The HR, Finance and PRO Checklist for SMEs in Qatar (2026 Edition)

Running an SME in Qatar requires juggling multiple compliance areas. This comprehensive checklist helps you ensure nothing falls through the cracks across HR, Finance, and PRO functions.

HR Compliance Checklist

Employment Contracts

• All employees have signed Arabic contracts
• Contracts match what’s registered with Ministry
• Terms comply with Qatar Labour Law
• Probation periods documented correctly
• Notice periods specified appropriately

HR Policies

• Employee handbook exists and is current
• Leave policy documented (annual, sick, emergency)
• Disciplinary procedure in place
• Grievance procedure established
• Code of conduct distributed to all staff

Employee Files

• Contract copies maintained
• ID and passport copies on file
• Visa and RP copies current
• Emergency contacts recorded
• Performance reviews documented

Compliance Records

• Warning letters properly issued and filed
• Termination documentation complete
• Investigation records maintained
• Training attendance tracked

Finance & Payroll Checklist

Payroll Processing

• WPS registration active
• Salary file format correct
• Payments processed by 7th monthly
• Pay slips generated and distributed
• Overtime calculated correctly

Financial Records

• Bank accounts reconciled monthly
• Invoices properly recorded
• Expenses documented with receipts
• Fixed assets register maintained
• Petty cash controlled and reconciled

Tax Compliance

• Tax registration completed (if applicable)
• Annual returns filed on time
• Tax provisions calculated quarterly
• Records retention meeting requirements
• Tax clearances obtained when needed

End of Service

• EOSB calculations documented
• Provisions maintained in accounts
• Final settlements calculated correctly
• Leave balances tracked accurately

PRO & Government Relations Checklist

Company Registrations

• Commercial Registration (CR) current
• Establishment Card valid
• Trade license renewed
• Activity licenses in place
• Chamber of Commerce membership active

Employee Visas

• Work visa approvals obtained
• Medical examinations completed
• Residence Permits valid and renewed
• Qatar IDs issued to all employees
• Visa quotas monitored

Government Portals

• MOL account access working
• MOCI portal registration current
• Immigration system access active
• Tax portal credentials secure
• All portal users authorized

Documentation

• Power of Attorney valid
• Authorized signatories updated
• Company documents certified
• Translations available where needed

Operations Checklist

Basic SOPs

• Key processes documented
• Approval authorities defined
• Emergency procedures established
• IT access management in place

Record Keeping

• Document filing system organised
• Digital backups maintained
• Retention periods followed
• Confidential documents secured

Compliance Calendar

• License renewal dates tracked
• Visa expiry dates monitored
• Tax deadlines scheduled
• Audit requirements planned

Annual Review Tasks

Q1 (January - March)

• Update employee files for new year
• Review and update HR policies
• Plan annual leave scheduling
• Prepare for tax filing deadlines

Q2 (April - June)

• Mid-year performance reviews
• License renewals check
• Budget vs actual review
• Compliance audit

Q3 (July - September)

• Prepare for year-end planning
• Review salary structures
• Update job descriptions
• Contract renewals assessment

Q4 (October - December)

• Annual appraisals
• Year-end financial preparation
• Leave balance reconciliation
• Next year planning

Using This Checklist

1. Review monthly: Quick check of critical items
2. Review quarterly: Deeper dive into each section
3. Review annually: Full audit against all items
4. Update regularly: Add items as requirements change

Get Professional Support

Lineati Consultancy can help you:

• Assess your current compliance status
• Fill gaps identified in your review
• Set up systems for ongoing monitoring
• Provide regular compliance support

Ready for a compliance health check? Contact us to discuss how we can help ensure you’re fully covered.