A corporate bank account is essential before your restaurant can process payroll, accept card payments, or receive delivery app settlements. Qatar banks have specific documentation requirements for F&B businesses, and choosing the right bank affects your POS costs, settlement speed, and access to working capital. This guide covers the document checklist, bank comparison, and practical tips for F&B account opening.
Document Checklist for Restaurant Bank Accounts
- Commercial Registration (CR) — original or certified copy
- Trade License — issued by the Municipality
- MOPH health permit — proof that your food establishment is licensed
- Lease agreement — in the company name for your restaurant premises
- Articles of Association — showing company ownership structure
- Passport copies of all shareholders and signatories
- Board resolution authorising the account opening and designating signatories
- Proof of address for shareholders (utility bill or bank statement from home country)
Choosing the Right Bank
Not all Qatar banks offer the same value for restaurant businesses. Key factors to compare:
- POS terminal fees — monthly rental and per-transaction commission rates vary significantly between banks. Negotiate based on your projected monthly card volume.
- Settlement speed — how quickly card payments reach your account. Most banks settle within 1-3 business days.
- Online banking — some banks offer superior online platforms for managing multiple payees (suppliers, staff, rent).
- WPS integration — the Wage Protection System requires salary payments through a Qatar bank. Ensure your bank supports automated WPS transfers.
- Working capital facilities — some banks offer overdraft or short-term credit lines for F&B businesses after 6-12 months of account history.
POS and Card Payment Setup
Your bank will provide POS terminals as part of your merchant account. For restaurants, consider:
- Countertop terminals — for takeaway and cashier stations
- Portable wireless terminals — for table-side payment in dine-in restaurants
- QR code payments — increasingly popular in Qatar, especially for quick-service restaurants
Delivery App Settlement Accounts
Talabat, Snoonu, and Carriage settle payments weekly or biweekly into your corporate bank account. Ensure your bank account is active and verified before you go live on any delivery platform. Settlement typically arrives as a lump sum with a detailed statement of orders minus commission.