Business Setup in Qatar

Assistance In Initial Set-up

You’ll have our assistance right from the get-go. One of QIncorp’s business setup advisors will be happy to give you a free consultation, going through the entire incorporation process while answering any concerns you might have. There will certainly be a lot of factors to consider –choosing the right jurisdiction, analysing the market you wish to enter, picking the best business partner, preparing all the necessary documents, and much more. Our team of experts is more than ready to share our extensive knowledge of Qatar’s business landscape and regulations, so that you can get started with ease.

Corporate Structuring

Entrepreneurs have many options for business formation in Qatar. Below are the main company types that can be set up. Note that for companies setting up in mainland Qatar, a physical office is required. 

  1. Sole Proprietorship 
  2. Joint Company 
  3. Public Shareholding Company 
  4. Limited Shares Partnership 
  5. Limited Liability Company 
  6. Holding Company 
  7. Freelancer or self-employed

Document Requirements:

These are the documents required for business formation in Qatar. Differences may occur depending on the type of corporate structuring, which is below:

If the shareholder is a Body Corporate incorporated outside Qatar: 

  1. Certificate of Incorporation 
  2. Certificate proving good standing of the Company (if available) 
  3. Memorandum / Articles of Association 
  4. KYC Form of the Company 

 

If the shareholder is a Body Corporate incorporated in Qatar:  

  1. Commercial Registration issued by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry 
  2. Valid Trade License issued by Ministry of Commerce & Industry 
  3. Articles of Association of the Company 
  4. Copy of a valid Establishment Card 
  5. KYC Form of the Company 

 

If the shareholder is a Natural Person: 

  1. Valid passport copy of individual shareholder(s) 
  2. KYC Form of shareholder(s). [Notarized OR Signed before QFZA] 
  3. Copy of Qatar Identity. (applicable if the individual is a Qatari National / Resident)

Required Documents
For QFC Applications

Company formation in the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) may require a different set of requirements.

Additional Requirements

  • Entities must file annual tax returns. The income tax rate in the QFC is 10% on locally-sourced profits.
  • After securing the business license, companies must also acquire Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII).
  • Businesses set up in the QFC need an annual audit of financial statements.

General Document Requirements 

  • Proposed QFC company name 
  • Proposed company legal structure (LLC/Branch) 
  • Proposed company activities 
  • Contact person full name 
  • Phone 
  • Email 
  • Passport Nationality of the founder(s)

Steps and Timelines

1

Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Articles of Association (AOA) Drafting – This document outlines a Qatar company’s relevant details and objectives. It is completed with the assistance of a legal advisor, before being submitted to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) and attested by the Ministry of Justice. 

2

Company Name Reservation – Company names must comply with Qatar’s naming rules. Once a name is chosen, it’ll be reserved through MoCI.

3

Commercial Register Application – Qatar businesses need a Commercial Register (CR) from MoCI to open a corporate bank account, transact with customers, buy or own assets under the company, among others.

4

Office Space Securing – Mainland Qatar businesses are required to have a physical office before they apply for a trade license. 

5

Tax Certificate Application – Businesses must apply for a Tax Certificate within 30 days of getting the CR, to avoid penalization from the Ministry of Finance. 

6

Trade License Application – If business formation is happening in mainland Qatar, the trade license will be obtained for MoCI. Meanwhile, each free zone has an authority that oversees applications. Either way, our business setup advisors will assist.

7

Computer Card Registration – Computer Cards are necessary to hire employees and issue Residence Permits, while also indicating who can sign on its behalf. This document is obtained from the Qatar Immigration and Passport Control Office.  

8

Corporate Bank Account Opening – Qatar businesses can open a bank account with the many local and international banks in the country. This is a necessary step prior to starting business operations.

9

Company Seal Application – Once the above steps are complete, Qatar companies can now get a company seal.

Limited Liability Company Formation In Qatar

More commonly known as an LLC, a Limited Liability Company is common entity option for many Qatar investors. Business formation for LLCs requires between two to 50 shareholders. Today, companies can be fully owned by foreign nationals. 

Setting Up An LLC In Qatar 

  • Draft the company’s Articles of Association (AOA) 
  • Apply for a Company Register on behalf of the company  
  • Decide on a business name, and have it authorized by the Commercial Registration Officer 
  • Retrieve the attested AOA from the Ministry of Justice 
  • Make a deposit of QAR 20,000 at the bank 
  • Secure permission to conduct commercial activities from relevant authorities 
  • Obtain a subscription with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry 
  • Get your Commercial Registration and License

Legal Procedure Of Setting Up An LLC In Qatar

  • Draft the Articles of Association (AOA) of the company
  • Submit a request for Company Registration of a new company
  • Choose a Trade Name that needs to be authorized by the Commercial Registration Officer
  • Obtain the authenticated MOA by the Ministry of Justice
  • Make a deposit of QR 20,000 at the bank
  • Obtain a permission to commence a commercial activity from the authority
  • Subscription is to be made at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Obtain the Commercial Registration and License

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