Qatar
[Updated March 18, 2025] The number one employee benefit in Qatar differs between national and foreign employees. For national employees, it is the state pension scheme. For foreign employees, who account for 95% of the Qatari workforce, it is housing and transportation allowances.
Country Insight
Trending Now
The nationalization of the workforce.
In February 2023, Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) initiated the first phase of a mandatory health insurance scheme. This regulation requires all visitors to Qatar to possess a health insurance policy, aligning with Law No. 22 of 2021, which aims to regulate health services in the country.
It may be noted that according to market sources, the second phase of mandatory health insurance for residents has been postponed for the time being. Anecdotal evidence in 2024 suggested that implementation may begin in late 2024 or 2025.
The Qatar Third National Development Strategy (2024–2030) emphasizes enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality. It includes strengthening the national health insurance system to ensure comprehensive coverage for citizens and residents. The strategy focuses on preventive care, mental health, and digital health solutions to improve service delivery. It also aims to reduce healthcare costs while maintaining high-quality standards.
The Qatar Central Bank’s insurtech expansion strategy is anticipated to enhance health, life, and climate insurance sectors. A survey by the Qatar Financial Centre revealed that approximately 82% of insurance executives in Qatar view insurtech as a significant catalyst for industry transformation.
Average Cost For Employer-Sponsored Benefits
For Qatari nationals only, a compulsory employee benefit for the state pension scheme of 21% of gross monthly salary has to be paid. The average monthly salary is 10,761 Riyals.
Specific data on the average cost of employer-sponsored medical insurance in Qatar is limited. However, the mandatory health insurance program for expatriates and visitors is expected to generate revenue between QAR 1.0 billion ($275 million) and QAR 1.5 billion for the insurance market.
Further benefits may include housing and transportation allowance and health and life insurance. Regulations regarding a new health insurance scheme are still unclear.
Advice
As most of the workforce in Qatar is foreign, focus on expatriate labor regulations and visa regulations. Also, end-of-service payments are mandatory for both foreign and national employees. This equates to one month of base pay for every year of employment.
Surprising Fact
There is no personal income tax in Qatar which makes it a challenge to move employees away from the region.
This information about employee benefits in Qatar is provided by Nexus, Asinta’s employee benefits consulting partner in Qatar.