Qatar
Guide · Licenses
Pilot license conversion in Qatar
- QCAA · Qatar Civil Aviation Authority
- 2 min read
- Last checked 7 Nov 2026
We are not an aviation authority. This guide summarizes the official sources linked in each section. Rules change, so confirm with your authority before you enroll. Last checked November 2026.
In short
QCAA validates and converts foreign licenses under QCAR 001 of 2016, Annex III (Part-VC). Conversion means QCAA theory exams, further training and a skill test, and the Qatar license then stands on its own. If you will fly commercially, an operator or a QCAA-approved training organization applies for you.
What you will need
- A QCAA exam in air law and operational procedures at professional pilot level
- At least 200 hours of flight time as a pilot, and at least 55 hours of instrument flight time if you want instrument privileges
- To fly multi-pilot airplanes: if your ATPL theory is not to the EASA Part-FCL standard or an equivalent one, a QCAA exam in flight planning and performance at ATPL level
- Any further training QCAA asks for, and the CPL skill test (with the instrument rating where relevant)
- A Class 1 medical issued under Qatar's medical rules
- An ICAO English level endorsed on your license; QCAA may also ask you to take a test at a center it has approved
Good to know
A validation lasts up to 12 months, covers only one operator and ends when your foreign license does. If you train at a QCAA-approved training organization, you get a Qatar license directly, without conversion. A foreign ATPL with fewer than 500 hours on multi-pilot airplanes converts to a Qatar CPL.
Three things to check before you enroll
Does your home authority accept the school?
Some authorities only recognize training at foreign schools they have approved.
What will you sit at home?
Most authorities ask for at least an air law exam and a flight test, some for much more.
Do you need a sponsor first?
In some places the authority only converts a license when an employer or airline asks for it.
Talk it through with us, free
Our school advisory is free for students. Partner schools pay us a commission when a student we advised enrolls.
Middle East
Bringing your license home Sources and last checked
- QCAA PIL.03/23, Validation and conversion of foreign licences last checked 7 Nov 2026
- QCAA PIL.09/20, How to obtain a Qatar pilot licence last checked 7 Nov 2026
- QCAR 001 of 2016, Amendment 9 last checked 7 Nov 2026
- QCAA list of approved training organisations last checked 7 Nov 2026