How to Open a Company in Qatar
Foreign entities can establish a presence in Qatar either by opening a branch or incorporating a new business entity. A local representative is required for foreign corporations. Our company registration agents in Qatar can guide you through the following essential steps:
Reserve a company name via the Commercial Registry and Trademark Department.
Open a bank account and deposit paid-up capital.
Prepare and submit the Articles of Association to the Commercial Companies Control Department for approval.
Authenticate the Articles of Association.
Complete registration with the Commercial Registry under the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Register for tax purposes and create a company seal.
Obtain trade and signage licenses from the Municipality of Doha.
Secure any additional permits as required by your business activities.
This overview outlines the process to establish a legal, operational entity. Our experts can help you navigate foreign ownership restrictions and streamline the incorporation process.
Company Types You Can Establish in Qatar
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Most popular form, requiring a Qatari partner holding at least 51% of the shares.
Commonly chosen across all sectors due to its flexibility.
Special Zones: QFC & QSTP
In the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), full foreign ownership is permitted.
These zones offer a special tax regime and an enhanced regulatory framework.
Companies in QFC follow a parallel English Common Law–inspired legal system and can access the local market without needing a local majority stakeholder.
Contact our agents for detailed support on setting up in these zones or for immigration assistance if you’re relocating.
Residency & Immigration Services
Planning to reside in Qatar? Our immigration team can assist with:
Residence permit applications—typically issued within 4 weeks, requiring proof of residence, employment contract, and a valid passport.
Registration with local authorities and all related formalities.
Registering an LLC in Qatar (Ministry of Economy & Commerce)
Here’s what to expect:
Name reservation is required before preparing documents.
Draft and notarize Articles of Association and Memorandum in Arabic.
Deposit a minimum of QAR 200,000 in a local bank as share capital.
Special licenses and permits may be mandatory, varying by activity.
Foreigners are limited to 49% ownership, necessitating a local partner unless exemptions apply.
We serve major cities—Doha, Umm Said, Al Wakrah, Al Rayyan—with services including payroll, bookkeeping, and preparation of annual financial statements, giving you an efficient alternative to building an accounting department.
LLC Features
Known locally as a WLL (With Limited Liability) company.
Requires at least two founders, and maximum of fifty partners.
Shareholders are liable only to the extent of their capital contribution.
Minimum share capital: QAR 200,000, divided into shares worth QAR 10 or more.
Local Qatari partners are required unless specific exemptions apply.
Branch Offices
To establish a branch, you must:
Obtain a decree from the Ministry of Economy & Commerce.
Prepare a declaration of intent, along with the parent company’s Articles of Association, power of attorney, and certificate of incorporation.
Submit documentation to the Commercial Registry.
Our agents and immigration lawyers can assist if you plan to hire foreign staff.
Shelf Companies
A shelf (ready-made) company:
Is pre-registered, inactive, and debt-free.
Includes an existing bank account—so it’s ready for immediate use upon ownership transfer.
Offers advantages like quicker market entry and stronger loan candidacy.
We recommend due diligence to verify its clean status before purchase.
Holding Companies
Can be established as LLCs or public companies (min share capital: QAR 10 million).
Benefits: No withholding tax, no VAT, no wealth tax.
A public holding company requires at least 5 stockholders, up to 11.
These companies oversee other firms without conducting direct economic activity.
Liaison Offices
Liaison offices:
Act as representative offices, ideal for marketing without commercial authorization.
No minimum share capital required.
Cannot enter contracts or perform financial operations.
Registered through the Ministry of Economy & Commerce, handled smoothly by our representatives.
Banking in Qatar
Foreign entrepreneurs must open a corporate bank account during company registration.
Requirements: valid passport and company documents.
For individuals, a letter from the employer is typically needed.
Virtual Offices
Opting for a virtual office? Services include:
Prestigious business address
Call handling, mail and fax forwarding
Secretary support, virtual assistant
Optional meeting rooms, bank statement collection
We’ll connect you to local providers and help with incorporation services.
Taxation in Qatar
Corporate tax: 10%, with a higher 35% applied to oil and gas operations.
No withholding tax on dividends, no VAT, no capital or property taxes, and no payroll tax.
We can assist with full tax compliance and formation guidance.
Trade Register & One‑Stop Shop System
All company registrations are managed through a one-stop shop by the Ministry of Economy & Commerce.
The Trade Register—publicly accessible—is administered under the Commercial Registry.
You can verify company details such as name, owners, number of employees, and registration date free of charge.
QFC–registered companies have a separate register accessible via the QFC online portal, containing entity type, status, address, founders, and activity details.
Investing in Qatar: Economic Outlook
Qatar attracts investors worldwide due to its stable economy, high infrastructure quality, and skilled workforce. Key insights:
Main FDI sources: USA, South Korea, Japan, Singapore.
Focus sectors: financial services, construction, oil & gas, public works.
Noteworthy tax environment: 10% corporate tax, with no taxes on dividends.
Sovereign Credit Ratings (Historical Background)
Moody’s rated Qatar Aa3 in July 2017—reflecting strong fiscal resilience and low credit risk.
S&P affirmed a rating of AA‑ in August 2017, noting impacts from regional boycotts but maintaining confidence in fiscal management.
FAQs
Why open a business in Qatar?
Due to its wealth, robust investment incentives, banking services, and stable infrastructure.
What company types exist?
Includes partnership, limited partnership, LLC, sole proprietorship, holding company, shareholding company, and more.
Most common entity for foreign investors?
The LLC, generally requiring a local majority partner.
Key LLC characteristics?
Minimum capital: QAR 200,000, office lease required, at least 51% owned by a local unless exempt, and profits retention rules in place.
Can I open a branch?
Yes—especially useful for government contracts, and often possible without a local partner.
What about a trade representative office?
This is a shop window—no commercial activity allowed, but valuable for brand presence.
Company tax rates?
10% on profits (35% for oil/gas); no VAT or withholding taxes.
Applying for residency?
Foreign company owners can apply via their business, with residence permit typically issued within weeks.
Can foreigners own property?
Generally restricted, except GCC citizens in designated zones.
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Start a Company in Qatar with Startex Global Business Consulting
Qatar continues to attract international investors due to its very low tax rates, business-friendly legislation, and a strong economy marked by high GDP and exceptional quality of life. Although foreign investors are restricted to owning 49% of a company in most cases, partnering with a Qatari national makes it entirely possible to start a company in Qatar.
At Startex Global Business Consulting, we offer complete assistance for company formation in Qatar, including immigration and legal compliance services. Whether you’re opening an LLC, branch, or liaison office, our team of company registration experts in Qatar ensures a smooth setup from start to finish.
Quick Facts – Business in Qatar
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Types of companies | Limited liability company, Public shareholding company, Joint partnership, Joint venture, Limited partnership, General partnership, Sole proprietorship, Holding company |
| Minimum share capital (LLC) | QAR 300,000 |
| Minimum shareholders (LLC) | 2 |
| Time to incorporate | Approx. 3 weeks |
| Corporate tax rate | 10% |
| Dividend tax rate | – |
| VAT | – |
| Double taxation treaties | ~60 |
| Registered address | Yes |
| Local director required | No |
| Annual meetings | Yes |
| Shelf companies available | Yes |
| E-signature | No |
| Annual return required | Yes |
| Foreign ownership limit | 49% (except in QFC/QSTP) |
| Tax exemptions | No dividend tax; tax incentives for QSTP |
How to Open a Company in Qatar with Startex Global
Setting up a business in Qatar requires a step-by-step approach, especially for foreign investors. With Startex Global Business Consulting, you’ll have a partner to guide you through each phase of the process.
Essential Steps:
Reserve a trade name with the Commercial Registry and Trademark Department.
Open a corporate bank account and deposit the minimum capital.
Draft and notarize the Articles of Association (AOA) and submit for approval.
Complete registration with the Commercial Registry and Chamber of Commerce.
Obtain a trade license and signage license from the Municipality of Doha.
Apply for a company seal and tax registration.
Secure any required special permits or licenses based on business activity.
Our Qatar company formation specialists will ensure compliance with all local laws, especially those affecting foreign ownership.
Types of Companies You Can Start in Qatar
At Startex Global Business Consulting, we assist in the formation of all major business types in Qatar:
Most Popular: Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Requires at least two shareholders, up to fifty.
49% foreign ownership permitted (unless under QFC or QSTP).
Minimum capital: QAR 200,000.
Public Shareholding Company
Suitable for large investments and requires at least five stockholders.
Branch Office
Allows foreign entities to do business without a Qatari partner—subject to approval by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.
Joint Ventures & Partnerships
Can be formed between Qatari nationals and foreign investors—structured flexibly.
Holding Companies
Established as LLCs or public companies (min. capital: QAR 10 million).
Special Zones: QFC & QSTP
Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) offer:
100% foreign ownership
Special tax regimes
Fast-track registration
A legal framework modeled on English Common Law
Startex Global Business Consulting can help you leverage these free zones to minimize costs and maximize flexibility.
Residency & Immigration Services
If you’re planning to relocate to Qatar, we offer legal and immigration support:
Residency permit processing (issued in approx. 4 weeks)
Work visas, student visas, and family reunification
Employment contract registration
Local authority registration
Let our immigration lawyers in Qatar at Startex Global handle the formalities so you can focus on business growth.
Bank Account Setup in Qatar
As part of our company formation package, Startex Global Business Consulting helps open your corporate bank account with required documents:
Company registration papers
Valid passport(s)
Trade license (once issued)
For individuals, a letter from the employing company may be needed.
Shelf Companies in Qatar
Don’t want to start from scratch? Startex Global offers ready-made shelf companies:
Already registered and tax-compliant
Come with a clean legal history
Ideal for entrepreneurs who want to begin operations immediately
Ownership transfer can be completed quickly, and the company is fully functional post-acquisition.
Liaison & Representative Offices
Foreign companies that want market presence in Qatar without trading can set up a liaison office:
No commercial or revenue-generating activities
No share capital needed
Can conduct marketing and promotional work
Operates under the parent company’s name
Startex Global Business Consulting can register your liaison office directly with the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.
Virtual Office Solutions
Need a business presence but not ready for a physical space? Choose our virtual office packages in Qatar:
Prestigious business address
Call answering & mail forwarding
Secretary services and virtual assistant
Meeting rooms on demand
All services are handled by Startex Global Business Consulting in compliance with Qatari regulations.
Taxation in Qatar
Qatar’s tax regime is one of the most attractive in the region:
Corporate tax: 10% on net profits (35% for oil/gas sectors)
No VAT, no withholding tax on dividends, no payroll or wealth tax
Double taxation treaties with ~60 countries
Let our accounting experts at Startex Global handle your financial compliance.
Trade Register & One-Stop-Shop System
The Commercial Registry and the Ministry of Economy and Commerce manage company records. Qatar offers a one-stop-shop registration system.
With Startex Global, we:
Ensure your company is listed correctly
Handle documentation for Commercial Residence Certificate
Register your company with the Chamber of Commerce
We also help clients search and verify other registered entities.
Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Public Register
Companies in QFC operate under a separate legal regime. The QFC public register provides:
Entity status (licensed/inactive/etc.)
Shareholder and activity details
Address and licensing information
Startex Global can help with QFC company formation and portal access for compliance.
Foreign Direct Investment in Qatar – Why Choose Startex Global?
Qatar offers a competitive, investor-friendly market. Highlights include:
Key FDI contributors: USA, Japan, Singapore, South Korea
Leading industries: Oil & Gas, Finance, Construction
Strong infrastructure, low tax rates, and skilled workforce
Startex Global Business Consulting provides a gateway into this lucrative market.
Credit Ratings – Economic Stability
Moody’s (2017): Aa3 – low credit risk
S&P (2017): AA‑ – resilient economy amid regional challenges
These ratings confirm Qatar’s position as a safe, stable investment destination.
FAQs – Start a Company in Qatar with Startex Global
Why invest in Qatar?
High GDP, no dividend tax, strong infrastructure, and a low 10% corporate tax rate.
What is the best company type for foreign investors?
An LLC is most common, with Startex Global managing local partnerships and legal compliance.
What’s required for an LLC?
QAR 200,000 capital
51% local ownership
At least 2 shareholders
Yearly net profit reserve (10%) until 50% of capital is reached
Can I open a branch or liaison office?
Yes. A branch can handle commercial activity with Ministry approval. A liaison office is best for marketing or brand visibility.
What taxes do companies pay?
Foreign-owned companies pay 10% corporate tax. Local Qatari companies pay no tax on profits.
Can foreigners buy property?
Only GCC nationals can own land in designated zones.
Partner with Startex Global Business Consulting Today
We specialize in company formation in Qatar, offering everything from LLCs and branch setups to residency applications, banking, and virtual offices. Whether you’re launching a startup or expanding globally, Startex Global is your trusted partner in the Middle East.
📩 Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you start a company in Qatar with full confidence.
10 Comments
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Riva Collins
It’s no secret that the digital industry is booming. From exciting startups to need ghor
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Riva Collins
It’s no secret that the digital industry is booming. From exciting startups to need ghor
global and brands, companies are reaching out.
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Obila Doe
It’s no secret that the digital industry is booming. From exciting startups to need ghor hmiu
global and brands, companies are reaching out.
Obila Doe
It’s no secret that the digital industry is booming. From exciting startups to need ghor hmiu
global and brands, companies are reaching out.
Obila Doe
It’s no secret that the digital industry is booming. From exciting startups to need ghor hmiu
global and brands, companies are reaching out.