Teach English in Qatar

You can teach English in Qatar at private and international schools, language centres, universities and in corporate training, almost all of it in and around Doha. A bachelor’s degree is required for the work visa and must be attested, language centres usually want a recognised TEFL qualification, and schools generally expect a teaching qualification and experience. Pay is in Qatari riyals and tax free: roughly QAR 6,000 to 12,000 a month at language centres and QAR 10,000 to 18,000 or more at schools, often with housing, flights and medical cover.

Teaching English in Qatar at a glance

What kinds of English teaching jobs are there in Qatar?

Private and international schools. The largest and best paid part of the market. Schools follow British, American, IB, Indian and other curricula, and want qualified teachers with classroom experience.

Language centres. Teach adults, exam candidates and children, often in the afternoon and evening. They are the usual route for TEFL qualified teachers who do not hold a teaching licence.

Universities and colleges. Foundation and English programmes pay well, usually QAR 18,000 or more a month, but generally expect a master’s degree and experience.

Corporate and government training. Business English for companies and public bodies, often through training providers.

How much do English teachers earn in Qatar?

Language centres commonly pay about QAR 6,000 to 12,000 a month. Schools typically pay QAR 10,000 to 18,000, and top international schools and universities more. Salaries are tax free, and school packages often add housing or a housing allowance, an annual flight home and medical insurance, which can be worth several thousand riyals a month. Qatar’s legal minimum wage is QAR 1,000 a month in basic pay plus allowances, far below teaching salaries, so compare offers on the whole package and make sure every allowance is written into your contract. Compare pay across countries on the TEFL Salary Index.

What do you need to teach English in Qatar?

A bachelor’s degree is the legal gate, because it is required for the work visa. It must be attested in the country that issued it, then by the Qatari embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar. Language centres usually add a recognised TEFL qualification of at least 120 hours, and the better centres prefer a Level 5 TEFL or CELTA. Schools generally want a teaching qualification such as a PGCE, B.Ed or state teaching licence, plus two or more years of experience. You will also need a police certificate, and you take a medical in Qatar. The Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL course can be verified on the Ofqual register.

Which visa and residence permit do you need?

Your employer sponsors your work visa, so you need a job offer first. After you arrive you complete a medical examination and fingerprinting, and your employer then applies for your residence permit, which is issued as a Qatar ID card. You need the Qatar ID to open a bank account and sign a lease. Working on a visit visa is not allowed and is strictly enforced. Start attesting your degree and police certificate early, as it is the slowest step. Check current rules with the Qatari embassy and our Visa Desk before you accept an offer.

Where are the English teaching jobs in Qatar?

Doha, the capital, has the great majority of schools, language centres and universities. Al Rayyan, next to Doha, has many schools and Education City’s university campuses. Lusail, north of Doha, is growing fast. Al Wakrah and Al Khor have smaller markets and lower rents.

What is it like teaching in Qatar?

The working week runs from Sunday to Thursday, and a school day usually runs from about 7am to 2pm or 3pm. Classes are often multinational, and expectations of planning, assessment and parent communication are high. Qatar is very safe, with a large international community, but it is a conservative country. Dress modestly in public, alcohol is only served in licensed hotel venues, and same sex relationships are illegal. Read current travel advice from your government before you go.

Last updated: 2 October 2026. Pay figures are approximate typical ranges, not quotes. Visa, attestation and residence rules change, so confirm current requirements with the Qatari embassy and your employer before you accept an offer.