Business Setup in Qatar

Business setup in Qatar is an excellent opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs who wish to invest in Qatar. The growing GDP of the nation attracts people to incorporate their dream businesses.

The nation was majorly dependent on the oil and fossil fuel sectors, but now it is focusing on other sectors, such as:

  • Tourism.
  • Education.
  • Healthcare.
  • Agriculture.
  • Construction.
  • Manufacturing.
  • Information technology.
  • Media and consultancy services.

Although the business setup in Qatar is a lucrative process for foreigners who are new to the landscape and are not aware of the regulations. This blog will help such dreamers to start their business. 

Benefits of Setting up a Business in Qatar

Business setup in Qatar comes with various benefits, as listed below:

  • Huge Talent Pool

Qatar has a huge tech-savvy population that will help you in hiring qualified employees.

  • 100% Ownership

Setting up a business in Qatar offers you 100% ownership over your business. You don’t have to rely on anyone or any shareholder.

  • Zero income Tax

Qatar does not have any income tax, and it has its exemptions and other taxes, too.

  • Zero tax on Exports

The government offers many tax exemptions along with the tax on exports. The nation has no taxation on revenue from exports.

  • Low Corporate Tax

Business setup in Qatar offers you many tax exemptions, and one huge expense is the corporate tax. It has only 10% on corporate tax, which is much less comparatively.

  • No Double Taxation

Qatar has signed many agreements with many nations that enable them to avoid double taxation and tariffs in their home country.

  • 100% Repatriation of Profit

Foreigners can have 100% repatriation on their capital investment and profits. Any profits can be transferred to their home country.

  • A Very Stable Financial Market

As the nation was earlier hugely dependent on the oil and gas industry, the economy of the nation is very strong and stable, and investors can trust before investing here.

  • Incentives from the Government

The government of Qatar offers huge incentives to attract investors and entrepreneurs into the nation.

  • Perfectly Built Business Infrastructure

Qatar offers a highly developed infrastructure with modern technologies.

How to Start a Business in Qatar as a Foreigner?

The Qatar business setup process might look tiring because of its lengthy documentation process. With a long procedure, there are few strict guidelines for submitting the documents.

In short, the process of business setup in Qatar requires 3 major documents such as:

  • The Commercial Residence includes the name of the company and details about ownership. This document is issued by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.
  • Tard License depends on the business activity you choose to do and the legal structure you decide to choose. This license requires an MEC-approved office space.
  • A computer card is a document that identifies the company’s signing authority. Here, you require a local sponsor who should be a Qatari national.

Other than the important points mentioned above, there are a few basic processes as mentioned below.

  • Start with the Application Process

Identify a Qatari partner or apply for a 100% owned business at the Ministry of Business and Trade.

  • Finalise Trade Name and Activity

Company formation in Qatar requires a trade name registration certificate. Decide on a company name and register it along with the activities at the Qatar Company Registry.

  • Submit the Application

Fill out the application and submit it to the Chamber of Commerce along with all the required documents.

  • Get the Company Seal

The company Seal needs to be designed and authenticated by the relevant authority or the officials.

  • Obtain Registration Certificate

After the clearance of the above processes, the Company Registration Certificate needs to be collected.

Requirements for Setting up a Business in Qatar

Below is the list of requirements for Qatar business setup:

  • Documents that contain the details of the founding partner.
  • A certificate of commercial registration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI).
  • The documents must be in both Arabic and English.
  • You need a minimum of two shareholders or more. The shareholders must be  Qatari nationals, and they’ll hold  51% of the shares of your company.

Types of Business Structures in Qatar

Read this table to learn about the business structures that exist in Qatar:

List of Business Structures

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

General Partnership Company (GPC)

Public Shareholding Company (PSC)

Joint Partnership Company (JPC)

Joint venture

Holding Company

Branch Office

Representative Office

End Note

Commitbiz will guide you in setting up your business in the shortest possible time. Our consultants have the required experience and expertise to set up your business without any hassles.

For more information, contact us now.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many free trade zones are there in Qatar?

There are two free zones in Qatar, and they are 

  • Qatar Science and Technology Park 
  • Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)

 

What are the types of offices that can be set up in Qatar?

The most set-up business types are 

  • Branch Office in Qatar
  • One-Person Company in Qatar
  • Limited Liability Company in Qatar
  • Public Shareholding Company in Qatar
  • Representative Trade Office in Qatar

 

Can foreigners do business in Qatar?

Yes, Qatar encourages foreigners to open their businesses in the nation.