Accounting and bookkeeping in Qatar

Every business that trades in Qatar must keep its books to a set standard. The General Tax Authority requires accurate and detailed accounting records, books and documents that comply with both Qatari law and international accounting standards. Its investors guide puts the fine for failing to maintain accounting records at QAR 30,000. For a foreign-owned company the books also feed the audited statements that support its tax return, so the bookkeeping and the audit have to fit together.

Ask a firm whether it keeps the books in-house, which software it uses and whether you can see the ledgers online. Ask how it handles invoices to local customers, which the Ministry of Commerce and Industry expects to be detailed and in Arabic, and how it reports to a parent company in another currency. Ask whether it works on the mainland, in the QFC or in a free zone, since each platform has its own filing calendar.

Accountanty lists 27 firms offering accounting in Qatar: 16 accounting firms and 11 corporate service providers. Nineteen are small, three medium-sized and five part of large networks. Twelve say they focus on foreign clients, and English is offered by 16 and Arabic by five. Most are in Doha, with two in Lusail.

Firms offering accounting in Qatar

Mavensmark

Corporate services provider · Medium-sized firm

Doha

  • Company formation
  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Tax compliance
  • +4 more

Languages: English · Arabic

View profile of Mavensmark

TMF Group

Corporate services provider · International network

Lusail

  • Company formation
  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Tax compliance
  • +2 more

Languages: English · Spanish · Polish · Portuguese …

View profile of TMF Group

Ayam Group

Corporate services provider · Boutique firm

Doha

  • Company formation
  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Tax compliance
  • +5 more

Languages: English · Arabic

View profile of Ayam Group

Newoon

Corporate services provider · Boutique firm

Doha

  • Company formation
  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Tax compliance
  • +6 more
View profile of Newoon

TrustLink

Corporate services provider · Medium-sized firm

Doha

  • Company formation
  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Tax compliance
  • +4 more

Languages: English · Arabic

View profile of TrustLink

3 more firms offering accounting in Qatar

Frequently asked questions

Does a small company in Qatar need an accountant?

The law requires every business to keep proper records, and a foreign-owned company files audited statements with its tax return. Most owners abroad hire a firm to keep the books monthly so the year-end audit runs smoothly.

In which language are accounts kept in Qatar?

Customer invoices are expected in Arabic, while many firms keep management reports in English. Among the 27 accounting firms listed, 16 offer English and five Arabic, so ask for both if your parent company needs them.

How do Qatari accounting firms charge?

Most quote a monthly fee based on the number of transactions, with year-end work and audit support priced apart. Ask for a written quote that lists what the monthly fee includes.

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General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules, rates and fees change: check them with the official sources linked on this page or with a qualified adviser before you act.