MoCI Cuts Home Business Fees and Simplifies Licensing

MoCI Cuts Home Business Fees and Simplifies Licensing

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has cut home business licensing fees to QR300 and streamlined the process to align with legal requirements. 

Latifa Al Ali, Head of the Commercial Records and Licensing Department at MoCI, stated that the reduction from QR1,500 to QR300 is intended to encourage entrepreneurs to formalize their micro-businesses. She also highlighted that the number of approved home business activities has expanded from 15 to 63, fostering micro-entrepreneurship and local investments.

The simplified process now requires only that the applicant’s QID address matches their 'Onwani' (home address). Applicants must provide their QID, the homeowner’s QID, and the Onwani address.

Al Ali emphasized that each business activity requires a separate license and urged entrepreneurs to obtain licenses to ensure safety for themselves and their consumers. The licenses are issued in a manner that minimizes local traffic impact and avoids disturbing neighbors.

Regarding the monitoring of home-based businesses, MoCI handles licensing inspections, while the Ministry of Public Health oversees food safety and health concerns.

Al Ali noted a significant increase in licensing applications following the procedural simplifications. Applications can be submitted online via the Single Window portal, eliminating the need for additional forms if submitted electronically.

The Ministry also announced that Ministerial Decision No. 60, 2024, which took effect on July 11, 2024, has reduced fees for certain commercial services and business activities by over 90%. This move aligns with the Ministry’s strategy to enhance the investment environment, support the Trade, Industry & Business Development sectors, and contribute to Qatar’s National Vision 2030 as part of the Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030).