US CITIZEN CONSIDERING JOB IN DOHA
There is an opportunity at a hospital in Doha that I am considering.
I am a 53yr old American who has never worked abroad. My field is NOT being impacted by the current economic conditions however the tax free income idea intrigues me (although in the U.S. there’s a limit $87,000) my children are all grown I have two grandchildren. I would look for a 10-year contract as a way to bank for retirement.
My wife would not come with me. Can any Americans working in Qatar give me some insight on how it is to work and live in Qatar especially given our current status in the M.E.
What is the best way to search for a job in Qatar?
You will need to be careful about your tax status as some benefits such as provided housing and home-leave airfare would be taxible (in whole or in part) by the US.
Take care on what your package includes. Even though rental prices for apartments and villas have slipped some in recent months, they are VERY expensive by US standards. Expect to pay at least QR 12 -15,000 a month (at least $3-4,000) for a relatively modest furnished apartment in a good area (considerably more for a more than modest place to live).
Beyond housing, cost of living is not markedly higher than US (some things less, some more). Some things may, however, be hard to find here or quite expensive. Restaurant prices, outside of the hotels, are generally modest. Alcohol available in hotel bars (expensive) and at a single liquor shop for wich you need to get a liquor license. No pork.
Without family, you may find life here somewhat lonely. There are things to do, but you need to search for them.
As to the environment, you will not have any issue being an American. There are certainly enough of us here and, worst case, you can always pretend you are a Canadian (LOL). English is more widely spoken than Arabic.
If you are going to work for a Qatari Hospital, then I am not sure that the tax cap applies to you. You need to talk to a tax attorney for that one. Read around on the forums. There are many pros and cons to living here, and they are all discussed at length in the forums. Hope that helps.
i have got two issues. 1- qatar is terriblying hot in the summer. 2-you might feel realy lonely.but if you want the money, come on in.good luck
PS, your employer will not contribute to a retirement fund or social security.
Two issues - yes the first $87,000 is US federal tax-free but not state or local. And that's after you meet the residency requirements. Secondly, I don't personally know of any contracts for longer than 3 years. Otherwise, the water's great, come on in!
Yes Doha is a very peacefull place to live in
sure go ahead and make the move
cheers
Welcome to Doha. You'll love it here. It's a great lace to be at right now. It's in a dramatic transition right now. I hope you'll be happy here.
AS LONG AS YOU ARE AMERICAN YOU WOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM RELOCATING TO DOHA.
LIFE HERE IS LIKE THE AMERICAN SYSTEM WITH LESS OPENNESS OF COURSE BUT YOU WILL FIND ALL WHAT MAY NEED INCLUDING FRESH LIQUOR :-)