Resign Properly & Collect Your End of Service

Before anything else, formally resign from your job. It is courteous to discuss your decision with your manager in person before submitting a written resignation. Under Qatari Labour Law, the standard notice period is one month — or two months if you have worked for the company for more than two years. Check your employment contract for specific requirements as some roles require up to three months' notice.

As an expat who has worked in Qatar for more than one year, you are legally entitled to a gratuity (end of service) payment, calculated based on your basic salary and length of service. Make sure you collect this from your employer before departure.

Cancel Your Residence Permit (RP)

Cancelling your Residence Permit is a mandatory step before leaving Qatar permanently. Your RP can be cancelled online through the Ministry of Interior (MOI) e-services portal or via the Metrash2 app using your Qatari Smart ID Card. The process covers both company-sponsored and personal-sponsored residents.

• Log in to the MOI e-services portal with your Smart ID Card
• Select "Residency Services" then "Cancel Residency"
• Enter your residence permit number and confirm
• If you sponsor family members, cancel their RPs first before your own

Once cancelled, you have 30 days to either exit Qatar or secure a new valid visa. Overstaying beyond this grace period incurs a fine of QAR 200 per day.

Check Whether You Need an Exit Permit

Following Qatar's labour reforms in 2018 and 2020, the majority of expats — roughly 95% of workers — no longer require an exit permit to leave the country. However, exit permits are still required in certain cases:

• Essential employees: Employers can designate up to 5% of their workforce as essential personnel, requiring an exit permit
• Domestic workers: Housemaids, drivers, and nannies under personal sponsorship may still need employer approval, with at least 72 hours' notice required
• Military and security personnel: All Ministry of Defence employees require formal exit permits

If required, exit permits are applied for through the MOI portal or the Labour Exit Permit Service and are valid for just three days once issued.

Settle All Debts, Loans & Traffic Fines

This is one of the most critical steps. You will not be permitted to leave Qatar if you have any outstanding financial obligations. Unpaid debts — including credit cards, car loans, personal loans, or traffic fines — can result in a travel ban, and attempting to leave with uncleared debts may result in arrest and detention upon re-entry.

• Pay off all personal loans, credit card balances, and car loans
• Check and clear any unpaid traffic fines via the MOI Traffic Services Portal
• Obtain a signed and stamped bank clearance letter to present to your employer
• Settle any outstanding Kahramaa (electricity/water) or Ooredoo/Vodafone bills

Close Your Bank Accounts

After clearing all debts, close your bank accounts and credit cards in Qatar. Banks recommend starting this process at least 30–45 days before your final paycheck, as banks may freeze accounts to cover any remaining obligations.

• Close all current accounts, savings accounts, and credit cards
• Request a bank clearance letter for your employer/sponsor
• Transfer remaining funds abroad well in advance (note there are limits on how much can be transferred at one time)
• Leave a forwarding address with the bank for any future correspondence

Cancel Utilities & Disconnect Services

Before vacating your home, arrange for all utility and service disconnections to avoid ongoing charges and to receive your deposit refunds.

• Kahramaa (Electricity & Water): Download and submit the disconnection form, request a final meter reading, visit a service centre with your QID, and collect your Clearance Certificate and deposit refund
• Telecom (Ooredoo / Vodafone): Cancel your mobile, home internet, and landline contracts. Request a Credit Clearance Certificate — your landlord may require this
• Subscriptions: Cancel any streaming services, gym memberships, delivery apps, or other monthly subscriptions
• Return your medical insurance card to your employer or insurance provider

Vacate Your Accommodation & Claim Your Deposit

Notify your landlord as early as possible — ideally at least one month in advance — so you can reclaim your security deposit. Landlords will inspect the property before releasing the deposit, so leave it in the same condition it was when you moved in.

• Photograph the property before handing back the keys to protect against disputes
• Ask your landlord to sign a document confirming the property was returned in good condition
• Ensure all utility clearance certificates are ready for the landlord
• Settle any outstanding rent or maintenance charges

Sell or Transfer Your Car

If you own a vehicle registered under your Qatar ID, you must sell it or transfer ownership before departing. Leaving an active car registration in your name can delay visa cancellation.

• Sell the car back to the dealer, to a used-car dealer, or privately via classifieds
• Transfer ownership formally through the Ministry of Interior if selling to an individual
• If shipping the car abroad, contact a reputable car shipping company for documents and quotes
• If you can't sell before your departure date, transfer ownership to a trusted person who can sell on your behalf

Notify Schools & Collect Children's Documents

If you have children enrolled in school in Qatar, notify their school at least one month in advance. This gives the school enough time to prepare important academic documents.

• Request a School Leaving Certificate for each child — required for enrolment in their next school
• Collect report cards, academic transcripts, and transfer certificates
• Clear any outstanding school fees, library books, or equipment loans
• Cancel school club memberships and extracurricular activities

Arrange Pet Relocation (If Applicable)

If you have pets, plan their relocation well in advance — ideally 5 to 7 months before departure, as requirements vary significantly by destination country.

• Check the pet import regulations for your destination country
• Ensure your pet's vaccinations are fully up to date
• Obtain a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian in Qatar
• Note: Countries like Australia and New Zealand may require up to 7 months of preparation
• Qatar Airways permits pets — check their specific cabin/cargo policies

If relocation isn't possible in time, consider re-homing your pet with a trusted colleague or contacting a local animal welfare organisation.

Ship Your Belongings & Settle What Stays

Decide what you are taking, what you are selling, and what you are leaving behind. Start this process early — shipping internationally can take several weeks.

• Get quotes from multiple international relocation and shipping companies in Qatar
• List unwanted furniture, electronics, and household items on local classified platforms
• Note: You may take up to QAR 50,000 in currency out of Qatar — anything above this must be declared at customs

Collect All Important Documents

Before leaving Qatar, gather all personal and official documents you may need in the future. These are often required for employment, legal, or official purposes in your home country or next destination.

• Passport (with at least 6 months' validity remaining)
• Visa cancellation confirmation letter
• End of service / gratuity letter from employer
• Bank clearance letters
• Utility clearance certificates (Kahramaa, telecom)
• Experience letters and employment references
• Educational and professional certificates (attested if needed)
• Medical records and vaccination certificates
• School documents for children
• No-claims insurance certificates