Everything You Need to Know About NOCs in Qatar

A No Objection Certificate is a legal requirement for different processes within Qatar. If you want to change business ownership, release an accident vehicle or issue a driving licence, an NOC is required. The best part is that you can easily apply online for an NOC in Qatar using the Ministry of Interior (MOI) portal. 

Let’s explore the different types of NOCs in Qatar, along with the application steps and the required documents.

What Is a No Objection Certificate in Qatar?

A No Objection Certificate in Qatar is a legal document for various administrative and real estate processes. Issuance of an NOC allows a person to carry out the desired activity without any objection. This is a certificate of legal compliance avoiding future legal issues.

The Ministry of Interior (MOI) Qatar caters to NOC issuance and offers both online and offline services. Online service is accessible via the MOI E-portal whereas some services are offered at MOI service centres.

Types of NOCs in Qatar

To save yourself from legal repercussions, request a No Objection Certificate in Qatar as per your needs. Here are the various types of NOCs you can request from MOI, either online or offline:

1. Add Activity in the Establishment’s System

As a business owner, adding or removing any business activity from the registered company profile requires the issuance of an NOC. This is proof of the Qatar Government permitting business activity as legal within the state.

Application Process

  • Go to the MOI E-services portal and use your smart card to log in.
  • Choose the transaction type (for smart card owners: personal and for authorised individuals: company name).
  • Choose ‘No Objection Certificates – Companies’ and click on ‘Add/Delete Activity’.
  • Fill out the form with company and individual information.
  • In the ‘Add/Delete Activity’ section, choose the activities to be added or deleted.
  • Move to the ‘Attachments’ section and attach documents such as commercial licence, establishment ID, commercial register and building permit.
  • Next, review and confirm in the ‘Summary’ section.
  • Click on ‘Send’ to complete the application.

2. Driving Licence

Want to apply for a driving licence but short on time? With a No Objection Certificate, you can sponsor a person to apply for a licence with the Traffic Department on your behalf.

Application Process

  • Go to the MOI website and log in.
  • Go to ‘Traffic Services’ then click on ‘Driving Licence NOC’.
  • Next, fill out the NOC details in the ‘Request Details’ section.
  • For sponsored individuals, type their QID or Visa number.
  • Choose the desired driving licence (motorbike, bus or car).
  • Choose to issue a new licence or replace a lost one.
  • Confirm and submit.

Besides, if you want to learn driving, here are the top driving schools in Qatar.

3. Change Business Information

All registered businesses with the Qatar Government need to obtain an NOC to change any of the business information. Whether it is a trade name, company address, modification of owners or general information, apply for a No Objection from the concerned MOI department.

Application Process

  • Log in to the MOI E-services portal.
  • Select ‘No Objection Certificates – Companies’ or ‘NOC Services’ for owner modification.
  • Choose the service for which NOC is required (Change Trade Name/Change Address or Other NOCs/NOC Change Owner Service).
  • Fill out the relevant details as per the chosen NOC type such as company and applicant information and new trade name/address.
  • Move to the ‘Attachments’ section and attach documents such as commercial licence, establishment ID, commercial register and building permit.
  • Next, review and confirm in the ‘Summary’ section.
  • Click on ‘Send’ to complete the application.

4. Change of Ownership Clearance

Do you want to sell your business partner shares in Qatar? Legally, you must obtain a clearance certificate (NOC) to sell the shares and request a tax clearance certificate.

Application Process

  • Visit the National Authentication System’s official website.
  • Register and then log in.
  • Choose ‘Request for Non-Objection Certificate (NOC)’ > ‘Tax Clearance’.
  • Start the service and fill out the form.
  • Attach contract or invoice copy.
  • All set to complete the application.

5. Grease Trap

A grease trap NOC is necessary for requesting drainage services from the Assets Affairs Sector at the Public Works Authority (Ashghal). The NOC should be requested from the Roads Operations and Maintenance section of Ashghal. The following sectors must obtain this certificate:

  • Restaurants and Hotels
  • Homes used partially as restaurants
  • Gas Stations
  • Car Repair Garages
  • Bakeries and Kitchens

Application Process

  • Go to the Ashghal customer zone portal, log in, and click ‘Apply’.
  • Enter the information and attach documents including the owner and applicant’s Qatari ID, commercial registration and commercial licence (for renewal) and municipality-approved permit.
  • Submit the request.
  • For applying in person, visit the Ashghal office with the copies of required documents.

6. Release Vehicle

For vehicles under the custody of the Qatar Government due to accidents causing damage to Ashghal assets, a Vehicle Release NOC is mandatory. Request it from the Roads Operations and Maintenance section of Ashghal. The request fee for this service is QAR 100.

Application Process

  • Visit the Ashghal customer zone portal and log in.
  • Attach the required documents including driving licence/Qatari ID card, car registration certificate, police accident report and photographs of Ashghal’s damaged assets.
  • Requesters can also visit the Ashghal office to apply in person.

7. Navigational Warning Announcement

Request an NOC to run an announcement of navigational warning for large vessels on the Ministry of Transport website. A service fee of QAR 500 is applicable for requesting this NOC.

Application Process

  • Visit the Ministry of Transport’s official website.
  • Under the ‘Big vessels’ list, click on ‘Issuing NOL for the announcement of a navigational warning.
  • Click ‘Apply’ and sign in to the Tawtheeq portal.
  • Enter the details and attach the required documents.
  • Done! Click on Apply.

8. Change of Industrial Project Information

Investors and businesses must obtain a No Objection Certificate for changing any industrial project information. This includes adding a new activity, location change, partner modification and update to name.

Application Process

  • Go to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s official website.
  • Click on the ‘E-services’ section.
  • Then, sign in on the ‘Industrial Services Platform’.
  • Fill out and submit the form.

9. Beneficiary Residency

Are you moving to Qatar and want to obtain residency as a foreign national? Get a No Objection Letter issued by the Ministry of Doha Municipality addressing the MOI.

Application Process

  • To apply, visit the Real Estate Registration and Housing Units Office for non-Qataris in person.
  • For companies, the documents required are commercial licence and commercial registration copies.

10. Buy Aggregate from QPMC

This NOC is for contractors under contract with Ashghal to buy aggregate from Qatar Primary Materials Company (QPMC) for their projects. The Engineering Services Department at Ashghal caters to these requests.

Application Process

  • Search for the Aggregate form on the Ashghal official website.
  • Fill out and submit to the Asghal office in person.

Note: All other NOC services are free except for the mentioned service fee. Moreover, the timeline for NOC issuance varies depending on the service. Furthermore, an NOC Certificate will be issued on the concerned portal and the requestor will be notified via email or SMS.

FAQs

1. Is a No Objection Certificate Still Required From Employers in Qatar to Switch Jobs?

As per the 2020 update, NOC is no longer a mandatory requirement to change jobs. This update provides greater flexibility to people to easily change jobs.

2. What Is QID in Qatar?

QID or Qatar ID is an identification document issued by the Qatar Government to expats and locals. This proves that the person is a resident of Qatar. Check the status of QID and renew it before expiration.

3. What Are the Visa Types in Qatar?

Qatar has multiple visa programs that welcome expats from all over the world. Some Qatar visa types include tourist, business, visit and investor visas.

With this, learn about the NOC required for your desired action. Easily apply for your desired NOC in simple steps. Know that NOC is more than a piece of paper. Legalise the different processes and avoid future hassles in Qatar with a NOC!

Nevertheless, if you’re on a property hunt, explore these areas where expats can own property in Qatar.

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