Qatar
Location: West Asia
Currencies
Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR)
Q. Are there any requirements, when sending QAR?
A. Just your details, the beneficiary details and the purpose of the payment.
Q. Can I send inward and outbound payments?
A. Yes, there are no restrictions on sending money into or outside of Qatar.
Q. How much can I send?
A. As much as you want.
Q. How long will it take for my funds to be received?
A. Standard international payment times. Please note the working days in Qatar are from Sunday to Thursday.
Q. Who can I send QAR to?
A. Both individuals and businesses can receive funds.
Q. Is sending QAR expensive?
A. Not if you use the right currency broker, who will be able to offer you bank-beating exchange rates and significantly lower payment charges.
Q. Can you use forward contracts with QAR?
A. Yes. With the right currency broker, you can book a QAR exchange rate for up to a year forward, protecting you against any adverse currency movements. With these contracts, you will always know exactly what is coming out of your bank account.
Information courtesy of Currencies Direct
Visas & Permits
Visas & Work Permits
Crews from Western countries can apply for a visa on arrival, which is valid for 30 or 90 days within a 180 day period.
Visiting crews are required to have a film permit from the QNA. The application must be made through a locally registered fixer or production service company. The process usually takes about 20 working days, but rush projects may be expedited at extra cost. Allow extra time during the month of Ramadan.
Please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information. Alternatively, there are specialist companies that provide visa and immigration support to the media industry who may be able to assist.
Film Location Permits
Permits for most public locations are free of charge.
The permitting process can be slow in Qatar, so allow plenty of lead time. Usually, it can take 3-15 days, but more complicated shoots involving road closures or pyrotechnics can take up to a month to permit. Of course, all can be expedited if need be.
Drone filming is possible.
Authorities may stop and ask for permits, so make sure to have these available when filming.
Customs
For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Qatar is an ATA carnet country.
When to Film
When to Film
Qatar’s climate is hot and dry all year-round. Coastal areas are more humid than the interior.
The summer from May to October is very hot and dry. Sand storms are common during this period. Winter from November to April is the best time to film, with temperatures in the bearable range.
Qatar is a predominately Muslim country. Ramadan is widely observed with many services closed during this period. The large guest worker population are predominately Christians, Hindus and Buddhists.
Public Holidays
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Qatar.
Costs & VAT
Qatar is one of the more expensive countries in the region. That said, it is still less expensive than shooting in Dubai.
Some film infrastructure exists locally. Otherwise, crew and equipment brought in from abroad will add to the cost of shooting.
There is no VAT in Qatar.
Funding & Tax Incentives
Funding
Please see Doha Film Institute Grants Programme for information on current funding.
Incentives
At the time of writing, there were no incentives listed on the attached resource Entertainment Partners' Production Incentives Map however this may be updated in the future.
Treaty Documents