Removals to Qatar: your relocation options

Relocating to Qatar requires choosing between air freight (1-7 days, USD 4-8/kg for small shipments) or sea freight (4-8 weeks, USD 2,000-5,000 for 20ft container, USD 3,000-8,000 for 40ft). Qatar customs may inspect belongings. Prohibited items include alcohol, pork products, religious materials offensive to Islam, narcotics, weapons, and pornography. Required documents: passport copy, residence visa, detailed inventory list in English and Arabic, and bill of lading. New residents can import personal items duty-free if owned 6+ months. For more expat relocation services, visit our directory.

Qatar offers many opportunities for expats with high quality of life, developing healthcare, and numerous international schools. However, arranging removals to Qatar involves many formalities and logistical considerations.

Air Freight vs. Sea Freight

Air Freight

Best for: Small shipments, urgent items, valuable belongings

Pros:

• Fast delivery (1-7 days door-to-door)
• Lower risk of damage
• More secure
• Good for documents, electronics, essential items

Cons:

• Expensive (USD 4-8 per kg)
• Weight/size limitations
• Not suitable for furniture or large items

Sea Freight

Best for: Large shipments, furniture, household goods, vehicles

Pros:

• Cost-effective for large volumes
• Can ship entire households
• Container sizes: 20ft (33 cubic meters) or 40ft (67 cubic meters)

Cons:

• Slow (4-8 weeks depending on origin)
• Higher risk of damage from handling
• Requires more planning

Costs of Moving to Qatar

Air Freight Costs

• USD 4-8 per kilogram
• Minimum charges apply
• Additional fees: customs clearance, fuel surcharges, handling

Sea Freight Costs

• 20ft container: USD 2,000-5,000
• 40ft container: USD 3,000-8,000
• Prices vary by origin country and season
• Additional costs: port charges, customs clearance, local delivery

Shared Container Option

Less than Container Load (LCL) - share container space, pay by cubic meter. Cost: USD 100-300 per cubic meter.

Qatar Customs Regulations

Prohibited Items

• Alcohol (strict Islamic country)
• Pork products
• Religious materials (offensive to Islam)
• Narcotics and drugs
• Weapons and ammunition
• Pornographic materials
• Items from boycotted countries

Restricted Items (Require Permits)

• Medications (need prescription)
• Pets (require health certificates, import permits)
• Plants and seeds
• Certain electronics

Duty-Free Allowances

New residents can import personal/household items duty-free if:

• Items are for personal use
• You have residence visa
• Items have been owned for 6+ months

Required Documents for Qatar Customs

• Passport copy
• Qatar residence visa/work permit
• Detailed inventory list (in English and Arabic)
• Bill of lading or airway bill
• Packing list
• Original purchase receipts (for new/valuable items)
• Employment contract or sponsorship letter

Step-by-Step Relocation Process

Before Departure (2-3 Months)

1. Research and contact removal companies
2. Get quotes (at least 3)
3. Check Qatar customs regulations
4. Start decluttering and sorting belongings
5. Book removal date

1 Month Before

1. Create detailed inventory
2. Purchase insurance
3. Arrange shipping method
4. Start packing non-essentials
5. Confirm Qatar address for delivery

2 Weeks Before

1. Finalize packing
2. Prepare required documents
3. Confirm shipping details with company
4. Arrange temporary accommodation if needed

Upon Arrival in Qatar

1. Notify removal company of arrival
2. Complete customs clearance
3. Pay any duties/fees
4. Arrange delivery to residence
5. Inspect items upon delivery
6. Report any damage within 24-48 hours

Packing Options

Full-Service Packing

Removal company packs everything. Most expensive but least stressful.

Cost: Additional 20-40% of shipping cost

Partial Packing

Company packs fragile/valuable items, you pack the rest.

Cost: Additional 10-20% of shipping cost

Self-Packing

You pack everything. Cheapest option but most time-consuming.

Note: Some insurance policies do not cover self-packed items

Finding a Removal Company

What to Look For

• Experience with Qatar relocations
• Qatar customs clearance services
• Insurance coverage options
• Door-to-door service
• English-speaking customer service
• Positive reviews from expats

Questions to Ask

• What is included in the quote? (packing, insurance, customs, delivery)
• How long is the transit time?
• What insurance options are available?
• Who handles Qatar customs clearance?
• What happens if there are delays?
• Are there storage options if needed?

Shipping Vehicles to Qatar

Possible but expensive. Vehicle must meet Qatar specifications and pass inspection. Consider buying locally instead.

Vehicle Shipping Costs

• USD 1,500-4,000 depending on origin
• Additional: registration fees, import duties (5%), inspection fees

Storage Options

If Qatar accommodation not ready:

• Short-term storage at Qatar port (expensive)
• Removal company storage facilities
• Private storage companies in Doha

Insurance for International Moves

Types of Coverage

• All Risk: Comprehensive, covers most damage/loss (recommended)
• Total Loss: Only covers complete container loss
• Named Perils: Covers specific incidents only

Typical Costs

1.5-3% of declared value for all-risk coverage

Tips for Smooth Relocation

• Start planning early (3+ months)
• Take photos of valuable items before packing
• Keep essential documents in carry-on luggage
• Pack a "first arrival" box with immediate needs
• Label boxes clearly in English and Arabic
• Keep inventory list digital copy
• Join Qatar expat groups for advice
• Consider climate - Qatar is very hot, some items may not suit

Common Removal Mistakes

• Underestimating packing time
• Not checking what is prohibited in Qatar
• Choosing cheapest quote without checking credentials
• Insufficient insurance
• Not keeping important documents accessible
• Forgetting to measure furniture for new residence