Relocating to Qatar
By NatalieLouise •
Hi there,
I am thinking of moving to Doha from Scotland with my partner for work. We are in our early twenties but not married. Will this cause problems living together? I have read it is possible but wouldn't want to feel nervous doing so. Is it quite strict from unmarried couples?
Have been hearing mixed reviews about life Qatar, we are ultimately planning on moving for two years.
Thank you
Do people live together without being married? Yes. And depending on the circumstances, you probably would be able to do so - but you need to be aware of the possible consequences, no matter how improbable they might be.
If you don't have work, your partner cannot sponsor you and that means visa runs which run into $$
If you each have a job and if you are each sponsored by your employer and if you each have an accommodation allowance (not sponsor provided accommodation) where you can choose where to live you MAY be able to fly under the radar if you are discreet.
If any of those IFs are not met your colleagues and/or neighbours will know your marital status and it only takes one to get annoyed with you (valid or not) and report you to the police. The police will not seek you out but they will act on complaints.
If you try to live in employer accommodation and were reported it would probably mean termination. If the police are involved, termination, possible arrest, possible jail probably deportation
Of course NOT....you'll never be allowed to live on your own in one apartment the both of you...there are few cases in which they make exceptions but trust me those are super extra rare so do not...i repeat....to not take such risks here and if you want to come in Doha together get your facts straight ( marry ) and then start applying for jobs...
Nice SKC
dont take such type of risk in QATAR....if get caught you,ii be in a big problem...
I would not consider moving in with your partner. Its better he gets his own place. If news got out that you were not married and authorities are informed about this, it could get tricky. To be honest, the best thing to do is to stick to the rules - when in Qatar, do as Qataris do. That way, you will live you life in Qatar blissfully and peacefully without looking over your shoulder. Trust me there is nothing like peace of mind. Hope this helps Natlouise.
Officially, you can not even registered as unmarried couples. Note that GCC has a different conservative view on living together