To return to your home country, follow similar steps to "Before the Departure" and close down your household. The peculiarities of repatriating are explored in the article, "The Art and Science of Repatriation".

Exit Permits in Qatar

If you have a Work Residence Permit you must obtain an exit permit to leave Qatar, even if leaving temporarily. If you have a Family Residence Visa you do not need an exit permit. To obtain an exit permit apply in person, online, or at a self-service kiosk through the Ministry of Interior's Passports and Airport Security Department.

You must submit:

• Application form
• Fee of QR 10 (1 application, exit permit valid for 7 days) or QR 500 (exit permit valid for one year, suitable for frequent travellers)

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Departure

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Destination

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Financial Preparation for Leaving Qatar

When leaving Qatar you should also close down any bank accounts you have in the country. You should begin closing your bank accounts 30 to 45 days before you leave the country.

Remember to cancel any automatic payments, close your credit card account at least 30 days before departure, and pay off any bank debts or loans. If you are moving money outside Qatar, you should also do this well in advance of your departure to allow for international banking processing times.

Closing Down Your Household to Leave Qatar

Before you leave Qatar you must also disconnect your utility services. To disconnect your utilities:

• Download and fill out disconnection form from Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation
• Contact QGWCE to request your final bill. A QGEWC representative will take your final meter reading, which should be noted on your disconnection form.
• Take your completed disconnection form, along with a copy of your Qatar ID and electricity number, to a QGWCE service center and settle your remaining balance. Service centers are open Sunday to Thursday, 06:30 to 14:30 hrs.

Once your utilities are disconnected you will receive a Clearance Certificate and your utilities deposit will be refunded to you (upon presentation of a deposit receipt). Your landlord may require your Clearance Certificate as proof of bills paid.

You should also contact your telecommunications provider to cancel your Internet, mobile, and TV contracts. A cancellation fee may apply if you are terminating a contract before its end date.

Exporting Goods from Qatar

If you are exporting your car when leaving Qatar, you will need the following documents for customs clearance:

• A copy of the owner's passport
• A copy of the owner's Qatar ID
• A car export certificate attested by the Qatar Chamber
• A certificate of origin issued by the Qatar Chamber

If you are exporting your pets when leaving Qatar, you must obtain the following documentation for your travels. These are minimum requirements, and you should verify the particular regulations of the specific country you are travelling to:

• A valid health certificate from a government veterinarian in Qatar. These can be obtained at the Animal Department. Health certificates are normally valid for 7 days.
• Up-to-date vaccination records, including rabies vaccination records, administered 30 to 360 days before travelling.
• IATA approved pet travel box/carrier
• Copy of your passport

Prepare Your Next Location

In tandem with shutting down your foreign house, you need to prepare your next location. This may include finding work, searching for a new apartment or house, or preparing your house to be re-occupied.

A visa may be necessary depending on your status with research and time needed to acquire the proper documents. Be sure to consider the needs of your family.

If you have children, you will need to find the right school and arrange for their records to be transferred. Expat-Quotes provides an extensive listing of international schools (select the country and then city guide).

To prepare for your move, refer to our Expat Guides. Best of luck!

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