Doing Business in Qatar

Steps to Setting up a Business in Qatar

Step 1

Decide on the type of presence you wish to establish in Qatar.

A local entity incorporated under the Commercial Companies Law;
A branch office or trade representative office;
An International Engineering firm
A commercial agency relationship;
A firm incorporated or registered with Qatar Financial Centre (QFC);
A free zone entity within Qatar Science & Technology Park;

Step 2

Seek advice from a specialist in company formation to decide on company structure if setting up a local entity. Most businesses will require a local partner. If you are setting up a financial services company, you must register with QFC.

Step 3

Reserve a company name at the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.

Step 4

Appoint a lawyer to prepare legal documentation.

Step 5

Obtain the approval of the Commercial Companies Control Department on the Articles of Association.

Step 6

Authenticate the Articles of Association at the Ministry of Justice.

Step 7

Deposit minimum share capital, previously was QR200,000 ($54,919) but under the new law no minimum amount has been announced, at your bank, which will issue a letter to the Ministry of Economy and Commerce confirming the money has been transferred and cleared.

Step 8

Company will automatically be registered at the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and will be issued a certificate. Shortly after that, the Commercial Registration will be ready for collection.

Step 9

Sign a lease at an approved commercial office.

Step 10

After a municipality inspection and approval, obtain a municipality license and signage license.

Step 11

Apply for a computer card at the Immigration Department in the Ministry of Interior. The card will include the authorized signatories for immigration services for the company.

Step 12

Step 13

Apply for the labor quota at the Labor Department. This will determine what kind of visas you can obtain for employees.

Step 14

Obtain work visas for your staff at www.gov.qa

Links

Learn about doing business in Qatar in the U.S. Commercial Service's Country Commercial Guide. This comprehensive document presents an overview of the local commercial environment using economic, political, and market analysis.

For in-depth statistics on trade between the U.S. and Qatar, consult the U.S. Census Bureau's website.

The Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington, D.C. also provides "commercial information" and information about obtaining entry visas.

You may also want to familiarize yourself with Qatar National Vision 2030.