In Qatar, domestic-worker hiring is governed by the Ministry of Labour (MADLSA) under Law No. 15 of 2017, while the visa and residence are issued by the Ministry of Interior through the Metrash2 app. This is the complete, plain-English guide to all of it - applying for a new visa, renewing, cancelling and transferring a worker to a new employer - with the exact steps, documents, fees in QAR and timelines. Prefer to skip the paperwork? Our team can connect you with a verified MADLSA-approved agency and guide you through every step - that option is at the end.
| 🏛️ Authority | MADLSA (Ministry of Labour) + MOI for the visa |
| 🌐 Platform | Metrash2 app / portal.moi.gov.qa · MADLSA for permit & contract |
| ⚖️ Law | Domestic Workers Law No. 15 of 2017 |
| 🔁 Transactions | Apply · Renew · Cancel · Transfer · Absconding report |
| 💰 New-hire cost | Govt fees QAR 1,300-2,100; all-in roughly QAR 4,200-12,000 by nationality |
| 💵 Minimum salary | QAR 1,000+ (paid via WPS) |
| 📞 Help | MADLSA 16008 · MOI 2347444 · or message Nadia on WhatsApp |
🧾 What you can do (MADLSA & Metrash2)
Between MADLSA and the Ministry of Interior’s Metrash2, you handle the full life-cycle of a housemaid, nanny, cook, driver or caregiver in Qatar:
- Apply for a new domestic-worker visa and work permit.
- Renew the residence permit (Iqama) before it expires.
- Cancel the visa when the worker leaves or the contract ends.
- Transfer a worker to a new employer in Qatar.
- Report absconding, sign the attested contract and pay salary through the Wage Protection System.
Recruitment goes through an MADLSA-approved agency; the visa and Iqama go through Metrash2 / MOI.
🔐 Before you start - who can sponsor
1. Eligibility & income. You need a valid Qatar ID (QID), suitable accommodation and enough income to sponsor a domestic worker. The worker’s salary (minimum QAR 1,000, higher for some nationalities) must be paid through the Wage Protection System.
2. Use an approved agency. Domestic workers are recruited through MADLSA-approved agencies, and a standard attested contract under Law 15/2017 is mandatory - it sets hours, rest day, salary and end-of-service.
📋 Documents you’ll need
- Valid Qatar ID (QID)
- Proof of income / salary certificate
- Tenancy / address proof
- The attested domestic-worker contract
- Passport valid at least 6 months
- Medical-fitness certificate
- Biometrics / fingerprints
- Health insurance
Common source countries: Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Bangladesh and Nepal. Some countries set their own minimum salary (e.g. Filipino workers ~QAR 1,460).
🆕 How to apply for a NEW domestic worker visa
This is the full path from zero to a worker legally living and working in your home in Qatar.
Choose a worker through an MADLSA-approved domestic-worker agency, or nominate a specific worker.
File the work-permit request with the worker and sponsor details and the standard attested contract.
Apply for the domestic-worker entry visa through the Metrash2 app or portal.moi.gov.qa.
Once the visa is approved, the worker enters Qatar.
The worker completes the medical-fitness test at an approved Qatari medical centre.
The worker gives fingerprints/biometrics and the contract is attested.
The residence permit (Iqama) is issued and linked to the worker’s Qatar ID.
Set up salary payment through WPS so wages are paid on time and on record.
⚠️ Common slip-ups: skipping the attested contract, a passport under 6 months, or paying salary outside WPS. All three cause problems later - do them properly up front.
🔄 How to renew the residence permit (Iqama)
The worker’s Iqama must be renewed before it expires - late renewal brings a fine of about QAR 200/month.
Start the Iqama renewal through the Metrash2 app or the MOI portal before the expiry date.
Have your Qatar ID, the worker’s current Iqama, a passport valid 6+ months and a new medical certificate ready.
Pay roughly QAR 200-400 per year online; processing is usually 1-3 working days.
Make sure health insurance and Wage Protection are current so the renewal isn’t blocked.
💡 Full detail: Renewing a domestic worker Iqama in Qatar →
❌ How to cancel the visa
When the contract ends and the worker is leaving Qatar, you must cancel the Iqama and work visa - failure to cancel keeps you liable as the sponsor.
Pay the final salary, unused leave and end-of-service gratuity before cancelling.
Start the visa/Iqama cancellation through the Metrash2 app or portal.moi.gov.qa.
The worker must leave within the cancellation period; cancellation is usually QAR 0-200 and 1-3 days.
Save the cancellation so you are no longer the sponsor on record.
💡 Full detail: Cancelling a domestic worker visa in Qatar →
↔️ How to transfer a worker to a new employer
Since Qatar’s labour reforms, a worker can change employer inside Qatar, subject to notice and the contract terms - usually quicker than cancel-and-rehire.
Agree salary, hours and rest day with the worker and serve the required notice on the current employer.
The new sponsor submits the transfer / new work-permit request to MADLSA and the Ministry of Interior.
Make sure there is no active absconding report against the worker, which would block the transfer.
A fresh standard contract is attested with the new employer.
The residence permit is updated to the new sponsor - the worker keeps working, no exit needed.
🚨 Other transactions you can do here
If a worker leaves without notice, file the MOI absconding report via Metrash2 to protect yourself from liability.
Know what the attested contract must include. Employment contract · Worker rights (Law 15/2017)
💰 Fees & timeline at a glance (2026)
| Item | Cost (QAR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MADLSA work permit | QAR 500-800 | - |
| Entry visa (MOI) | QAR 200-300 | Via Metrash2 |
| Residence permit / Iqama (2 yr) | QAR 400-600 | Renew QAR 200-400/yr |
| Medical examination | QAR 200-400 | Approved centres |
| Total government fees | QAR 1,300-2,100 | - |
| All-in by nationality | QAR 4,200-12,000 | Incl. agency, ticket, insurance |
Typical 2026 ranges; agency packages vary by nationality. Full QAR cost breakdown. Confirm with MADLSA (16008) before paying.
💬 Don’t want to deal with it? Let our team help
Domestic workers in Qatar are recruited through MADLSA-approved agencies - so tell our assistant Nadia on WhatsApp what you need (apply, renew, cancel or transfer) and we’ll connect you with a verified MADLSA-approved agency and guide you through the MADLSA and Metrash2 steps end-to-end. You only approve your own steps and pay the official fees - we never ask for your password or hold your money.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire a domestic worker in Qatar?
Government fees are about QAR 1,300-2,100 (MADLSA permit, MOI visa, Iqama and medical). All-in with the agency package, ticket and insurance it is roughly QAR 4,200-12,000 depending on nationality, plus the QAR 1,000+ monthly salary.
Where do I apply?
Recruitment is through an MADLSA-approved agency; the entry visa and Iqama are processed through the Metrash2 app or portal.moi.gov.qa.
How do I renew the Iqama?
Renew on Metrash2 before expiry with your QID, the worker’s Iqama and passport and a new medical; the fee is about QAR 200-400/year. Late renewal is fined about QAR 200/month.
How do I cancel the visa?
Settle all dues, then cancel the Iqama and visa via Metrash2/MOI; the worker exits within the cancellation period. Cancellation is usually QAR 0-200.
Can I transfer my worker to a new employer?
Yes - since the labour reforms a worker can change employer in Qatar with notice; the new employer applies and a new attested contract is signed, then the Iqama is updated.
Is a written contract required?
Yes - a standard attested contract under Law 15/2017 is mandatory and sets salary, hours, the weekly rest day and end-of-service.
Can a single man hire a maid in Qatar?
It is restricted and assessed case by case; rules favour families. Check the current MADLSA position for your situation.
Can someone do it for me?
Yes. Message Nadia and we’ll connect you with a verified MADLSA-approved agency and guide you through every step. You approve your own steps and pay the official fees - nothing else.
📚 Related Qatar guides
- Renewing the Iqama
- Cancelling the visa
- The employment contract
- Full QAR cost breakdown
- MADLSA-approved agencies
- The medical examination
🌐 Hiring in another Gulf country? See the complete GCC domestic worker visa guide - all six countries compared.
