Qatar Lawyers
Welcome to Qatar Lawyers, the one stop site for information about Qatar Lawyers, where to find one and if you need one. We also provide local knowledge of the law and practises and how to find a lawyer in Qatar.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is the judicial system in Qatar?
Ans: The three-tier judicial system in Qatar comprises of the Courts of Justice / Sharia Courts at the base, Appeal Court of Justice / Sharia Court of Appeal in the middle and the Court of Cassation at the top. The ruling of the Court of Cassation cannot be challenged.
2. What are the legal prohibitions in Qatar?
Ans: Prohibited items in Qatar for import: weapons and ammunition, pornography, drugs, alcohol and pork
Alcohol consumption while driving and in public places is forbidden. In addition, public display of affection between heterosexual or homosexual couples is outlawed.
3. In Qatar, under Sharia Law who gets the child.s custody after talaq?
Ans: The mother gets the child.s custody until the age of thirteen for a daughter and until the age of eleven for boy, after which it is passed to the father.
4. Are foreign law firms allowed to practice in the country?
Ans: Foreign law firms upon special application are allowed to practice in Qatar, depending on their international experience. They are granted a license in specific areas of practice, renewable after every five years.
5. I heard that there are no taxes in Qatar. Is it true?
Ans: Tax is levied on economic transactions of foreign entities. Personal Income from wages and allowance is not taxed. There are no taxes levied on companies owned solely by Qatari nationals. In addition, there is no property, municipal or sales tax.
6. Can women work in Qatar?
Ans: Yes, women are allowed to work and drive in Qatar.
7. Can a working women sponsor her husband?
Ans: Yes, a working women can sponsor her husband, including foreign husbands of Qatari nationals.
8. How much custom duty is levied on good exported from or good exported in Qatar?
Ans: A custom duty of 5% is charged on goods imported into Qatar. No duty is charged on goods imported from GCC nations. In addition, duty exemptions are granted to key national projects and their contractors. There are no custom duties on goods imported for temporary use and then re-exported. Also, there are no export taxes.
9. Can foreign companies own a 100% stake in their corporation?
Ans: Under a general rule, 51% stake of the business capital should be owned by a Qatari national while the remaining 49% by foreign ownership. However, under certain circumstances, the stake can be increased to 100% if permitted by the Ministry of Economy.
10. What is the spoken language in a Qatari court?
Ans: Legal proceedings in Qatar courts take place in Arabic. Foreign nationals should hire a translator to understand the proceedings.