Quitting a job in Qatar does not involve simply putting your desk together and waving bid adieu to your colleagues it is filled with a lot of paperwork, legal processes, expenses that can have a drastic impact on your future intentions.
You are either transferring to a different employer in Qatar, are returning the home or shifting to a different country in the Gulf, you must be aware of what happens when your working agreement expires.
This is a guide that disaggregates it – resignation rules, visa cancellations, final settlements, end-of service benefits.
Let’s walk through it step-by-step.
1. Understand Your Contract Type — Fixed or Unlimited
Check your employment contract before proceeding with any other task.
In Qatar, your rights are determined by the fact that your job contract is:
- Fixed-term (limited) – automatically terminates at the end of the time.
- Unlimited – lasts until you or your employer terminates it, with notice.
In the event of resigning an early limited contract without a valid reason, you may have to pay compensation. However, when it is not limited, you may always resign at your own will provided that you give notice (normally a month when the employment has been less than two years and two months when it has been more than two years).
Tip: A copy should always be kept and a written notice should be given. The labor law in Qatar is very stringent when it comes to documentation.
2. The Resignation and Notice Period
In case you have decided to quit, then you should first resign either via the HR portal of your company or government (where appropriate).
Here’s what to know:
- Unless the two parties consent, the mandatory period of notice is compulsory.
- Your employer will have to pay you your regular salary during notice.
- Your employer will have to pay you your regular salary during notice.
In case you want to change jobs, the Ministry of Labour in Qatar allows that; however, you have to follow the job transfer procedure (below).
3. Job Transfer vs. Final Exit
Not having a job does not necessarily imply leaving Qatar. If you have secured another employer:
- It is possible to change employers (transferring sponsorship).
- The request should be received by your new employer through the online portal of the Ministry of Labor.
- Upon approval, your visa will be carried with you, and you can still work in the country without leaving the country.
However, if you’re leaving Qatar for good, you’ll need a Final Exit Visa.
How Final Exit Works:
- Your employer requests visa cancellation.
- You clear all company dues, return assets (like laptops, IDs, or accommodation keys).
- You receive your final settlement, which includes:
- Last salary
- Unused leave payments
- Reimbursements (if applicable)
- End-of-service gratuity
4. Understanding Your Final Settlement (and Gratuity)
Your final settlement is the most important part of leaving your job — it’s what you’ve earned, and you deserve every riyal of it.
The key component of this settlement is the End-of-Service Gratuity, which acts as a reward for your years of service under Qatar’s Labour Law (Article 54).
Even if you’re resigning voluntarily, you’re entitled to gratuity after one full year of service.
The calculation looks like this:
Gratuity = (Basic Monthly Salary ÷ 30) × 21 × Number of Years Worked
But instead of manually calculating it, most people use an online calculator that applies Qatar’s 2025 labor law rules.
👉 You can try the Qatar Gratuity Calculator to estimate your exact amount in seconds.
For a deeper breakdown of how it’s calculated and what affects your payout (like contract type and deductions), check out this full guide:
👉 How to Calculate Gratuity in Qatar
Both are invaluable tools for expats who want clarity before signing off on their final paycheck.
5. Settle Outstanding Dues and Loans
Before your visa is cancelled, make sure all your bank accounts, credit cards, and loans are either paid or settled.
Qatar’s banking system is tightly linked to immigration — unpaid loans can delay or block your exit visa.
Steps to take:
- Visit your bank and request a “No Liability Certificate.”
- Close your credit cards or transfer balances.
- Clear salary advances or company loans.
If you have an ongoing personal loan, check with your bank about early settlement or transfer options.
📌 Pro tip: Some expats leave without closing accounts, only to face travel bans later — don’t risk it.
6. Cancel Your Work Visa the Right Way
Once your company processes your resignation, they’ll apply for visa cancellation through the Qatar Ministry of Interior (MOI) portal.
After cancellation:
- You have a 30-day grace period to leave Qatar.
- If you’re switching jobs, ensure your new visa is approved before cancellation to avoid overstaying penalties.
7. Don’t Forget Housing & Utilities
Most employers provide accommodation or housing allowances.
Before leaving:
- Inform your landlord at least one month in advance (per tenancy law).
- Cancel Kahramaa (electricity/water) and Ooredoo/Vodafone subscriptions.
- Take photos of the property to avoid unfair deposit deductions.
If your employer provided housing, hand it over properly to HR, with receipts and a signed clearance form.
8. Collect Your Certificates and Exit Letters
Before your last working day, make sure you collect:
- Experience Certificate
- NOC (No Objection Certificate)
- Salary Certificate
- End-of-Service Statement
These documents can be vital for your next job or visa process, especially if you plan to work in another GCC country.
9. Plan Your Exit Timing Wisely
Leaving a job close to bonus periods, contract renewals, or annual leaves can affect your settlement.
For example:
- If you resign just before your annual leave cycle resets, you might lose unused leave pay.
- If your bonus month is near, it’s smart to wait until payout.
Also note: Qatar’s Labour Law (Article 75) requires that notice periods must be worked through unless otherwise agreed.
10. Starting Fresh, What’s Next?
Once you’ve settled everything, you can:
- Apply for a new job visa in Qatar (your new employer handles sponsorship).
- Leave the country and return later on a different visa type (work, business, or visit).
If you’ve had a good track record, no bans, disputes, or unpaid dues, you can usually return to Qatar without issues.
Final Thoughts
Quitting a job in Qatar can be a maze to go through, but when one understands the rules, rights, and responsibilities, then it is smooth sailing.
Always remember:
- Properly serve your term of notice.
- Pay bills and take up all papers.
- Sign out with your end-of-service gratuity calculated correctly.
Checks on visa statuses should be done via official portals, and financial protection measures used, such as gratuity tools provided by Fursah GCC.
In a nation where there is a system of all processes, knowledge is power, and preparation is peace.
