Hiring staff for your restaurant in Qatar requires navigating visa block allocations, food handler certifications, medical examinations, and health insurance enrolment. F&B businesses are labour-intensive, and getting your staffing process right from the start prevents delays in opening. This guide covers the visa process specifically for restaurant workers — kitchen staff, waiters, managers, and delivery drivers.
Step 1: Obtain Your Computer Card
Before you can sponsor any employee, your company needs a computer card from the Ministry of Labour (MADLSA). Requirements:
- Valid Commercial Registration and Trade License
- MOPH health permit for your restaurant
- Lease agreement for your premises
- Proof of Seha health insurance registration
Step 2: Request Visa Block Allocation
MADLSA allocates visa quotas based on your business size and type:
- Small restaurant (under 50 seats) — typically 5-15 visa allocations initially
- Medium restaurant (50-150 seats) — 15-30 visa allocations
- Large restaurant or multi-outlet — 30+ visa allocations, assessed on a case-by-case basis
You must provide proof of staff accommodation (company housing or housing allowance) and a staffing plan matching your restaurant operations.
Step 3: Visa Application and Employee Arrival
- Submit visa application through the MADLSA portal for each employee with their passport copy, photo, and job title.
- Visa approval — typically 1-2 weeks. The employee can then enter Qatar on the work visa.
- Medical examination — within 3 days of arrival, the employee must attend a Medical Commission centre for blood tests, chest X-ray, and general health screening.
- Fingerprinting — biometric registration at the Ministry of Interior.
- QID issuance — the Qatar ID card is issued after medical and fingerprint clearance.
Food Handler Health Cards
In addition to the standard work medical, every staff member who handles food must obtain a separate MOPH food handler health card. This involves additional screening specific to food safety (stool tests, additional blood work). The card must be renewed annually and must be available for inspection at all times during operating hours.
Staff Categories and Salary Benchmarks
- Head chef — typically the highest-paid position, often recruited from international markets
- Line cooks — the backbone of your kitchen operation, usually sponsored from South and Southeast Asia
- Waiters and front-of-house — must speak English; Arabic is a bonus in Qatar
- Delivery drivers — if you operate your own delivery, drivers need a valid Qatar driving licence
All salaries must be paid through the Wage Protection System (WPS) via your corporate bank account.