For expat families, the process of moving to a new country, finding a suitable accommodation or good school for their kids is just one of the many things they have to deal with as they prepare to start life in their new environment. When done alone, the whole process can be stressful and time consuming, and so the help of relocation experts is highly recommended.

At Move One we understand the importance of making a seamless transition when settling in your new destination, and are committed to making this possible. As part of this commitment, we offer advice on Relocation, Immigration, Moving and Pet Transportation matters in the many countries where we are present. This month, we shed the spotlight on Qatar.

IMPORT

A. Import of Household Goods (HHG)

1. Foreigners Moving To Qatar

Import of household goods (HHG) and personal effects (PE) is allowed for all foreigners that have working and residence permit for Qatar. Tourists are not allowed to import HHG and PE, except for the items they carry in their personal luggage. The following documents are needed for import customs clearance:

• Packing list or proforma invoice
• Passport copy
• Copy of the page with the residence visa/permit
• Copy of the shipping document (AWB, BOL)
• No objection letter from the employer

The customs duty is 5 percent of the estimated value of the goods done by the custom valuation committee plus the legalization charges.

2. Returning Citizens of Qatar
The following documents are needed for import customs clearance:

• Packing list or proforma invoice
• Passport copy
• Copy of shipping document (AWB, BOL)

3. Diplomats Working in Qatar
All diplomats and NGO employees are free of paying import taxes and duties. For import customs clearance the following documents are needed:

• Packing list or proforma invoice
• Passport copy
• Copy of shipping document (AWB, BOL)
• Letter for customs clearance permission from Ministry of Foreign Affairs

NOTES
All import shipments are subject to a full customs inspection. Each and every package will be opened by the custom authorities and heavy fines will be imposed for any false declaration.

Prohibited Items When Moving To Qatar

• Alcohol
• Cigars and cigarettes
• Weapons
• Stuffed animals
• Fireworks
• Pork meat
• Pornographic materials, sex books
• Anti-Islamic material, literature
• All kind of tactical gear
• Idols
• CDs, DVDs

NOTES
If found in the shipment, these will be confiscated and the customer may have to pay heavy penalty and/or face imprisonment.

B. IMPORT OF VEHICLES

The vehicle must be Gulf Standard and should not be older than five years. Documents needed for import customs clearance are as follows:

• Passport copy
• Qatar ID copy of the owner/shipper
• NOC from sponsor
• Invoice of the car
• Ownership title / car export certificate

The customs duty is 5 percent of the estimated value of the goods done by the custom valuation committee plus the legalization charges.

NOTES
Vehicles older than five years are not allowed to be imported to Qatar.

C. Import of Carpets, Paintings, Musical Instruments, Artifacts and Antiques

No special permits are needed to import these items. For import clearance, the same documents need to be submitted that are required to import normal household goods.

NOTES
As long as these items are used and are in an acceptable quantity, they can be imported duty free. Amount of carpets, paintings, artwork and antiques should be in proportion to the items being imported.

EXPORT

A. Export of Household Goods (HHG)

1. Foreigners
For export customs clearance the following documents are needed:

• Passport copy
• Copy of Qatar residence permit (visa stamp page or Qatar ID / Diplomat ID will also suffice)

2. Citizens of Qatars
For export customs clearance the following documents are needed:

• Passport copy
• Copy of Qatar ID

3. Diplomats
For export customs clearance the following documents are needed:

• Passport copy
• Copy of Qatar residence permit (visa stamp page or Qatar ID / Diplomat ID will also suffice)

Prohibited Items

• Alcohol
• Cigars and cigarettes
• Weapons
• Stuffed animals
• Fireworks
• Pork meat
• Pornographic materials, sex books
• Anti-Islamic material, literature
• All kind of tactical gear
• Idols
• CDs, DVDs

NOTES:

To export special items, such as rifles and stuffed animals, an export permit issued by the respective Ministry is needed prior to departure.

B. Export of Vehicles

Documents needed for export customs clearance of vehicles are as follows:

• Passport copy
• Qatar ID copy of the owner/shipper
• Car export certificate (this has to be attested by Chamber). Chamber will issue Certificate of Origin

C. Export of Carpets, Paintings, Musical Instruments, Artifacts and Antiques

No special permits are needed to export these items. For export clearance, the same documents need to be submitted that are required to export normal household goods.

NOTES:
As long as these items are used and are in an acceptable quantity, they can be exported out of Qatar. Amount of carpets, paintings, artwork and antiques should be in proportion to the items being imported.

For further information about relocating or moving to Qatar, please contact Move One at moving@moveoneinc.com or request a free moving quote by filling out our short online form.

Rest of the series:

Relocation: Qatar
Immigration: Qatar
Pet Transportation: Qatar

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