Relocation & Recruitment Advice

For Qatar jobs please use our job search function and for specific recruitment services contact AP Executive consultants.  

Image 2021 03 19 T14 37 10

OVERVIEW

Like many Arabic countries, there is no personal income tax in Qatar for any individual. Providing you are a gulf national that has set up a company, there is no tax on businesses either. However, if you are a non-Gulf national, that has set up a business or branch of an international enterprise in Qatar, then the following taxes are applicable; 100,001 - 500,000 (10%), 500,001 - 1million (15%), 1m - 1.5m (20%), 1.5m - 2.5m (25%), 2.5m - 5m (30%) and over 5m being 35%. A further advantage that nationals have over expatriates is that if they invest into a company that is liable to taxation, they as shareholders aren't obliged to pay tax on their potential gains. The Gregorian calendar is used for accounting in Qatar, however, there is no set 12 month period for tax returns, and thus companies are entitled to choose themselves when they want to file their tax return. One has to keep in mind that if these requirements aren't met, and the tax return isn't filed on time, there are hefty fines to be assumed a result. These fines are QAR 500 per day (capped at QAR 180,000) for late filing of an income tax return, or 2% per month for late payment of late payment of income tax, up to the amount of tax due. Qatar's economic potential is impressive, to say the least – averaging 5.36 percent from 2009 until 2020. Qatar has an abundance of gas and oil reserves and thrives off of the capital generated from this industry. Nevertheless, banking is also a major industry in Qatar and is ever-growing.

WHY CHOOSE QATAR

Most expats find that working in Qatar involves a surprisingly smooth transition. Expats make up the majority of the population and English has mostly replaced Arabic as the language of business. Salaries in Qatar can be similar to those paid in Western countries, but with the difference that they are tax free.

The region’s liberalised views of foreign trade and investment will lead to more jobs, particularly in sectors like Construction, Energy and, Finance.

REQUIREMENTS TO SET UP A COMPANY

Please visit the following website for detailed information.

Starting a business in Qatar

Qatar has certain specific guidelines and requirements for foreign entrepreneurs interested in operating business in the free zones or elsewhere.


REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYEES WISHING TO RELOCATE

Work permits may be obtained only by local sponsors. Employees satisfying certain criteria may sponsor their immediate family to enable them to obtain a residence permit. Holders of work visas require an exit permit to leave Qatar; however, their dependents do not require such a permit while travelling abroad. It is essential for permanent residents in Qatar to obtain an identity card. The ID card is essential when dealing with Government ministries on a day to day basis.

The application process for obtaining an Residence Permit is handled by the employer, who is offering sponsorship. However, before the application for the residence permit is lodged, you first have to undergo a local medical test. This involves a blood test, a blood grouping test and a chest X-ray. Following that, you will have to register your fingerprints with the Ministry of Interior, and then provide legalised, notarised and attested education certificates to your employer for the application. It’s best to sort out these certificates before arriving in Qatar

QATAR RECRUITMENT SPECIALISTS