A guide to moving to Qatar

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Important information you need to know when moving to Qatar

Want to move to Doha? Considering moving to Al Rayyan? Here’s the moving advice you’ll need for any international removal to Qatar…

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aerial view of the pearl-qatar island in doha through the morning fog - qatar, the persian gulf. UAE
Katara Mosque in Katara Cultural Village, popular touristic destination in Doha, Qatar

Moving Household Goods And Personal Effects To Qatar

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning an international removal to Qatar:
  • Copy of Passport (Of the individual moving/importing the goods) / visa / residence permit visa with page of entry stamp
  • Removal packing list (in English) – We will complete this if you want us to undertake a full packing service for your removal
  • Copy of bill of lading (OBL) / express release or telex release / air waybill (AWB) – We will take care of this if completing the entire international removal to Qatar for you.
  • Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
  • Original authorization letter in Arabic
  • Letter of employment (NOC)
We recommend providing these as soon as possible to reduce delays with your removal to Qatar. Late receipt of documentation can lead to missed shipments, additional charges and penalties at Qatari Customs. For your own protection, we will almost never ship your goods without the above in place.
Traditional boats in the Persian Gulf in Doha, Qatar

Additional Removal Advice for Removals to Qatar

  • The owner of the goods must be in Qatar during Customs clearance.
  • The residence visa must be obtained prior to arrival of the shipment.
  • Documents must be received by agent at least 5 days prior to arrival of the shipment.
  • Customs will inspect all packages.
  • Customs clearance takes approximately 3 – 4 business days from the date of receipt of the original Documentation Required for the Move for clearance.
    • Storage or demurrage charges will be billed back to the owner of the goods or agent per the receipt.
  • All sea shipments that arrive at the Doha port after 6 months from the first entry date of the consignee will have a 5% customs duty levied.
  • The Customs duty is 5% of the estimated value of goods determined by the Customs Valuation Committee plus the legalization charges of approximately USD $175.00.
  • All prohibited articles detained by Customs may be destroyed without consignee’s consent.
  • All printed matter, records, films, books, pictures, tapes, slides, movies, videos, compact discs, computer software, etc. are subject to censorship and confiscation (must be packed separately for easy access) if caught with any of these items, customer will be subject to severe penalties and a possible jail term.
  • Travel bags and packages must remain unlocked.

Popular Destinations in Qatar

Gerson Moving Services is vastly experienced in international removals to cities all over the globe. Their long history and detailed knowledge of different countries makes them the perfect choice for your move. Here are some of the most popular destinations we are asked to move people to in Qatar:

Doha, Al Rayyan.

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Which countries have mandatory health insurance
Moving your finances overseas
International currency on a money transfer app
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Additional Services for your move to Qatar

Moving Your Money

If you’re moving to Qatar, it’s very likely you’ll need to exchange a significant amount of currency. Many people lose out by using their bank, assuming it’s the only option. However, there are specialist currency exchange providers that offer more competitive rates and can help you save thousands. To find out how to make your money go further during your move, speak to one of our move managers, click here, or give us a call: +44 20 7097 5335.

Get Move Liability Cover for your international removal to Qatar

We always advise taking out move protection liability cover with us on every move. Although we like to think we’re the best in the industry, the odd accident can occasionally happen. For added peace of mind, make sure to speak to one of our move managers about this.

Discover Our GMS Xtra Value Services

Gerson Moving Services goes beyond standard removals, offering a full range of relocation solutions to make your move seamless. Our value-added services include international currency transfer, home and school search, visa and immigration support, health insurance, container tracking, car purchase and leasing, and temporary accommodation. We also provide expert packing, secure storage, customs clearance, and pet relocation, ensuring a smooth transition whether you’re moving locally or internationally. With our end-to-end relocation management, you can trust Gerson for a stress-free, efficient move.

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Moving Your Car Or Motorcycle

Documents required

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning to move your vehicle to Qatar:

  • Original import manifest
  • Registration certificate
  • Purchase / sales invoice
  • Original bill of lading / air waybill
  • Insurance policy
  • Proof of ownership at origin
motorbike-crating for shipment

Additional Import Advice

  • Vehicles must be Gulf standard and left-hand drive.
  • Automobiles should not be more than 5 years old.
  • The owner of the vehicle must be a resident in Qatar prior to registration of the vehicle.
  • A 5% Customs duty is charged on the value of the vehicle identified on the price on the purchase / sales invoice or its depreciated value and is determined at the discretion of the Customs Officer in charge.

Relocating Your Pets to Qatar

These documents will be required when planning to relocate your pet to Qatar

  • Veterinary health certificate
  • Vaccination record

Additional Import Advice

  • The veterinary health certificate must be issued by a government approved veterinarian clinic in the origin country and must confirm that the animal is in good health with current vaccinations.
  • The certificate must be dated within 2 weeks prior to the animal’s arrival in Qatar.
Dogs traveling by airplane. Boxes with live animals at the airport

Restricted & Dutiable / Taxable Items

Think very carefully before moving these items to Qatar. Items on this list will be taxed and/or require specific permission to import. In all cases they must be declared prior to you relocating to Qatar:

  • Cigarettes (free import up to 400)
  • Personal items and gifts (free import up to QAR 3,000.-.)
  • Firearms (special permission from the Ministry of Defence in Qatar is required)

Prohibited / Banned Items

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Do not move any of these items to Qatar:

  • Alcohol
  • Ivory
  • Pork products
  • Pornographic materials
  • Politically subversive materials
  • Explosives and explosive items, including fireworks and other flammable items
  • Idols
  • Narcotic drugs

The following additional items are prohibited in GMS Baggage/Courier Consignments:

  • Aerosols (all kinds, Hairspray, Deodorant etc)
  • Aftershaves / Perfumes / Fragrances
  • Airbags
  • Alcoholic Drinks or Bottles
  • Ammunition of any kind
  • Animals of any kind (Dead or Alive)
  • Any items containing Petrol (Liquid, Gas or Fumes)
  • Biological Samples
  • Car Batteries
  • Cash & Cards (Credit / Debit)
  • Chainsaws
  • Cheques (Bank)
  • Christmas Crackers
  • Counterfeit Currency
  • Dangerous Goods
  • Driving Licence
  • Drugs (Including Prescription)
  • Engines
  • Excrement / Filth
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Fish (Dead or Live)
  • Foodstuffs (all kinds)
  • Hazardous Goods
  • Human Remains (including ashes)
  • Infectious Substances
  • Knives
  • Laptop Computers, Mobile/Smart Phones or Tablets
  • Lighters
  • Lottery Tickets
  • Nail Varnish / Nail Varnish Remover
  • Oils
  • Paints
  • Passports
  • Perishable Goods (All)
  • Plants / Seeds etc
  • Printer Toner
  • Seatbelt Tensioners and Steering Wheels
  • Stamps
  • Tobacco
  • Water
  • Weapons (all kinds, including replicas)
  • Windscreens

Disclaimer: Customs regulations can change at any time with or without notice. This information is provided as a guide only. While Gerson Moving Services has exercised reasonable care in publishing this information, Gerson Moving Services makes no representation, either expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or applicability.

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Best experience ever! I desperately needed a mover to help with a last minute relocation, and GMS were so helpful in making it a seamless process!”