystem and bring international business activity into the country.
Qatar’s Bigger Message: Long-Term Partners, Not Short Visits
Taken together, these developments position Qatar as a serious destination for:
- global talent
- startup founders
- investors
- innovation-led businesses
With stronger residency security and deeper investment support, Qatar is signaling it wants long-term contributors who can build and scale within the country.
