The Ministry of Economy and Commerce announced this week new procedures for the licensing of small home businesses for those who are self-employed. In Decree No. 242 of 2016, it states that commercial activities for home-based enterprises such as photography, gift packaging, cooking/catering, tailoring and embroidery, and perfume and cosmetic production, are eligible for home business licensing for a yearly fee of QR 1,020.

This announcement comes as positive news for those talented home-based entrepreneurs who want to legitimately showcase their products and skills. Eligible licensees must be 18 years of age or older and must reside in the home where the company is registered, and only one license will be issued per house. For home-based culinary businesses additional clearances from Civil Defense may be required.

Certain health and safety measures do apply under the new licensing policy, such as restrictions against businesses utilizing hazardous equipment and materials, and operations that are noisy or disruptive to the surrounding environment. All business must use home delivery services, as direct selling from the home is not allowed.

Do you know someone who will benefit from these new, relaxed regulations? We can’t wait to see the impact this will have on the local economy as more and more talented community members can now more easily share their offerings with the public.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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Ashlee

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