Guide · Audits
Do I need an audit in Qatar?
The GTA's rules on audited accounts depend mostly on who owns the company. The free check on this page takes about a minute.
Reviewed by the Axiom tax and advisory team · checked against official sources on 7 October 2026
Axiom Consultants & Partners · DohaEvery company in Qatar files a tax return on Dhareeba, even if it is exempt. If the company has any foreign owner or is a branch of a foreign company, the return must include audited financial statements from a GTA-registered auditor, whatever its capital or income. A company wholly owned by Qatari nationals or GCC nationals resident in Qatar needs audited accounts once its capital reaches QAR 1 million or its income reaches QAR 5 million. Below both, it files a simplified return.
Check whether you need an audit
Three quick questions about ownership, capital and income, and you will know whether the GTA expects audited accounts.
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Key facts
| Ownership | Audited accounts with the tax return? |
|---|---|
| Fully foreign-owned | Yes, every year, whatever the size |
| Qatari or GCC owners with a foreign partner | Yes, every year, whatever the size |
| Branch of a foreign company | Yes, every year, whatever the size |
| Wholly Qatari or resident GCC, capital QAR 1m+ or income QAR 5m+ | Yes, with a full tax return |
| Wholly Qatari or resident GCC, below both | No, a simplified return |
| No audited accounts or proper books | QAR 30,000 penalty |
How does the check work?
It starts with one question: is any owner foreign, or is the head office abroad? If so, you need an audit every year and there is nothing more to check. If the company is wholly owned by Qatari or resident GCC nationals, check whether its capital is QAR 1 million or more, or its income QAR 5 million or more. The check on this page walks you through it.
What does an audit involve?
The auditor plans the work, tests your records and controls, attends the stock count if you hold stock, and gives an opinion on whether the financial statements give a true and fair view under IFRS. Our team manages the process on your side: we get your records ready, deal with the auditor's requests and file the audited accounts with your return.
What if I have never been audited?
Start early. A first audit has to check your opening balances as well as the year itself, and that takes time. Often we tidy up the books first and then manage the audit for you.
Frequently asked questions
Does a small foreign-owned company still need an audit?
Yes. Foreign-owned companies need audited accounts whatever their capital or income.
Does a Qatari-owned company with QAR 1 million of revenue need one?
Not for tax, if its capital is also under QAR 1 million. It files a simplified return.
Which standards apply?
International Standards on Auditing, with accounts under IFRS.
Can my bookkeeper also be my auditor?
No. The auditor must be independent of whoever prepares the accounts.
How much does audit management cost?
It depends on size and complexity. We agree one fixed fee before we start.
Rules on this page were last checked against official Qatar government sources on 7 October 2026.
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