Company Formation in Qatar

Company formation in Qatar offers an excellent environment for investors and entrepreneurs by opening a gateway to the international market. It has registered high GDP figures and excellent economic growth for the past few years. The country also acts as a gateway to other Middle Eastern countries.

Qatar has continuously provided opportunities for business investors to explore, invest, and expand in numerous ways. Different corporate structures can be established according to business needs. 

Company formation in Qatar is a good option for overseas investors and company owners because the country is on its way to becoming one of the world's major business set-up centres.

Qatar Economic Outlook

Backed by petroleum and natural gas, Qatar is one of the emerging grounds that stands as the world’s third-largest gas reserve. Over the years, the Qatari government has been eyeing to leverage the non-oil segment to enhance the nation’s revenue. 

By the end of 2021, Qatar's Economic Growth is projected to hold a growth count of 2.5%.

Company Formation in Qatar - Opportunities

The region of Qatar welcomes newbies as well as experienced business players in the market. Some of the booming business opportunities that are prevailing in Qatar are:

  • Tourism
  • Hospitality
  • Retail
  • Import-Export
  • Manufacturing etc.

Apart from the business mentioned above opportunities, here’s more on the top business opportunities in Qatar.

How to do a Company Formation in Qatar?

Registering a company in Qatar involves numerous steps that an investor needs to take care of. Some of the essential steps required are:

  • Understanding Your Business Needs to do a Company Formation in Qatar

Understanding the business activity is the first and foremost task of any business. The business owners need to be clear regarding the target market and the business activities that need to be carried out effectively.

  • Choosing a Strategic Location to Do a Company Formation in Qatar

Company formation in Qatar provides multiple flexibilities to the investors to proceed ahead with the location options. 

Several free zones have been established to focus on dedicated business sectors. Make sure to select the best business location after analysing the pros and cons of the same.

  • Select a Business Name to do a Company Formation in Qatar

This stands as one of the crucial and essential tasks at the same time. While choosing a trading name in Qatar, the investors need to keep an eye on the following:

  • The selected business name shouldn’t be the same as the competitors
  • The trade name shouldn’t sound offensive
  • It shouldn’t include the name of God
  • Get the Required Documents and Proceed towards Commercial Registration

It is important to note that documentation plays a crucial role when it comes to registering a company in Qatar. To complete the business registration process, an investor needs to provide a set of stated documents, which include:

  • Duly filled out the company application form
  • Drafted Memorandum and Articles of Association
  • Copy of the Business Plan
  • Identity and address proof of the shareholder(s)
  • Address of the commercial premise

All the documents submitted by the investor undergo an in-depth verification process by the Qatar Company Registry, which involves the document attestation process in Qatar.

  • Open a Bank Account to do a Company Setup in Qatar 

A bank account is an essential part for registering a company in Qatar. Holding a corporate bank account helps the customers and the business owners/ investors to carry out business transactions in a smooth way. 

Also, it helps the owners to distinguish personal and professional finances. Here’s a guide on how to open a corporate bank account in Qatar, which will help you understand every step in a detailed way.

  • Hire the Manpower after the Registering a Company in Qatar 

Selecting the right candidate for the right job is very important for any business. It is to be kept in mind that once the company incorporation tasks get done, it requires an adequate number of people to manage it. 

An employer needs to onboard the employees by providing an employee visa. Here’s a guide on proceeding toward visa services in Qatar.

  • Proceed with the incorporation Process

Once the company gets established, maintaining the same is a big challenge. One of the easiest ways to maintain it safely is to implement the post-incorporation services that are necessary for any business to perform smooth operations. Some of the services include the following:

Implementing these fundamentals will help you to keep track of your business growth and take the necessary steps accordingly.

Types of Business Entities in Qatar

A business investor in Qatar can select any one of the business entities:

  • One-Person Company

As the name suggests, a One-Person Company in Qatar is owned by a single natural person or corporate entity; that is to say, the company’s entire share capital and economic bearing are held by that one person or corporate entity. The company’s owner is responsible for company obligations from one’s own assets unless he/she separates one’s interests from those of the company.

The minimum share capital required to start a One-Person Company in Qatar is QR 200,000 (approximately 54,000 USD). Also, the name of the company should be linked with the name of its sole proprietor, followed by the phrase “One Person Company (OPC.)”

  • Simple Partnership

A Simple Partnership in Qatar is a company formed by two or more natural persons who are personally and jointly responsible for the liabilities of the company, i.e., they bear unlimited liability.

The partnership's name should be composed by reference to the name of all its partners, or one partner, followed by the phrase “And Partners.” It can have a special commercial name, provided that name is connected with the fact that it is a simple partnership company.

  • Joint Partnership

A Joint Partnership in Qatar is similar to a simple partnership, except here, it has two types of partners:

  • Joint Partners

The one who bears unlimited liability for the company’s liabilities and

  • Trustee Partners

These partners bear the company's responsibilities only to the extent of the respective value of their shares in the capital. A trustee partner may not indulge in the management affairs of the company.

  • Limited Liability Company (LLC.)

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Qatar can have between 2 to 50 partners whose respective liabilities are limited to the value of shares they hold severally in the company. The name of such a company should be succeeded by the phrase “Limited Liability Company.” 

The shares of an LLC in Qatar are not freely transferable. The minimum capital required to start an LLC in Qatar is QR 200,000, divided into equal-value shares of not less than QR 10 each. In Qatar, an LLC cannot engage in the Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI) industry.

  • Public Shareholding Company (PSC.)

A Public Shareholding Company, also known as a Joint Stock Company, in Qatar is a company whose capital is distributed into transferable shares of equal value. Such a company must have at least five shareholders. 

The minimum capital required to form a Public Shareholding Company in Qatar is QR 10 million, and the name of the company should be followed by the phrase “Qatari Public Shareholding Company.”

  • Limited Share Partnership

A Limited Share Partnership in Qatar is a company formed between 1 or more joint partners (who must be Qatari citizens) and at least four trustee partners. 

The trustee partners bear limited liability for the company, while the joint partners are responsible for the debts and obligations of the company in a personal capacity. 

The minimum capital required to start a Limited Share Partnership in Qatar is QR 1 million, divided into transferable equal-value shares.

  • Joint Venture

A Joint Venture company formation in Qatar is an unincorporated entity without legal personality. However, it has to specify its objectives as well as the rights and obligations of the partners and how profits and losses would be distributed between its partners, who are required to be two or more in number. 

Foreigners may be partners of a joint venture; in this case, the company can only carry out those activities permitted for non-Qataris under the country’s laws.

  • Holding Company

A Holding Company setup in Qatar is a company that has financial and management control over other companies by owning at least 51% of one or more Shareholding, Limited Liability, or One-Person companies. 

The minimum capital required to form a holding company is QR 10 million. The name of such a company should be followed by the phrase “Holding Company.”

  • Branch of a Foreign Company

A Branch of a Foreign Company in Qatar is an offshoot of a company abroad, facilitating the performance of a public service or utility. 

Such an office does not call for a Qatari partner to be set up, is entitled to carry out only certain activities specified in its registration contract, and is required to be authorized by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. 

A Branch Office of a Foreign Company in Qatar is fully taxable unless granted any special exemption.

  • Representative Trade Office

A foreign company can register its Representative Trade Office in Qatar to market and promote its business there. 

A representative office is required to be registered in the Commercial Registry and is not permitted to export, import, or sell goods/services.

List of Free Zones for Registering your Company in Qatar

Like Gulf nations like the UAE and Bahrain, Qatar also has free zones that allow business investors to carry out business entities at a low cost.

  • Qatar Financial Centre (Q.F.C.)

Finance is the driving force of any business that determines the growth of the business and the economy. With the growth of business entities in Qatar, the demand for financial opportunities has also been leveraged greatly. 

Focusing on this, the Qatari government launched the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) in 2005, intending to provide the best financial infrastructure for the companies to grow.

  • Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP)

Science and technology have left an unforgettable footprint in the lives of human beings. With the advancement of science and tech, business entities have been adopting tech faster. 

The Qatar Science and Technology Park free zone has been built to provide flexible business investment opportunities for company formation in Qatar.

Tax Scenario in Qatar

According to the Ministry of Finance, Qatar, the region has wiped off the income tax, which means that the earning individuals are free of paying tax. 

When it comes to corporate structures, company formation cost in Qatar is quite high, and business entities are required to pay a corporate tax of 10%.

As a part of the GCC countries, Qatar implemented the VAT scenario in the region on 1 Jan 2009, fixed at a rate of 5%.

Also, to bring in more favourable business opportunities for business investors, Qatar holds Double Taxation Treaties (DTAs) with more than 60 countries across the globe.

This paves out multiple opportunities for business investors to carry out free trade with all the possible locations.

Why Invest in Qatar?

Investing in Qatar is one of the most profitable moves any business investor can make. It is one of the easiest ways to make the user move or available business finance and leverage business profits. Some of the core reasons for investing in Qatar include the following:

  • A business-focused and growing economy
  • Huge investment opportunities
  • Easily accessible to other GCC nations
  • Suitable for newbies as well as experienced business professionals

Here’s a guide on why to invest in Qatar, which will help you to understand the investment scenario more clearly.

Why Choose us

Business Setup Worldwide offers a complete range of services to do company set up in Qatar, from consultancy to complete incorporation. We have extensive knowledge of the country’s local business and the land’s rules and regulations. 

We can perfectly guide you through setting up your business seamlessly in the shortest possible time. If you look forward to setting up a business in Qatar, feel free to talk with our experts. Contact us today- we’d be glad to assist.

FAQs

Can I start a business in Qatar as a foreigner?

You can only begin doing business in Qatar as a foreign investor if you have a minimum the authorized share capital of USD 55,000 and at least one local Qatari partner.

Can a foreigner register a company in Qatar?

Yes, a foreigner can set up shop in Qatar. Whether you are a sole proprietor or a multinational corporation, you have several options for establishing a presence in the country.

Is Qatar tax free for foreigners?

There are no more taxes because Qatar is one of a number of low-tax countries around the world, making it appealing to ex-pats (individuals and companies).

Does Qatar give citizenship to foreigners?

Depending on the circumstances, anyone with Qatari ancestry may apply to become a Qatari citizen. Anyone born to a Qatari father, regardless of where they were born, is a Qatari citizen by descent.

How can I set up a company in Qatar?

Limited Liability Company
A company name is being reserved.
Opening a bank account and making a small deposit.
Validate the articles of incorporation.
Register your business with the Commercial Registry as well as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Obtaining Doha Municipality trade and signage licences.

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