Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register as a user?

This depends on what you wish to do on Hukoomi.

A login is not required to access most information on the portal. For example, application forms in PDF format are free for anyone to download. However, account registration is required for many online transactions, such as visa applications and traffic violation settlements.

There are two types of account registrations: normal users and Smart Card users. After registering on Hukoomi, normal users are able to access a number of services, including Driving License applications and employment and recruitment services. Smart Card users, on the other hand, are given access to a more specific set of services, such as Commercial Registration applications.

One of the greatest advantages of registering on the portal is access to My Hukoomi, which allows users to bookmark their most frequently used services and receive newsletters on important Hukoomi developments. In addition, registered users can also access Hukoomi services through their mobile phones. Imagine the convenience of paying for your water and electricity bills with your mobile phone!

How Do I use this Portal?

Hukoomi is a gateway to information. The majority of information is organized into Topics, Services and People. Shortcuts to these three major sections can be found on the top menu bar. In addition, people can also click on Events to find an events listing for the year.

Under Topics, you can find a host of information about Qatar. Topics on this page are meant to provide general information on important subjects, such as an overview of the Labor Law or an explanation of the country’s pension system.

The Services section refers to the hundreds of online transactions, applications and service instructions available to the public. These include visa applications, school registration and bill payments. You can fine-tune your search by agency, topic or audience.

If you are unsure of where to find the right information, you can also try looking under People. Simply click on the audience type, such as Visitors, to find a list of suggested topics and services that may be of interest to that audience group.

It’s important to note, too, that there is always a Search bar located on the top right corner of the portal, which allows you to look for information with simple keywords.

Who is behind Hukoomi? And what does it stand for?

Hukoomi is a nation-wide effort aimed at making government work better for those who live and work in Qatar. The term “Hukoomi” stands for a more open, transparent government that listens and responds to the needs of individuals and businesses. The project is spearheaded by ictQATAR, with cooperation from government ministries, agencies and public service providers.

How accurate is the information?

All information published on Hukoomi is compiled from government agencies and service providers in Qatar. The portal is updated on a continuous basis to reflect changes occurring in the country as well as respond to the public’s needs.

How do I use Topics?

Articles listed under the Topics section provide general and introductory information about government services, initiatives and policies. For example, a page called Tax System outlines the basic taxation regime in the country and lists some of the conditions under which businesses are eligible for tax exemption.

Within each topic, there is a box on the right-hand side with links to related services. This is meant to help steer users to the right services.

What if I need more information?

One of the primary functions of Hukoomi is to connect people with government. The topics are meant to provide basic and introductory information about government policies and services, as well as the agencies that manage and provide them. Those who wish to obtain more in-depth information are encouraged to contact the ministries and agencies themselves. The good news is – all the contact information is already available on Hukoomi!

Are all the services free?

Many services are free, but not all. Some services, such as the exit permit, require a processing fee, which can be paid online. Further information is available on each service page.

User registration is free, as are all information, instructions and downloadable documents available on Hukoomi. 

How do I find the right service?

If you know exactly what you are looking for, go ahead and type the name of the service in the Search bar, which is always located on the top right corner.  

If you only have a vague idea, you can go to the Services section, and browse by category on the left menu. You can also click to see the entire list of services, then filter the results with a specific agency or audience group.

How do I know when to apply online or in person?

While the answer depends on what you prefer, the general trend is that more and more government services are going online. Just a few years ago, many of these e-services were not even possible!

E-Services are fast, secure and they save you from much of the paperwork and queuing in government offices. Despite all these advantages, not all services can be completed electronically. Details on application procedures are listed on each service page in simple, step-by-step point form.

How do I use Services?

The Services section enlists hundreds of government services. Some of these pages provide only instructions, while others contain links to downloadable documents, services hosted on external links, and e-services. E-services hosted by Hukoomi allow users to complete their transactions from start to finish electronically. Examples of e-services include the various visa and Driving License applications.

Within each service, there are two boxes on the bottom of the page: one with links to related services, and the other with contact information of the service provider. This is meant to help steer users to the right services and agencies.

How long do applications take?

Wait times have improved in recent years as government agencies adopt new technology to process their applications. Many agencies now offer SMS and mobile notifications to alert you of when an application is completed. Some services take even less time than that – in just minutes! Exit permits and many visit visas, for example, can be issued instantly through Hukoomi.

What are the usual required documents?

Required documents differ from service to service. In general, though, an applicant is required to produce his/her ID Card. It’s always a good idea to read through a service page thoroughly before starting an application.

How do I activate my Smart Card? What documents should I bring?

The Corporate Smart Card is automatically activated when you visit the Ministry of Interior to collect it, provided that you bring all the required documents, including an official letter from your company showing that you need to activate the account, a copy of the Establishment ID, and QNB Account-to-Account Transfer Service.

When applying for a Smart Card through Hukoomi, the application will tell you what additional documents you should also bring based on your selection of e-services. All applicants are required to print the receipt and show it to MOI before collecting their Smart Cards.

To activate a Personal Smart Card, a trip to Q-Post is required for privacy and security reasons. You should carry your ID and a photocopy of it to complete the procedure.

What are the PC requirements?

The Smart Card is compatible with Windows XP, Visa and 7. You can use more than one Smart Card on each computer, but you must install certificates for all. The language of your PC should be configured to Arabic (Qatar).

What is a Smart Card?

There are two types of Smart Cards: Personal and Corporate.

Personal Smart Cards allow users to handle many government service procedures online related to personal documents, such as visas and passports; while Corporate Smart Cards give holders access to business-related services, such as Government e-Procurement.

Special authorization is required to obtain a Smart Card.

Where do I pick up my Smart Card?

Corporate Smart Cards can be picked up at the Ministry of Interior’s Information System department, and Personal Smart Cards at the Passport and Expatriates Affairs department. These are also where you can renew your Smart Card.

Why are my traffic violations not appearing?

Traffic violations involving points are not shown. You can go to MOI’s site to check for those violations.