Moving to Qatar for Winter: How to Rent Housing for 1–3 Months and What Life Costs for Freelancers

Qatar is becoming a popular destination for freelancers, remote workers, and digital nomads wintering away from cold climates. Warm weather from November to March (20–28°C), modern infrastructure, no income tax, safety, and fast internet make Doha an attractive place to work for several months. This guide covers real apartment rental prices, cost of living, visa nuances, best neighborhoods for living and working, plus advice on finding housing and organizing daily life.

• Visa – for citizens of most countries, entry is free for 30–90 days, extension possible.
• Rent for 1–3 months – $1 200–2 000 per month for furnished studio or 1-bedroom apartment (areas like Al Sadd, Musheireb, Old Airport).
• Food – $400–600 per person per month (home cooking + 2–3 cafe lunches weekly).
• Transport – $50–100 per month (metro, buses) or $200–300 for taxis.
• Utilities – usually included in rent or $70–150 additional.
• Total minimum – $2 000–2 500 per month for comfortable living.

Citizens of 100+ countries receive free entry (visa waiver) for 30 or 90 days. This list includes: USA, Canada, UK, all EU countries, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Australia, Japan, and many others. At entry you'll need:

• Passport (valid for at least 3 months)
• Return ticket or ticket to third country
• Hotel booking confirmation (formally required)

Length of Stay:

• Most countries – 30 days with extension possible
• USA, Canada, UK, most EU – 90 days

Entry stamp is free.

If 30 days isn't enough, you can extend visa for another 30 days for 100 QAR (~$27) through MOI (Ministry of Interior) online portal or visa centers in Doha. Maximum continuous stay – up to 90 days.

Extension Process:

1. Go to MOI website
2. Fill visa extension application
3. Upload passport and accommodation proof
4. Pay 100 QAR online
5. Receive confirmation by email (processing 2–5 days)

Important: Extension must be done before current visa expires. Late fee – 200 QAR per day.

If planning to stay longer than 90 days:

• Remote worker visa – officially Qatar has no special digital nomad visa, but can get Business Visa through local sponsor company or Qatar Free Zones (cost from $1 000, valid up to 1 year).
• Tourist visa with multiple entries – some freelancers do visa runs (exit to neighboring countries and re-enter), but this is gray area and not guaranteed.
• Golden Visa – for real estate investors from $200 000 (temporary residency) or from $1 000 000 (permanent).

For standard 1–3 month wintering, regular visa-free entry + one extension is sufficient.

• Step 2: Where to Find Housing for 1–3 Months

• Airbnb – easiest option for first month. Prices: Pros: Fast, convenient, can book before arrival.
  Cons: More expensive than direct rental, platform commission.
  • Studio (20–30 m²) – $1 200–1 800 per month
  • 1-bedroom (40–50 m²) – $1 500–2 200 per month
  • Often includes utilities, internet, cleaning
• Property Finder Qatar – largest real estate aggregator in Qatar. Filters: furnished, short-term, 1–3 months. Prices 10–20% lower than Airbnb, but often require meeting with agent and viewing.
• Qatar Living – classifieds board popular with expats. Many offers directly from owners (no agents). Check listings in Properties → For Rent → Short Term.
• Booking.com / Agoda – can search apartments with monthly discounts. "Apartments" category has options with kitchens from $1 500 per month.
• Ezdan / Barwa Village – large residential complexes with furnished apartments. Official sites: ezdanholding.com, barwaproperties.qa. Call offices directly for short-term rental. Prices from $1 000 per month.

If already in Doha, can rent cheaper through local agents:

• Book hotel or Airbnb for first week
• Contact agents through Property Finder or Qatar Living
• Request viewing of several apartments in different areas
• Standard agent commission – half month's rent (one-time payment)

Important: Many owners don't rent for less than 6–12 months. Short-term rental (1–3 months) available in:

• Furnished apartments (serviced apartments)
• Areas with many expats (Al Sadd, Musheireb, Fereej Bin Mahmoud)
• Through Airbnb or hotel apartments

• Standard contract – minimum 1 month, usually 3–6 months
• Payment – first month + deposit (usually 1 month rent)
• Utilities – often included in price (ask in advance)
• Internet – usually included or $15–25 per month additional

Documents for Rental:

• Passport copy
• Visa (passport stamp)
• Sometimes – income proof or bank statement

Why Convenient:

• Central location, 10–15 min to West Bay business district
• Al Sadd metro station (Red Line)
• Many cafes with Wi-Fi, supermarkets, banks
• Districts: Al Sadd, Najma

Prices:

• Furnished studio – $1 200–1 500 per month
• 1-bedroom – $1 500–1 800 per month

For Whom: Freelancers wanting balance between price and convenience.

Why Convenient:

• Most modern area of Doha, LEED-certified buildings
• Pedestrian streets, museums, galleries, cultural events
• Msheireb metro station – transfer hub of all lines
• Near Souq Waqif

Prices:

• Studio – $1 400–1 700 per month
• 1-bedroom – $1 700–2 200 per month

For Whom: Those valuing modernity, sustainability, cultural environment.

Why Convenient:

• More affordable prices
• Well-developed infrastructure
• Close to center but quieter and cheaper

Prices:

• Studio – $1 000–1 300 per month
• 1-bedroom – $1 300–1 600 per month

For Whom: Freelancers on limited budget.

Why Convenient:

• Artificial island with European atmosphere
• Waterfront, yachts, restaurants, boutiques
• Beaches, parks, comfortable pedestrian environment
• Popular with expats and remote workers

Prices:

• Studio – $1 800–2 500 per month
• 1-bedroom – $2 200–3 500 per month

For Whom: Those with higher budget wanting luxury.

Why Convenient:

• Skyscrapers, business centers, coworking spaces
• Near Corniche, waterfront for jogging
• Premium shopping malls (City Center Mall, Doha Festival City)

Prices:

• Studio – $1 600–2 200 per month
• 1-bedroom – $2 000–3 000 per month

For Whom: Professionals working with local companies.

• Industrial Area – working districts, few amenities
• Al Wakrah – far from center, inconvenient without car
• Barwa City – budget complexes for families, far from metro and infrastructure

Utilities (if not included):

• Electricity + water – $70–150 per month (depends on AC use)
• Internet (100 Mbps) – $15–25
• Cooking gas – ~$10 per cylinder (lasts 1–2 months)

Home Cooking (supermarket shopping):

• Milk (1L) – $2.00
• Bread (500g) – $1.30
• Eggs (12) – $3.00
• Chicken (1 kg) – $9.20
• Beef (1 kg) – $13.50
• Rice (1 kg) – $2.40
• Tomatoes (1 kg) – $1.75
• Bananas (1 kg) – $0.70
• Water (1.5L) – $0.40

Average home food budget: $400–500 per person per month.

Eating Out:

• Lunch at budget cafe – $10–15
• Mid-range restaurant lunch (2 people) – $50–70
• Cappuccino – $3–5
• Fast food (McDonald's combo) – $7–9

If cooking at home and eating out 2–3 times weekly: $500–600 per month.

Public Transport (Most Budget):

• Single metro ride – $0.50
• Monthly pass – $40
• Bus (single) – $0.50–1.00

Taxi:

• Base fare – $2
• Per km – $1.30
• Ride from Al Sadd to West Bay – $5–7
• Average monthly taxi budget (2–3 rides daily) – $200–300

Uber / Karwa:

• Similar taxi rates
• Convenient for knowing price upfront

Car Rental (if needed):

• Economy (Toyota Yaris) – $400–600 per month
• Gas (1L) – $0.60

Tip: For freelancer working from home or coworking, metro + occasional taxis sufficient. Budget – $50–100 per month.

Mobile:

• Ooredoo – $15 per month (10 GB + unlimited calls within Qatar)
• Vodafone Qatar – similar
• Tourist SIM (30 days, 50 GB) – $20–30

Home Internet:

• 100 Mbps – $15–25 per month
• 500 Mbps – $40–60 per month

Restrictions:

• VoIP calls (WhatsApp calls, FaceTime Audio, Skype calls) blocked
• Text messages work (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber)
• For video calls need VPN (NordVPN, ExpressVPN) – $10–12 per month

Internet Quality:

• Stable, high-speed
• Cafes and coworkings – usually 50–100 Mbps free
• Mobile 4G/5G – excellent coverage throughout Doha

• Gym – $60–100 per month (many residential complexes include gym free)
• Coworking – $150–300 per month (hot desk, dedicated desk – see below)
• Laundry – usually washing machine in apartment (free) or laundromat ~$10 per cycle
• Cinema – $7–10 per ticket
• Leisure (museums, tours) – $50–150 per month

Conclusion:

For comfortable wintering, freelancer needs $2,500–3,000 per month. With 2–3 month rental can negotiate 10–15% discount.

• Workinton (West Bay, Lusail)
  • Largest coworking network in Qatar
  • Hot desk – $200–250 per month
  • Dedicated desk – $300–400 per month
  • Meeting rooms, events, networking
  • Locations: Alfardan Centre (West Bay), Lusail
• Nest Qatar
  • Central Doha, convenient location
  • Flexible plans: hot desk, dedicated, private offices
  • Prices from $250 per month
  • Expat and entrepreneur community
• Regus Qatar
  • Global network, professional environment
  • Locations: Jaidah Square, West Bay, Old Airport
  • Higher prices – from $350 per month
  • For those working with corporate clients
• The Company (boutique coworking)
  • Small, cozy, premium
  • Prices from $300 per month

What's Included:

• High-speed Wi-Fi (100+ Mbps)
• Coffee, tea, water
• Printer, scanner
• Meeting rooms (often paid separately)
• Outlets at each desk
• Air conditioning

Tip: Most coworkings offer day pass ($15–25 per day) or weekly ($80–100). Try several places before buying monthly membership.

• Flat White (multiple locations)
  • Popular with expats
  • Excellent coffee, comfortable seating
  • Free fast Wi-Fi
  • Coffee – $4–6
• Café #999 (The Pearl)
  • Trendy cafe overlooking marina
  • Many outlets, convenient tables
  • Coffee + breakfast – $10–15
• Evergreen Organics (multiple locations)
  • Healthy food, smoothies, salads
  • Quiet, many people working on laptops
  • Stable Wi-Fi
• MIA Park Café (Museum of Islamic Art)
  • Cafe in museum park
  • Amazing view of Corniche
  • Free Wi-Fi, calm atmosphere
• Qatar National Library
  • Free entry
  • Huge workspace
  • Excellent Wi-Fi
  • Quiet, lots of light
  • Call zones available

Working in Cafes Rules:

• Don't occupy table for hours after buying only water – order drinks/food every 2–3 hours
• In Qatar not common to work until closing – most cafes open until 22:00–23:00
• Friday before 14:00 some places closed (prayer day)

November – December:

• Temperature: 20–28°C day, 15–20°C night
• Perfect for walks, beach, activities
• Rare rain (1–2 days per month)

January – February:

• Temperature: 18–25°C day, 12–18°C night
• Coolest months but still warm
• Sometimes rain (2–4 days per month)
• Evenings can be cool – light jacket useful

March:

• Temperature: 22–28°C day, 16–22°C night
• Transition period, warming begins
• Great weather for tours

Conclusion: Best time for wintering – November – February. Comfortable temperature for work, walks, and relaxation.

• Temperature: 35–48°C
• High humidity
• Impossible to be outside during day
• All movement – only by air-conditioned taxi

In summer Doha becomes giant air conditioner, can only live indoors.

Qatar is conservative Islamic country. Tourists don't need to wear abaya/dishdasha, but follow basic dress code:

Women:

• Shoulders and knees covered in public
• Rules softer in malls and hotels
• Beach swimsuits OK, but no topless

Men:

• Shorts below knee
• Avoid sleeveless shirts in public

In Mosques:

• Women – headscarf (provided at entrance)
• Shoes removed

• Alcohol sold only in licensed hotels and restaurants
• High prices: beer glass – $15–20, wine glass – $20–30
• No alcohol in supermarkets
• Public consumption prohibited

If trip coincides with Ramadan (Muslim fasting month, dates change yearly):

• Eating and drinking publicly during day forbidden (even non-Muslims)
• Cafes closed until sunset
• Many offices work shortened hours
• Night life activates (iftar – evening meal)

Ramadan 2026: presumably February – March (exact dates depend on lunar calendar).

• Public displays of affection (kissing, hugging) not welcomed
• Photography – don't photograph local women, military objects, government buildings
• LGBT – same-sex relationships illegal, avoid public demonstrations
• Drugs – strictest ban, up to prison

General Rule: Behave respectfully toward local culture and no problems. Qatar is safe country with low crime rate.

1. Souq Waqif – traditional market in central Doha. Spices, souvenirs, shisha, street food.
2. Museum of Islamic Art – impressive collection, stunning city view.
3. National Museum of Qatar – futuristic building shaped like desert rose.
4. The Pearl Island – artificial island with luxury yachts and waterfront.
5. Katara Cultural Village – cultural district with galleries, beach, amphitheater.
6. Corniche – 7-kilometer waterfront for jogging and walks.

• Desert – jeep tours, camel riding, Inland Sea ($50–80 per tour)
• Beaches – Katara Beach, The Pearl beaches (free), private hotel beaches
• Sports – tennis, paddle, golf, yachting
• Culture – Opera House, galleries, festivals

Doha is convenient base for regional travel:

• Dubai – 1 hour flight, from $60 round trip
• Muscat (Oman) – 1 hour flight, visa on arrival
• Bahrain – 40 minutes flight
• Istanbul – 4 hours flight

Can make short weekend trips while keeping base in Qatar.

1. Can I work in Qatar on tourist visa?

Formally tourist visa doesn't give right to work. But freelancers working remotely for foreign companies (not Qatari) usually have no problems. Important: don't work for local companies without work visa – this violates law.

2. Is medical insurance required?

Not required for entry, but strongly recommended. Healthcare in Qatar is expensive for foreigners. Tourist insurance for 1–3 months – $50–150 (depends on coverage).

3. Is Qatar safe for female freelancers?

Yes. Qatar is one of world's safest countries. Crime rate extremely low. Follow dress code and cultural norms – no problems.

4. Where to open bank account?

For tourists opening account difficult – need residence visa. Use international cards (Visa, Mastercard) or online banks (Wise, Revolut). Cards and Apple Pay accepted everywhere.

5. Can I rent apartment cheaper than $1 000 per month?

Yes, but will be either shared apartments (room in apartment with roommates for $400–700) or areas far from center. For comfortable wintering recommend budget from $1 200.

Wintering in Qatar is excellent option for freelancers and remote workers seeking warm weather, safety, modern infrastructure, and quality internet. With budget from $2 500 per month can live comfortably, work from coworkings or cafes, travel around country, and enjoy Middle Eastern culture. Main thing – decide on neighborhood in advance, book housing, and sort out visa. Follow this guide and your move will go smoothly!

1. Property Finder Qatar – housing rental
2. Numbeo – cost of living in Qatar
3. Qatar Ministry of Interior – visas and extensions