What is the notice period in Qatar?
Last updated: October 2026. Based on the Qatar Labour Law; not legal advice.
Either side must give 1 month's notice if you've worked 2 years or less, and 2 months if you've worked more than 2 years. These periods come from the 2020 amendment (Decree-Law No. 18 of 2020). Leaving Qatar without serving notice can block a new work permit for 1 year.
Notice periods at a glance
| Situation | Notice |
|---|---|
| Service of 2 years or less | 1 month |
| Service of more than 2 years | 2 months |
| Employer ends it during probation | 1 month |
| You move to another employer during probation | At least 1 month |
| You leave Qatar during probation | As agreed, up to 2 months |
If the notice isn't served
If you stop working before your notice ends, you owe the employer your wage for the remaining days. If the employer asks you to stop working early, it must pay you for those days.
Leaving Qatar without notice
An expatriate worker who leaves Qatar without serving the notice period may not be given a new work permit for 1 year from departure.
Give notice in writing
Write the date clearly, keep a copy or a photo, and get the employer to acknowledge it, for example by email. Your notice period starts from that date.
Notice doesn't reduce gratuity
Serving notice has no effect on your gratuity: after 1 year you get it whether you resign or the employer ends the contract. See gratuity on resignation.
Work out your own amount
Enter your dates and salary to see your end-of-service pay instantly.