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Posted On: 30 July 2018 09:00 am
Updated On: 11 December 2022 05:15 pm

Everything you need to know for opening a bank account in Qatar

Fareeha Imtiaz
Fareeha Imtiaz
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Opening bank account qatar

If you're new to Qatar and still settling down, or if you have been around and just looking for banking options; for sure you would be looking for details on how to do so.

The ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team brings you the information you need to know on how to open a bank account in Qatar, including the list of required documents, initial deposit amounts and others.

Note: Commercial Bank and Qatar Islamic Bank have been chosen purely for sample purposes of deposit amounts.

What documents will I need?

Everything you need to know for opening a bank account in Qatar
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Documents required to open a current account typically include the following:

  • Salary certificate or a letter from your company stating the salary and employment details
  • Passport copy
  • Qatar ID or QID copy

If you do not have a Qatar ID or QID, some banks like QNB allow you to open a bank account; however, you would be required to submit a Qatar ID or QID within 90 days; otherwise, the bank account will be blocked.

Documents required to open a savings account:

  • Passport Copy
  • Qatar ID or QID copy

The documents required may vary from bank to bank; however, those mentioned above are essential.

NOTE: It is best recommended to open your bank account by visiting a physical bank branch instead of doing so online.

What is the amount of the initial deposit required to open an account?

Everything you need to know for opening a bank account in Qatar
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Current Account:

Most banks in Qatar do not require a minimum initial deposit to open a current bank account. However, having a salary transfer would be a requirement. Some banks stipulate a minimum salary amount to open a current account. Minimum salary requirement:

  • Commercial Bank- QR 3,501 | Qatar Islamic Bank QR 4,000

Savings Account:

Opening a savings account will require a deposit. Deposit amounts:

  • Commercial Bank - QR 10,000 | Qatar Islamic Bank - QR 20,000

    Can I open a bank account before I arrive in Qatar?

    Everything you need to know for opening a bank account in Qatar
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    Typically being a resident of Qatar is a prerequisite to opening a bank account in Qatar; however, some banks offer a service where you can apply for your bank account once your immigration formalities are complete from your country of origin.

    One such bank that offers this service is Commercial Bank.

    Applying for additional banking products

    Everything you need to know for opening a bank account in Qatar
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    Most banks in Qatar offer a debit card and chequebook free of charge for customers once they open a current bank account.

    Consult the bank you are dealing with to learn more about the additional services and benefits.

    How can I sign up and begin online banking?

    Everything you need to know for opening a bank account in Qatar
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    Given the high demand for internet banking and technological advancements, internet banking has been made accessible through most banks in Qatar.

    Typically, the banks would operate a website or have an application requiring simple registration steps to log in and gain access to your internet banking account.

    ATMs

    Everything you need to know for opening a bank account in Qatar
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    ATMs are easily accessible across Qatar, most offering withdrawal and deposit services.

    ATMs can be found at all WOQOD petrol stations, malls, hospitals, commercial complexes and many other places.

    Note: Cash withdrawal and deposit via ATMs are free of cost, without any additional charges.

    Opening hours

    Everything you need to know for opening a bank account in Qatar
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    Typical operating hours of banks in Qatar are 7:30 am to 1 pm, Sunday to Thursday.

    Banks with branches at malls in Qatar usually operate extended hours, in line with the mall's working hours.

    Most banks in Qatar have a list of their branches and working hours on their respective websites.

    Some of the banks in Qatar

    Everything you need to know for opening a bank account in Qatar
    Image Credit: Shutterstock
    • Qatar National Bank
    • Commercial Bank of Qatar
    • Doha Bank
    • Qatar Islamic Bank
    • HSBC Qatar

    RELATED:

    Sources: QIB & CBQ

    Have you been looking for this information? Are you going to be opening a new bank account soon? Do let us know in the comments below. So share this article - it keeps us going!