Qatar is a small but exciting country in the Arabian Gulf. The capital Doha hosts a large expat community, drawn to an attractive 0% income tax rate and a warm climate. English is widely spoken, as many Qataris go to the UK for studies, and it continues to be the favorite destination for many Qataris.
Moving to Qatar for several years to work in the petroleum industry is common. We also send shipments for many Qataris who have been living in the United States for a few years.
Moving with SDC International Shipping
A move to Qatar will be an exciting, life-changing event. The culture is very different from the US. Some challenges will accompany your move, and SDC International Shipping will be there to help.
As an international moving company to Qatar, we send commercial and residential shipments regularly.
Moving Personal Belongings
If you decide to move from the United States to Qatar, you will want to bring many American household items, personal goods, and effects.
As the average Qatari family size is 9, many homes in Qatar are large and should not have a problem accommodating everything you are sending from the United States. SDC international household movers will prepare your items to move to Qatar.
Our movers will take apart tables, beds, and other furniture to minimize the chance of damage. Each piece will be individually protected. We use industry-leading packing materials like moving boxes, carton pads, bubble wrap, and cloth furniture pads, using whatever is most appropriate for each piece.
When your shipment arrives in Qatar, everything that was disassembled will be reassembled. Our movers will remove moving debris, including empty boxes, while the movers are still there.
International Car Shipping
Shipping a car to Qatar is a great idea. Remember that the summers can be very hot in Qatar, meaning that not all cars will be suitable. Dark body colors should be avoided, and make sure that you are sending a model available in Qatar so that you can get replacement parts there quickly.
Premium and luxury models popular in America, like Cadillac, Lexus, and Infiniti, will have the same models available and are great candidates for import.
Your car should be clean and empty for shipping to Qatar. Our movers will empty the car of liquids before loading it. We offer two shipping options – in a container and via RORO.
Shipping your vehicle in a separate container is quite reasonable. We recommend sending a 40′ container that can accommodate all of your household goods along with your automobile.
Qatar does not impose special taxes on the import of automobiles. Cars are taxed at 5% of their value, and there is no special tax holiday. Qatar also allows for the import of motorcycles from the United States.
International Transport Options
Almost all returning Qatari citizens choose to send private containers. As clearing customs is tricky, we insist that all residential clients book door delivery.
Our logistics team will coordinate moving your cargo to its destination. 20′ containers with 1100 cubic feet of storage space are common and appropriate for a 3-bedroom household.
If you send an automobile with your household goods or a larger shipment, a 40′ container with 2,200 cubic feet of storage space is available. It is possible to send smaller shipments, starting at 100 cubic feet for door-to-door delivery.
Many of our clients send a portion of the things they will need more immediately using air cargo, which usually arrives in about a week from most locations in the USA.
If you are only moving for a few years, you might want to send only a portion of your things and leave a portion in storage. SDC International Shipping can facilitate this with a single pick-up from your home. We can put a portion of your things in storage and send the rest to your home in Qatar.
What to Know About Customs Regulations
Qatar does not generally accept immigrants. Returning citizens can bring their families with them. If you are moving to Qatar for work, you will need to be sponsored by your employer. Please keep in mind that women in Qatar are required to have permission to work from their husbands.
If you are sending a commercial shipment, please note that you must register there before sending a shipment.
All shipments to Qatar require an accurate and detailed shipping list. If you are sending a commercial shipment, please include this. If you are a returning Qatari citizen, we will prepare this list for you when our movers come to load your container for shipment to Qatar.
Please note that Qatar has many restrictions on the import, including most old recorded materials like CDs or DVDs, films, and tapes. Do not send any communications equipment, foodstuffs, computers, and most art and toys.
More Qatar Moving Services
We offer a range of other moving services to fit your needs. Whether you need to move your piano or transport your pet, we can help you choose the best shipping service.
- Port-to-port delivery
- Packing on site
- Pick up from your location in the US
- Artwork shipping
- Pet relocation
- Piano shipping
- Shared or single container shipping
- Shipping by sea or air
- Marine Insurance
How Much Does It Cost to Move to Qatar?
The moving price to Qatar varies depending on the client’s needs and factors like the volume of household items, the distance between origin and destination, and more. To avoid confusion, we create custom quotes based on the details of each shipment.
You can get the moving quote by filling out our online quote form or calling us at (877) 339-0267.
How Long Does It Take to Ship to Qatar?
Hamad, located in the south of Doha, is Qatar’s main port accepting household and commercial goods. Generally, the ocean transit time from the US to Hamad takes around 8-10 weeks with door-to-door service. This doesn’t include sending your items in a shared or consolidated container.
If you wish to send your home items faster, we can arrange air freight from the airport in the USA close to you. As your international mover, we’ll do our best to deliver your goods in the shortest time possible.
The Most Popular Places to Move to Qatar
Here’s the complete list of the best places to live in Qatar as an expat.
- Doha
- Al Rayyan
- West Bay
- Al Waab
- Al Wakrah
- Abu Hamour
- The Pearl
- Al Thumama
- Al Sadd
A top destination is, of course, Doha, which is a hub for different industries.
Curious Facts About Qatar
- Qatar is ranked second for being the flattest country in the world.
- Hamad International Airport is not only one of the longest but also the best airport in the world.
- So it is no wonder Qatar Airways is the best airline in the world.
- Want to see where the sea meets the desert? Go to Khor Al Adair.
- Qatar’s coastline is pretty impressive – 563 kilometers.
- The country is the second safest country in the world.
- Qatar is so attractive that locals are the minority.
- How fun and luxurious? Robots are used for camel racing in Qatar!
- Oryx is the national animal of Qatar.
More Resources for Your Qatar Move
- Learn about life in Qatar vs. US.
- Here’s helpful info on container dimensions.
Planning your move to Qatar from the USA? Please request a quote online or call us at (877) 339-0267.
