How much annual leave do you get in Qatar, and how is it paid?
Last updated: October 2026. Based on the Qatar Labour Law; not legal advice.
After 1 continuous year with the same employer, you get at least 3 weeks of paid annual leave a year, rising to at least 4 weeks once you have 5 years of service. Leave you haven't taken must be paid in cash when the job ends, based on your basic salary.
Leave at a glance
| Service | Annual leave |
|---|---|
| 1 to 5 years | At least 3 weeks (21 days) |
| 5 years or more | At least 4 weeks (28 days) |
How leave pay is calculated
Under Article 72, pay for annual leave is based on your basic salary. Leave pay = basic salary ÷ 30 × leave days. Example: on a QAR 3,000 basic with 15 unused days, you get QAR 100 × 15 = QAR 1,500.
Unused leave when the job ends
If your job ends before you take the leave you've earned, you're entitled to cash equal to your basic wage for those days. This is paid on top of your gratuity.
Carrying leave forward
At your written request, the employer may carry up to half of your annual leave over to the next year. Keep a record of every leave you take and ask HR for your balance in writing before your last day.
Domestic workers
Domestic workers, such as house drivers, are covered by a separate domestic workers law instead of the Labour Law, so their leave rules can differ.
Work out your own amount
Enter your dates and salary to see your end-of-service pay instantly.