Sending money to the UK from Qatar? Here's what to know

Whether you're repatriating income, supporting family, or investing, sending money from Qatar to the UK should be straightforward, but traditional bank transfers often aren’t.

Qatari banks may impose high fees, apply wide exchange rate margins, and delay large transfers due to documentation or compliance checks. And UK banks may also ask for source-of-funds proof once the money arrives.

At Currencyflow, we help you move money from Qatar to the UK quickly, securely, and without the usual friction. You’ll get better QAR to GBP rates, no hidden fees, and personal support from start to finish, especially important for larger transfers

Why people transfer money from Qatar to the UK

House

Repatriating savings or income

Many expats in Qatar send money back home to the UK, sometimes every month, and at other times in larger lump sums. We help you convert riyals at better-than-bank rates and avoid delays with upfront guidance on paperwork.

Education

Paying tuition and living expenses

Thousands of Qatari students attend schools and universities in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Families use Currencyflow to transfer money for tuition, rent, and day-to-day costs safely.

Family

Supporting family in the UK

Whether it’s regular payments for loved ones or a one-time gift, we make sending money from Qatar to the UK fast, affordable, and easy to track. No unnecessary delays or added bank fees

City

Buying property or investing

From deposits to final payments, property-related transfers require strong rates and timely delivery. We can help you lock in a QAR to GBP rate for a future transaction, or split large amounts into staged payments.

How to transfer money from Qatar to the UK

1

Get a personalised quote

Let us know how much you're sending and when. We'll send you a tailored QAR to GBP rate. No obligation to proceed.

2

Open your account

Setup is quick and free. Your dedicated account manager will walk you through the process by phone or email.

3

Fund your transfer

Transfer riyals from your Qatari bank to your safeguarded Currencyflow account. We support payments from QNB, Commercial Bank, Doha Bank, and more.

4

We send the GBP to the UK

We convert your funds at the agreed rate and send them to the UK recipient’s bank account, either immediately or on a future date you choose.

Get my QAR to GBP quote

Currencyflow vs. Banks

Feature Currencyflow High Street Banks
Exchange Rate Low-margin, personalised Often 3–5% markup
Transfer Fees None Yes, plus possible SWIFT fees
Speed Same-day or next working day 2–5 working days
Support Phone, email, live chat, WhatsApp Call centres or in-branch
Rate Lock Yes Rarely offered
Account Setup Fast and guided by a specialist Paperwork-heavy, slower

Understanding the QAR to GBP Exchange Rate

Why the rate matters

Even a small shift in the QAR to GBP exchange rate can affect how many pounds arrive, especially for large transfers. Banks often apply margins of 3–5% without disclosing them clearly.

Real market rates, not inflated ones

We use live market data to give you a fair QAR to GBP rate, with a small transparent margin, meaning more pounds delivered, and no nasty surprises.

Currency links to the USD

The Qatari riyal is pegged to the US dollar. That means the QAR to GBP rate tends to move in line with changes in the USD to GBP exchange rate. UK interest rate decisions, economic updates, and political headlines can all impact the timing of your transfer.

Want to lock in a rate?

If you're planning a future transfer, such as a property completion or tuition invoice, we offer forward contracts. These let you lock in today’s rate for peace of mind.

What you’ll need to send money from Qatar

To send money to the UK, you’ll typically need:

  • Valid ID (passport or driving licence)
  • Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
  • Recipient’s full name and UK bank details (sort code and account number)
  • A brief reason for the transfer (e.g. family support, tuition, savings)

For transfers over £10,000, you may also be asked for:

  • Source of funds documents (e.g. bank statement, payslip, property sale, savings history)
  • Invoice or legal documents (for property or business payments)
  • Proof of relationship (if sending a gift to family)

We’ll let you know upfront what’s required for a smooth transfer.

How long does a transfer from Qatar to the UK take?

Most transfers arrive within 1–2 working days. Delivery speed depends on:

  • Your bank’s processing time (QNB, Doha Bank, etc.)
  • Whether we have all recipient details
  • Completion of compliance checks on either side
  • UK banking hours and weekends

Tip: Larger QAR transfers may be delayed by the sending bank due to internal checks. We’ll guide you upfront to avoid surprises.

Legal and tax notes for Qatar to UK transfers

  • Qatar does not tax personal income, so sending your earnings abroad is generally straightforward.
  • The UK may request documentation for large incoming transfers, especially over £10,000 or if flagged as a gift.
  • Transfers for property or tuition should be documented with a contract or invoice to avoid classification as a gift.
  • The UK and Qatar have a double taxation agreement, so you won't be taxed twice on income like pensions.
  • For large transfers, it’s worth speaking to a UK tax advisor, especially for property, inheritance, or gifts.

Why trust Currencyflow

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Your money is protected

Funds are held in safeguarded client accounts through our FCA-regulated e-money partners. This keeps your money separate from business operations and protected at all times.
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30+ years of currency expertise

Our leadership team has over 30 years of combined experience in currency transfers and international payments. We understand how to manage risk and keep your transfer running smoothly.
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Built-in fraud protection

We use secure processes including two-factor authentication and transaction monitoring to protect your account. Every transfer is verified for safety.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to transfer money to the UK from Qatar?

Typically 1–2 working days. Some banks delay larger payments due to compliance. We help you plan for that.

Are there limits on how much I can send

No hard limit. We regularly support transfers from QAR 50,000 to 1 million+. For large amounts, we’ll guide you on paperwork.

Do I need to declare my transfer in Qatar or the UK?

Qatar doesn’t tax personal earnings. The UK may ask for documents if the transfer is large or flagged as a gift. We’ll advise based on your case.

Can I lock in a rate now and send money later?

Yes. Our forward contracts let you secure a QAR to GBP rate for a future date, useful for property completions or invoices.

Get a quote now

It's free and easy