Qatar's 10-Year Residency Program Boosts Fintech Startups

Qatar launches a 10 year residency program for entrepreneurs and senior executives while expanding its venture capital fund by $2 billion to attract global talent and diversify its economy.

Qatar has unveiled a 10 year residency program aimed at entrepreneurs, senior executives, and investors, marking one of its most significant policy shifts to attract global talent and reduce reliance on hydrocarbons. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani during Web Summit Qatar 2026, a move that Reuters described as part of Doha’s broader state led push to diversify its economy and deepen its presence in global technology and investment markets.

The residency initiative is being rolled out alongside a major expansion of the Qatar Investment Authority’s (QIA) venture capital strategy. The sovereign wealth fund has committed an additional $2 billion to its “Fund of Funds” program, effectively doubling its previous allocation, a development that Reuters reported is aimed at attracting more international venture capital firms to Doha and strengthening the local startup ecosystem. This mirrors similar moves in the region, including the UAE’s Golden Visa program, which Bloomberg previously characterized as a key tool for retaining high skilled professionals and investors, as well as Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency scheme.

Eligibility for Qatar’s 10 year residency is expected to focus on high impact entrepreneurs and senior corporate executives, particularly in technology, finance, and innovation driven sectors. Top tier executives such as chairpersons or chief executive officers may be required to meet minimum monthly salary thresholds of around QAR 50,000, while other senior leadership roles are subject to different financial and professional criteria. Although the full official guidelines have yet to be published, the structure of the program suggests it is designed to favor applicants who can contribute capital, expertise, or job creation to the Qatari economy.

A defining feature of the new residency scheme is its self sponsorship model, which departs from traditional Gulf immigration systems that typically require employer backing. As outlined by Deloitte, visa holders will be able to live and work in Qatar independently, sponsor family members, and in certain cases own property in designated zones, making the program more comparable to long-term residency frameworks in other global business centers.

The program is also being paired with efforts to streamline business setup, banking, and residency procedures for entrepreneurs and investors. Local reporting by Qatar Tribune suggests that in some government-supported cases, approvals and registrations could be completed within days, a move designed to make Doha more competitive against regional hubs such as Dubai and Riyadh.

On the investment side, Qatar’s evolving startup ecosystem has already attracted several international venture firms following QIA backing. Coverage from FWD Start notes that firms including Builders VC, Utopia Capital, and B Capital have expanded or established operations in Doha, reinforcing Qatar’s ambitions to become a regional center for innovation and early-stage investment.

Taken together, the 10 year residency program and the expanded venture capital allocation signal a longer term shift in Qatar’s economic strategy. While natural gas remains central to state revenues, these initiatives point toward a more diversified, knowledge driven economic model that prioritizes entrepreneurship, foreign investment, and global talent integration.