Register Company in Qatar within 8 Weeks

Register company in Qatar

Register Company in Qatar is hassle-free, if you know how. With Tetra Consultants at the wheel, you will be able to channel your time and energy into other more important aspects of your business.

With our lean-and-mean mentality, you can rely on our team of experts to provide you a seamless experience throughout the whole process to register company in Qatar. Our ultimate goal is for your company to be operationally ready within the stipulated time frame.

Our service package includes everything you will require for a new company formation in Qatar:

Register company in Qatar
Provision of local nominee director and shareholder
Company secretary and registered address
Opening local or international corporate bank account
Trade license and tax application
Qatar business visa application
Annual accounting and tax services

Introduction to register company in Qatar

In recent years, Qatar, officially known as the State of Qatar, has become an increasingly popular jurisdiction for investors to set up their businesses. Despite the small land space, Qatar is one of the fastest-growing countries in the Gulf Region and known for its strong economy and high business potential for investors.

Qatar is a highly developed and one of the wealthiest countries in the world, ranking 1st in the world in terms of GDP per capita derived from Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) calculations. Petroleum and natural gas are keystones of the Qatari economy.

Foreign investors choose to set up business in Qatar due to the presence of pro-foreign investment policies and other monetary incentives. The Qatari government offers tax exemptions in Qatar Free Zones, full repatriation of profits and economic incentives up to QAR75 billion. With a supportive government and business-friendly environment, Qatar is an exemplary country for new foreign business owners to set up business.

How long to register a company in Qatar?

Tetra Consultants will complete the process to register company in Qatar within 8 weeks. After receiving due diligence documents of the directors and shareholders, Tetra Consultants will search for the availability of your preferred company name in the Companies Registry. Our team will complete the new company formation in Qatar without the need to travel.

Once completed, you can expect to receive the details of your newly registered entity including company number and certificate of incorporation.

Within 4 weeks after registering the company in Qatar, Tetra Consultants will open a Qatar corporate bank account for your business entity. Consequently, you can expect to start operations and issue invoices with your Qatar company within 12 weeks upon engaging Tetra Consultants.

If you are keen to know more about the process, Tetra Consultants has prepared a step by step explanation of all steps required for company registration in Qatar.

Types of companies in Qatar

There are many different types of companies in Qatar. Prior to foreign company registration in Qatar, it is essential to choose one that is most suitable for your business needs and long term goals. Once engaged, Tetra Consultants will fully understand your business structure and recommend the optimum business structure for your new company formation in Qatar.

Joint Venture

In sectors and cases where foreign investors are not allowed to attain full ownership of the company, joint ventures act as a solution for these investors who are non-Qataris. Foreign investors will partner up with local Qataris to carry out businesses requiring Qatari partners.

Under normal circumstances, Qatari partners would attain at least 51% ownership of the company, leaving the remaining 49% for foreign investors.

Business income subjected to a flat Corporate Tax Rate of 10%. Qatar’s Corporate Tax Rate is remarkably low in comparison to the Worldwide Average Statutory Corporate Income Tax Rate of approximately 24%, measured across 176 jurisdictions.

No individual income taxes.

Mandatory statutory audit by The Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Corporations are subjected to a compulsory annual statutory audit, usually conducted at the end of each fiscal year. Regular and timely reviews ensure business integrity, keeping corruption rates low.

Minimum paid-up capital of QAR200,000 required to be injected before the company incorporation. Business owners looking to apply visas for foreign workers will observe an increase in minimum paid-up capital.

Qatar Ministry of Business and Trade approval required prior to company registration.

Minimum 2 shareholders required. Local shareholder required with at least 51% ownership for selected business sectors excluded from the updated foreign investment law.

Minimum 1 Director required (does not have to be a Qatari local).

Free zone company

Qatar’s free zones are a specific class of Special Economic Zone designed to stimulate and catalyse the growth of companies incorporated in the respective zones. Qatar aims to utilize free zones to encourage an influx of new businesses that will contribute to the country’s economic growth and diversification. Companies within the free zones enjoy a wide variety of tax and regulation benefits.

Business income exempted from corporate tax for renewable 20-year periods. Qatar’s exemption of Corporate Tax Rate in Free Zones is remarkable in comparison to the Worldwide Average Statutory Corporate Income Tax Rate of approximately 24%, measured across 176 jurisdictions.

No individual income taxes.

Mandatory statutory audit by The Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Corporations are subjected to a compulsory annual statutory audit, usually conducted at the end of each fiscal year. Regular and timely reviews ensure business integrity, keeping corruption rates low.

Minimum paid-up capital of QAR 200,000 required to be injected before the company incorporation. Business owners looking to apply visas for foreign workers will observe an increase in minimum paid-up capital.

Ministry of Business and Trade approval required prior to business setup in Qatar.

Minimum 1 shareholder required with full foreign ownership of the company’s share capital granted, accompanied by full capital repatriation. As such, a local Qatari shareholder will not be necessary.

Minimum 1 Director required (does not have to be a Qatari local).

No customs duties or government intervention on imports.

Full Foreign-owned company

Under a new foreign investment law (Law 1/2019) to ease regulations and restrictions over foreign investments enacted by the Qatari government, full ownership of businesses in most sectors are permitted with full repatriation of profits. Foreign investors can set up a company in Qatar without needing to work with a local Qatari partner as long as approval by the Qatari government is attained.

Sectors such as banking, insurance and commercial agencies are excluded from the new foreign investment law, limiting foreign investments and ownership to 49% in the respective industries.

Business income subjected to a flat Corporate Tax Rate of 10%. Qatar’s Corporate Tax Rate is remarkably low in comparison to the Worldwide Average Statutory Corporate Income Tax Rate of approximately 24%, measured across 176 jurisdictions.

No individual income taxes.

Mandatory statutory audit by The Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Corporations are subjected to a compulsory annual statutory audit, usually conducted at the end of each fiscal year. Regular and timely reviews ensure business integrity, keeping corruption rates low.

Minimum paid-up capital of QAR 200,000 required to be injected before the company incorporation. Business owners looking to apply visas for foreign workers will observe an increase in minimum paid-up capital.

Ministry of Business and Trade approval required prior to company setup in Qatar.

Minimum 1 shareholder required with full foreign ownership of the company’s share capital granted, accompanied by full capital repatriation. As such, a local Qatari shareholder will not be necessary.

Minimum 1 Director required (does not have to be a Qatari local).

Contract signed prior to company registration.

Branch

A branch office is a viable option when foreign companies wish to expand their business in Qatar. International business owners can establish an extension of the parent company by setting up a branch office in Qatar. Branch offices are not a separate legal entity and can only conduct business activities similar to that of the parent company.

A Qatar Branch office is a registered company which allows foreign business owners to maintain full ownership. The Qatari authorities does not view the branch office as a permanent establishment. A Branch should close upon completion of the contract, although business owners can renew the agreement.

Business income subjected to a flat Corporate Tax Rate of 10%. Qatar’s Corporate Tax Rate is remarkably low in comparison to the Worldwide Average Statutory Corporate Income Tax Rate of approximately 24%, measured across 176 jurisdictions.

Mandatory statutory audit by The Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Corporations are subjected to a compulsory annual statutory audit, usually conducted at the end of each fiscal year. Regular and timely reviews ensure business integrity, keeping corruption rates low.

Minimum paid-up capital of QAR 200,000 required to be injected before the company incorporation. Business owners looking to apply Qatar business visas for foreign workers will observe an increase in minimum paid-up capital.

Ministry of Business and Trade approval required prior to new company registration in Qatar.

Full foreign ownership of the company’s share capital granted. As such, local Qatari shareholders not necessary and the minimum number of shareholders dependent on the parent company.

Minimum 1 Director required (does not have to be a Qatari local).

Legal government contract for performing a specific project.

How to register company in Qatar

With the establishment of the Single Window initiative by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Qatar, registering a company in Qatar is now a relatively simple process that can be done remotely. The Single Window portal is an online platform that allows investors to register their business, apply for the required licenses and pay fees electronically. Our team of experts has summarized the prevalent steps that take place during a new company formation in Qatar as follows:

#1 Trade name search

Once you have decided on the name of your company, you can check for the availability of your trade name through the Public Register in the Qatar Financial Centre Companies registration office. The Public Register also allows you to check company registration in Qatar and search for Qatar company registration number.

Alternatively, you can conduct a name search through the Trade Name Search function in the Single Window portal.

The name of the company should be unique and should not be similar to existing trademarks. No numbers or symbols are allowed in the trade name.

The trade name should reflect the purpose of the company and must be written in the English and Arabic alphabet. An additional QAR 500 will be incurred if the Arabic name is written in Latin.

#2 Reservation of trade name

After you have confirmed the availability of the name of your company, you can create an account and login into the Single Window portal as an investor.

Through the portal, you will be able to submit the application for reservation of trade name.

If the trade name is a trademark, you will be required to submit a Franchise or License to use the trademark.

If the trade name is not a trademark, you will need to enter 3-5 potential trade names.

The trade name can be reserved free-of-charge for 3 days. If you wish to reserve the trade name for more than 3 days and up to 180 days, you will have to pay a reservation fee of QAR 1000. Additional QAR 500 will be charged for names written in Latin and QAR 1000 for trademark names.

#3 Opening of Bank Account

The next step is to open a corporate bank account.

A letter addressed to a Qatar bank that requests permission to open a corporate bank account should be obtained from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The company should then deposit the required initial capital into the bank account. Once the capital has been deposited, the non-resident bank account will be activated within a few days.

#4 Preparation of Articles of Association

The next step is to draft the Articles of Association.

The Articles of Association should include the company name and headquarters, purpose for company formation, shareholders’ personal information and company initial capital.

The additional requirements will differ depending on the type of business entity formed.

For Limited Liability Companies (LLC), the additional requirements include the company type, names, nationalities and status of company’s managers, names of supervisory board members if applicable, duration of company, method of distribution for profits and losses, conditions regarding allocation of shares and amount of capital and share held by each partner.

Foreign branches that have already signed contracts with the government are not required to submit an Articles of Association. Instead, they will submit a copy of the signed contract.

#5 Commercial registration of company

Business owners can register their company through the Single Window portal by filling up the relevant application form.

Additional documents will be required based on the type of company and nature of business activities.

For a more comprehensive set up, business owners can utilise the Comprehensive Establishment service in the Single Window portal. The service includes the issuance of commercial permit (CP), regulator permits based on business activities and tax card.

#6 Preparation of company stamp

An official company stamp is required before you obtain your company computer card (EID).

The company stamp will also be used in the company’s official paperwork subsequently.

To obtain a company stamp, business owners can approach any third-party suppliers.

Qatar Trade License

A Trade License enables business owners to conduct business within the Qatari government’s geographical jurisdiction. It is the authorization issued by the Qatari government to start a business and secure office space. During the company registration process, Tetra Consultants will assist you to secure Qatar Trade License from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.

Qatar Residence Visa

After employers apply for work permits for their foreign employees, they can proceed to apply for Qatar residence visas for their employees.

There are numerous Qatar business visas a foreign employee can apply for:

- Qatar Business Visa: The Qatar Business Visas allow foreign workers and expatriates to participate in business activities in Qatar. The visa is valid for up to three months.

- Qatar Family Residence Visa: Known as the Qatar sponsor visa, this visa allows the direct relatives of foreign workers and expatriates who earn a minimum monthly income of USD$2,780 and have been employed for at least six months in a Qatar-based company to reside in Qatar.

- Qatar Investor Visa: The Qatar Investor Visa allows foreign investors and expatriates who invest in Qatar-based business ventures to reside in Qatar, even if they are not employed by a company in Qatar.

Employees applying for Qatar Business Visa and Family Residence Visa will need to apply through their employers.

Corporate Tax in Qatar

Qatar operates a territorial taxation system. This means that even if business entities are not incorporated in Qatar, they are required to pay corporate taxes as long as they have income derived from Qatar.

Companies based in Qatar are subjected to corporate income tax at a flat rate of 10%, for any income derived from Qatar.

Income derived from Qatar includes income derived from activities conducted in Qatar, income derived from contracts executed in Qatar, income derived from Qatar real estate and income derived from shares of resident companies in Qatar.

Companies do not need to pay corporate tax if they did not derive any income from Qatar.

In addition, companies that have reached a special agreement with the government of Qatar may pay a different tax rate. Income derived from companies in the petroleum ad petrochemicals industry will have to pay at least 35% corporate income tax.

Free Trade Zone in Qatar

Established in 2018 with the purpose of increasing Qatar’s competitive edge in the Middle East, the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) governs the two Free Trade Zones in Qatar. The Qatar Free Zones aim to facilitate the management and administration of business activities through the provision of a favourable business environment, long-term partnerships, leasing of relevant operational spaces and other incentives. The four core sectors of focus are the emerging technologies, logistics, industry, and maritime sectors. The list of free zones in Qatar is as follow:

Ras Bufontas Free Zone

The Ras Bufontas Free Zone is situated directly next to the Hamad International Airport (HIA), allowing for easy access to air transportation and reduction of customs processing times. The Free Zone is also connected to the first line of the Doha Metro.

The Free Zone is well-integrated with technological systems such as a green irrigation control system, water conservation tactics and innovative technologies such as 5G, the Internet of Things and the advancement of AI-based services.

The key areas of focus are emerging tech, aviation and business, and light manufacturing.

Umm Alhoul Free Zone

Located next to Hamad Port, the world’s newest greenfield deep seaport, the Free Zone provides direct access to sea freight and shipping routes for companies that set up in the area.

The Free Zone is an integrated hub for maritime activities and services such as ocean vessel building and repair, boat brokerage, ship provisions supply and maritime research.

The key areas of focus are heavy manufacturing, logistics hub, industrial sectors, downstream petrochemical, emerging tech, and maritime industries and services in Qatar.

Tetra Consultants will advise you on whether to set up your company in a Qatar Free Zone based on your business structure.

Advantages of choosing to register company in Qatar

Qatar has a business-friendly environment for foreign investors due to its vast number of lucrative incentives. These benefits aid international business owners in facilitating and integrating into the Qatari economy.

Before you proceed with the new company formation in Qatar, it is important to understand the business landscape of the jurisdiction. This is to ensure that your newly established entity will be able to safely and legally conduct business while striving toward your long-term business goals.

Political

Qatar has a stable political environment and commendable economic performance, as illustrated by having the highest GDP per capita derived from the PPP method. Furthermore, Qatar’s stable political environment is proven by the Global Corruptions Perceptions Index (CPI). Qatar ranks 30th out of the 180 countries in the Corruptions Perceptions Index (CPI). The Qatari government has a low rate of corruption relative to other ranking countries globally, providing business confidence and assurance to foreign investors.

Foreign investors can rest assured of the Qatari government’s commendable leadership and support of international and local businesses in Qatar. Amid the COIVD-19 pandemic, the governing institution provided financial and economic incentives amounting to QAR$75billion.

Such incentives will help alleviate the financial burden of companies in Qatar, and it demonstrates the care and support the government has for corporations within the country. The benefits offered by the Qatari government reinforce reliability and business confidence.

Economic

Corporations in Qatar are subjected to one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the world of 10%. Not to mention, entities wholly owned by Qatari nationals and The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals are exempted from any corporate income tax (CIT).

According to the Global Competitiveness Report published by the World Economic Forum, Qatar ranked as the 29th most competitive nation in the world out of the 141 countries assessed and 2nd in the Arab world. Qatar’s steady growth is demonstrated by a constant improvement in its ranking on the Global Competitiveness indicator.

Social

Qatar has a literacy rate of approximately 93% amongst individuals aged 15 and above. By setting up a business in Qatar, foreign investors will be granted access to a highly skilled and efficient labor force.

Technological

There are Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in Qatar, where business and trade laws are relaxed, differing from the rest of the country. SEZs are part of an economic and business development strategy to stimulate an increase in foreign direct investments.

The Special Economic Zones are located near world-class transport hubs to facilitate the ease of business operations carried out in these respective zones. Qatar Science & Technology Park and Finance Centre are Special Economic Zones in Qatar.

Qatar is witnessing an increase in the numbers of Financial Technological Firms established in recent years. Upon relaxation of foreign investment laws and the establishment of Free Zones catered to Information Technology business sectors, the Qatari government’s goal to build up the country’s technology base sees a positive uptake.

Legal

Foreign investors experience relaxed investment laws and regulations as the Qatari authorities seeks to diversify the country’s economy away from oil and natural gases. In recent years, the Qatari authorities eased laws on foreign investments, granting full foreign ownership of a corporation’s share capital.

Foreign investors are entitled full ownership in most sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, health and power projects. As such, foreign investors are no longer compromised and limited to a maximum of 49% of share capital ownership.

Qatar’s free trade zone, a specific class of Special Economic Zone, exempts foreign business owners from import duties and intervention of the customs authorities. Currently, Qatar only has two Free Zones, namely Ras Bufontas Free Zone and Umm AlHoul Free Zone.

Environmental

Qatar ranked 32^ndout of the 180 countries assessed on the Environment Performance Index. The Qatari government recognizes the need to balance the nation’s industrial growth and environmental preservation. Qatar’s favourable Environment Performance Index illustrates Qatar’s commitment to its international environmental responsibilities.

Disadvantages of choosing to register company in Qatar

Qatari government prevents full ownership of a company’s share capital in selected business sectors unless otherwise approved. Under such restrictions, foreign investors would have to partner up with at least one Qatari local where the Qatari local holds minimally 51% of share capital.

Qatar has a population of only 2.78 million, with approximately 88% of the population being foreign workers. Hence, there might be limited opportunities in the domestic market.

Qatar’s legal system mandates that contracts have to be in Arabic for it to be valid in the eyes of the courts of Qatar, illustrating the presence of a language barrier for foreign investors.

Contact us to find out more about how to register company in Qatar. Our team of experts will revert within the next 24 hours.

FAQ

How to do business in Qatar?

To set up a business in Qatar, you will have to first determine the business entity that you wish to incorporate in Qatar. There are a few types of company which you can set up in Qatar, namely a Joint Venture, Free Zone Company, Full Foreign-owned company and Branch. To do business in Qatar, you can either choose to register a company in Qatar or buy a business in Qatar.

Tetra Consultants will advise you on the business entity based on your business structure and long-term goals.

Which business is best in Qatar?

There are many profitable sectors in Qatar besides the oil and gas sector. Specifically, the Qatar’s manufacturing sector is one of the crucial contributors to Qatar’s economy. Hence, it may be ideal to set up a business in the manufacturing sector due to the immense support provided by the Qatari authorities who wishes to diversify the nation’s economy away from the oil industry.

Qatar’s Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate Industry are also amongst the fast-growing business sectors in Qatar. With Special Economic Zones such as the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), there is an abundance of business opportunities for foreign investors in the Finance industry. Furthermore, the QFC tax regime provides business owners with lucrative benefits such as Treaty Reliefs from the Double Taxation Agreements with over 60 countries.

Another industry to consider is the Building and Construction Industry which has received an increase in government funding in recent years. The Qatari government aims to improve and develop the nation’s infrastructure as part of the country’s build-up towards the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Hence, setting up a business in this sector can give you greater leverage on the increase in interest and government support in the Building and Construction business sector.

How can I register a company in Qatar?

You can register your company in Qatar through the Single Window portal managed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Qatar. The Single Window portal is an online platform that allows investors to register their business, apply for the required licenses and pay fees electronically.

How can I register my small business in Qatar?

To register your small business in Qatar, you can utilise the Comprehensive Establishment service in the Single Window portal. The service provider will advise you on the documents required for the registration of your business based on the structure of your business.

How do I register a foreign company in Qatar?

First, you will have to search for the availability of your company name and reserve the trade name through the Qatar Single Window portal.

Once you have reserved your trade name, you can proceed to open a corporate bank account and prepare the Articles of Association based on the type of business entity formed.

Finally, you can proceed with the registration of company through the Single Window portal by filling up the application form and submitting the relevant documents.

Tetra Consultants has come up with a step-by-step guide on how to incorporate a Qatar company.

How much does it cost to register a company in Qatar?

The engagement fee depends on the services you require from Tetra Consultants. Prior to each engagement, our team will fully understand your business needs and inform you of the exact services you require.

For example, you may not require our bank account opening services if you already have a bank account with some banks.

Tetra Consultants’ fees include business name reservation charges, fees to register company in Qatar, and tax registration costs.

Can a foreigner start a business in Qatar?

Yes, starting a business in Qatar as a foreigner is allowed. Most sectors allow foreigners to wholly own a company in Qatar. However, there are some specific sectors such as banking, insurance, and commercial agencies, where foreign ownership is limited to 49%.

What is Qatar Free Zone?

The Qatar Free Zone is a Free Trade Zone established by the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA). Currently, there are two Free Zones in Qatar: Ras Bufontas Free Zone and Umm Alhoul Free Zone. The Free Zones in Qatar were established with the purpose to facilitate business activities through the provision of a favourable business environment, long-term partnerships, leasing of relevant operational spaces, tax benefits and other incentives.

Qatar

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