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The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) in Qatar has the responsibility of overseeing industrial and commercial activities within the country.
To establish a business in Qatar, it’s essential to have a local Qatari sponsor who holds a 51% ownership stake and maintain a minimum office space with a flexi-desk to obtain a Company License under MOCI’s jurisdiction.
In certain instances, setting up a business in Qatar may allow for 100% ownership. Talk to us to check if your business falls under this category.
The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), located in Doha and established in 2005 serves as a prominent business and financial hub. QFC offers a cutting-edge platform for businesses, encompassing a comprehensive legal, regulatory, tax, and business framework.
Notably, businesses operating within QFC can benefit from advantages such as the potential for up to 100% foreign ownership, the ability to repatriate 100% of their profits, and a competitive corporate tax rate of 10% on profits generated within Qatar
The Qatar Free Zone Authority (QFZA) is the governmental body responsible for establishing and overseeing free zones in Qatar. In pursuit of its objective to attract more foreign investment, QFZA places its primary focus on four key industries: emerging technologies, logistics, industry, and maritime.
QFZA offers a range of highly competitive tax incentives to entice investors, including corporate tax holidays lasting for 20 years, exemption from individual income taxes, zero import custom duties and 100% foreign ownership.
Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) is an innovation hub situated in Doha, Qatar, dedicated to nurturing the growth of technology-based enterprises within the country. Beyond offering cutting-edge facilities and resources for research and development, QSTP also serves as the authority responsible for intellectual property licensing in Qatar
Established in 2009, QSTP operates under the auspices of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development, and it is situated within the Qatar Foundation’s Education City complex.
QSTP provides financial support and assistance to local startups and entrepreneurs, bolstering the innovation ecosystem in Qatar.
Media City Qatar is a free zone and media hub situated in Doha, Qatar, dedicated to fostering the growth of media, entertainment, and technology industries within the country.
Media City Qatar provides financial support and assistance to local startups and entrepreneurs, bolstering the innovation ecosystem in Qatar. By obtaining a license from Media City Qatar, businesses can enjoy 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and streamlined registration processes, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs and companies looking to expand their operations in the Middle East
The cost of starting a company in Qatar can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of business, its size, location, and specific requirements.
The cost of obtaining a business license at MOCI can vary based on the type of business activity you plan to engage in and the location within Qatar
Also, the cost of registering your company with the relevant government authorities, such as the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), will depend on your company's legal structure (e.g., LLC, branch office, representative office) and its share capital.
Additionally, the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and Qatar Free Zone Authority (QFZA) may offer different cost structures and incentives for businesses operating within their respective zones, so it's worth exploring these options as well.
The time taken to incorporate a Company in Qatar depends greatly on the complexity of the business to be incorporated. A primary time factor in establishing an LLC, is the chosen licensing authority, whether or not the company is 100% foreign ownership or if the 49% shareholding is to be held by a ‘parent company’ or by ‘individual(s)’.
At Tax Consultants Qatar, we have successfully registered companies in less than 14 days. Our experienced team of Consultants and Government Liaison Officers will ensure that the process is managed efficiently, whatever the size or scale of your business
As in most countries, Qatar has different business structures and companies allowed. These are:
There are various avenues through which a foreign entity can achieve 100% ownership of a business in Qatar. Notably, the Free Zones in Qatar, such as QFZ and QFC, permit full ownership. Additionally, it's possible to attain 100% ownership in specific limited sectors within the mainland, including areas like agriculture, healthcare, education, industry, mining, and minerals, among others. However, obtaining ministerial permission is a requisite for this, and it's important to note that this process can be time-consuming.
Another option is to establish a branch office with complete ownership, but this entity must be engaged in a government or quasi-government contract. Similarly, a Trade Representative Office can be established with 100% foreign ownership, although this type of entity is restricted from engaging in commercial trade activities.
In terms of foreign direct investment (FDI) conditions, Qatar's Investment Law No. 13 of 2000 stipulates a maximum investment limit of 49% of a company's capital for foreign investors. However, the law allows for exceptions, permitting 100% ownership in specific special situations but only with prior approval from the government. Notably, foreign investments are generally prohibited in sectors such as commercial agencies, real estate acquisition, banking, and insurance companies unless authorized by a decision from the minister. While branches cannot be established, additional contracts may be added under the same commercial registration, and a commercial permit will be issued for each contract.
As per Companies Law in Qatar, if you wish to set up a LLC, you will require a local partner. Tax consultants Qatar will take care of your local partner requirements by connecting you with reliable and creative Qatari entrepreneurs who wish to do business in partnership with expats.
