Most searched questions about company setup in Qatar

The main business structures in Qatar include: Limited Liability Company (LLC): Most common, requires a Qatari partner with at least 51% ownership. Sole Establishment: Fully owned by a single person, but only for Qataris. Branch Office: Foreign companies can open a branch without a local partner, but only for government contracts. Trade Representative Office: Can market products/services but cannot conduct direct business. **Free Zone Company

Yes, but with certain conditions: 100% foreign ownership is allowed in Qatar Free Zones (QFZ), Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), and Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP). In the mainland (outside free zones), full foreign ownership is permitted in specific sectors approved by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), typically in technology, healthcare, and industrial projects. Some businesses require a local Qatari partner holding at least 51% ownership.

The process usually takes 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the business type and approvals required. Commercial Registration (CR): 3–5 working days Trade License & Municipality Approval: 1–2 weeks Tax Registration & Bank Account Opening: 1–3 weeks

Yes, a physical office address is required for business registration in mainland Qatar. Virtual offices are not accepted for Commercial Registration (CR). Free zone businesses may provide office solutions, including flexi-desk options

To get a trade license, you need to: Register your business and obtain a Commercial Registration (CR) from MOCI. Secure a physical office or shop location approved by the municipality. Apply for the Trade License through the Municipality (Baladiya). Get required approvals from other authorities if needed (e.g., Health, Environment, Civil Defense). Pay the license fees and receive your official Trade License

Commercial Registration (CR): The legal license to form a company in Qatar. It is issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI). Trade License: Required to operate a business at a physical location (office, shop, etc.). It is issued by the Municipality (Baladiya) and ensures compliance with zoning laws. Both are necessary to legally run a business in Qatar.

Free Zones in Qatar allow businesses to operate with 100% foreign ownership and provide incentives like: No corporate tax for a specified period. Full profit repatriation with no restrictions. Fast business setup with minimal paperwork. No customs duties on imports and exports. Key Free Zones in Qatar: Qatar Free Zones (QFZ) – Focus on logistics, tech, and industrial businesses. Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) – Best for financial, legal, and professional services. Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) – Ideal for research and innovation-based businesses.

Basic documents required include: Passport copies of business owners and partners. Business name approval from MOCI. Articles of Association (AOA) signed and notarized. Commercial Registration (CR) application form. Lease agreement for the office space. Trade License application (for physical businesses). Tax Identification Number (TIN) registration with General Tax Authority (GTA). Additional documents may be needed based on the business type.

o open a business account in Qatar, you need: Commercial Registration (CR). Trade License. Articles of Association (AOA). Tax Identification Number (TIN). Proof of office lease. Copies of shareholder passports. Top banks for business accounts in Qatar include: QNB (Qatar National Bank) Doha Bank Commercial Bank of Qatar Mashreq Bank

To close a business, you must: Settle all outstanding debts and liabilities. Cancel the Commercial Registration (CR) with MOCI. Notify employees and settle end-of-service benefits. Close the business bank account. Obtain tax clearance from the General Tax Authority (GTA). Publish a liquidation notice in local newspapers. Submit final documents to the authorities for approval.

Yes, but you will need a local representative or business consultant to complete the registration. Some Free Zones also offer online business registration. For mainland businesses, physical presence may be required for: Signing the Articles of Association (AOA). Opening a corporate bank account. Office lease agreements.

Some profitable business ideas for expatriates include: IT & Digital Marketing Services E-commerce & Dropshipping Business Consultancy & Legal Services Catering & Food Delivery Cleaning & Maintenance Services Import & Export Trade Health & Fitness (Gyms, Yoga, Personal Training) Choosing a business depends on market demand and legal requirements.

You can verify a company’s registration through: Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) website. Qatar Chamber of Commerce. Official company documents (Commercial Registration, Trade License, Tax Certificate, etc.). Always request official documents before entering into business deals.

Hiring costs depend on industry, experience, and job role. Approximate salary ranges: Low-skill labor: QAR 1,500 – 4,000/month. Mid-level professionals: QAR 6,000 – 15,000/month. Executives & senior management: QAR 20,000+ /month. Other costs include: Work visa & residency fees. Health insurance (mandatory for all employees). End-of-service benefits (gratuity payments). Companies must comply with Qatar’s Labour Law for wages, working hours, and employee rights.

Yes, but you need an Import/Export License from Qatar Customs. Steps: Register your company with MOCI and obtain CR. Join the Qatar Chamber of Commerce. Apply for an Import/Export License. Comply with customs regulations and pay duties. Some goods require special approvals (e.g., food, pharmaceuticals, electronics).