Company registration in Qatar

Qatar presents a promising environment for doing business due to its stable economy, strategic location in the Persian Gulf, and favorable tax regime. Registering a company in Qatar provides access to a wealthy market and numerous advantages offered by the country’s free economic zones.

Key advantages of establishing a company in Qatar

Zero corporate tax for certain types of companies: Companies operating in free economic zones benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate.
Economic stability: The Qatari economy is strong and primarily driven by the extraction of oil and gas.
100% foreign ownership permitted: In free economic zones, there are no requirements regarding the residency of shareholders or directors.
Attractive investment climate: The government actively supports and promotes business development.
Developed infrastructure: Modern ports, transport systems, and business centers.
Strategic location: Convenient access to the markets of the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

Legal forms of business entities in Qatar

Limited Liability Company (LLC): The most commonly used form. Requires a local partner holding at least 51% of the shares. Formed by two to fifty partners, who are liable only to the extent of their contributions to the company’s capital.
Branch Office: Operates within the scope of authority granted by the parent company and is not a separate legal entity.
Representative Office: A non-commercial business unit established to explore the local market, without the right to conduct business operations.
Joint Venture (JV): A partnership between local and foreign investors. For JVs operating outside of free economic zones, a Qatari resident must hold at least 51% ownership. Partners are liable under the terms of the partnership agreement. This structure does not require mandatory registration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and may not have the status of a legal entity.
Holding Company: May take the form of a joint stock company, an LLC, or a sole proprietorship, and exercises financial and managerial control over one or more companies. A subsidiary is defined as any company in which the holding company owns at least 51% of the capital.
Shareholding Company: Requires at least five shareholders. The capital is divided into equal shares, and shareholders are liable only up to the value of their shares. These companies may be publicly listed, and their constitutional documents must be approved by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Private Shareholding Company: Requires a minimum of five founders and a minimum authorized capital of QAR 2 million (approx. USD 550,140). Shares are not publicly traded, and shareholder liability is limited to their capital contribution. These companies follow the same regulations as public shareholding companies, except for the listing requirements.

Legal experts and consultants at Law&Trust will help you select the optimal legal structure for your business.

You can request a personalized consultation by phone or via the company’s website.

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Company Registration Procedure in Qatar

Choosing a legal structure

First, determine which form best suits your business goals: LLC, shareholding company, branch office, or a company in a free economic zone. The choice depends on the nature of your activity, the number of founders, and the level of foreign capital ownership allowed.
Reserving a Company name with the ministry of commerce and Industry (MOCI)

The name must be unique and comply with public decency norms. The reservation and approval process typically takes 2–3 business days. Once approved, the name is reserved for the full duration of the registration process.
Obtaining preliminary approvals

Depending on the type of business activity, preliminary approvals may be required from relevant authorities such as the Ministry of Commerce and Industry or the Ministry of Energy and Industry.
Preparing the incorporation documents

Key documents such as the company’s articles of association, shareholders' agreement (if required), and registration application must be notarized.
Opening a corporate bank account

Once the incorporation documents are prepared, a corporate bank account must be opened with a local bank. The minimum required share capital must be deposited (if applicable), and a capital deposit certificate must be obtained for the final registration step.
Submitting documents for registration

The notarized documents are submitted to MOCI, along with passport copies of all founders, proof of the company’s registered address, and the capital deposit confirmation.
Obtaining a license from MOCI

Depending on the company’s activities, one of the following licenses is issued:
◦ Commercial License - for trading companies
◦ Industrial License - for manufacturing companies
◦ Professional License - for service providers
Additional Checks

The licensing process may involve additional checks or requirements, especially if the company plans to operate in regulated sectors.
Registration with social security, the ministry of labour and social affairs, and the tax authority

Companies are required to register with these entities for compliance with tax obligations and employee social contributions. To hire foreign employees, the company must also be registered with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

Required Documents for Company Registration in Qatar

Articles of association and incorporation documents (if legal entities are part of the structure)
Copies of the passports of founders and shareholders
Power of attorney (if registration is carried out remotely)

Qatar’s Free Economic Zones

Qatar has several specialized free economic zones, each tailored to support specific sectors and offering substantial benefits such as full foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified registration procedures.

Qatar Financial Centre (QFC). Designed for companies in the financial and professional services sectors, including banks, insurers, consulting agencies, and law firms. QFC operates under common law principles, facilitating international business operations. The corporate income tax rate is 10%, with no VAT or customs duties.
Companies can be fully foreign-owned, and profits/dividends can be freely repatriated. QFC also provides premium office space and modern business services.
Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP). Supports businesses focused on technology development and innovation, especially in IT, biomedicine, energy, and environmental sectors. Offers access to offices, laboratories, and research centers equipped with cutting-edge technologies.
Government support is available through grants and investments from Qatar Foundation. Companies in QSTP are fully exempt from corporate taxes and duties.
Manateq. A network of specialized zones tailored for industrial, logistics, and trading companies. Key zones include Mesaieed Industrial Zone, Ras Laffan Industrial City, and Al Karaana Industrial Zone.
These zones offer warehousing, logistics hubs, and access to ports and highways. Manateq is ideal for businesses in construction, manufacturing, and distribution. Long-term land leases at reduced rates and zero export duties are available.
Ras Bufontas Free Zone. Located near Hamad International Airport, making it ideal for trade, light industry, and logistics. Target sectors include manufacturing, assembly, distribution, and export.
The zone offers full tax exemptions and 100% foreign ownership.

Law&Trust’s legal advisors and consultants are ready to assist you in registering your company in Qatar. You can request a personal consultation via phone or through the website.

F.A.Q.

How long does the registration process take?

On average, registering an LLC takes 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the business activity, availability of required documents, and the speed of government approvals.

Is it possible to complete the entire registration process online?

Some stages can be completed online via the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s portals and other government services. However, the full process typically requires physical presence and notarization of documents.

Can a foreign company open a branch in Qatar?

Yes, foreign companies may open a branch, subject to approval from the Ministry of Commerce. The branch must comply with local laws and regulatory requirements.