Transferring a maid's sponsorship in Qatar — also known as a local transfer — allows you to hire a domestic worker who is already living and working in Qatar under another employer's sponsorship. This is often faster and cheaper than recruiting from abroad. Here's everything you need to know for 2026.
⚡ Quick Facts
| 🏛️ Authority | MOI — Ministry of Interior Qatar |
| ⏱️ Processing Time | 1–3 working days |
| 💰 1st Transfer Fee | QAR 1,000 |
| 💰 2nd Transfer Fee | QAR 1,500 |
| 💰 3rd+ Transfer Fee | QAR 2,000 |
| 🌐 Apply Via | Metrash2 App / Portal |
| ✅ Minimum Service Required | 1 year with current employer |
📋 Conditions for Transfer
- ✅ Worker must have completed at least 1 year with current employer
- ✅ Current employer must provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC)
- ✅ New employer must meet standard Qatar domestic worker sponsorship requirements
- ✅ Worker must not have any outstanding legal issues or travel bans
- ✅ Worker's residence permit must be valid (or in renewal process)
⚠️ No NOC? Since Qatar's labour reforms, workers can change employers without NOC in some circumstances. Contact MADLSA at 16008 for the latest rules on NOC-free transfers.
💰 Transfer Fees 2026
| Transfer Number | Government Fee |
|---|---|
| 1st time transfer | QAR 1,000 |
| 2nd time transfer | QAR 1,500 |
| 3rd time and beyond | QAR 2,000 |
| Residency formalities (insurance, health card etc) | QAR 400–600 |
Total cost for a typical first local transfer: QAR 1,400–1,600 — significantly cheaper than international recruitment (QAR 12,000–18,000).
📋 Required Documents
- New employer's QID (copy)
- Current employer's NOC — signed and stamped
- Worker's valid QID / residence permit
- Worker's passport (copy)
- New employment contract (MADLSA standard form, signed by both parties)
- New employer's bank statements (3–6 months)
🔄 How to Transfer — Step by Step
Discuss and agree on salary, working hours, rest days, and accommodation before proceeding.
The existing sponsor signs and stamps the No Objection Certificate. This is the most critical document.
Both you and the worker sign the MADLSA standard domestic employment contract.
Login to Metrash2, select 'Transfer of Sponsorship', upload all documents and pay the transfer fee.
MOI processes the transfer within 1–3 working days. Both old and new employers receive SMS confirmation.
Ensure worker's health card and insurance are transferred to your name within 4 weeks of transfer approval.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a maid who has been in Qatar less than 1 year?
Generally no — the standard requirement is 1 full year of service with the current employer. Exceptions may apply in cases of employer abuse or contract violations verified by MADLSA.
Who pays the QAR 1,000 transfer fee — employer or worker?
By law, the new employer pays all transfer fees. Charging the domestic worker for sponsorship transfer fees is illegal in Qatar.
How long does the transfer take?
Metrash2 online transfers are typically approved within 1–3 working days once all documents are submitted correctly.
Can a domestic worker transfer without telling their current employer?
Qatar's labour reforms allow workers to notify their employer rather than seek consent in some cases. However, standard domestic worker transfers still typically require NOC. Contact MADLSA at 16008 for the current rules.
What happens to the worker's end-of-service gratuity from the old employer?
The previous employer must settle all dues including end-of-service gratuity for completed years of service before or at the time of transfer.
Can I transfer a worker who is currently outside Qatar?
No — local transfers are only for workers currently inside Qatar. For overseas recruitment, you need a fresh work permit application.
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📌 Source: Qatar MOI — Ministry of Interior — Updated 2026. Always verify latest requirements at portal.www.gov.qa