Qatar
Last reviewed: 21 August 2026 · Primary sources: General Tax Authority and the Ministry of Labour
Country facts at a glance
- Currency: QAR — pegged at 3.64 per USD
- VAT: Not yet in force; legislation prepared under the GCC framework
- Corporate tax: 10% flat on taxable profit
- Personal income tax: None
- End of service: A statutory minimum of 21 days’ basic pay per year, all years, with no cap
- Social insurance: Qatari nationals only — 7% employee, 14% employer (GRSIA); expatriates not covered
- Minimum wage: QAR 1,000 basic, plus QAR 500 housing and QAR 300 food — applies to all nationalities
- Working week: 48 hours; 36 hours in Ramadan
- Overtime: 125% on a normal day, 150% at night or on a rest day
- Notice period: Set by contract term and length of service
Current decision alerts
- Job mobility no longer requires a No Objection Certificate, subject to notice — a change many employment offers still describe incorrectly.
- Contracts must be registered through the Ministry of Labour e-contract system to be legally valid.
Practical country guidance
Banking & Money
Banking for residents in Qatar
QID, salary certificate and the account activation sequence.
Wage Protection System compliance
How salary payments are monitored and what triggers a flag.
Sending money home from Qatar
Corridor costs, spreads and what documentation is requested.
Tax & Compliance
Corporate tax registration on Dhareeba
Who must register, filing cycles and the penalty regime.
Tax residency certificates
Eligibility, supporting documents and treaty use.
Withholding tax on cross-border payments
Rates, exemptions and the remittance process.
Visas & Residency
Qatar ID and residence permits
Issue, renewal and the mandatory health insurance link.
Family residence sponsorship
Salary thresholds, accommodation proof and dependants.
Changing employer without an NOC
What the 2020 reforms changed and the notice you still owe.
Business & Employment
Company setup and QFC options
Mainland versus Qatar Financial Centre, and why the tax treatment differs.
Gratuity calculation and final settlement
The Article 54 minimum and how partial years are pro-rated.
Working hours, leave and overtime
Statutory entitlements and the Ramadan reductions.
Useful calculators
End-of-Service Gratuity
Corporate Tax Comparison
Remittance Cost
Employer Cost
Currency Converter
Official portals
Dhareeba
Corporate tax registration, returns and payments
General Tax Authority
Hukoomi
Central government services portal
Government of Qatar
Ministry of Labour
E-contracts, work permits and complaints
Ministry of Labour
Metrash2
Residency, ID and traffic services
Ministry of Interior
Frequently asked questions
Does Qatar have VAT?
Not yet. The legislative framework exists under the unified GCC agreement, but no implementation date has been confirmed. Excise tax on tobacco, energy drinks and sweetened drinks is already in force.
Is there a cap on gratuity in Qatar?
No. Unlike the UAE and Kuwait, Qatar sets no upper limit, so long service keeps accruing at the full rate.
Do expatriates pay social insurance?
No. GRSIA covers Qatari nationals only. For expatriates the end-of-service gratuity is the statutory protection on termination.
What is the minimum wage?
QAR 1,000 basic, plus QAR 500 for housing and QAR 300 for food where the employer does not provide them. It applies to every worker regardless of nationality.
Can I change jobs without my employer’s permission?
Yes. Since 2020 no No Objection Certificate is required, though you must still serve your contractual notice period.
How this page is maintained
General information only. Confirm current rules with the relevant authority.