Qatar Chamber Announces Reduction in Service Fees as New Cabinet Decision Takes Effect

Doha, Qatar -The Qatar Chamber has announced the implementation of Cabinet Decision No. 19 for 2024, which introduces a reduction in fees for various services provided by the Chamber. The new fees are set to take effect from Sunday, October 20, 2024.

This decision, ratified by H.H. The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and published in the Official Gazette, aims to ease the financial burdens on Qatari companies and encourage new business ventures and investments across various sectors.

Reduced Membership Fees

Under the new regulation, the annual membership fees have been significantly reduced for several types of businesses. For shareholding companies, holding companies, and foreign companies involved in contracts with the state, the membership fee is now set at QR 5,000, reflecting a 50% reduction.

For limited liability companies, general partnerships, simple partnerships, joint ventures, and partnerships limited by shares, the annual membership fee is now QR 500, regardless of the company’s capital or type of activity. Additionally, branches of these companies will be subject to a fee of 10% of the annual subscription upon renewal.

Authentication and Certification Services

The new fee structure also impacts the Chamber’s authentication and certification services, with the following charges introduced:

- Approval of a commercial invoice: QR 50
- Issuance of a certificate of origin: QR 50
- Issuance of a certificate to whom it may concern: QR 50
- Signature attestation: QR 50
- Each additional copy of the above transactions: QR 50
- Duplicate copy: QR 10 

ATA Carnet Fees

The ATA Carnet, a document allowing the temporary importation of goods for exhibitions or trade shows, also sees changes in its fee structure:

- Chamber members: QR 1,000 for one visit, QR 100 per additional country in transit cases, QR 25 per additional page.
- Non-members: QR 2,000 for one visit, QR 200 per additional country in transit cases, QR 50 per additional page.
- ATA Carnet cancellation: QR 500
- Urgent cancellations (within 24, 48, or 72 hours) range from QR 250 to QR 500.

Arbitration Request Fees

The arbitration request fee will be set at 0.001 of the dispute’s value, with a minimum fee of QR 2,000.

Qatar Chamber Chairman H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani expressed confidence that the reduction in fees will help alleviate financial pressures on businesses, encourage the establishment of new companies, and stimulate investment in Qatar’s diverse sectors. This move is expected to further support the country’s business environment, making it more attractive to both local and foreign investors.