Looking to hire in Qatar

In Qatar, there are no payroll taxes, so approved business expenses and allowances can be paid through payroll without creating a tax liability for employees. Any expense approved after the payroll cut off date is simply pushed to the next payroll run.

To have reimbursements included in the current payroll cycle, expenses must be reviewed and approved by both the client and the employer by 11:59 AM Pacific Time on the payroll cut off date. All other payroll adjustments must be reviewed and approved by 11:59 PM Pacific Time on the same date.

Employees must submit current-year expenses within 60 days of the expense date or within 30 days after returning from a business trip, whichever is later. Prior-year expenses are only accepted up to February 1 of the following year.

Business-related phone and internet subscriptions and coworking space costs can be reimbursed on a non taxable basis. For phone and internet, bank statements or transaction details are accepted up to 1000 QAR per claim; coworking requires a tax invoice or receipt.

Supporting documents for these expenses must show the date, amount, currency, service provider or merchant name, and a description of the purchase or service.

Laptops, office equipment and supplies, software subscriptions, and postal charges can all be reimbursed as non taxable business expenses. All require a tax invoice or receipt.

A wide range of travel-related costs can be reimbursed on a non taxable basis, including insurance, visas, accommodation, transport, fuel, mileage, and parking or tolls. Many transport expenses allow bank statements or transaction details up to 1000 QAR instead of a formal invoice or receipt.

Everyday meals, groceries, and business meals with clients or partners can be reimbursed as non taxable expenses. For each of these, a tax invoice, receipt, or bank statement or transaction details up to 1000 QAR is acceptable.

A range of other costs can also be reimbursed on a non taxable basis, including training and courses, promotional items, gym memberships, medical and life insurance, wellness benefits, and medical costs. All require a tax invoice or receipt, and many must clearly identify the employee.

Employers in Qatar may offer a per diem of USD 100 per day to employees on business trips to cover incidental travel expenses. Employees should refer to their employment contract for the exact per diem rules that apply to them.

Bonuses in Qatar include contractual and discretionary payments such as incentives and commissions. All employee bonuses are untaxed, as Qatar’s personal income tax rate is 0% for both Qatari nationals and foreign residents.