Moving to Qatar as a UK-Qualified Teacher

Are you a UK-qualified teacher dreaming of teaching abroad in a vibrant international school? Qatar offers an exciting opportunity, with its world-class facilities, tax-free salaries, and supportive environment for expatriate educators. 

However, navigating Qatar’s regulatory framework can initialy seem daunting. Howeve, with the right support, it is a relatively straight forward process. It does require some time, effort, and money but this is a one-off: once you are established in Qatar, it is an easy, welcoming place to live and work.

This guide outlines the key regulatory requirements, plus practical steps for document attestation and visas. Rules are subject to change, but (to the best of our knowledge) these details are correct at the time of writing. If you are eyeing a role in a British-curriculum school like ours, understanding these rules will help you prepare confidently.

Qualifying to Teach in Private International Schools

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) oversees all private schools, including international ones, ensuring teachers meet strict standards for qualifications, experience, and character. For UK-qualified teachers, this means aligning your credentials with Qatar’s licensing process.

Age Limits: 

Expatriate teachers must typically be not more than 50 years old at the time they start their employment, although special approvals may be possible beyond that.

Qualifications: 

You need a relevant bachelor’s degree: this is typically a Bachelor of Education, although a Bachelor of Arts that references teaching or your subject specialisation is also acceptable. Note that:

• A non-teaching bachelor's degree with a PGCE (post graduate certificate of education) is no longer accepted.

• Your degree must have been full-time, face-to-face teaching: online degrees are not accepted.

• For British schools, QTS (qualified teacher status) is highly valued, but not essential.

Good Character:

All teachers are required to be of good character, with no dismissals for disciplinary issues or convictions for dishonesty. A police clearance certificate is required from your home country and, if alreay working overseas, from your current country of residence.

Securing Your Residence Permit

Beyond teaching approval, the MOI controls entry, and residency in Qatar via sponsorship from your employer. Your school handles this, and will typically obtain your work visa prior to your arrival in Qatar.

Soon after arrival, the school will apply for your Residence Permit and arrange for you to go for a medical examination (blood tests, X-ray) confirming fitness, and biometrics (fingerprints, photo). Allow a few weeks for this data to be processed: your residency will then confirmed by the issuing you with your Qatar ID card. 

Securing your Qatar ID is an important milestone, as it apart from officially confirming your right to live and work in Qatar, it is an essential document for contracting with companies and government departments. For example, it enables you to open a bank account, apply for a driving licence, own/lease a car, rent your own accommodation, and much more.

Essential Documents and the Attestation Process

Qatar requires full attestation for key documents to verify authenticity. Your employer can advise on this, and there are a number of companies in the UK who specialise (for a fee!) in assisting teachers through this process.

Before Leaving the UK:

• Obtain a Police Clearance Certificate. This is not the full police check, simply a disclosure statement that the police have no records on you.

• Obtain certified copies of your degree certificate and transcript of grades, attested as a true copy by a solicitor

• Obtain a declaration from the university that your degree was full-time and face-to-face

• Have the above documents attested by the Qatar Embassy in London.

• Ensure you have at least 18 months validity on your passport (the passport cannot expire before your Qatar ID), and that your employer has your up-to-date passport number (your visa is tied to your passport number, so changing your passport at the last minute will invalidate the visa!)

Upon Arrival in Qatar:

• The Police Clearance Certificate and attested degree, trancript, and university declaration then have to be further attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Doha. Your employer will often do this on your behalf.

• All documents are then submitted to apply for your Residence Permit and Qatar ID.

Why Qatar?

UK teachers thrive here with competitive packages, professional development, and a safe, family-oriented expat life. Salaries are tax-free, there is a vibrant social life, and there are plenty of opportunities for travel. Qatar awaits - your next chapter starts here!