Who we help · Hospitality & tourism
Accounting and audit management for hotels and restaurants in Qatar
We help hotels and restaurants keep a firm grip on revenue and stock, and keep audits and excise tax on schedule.
Axiom Consultants & Partners · DohaQatar had 5.1 million international visitors in 2025, up 3.7%, and hotels averaged 71% occupancy. Running a hotel, restaurant or tour business here means keeping tight control of revenue and stock and producing audited IFRS accounts. You also need excise tax right on any taxable goods you import, and a tax return if the operator is foreign owned.
Does your hotel or restaurant need an audit?
Answer three questions to see whether the GTA expects audited accounts with your tax return.
Free tool · Company setup cost estimator
Answer straight away, no sign-upSetting up in Qatar, end to end
- Choose the right jurisdiction and structure
- Trade name, CR, licences and Qatar Chamber
- Tax card within 60 days, bank account, visas
Qatar sector snapshot
| Figure | Value | Published by |
|---|---|---|
| International visitors, 2025 | 5.1 million, up 3.7% | Qatar Tourism, Annual Performance Report 2025 |
| Average hotel occupancy, 2025 | 71%, with room nights sold up 8.6% | Qatar Tourism, Annual Performance Report 2025 |
What hotels and restaurants in Qatar need to get right
What excise tax applies?
Excise tax is charged when excise goods are imported or produced: 100% on tobacco, energy drinks and special-purpose goods. Since 6 July 2026, sweetened drinks are taxed by sugar content: QAR 0.77 a litre for 5 to 7.99 g of sugar per 100 ml and QAR 1.06 a litre for 8 g or more, with drinks under 5 g exempt. Businesses that import or produce these goods must register with the GTA before they start and file excise returns every quarter.
Do hotels need audited accounts?
In almost every case. Any company with a foreign owner must attach audited financial statements to its tax return whatever its size. Companies wholly owned by Qatari or resident GCC nationals need an audit from QAR 1 million capital or QAR 5 million income.
Where are the biggest risks?
Usually revenue that leaks through cash, discounts and complimentary items, then stock losses in food and beverage, then payroll for large seasonal teams. Reconciling point-of-sale data regularly and running internal audits cuts all three down.
How Axiom helps hotels and restaurants
- Statutory and first-time audits, managed end to end
- Internal audit support for revenue, food and beverage stock and purchasing
- Monthly accounting and management reports in the system you already use
- Excise tax registration and returns
- Feasibility studies for new outlets and review of hotel management agreements
Frequently asked questions
Are Qatari-owned hotels subject to income tax?
Companies wholly owned by Qatari or resident GCC nationals are generally exempt, but they still file a return and may need an audit.
Is there VAT on hotel bills in Qatar?
No. Qatar has not introduced VAT.
How is excise tax on soft drinks charged?
By sugar content since 6 July 2026: QAR 0.77 or QAR 1.06 a litre, with drinks under 5 g of sugar per 100 ml exempt. Energy drinks are taxed at 100%.
Can Axiom run our monthly accounts?
Yes, on site or remotely, in your existing accounting system.
How often should a hotel run internal audits?
Quarterly reviews of revenue and stock are a sensible minimum for most properties.
Rules on this page were last checked against official Qatar government sources on 7 October 2026.
Running a hotel or restaurant in Qatar?
Tell us about your hotel or outlets and how your accounts are kept today. We'll reply within one business day.