Expats prepare to set up household businesses

Several expatriates have started preparations to procure a licence to set up a business at home, following the recent decision of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce to legalise household businesses.
Many expatriates, The Peninsula spoke to, expressed happiness over the move, saying it will help them start home-based business activities such as cooking, sewing, tailoring and gift packaging in a legal way and earn some extra income.
To obtain a licence to run a small business at home, the applicant should be at least 18 years old and a resident of the house. The annual licensing fee is QR1,020. The licence holder can engage only in direct sales to the public from home.
Only one business will be allowed to be registered per house, under one licence. The licence holder will not be allowed to recruit any employee from abroad. “We have been thinking of doing a business for sometime but didn’t know the path. The decision by the Ministry has given us hope and confidence,” said a Sri Lankan expatriate planning to start a catering business.
“The licensing process requires to have a house contract. We are now looking for a suitable, spacious house. A civil defence certificate is also required for cooking at home. Once we get all the documents ready, we will be able to register the business, hopefully in the new year,” he added.
“Once it’s made a formal business people will have trust and it will help to reach more customers,” he added.
“Anyone who has the skills and a facility can start a small business and earn some extra income. It’s very promising,” said an Indian expatriate planning a business in sewing clothes. “There is a huge demand here for stitching clothes, especially for ladies and we have seen lack of female tailors. People don’t like to take chance with stitching clothes and so if we register as a home business it will give us credibility,” she said.
Home-based businesses permitted by the ministry include sewing, cooking, creating antiques and gifts, preparing and packaging gifts, designing cards and gifts by hand, arranging natural and artificial flowers, electronic services including computer-based general designs, packaging and binding school textbooks, preparation of perfumes, beauty products, coffee, spices and meals.
“The move to license household businesses is a good investment opportunity for women who don’t go for work. Even those who go for work can earn some extra income. There are many opportunities in selling beauty products and I would start a business based on that. I have decided to visit the ministry to obtain a registration form and know the exact procedures and get all required documents ready,” said a Filipina who is employed in a private organisation. A Palestinian woman said, “I make food upon orders by customers especially for parties and special occasions. I have a permit from the social development department and I promote my business on social media. People who start household businesses under the new licensing initiative may also be able to promote their venture in a similar way and by word of mouth.”

31 Dec 2016 – 3:37

Credit: Fazeena Saleem / The Peninsula

URL:https://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/31/12/2016/Expats-prepare-to-set-up-household-businesses