Choosing where to set up your business

Who this is for

Local and foreign investors deciding where to register a new company or branch in Qatar. This guide compares the options; it does not replace advice from each authority. Once you have chosen, follow that authority's own steps. For the mainland, see our guide on registering a company.

Before you start

• A clear description of your main business activity, for example trading, consulting, financial services, manufacturing, logistics, technology or media.
• Who will own the business and in what shares, including how much will be held by non-Qatari investors.
• Where your customers are: mainly inside Qatar, or mainly abroad and in the region.
• Whether you will import, store or re-export goods, which affects customs treatment.

Steps

1. Consider the mainland (Ministry of Commerce and Industry)

   Mainland companies are registered with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry through the online Single Window, which handles the trade name, commercial registration, licence and labour requests. Available forms include limited liability companies, single-person companies, partnerships and joint stock companies. Under Law No. 1 of 2019, non-Qatari investors can own up to 49% and can apply to raise this to 100%. Banks, insurance companies and commercial agencies are excluded unless the Council of Ministers decides otherwise.

2. Consider the Qatar Financial Centre

   The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), set up by Law No. 7 of 2005, is an onshore business centre with its own legal, regulatory and tax framework. It hosts financial firms as well as professional services, technology and other businesses. QFC lists 100% foreign ownership, 100% profit repatriation, a 10% corporate tax rate, a common law legal environment and trading in any currency. The QFC Authority issues licences, and the QFC Regulatory Authority is one of its independent bodies.

3. Consider the Qatar Free Zones

   The Qatar Free Zones Authority, set up in 2018, runs the Ras Bufontas Free Zone next to Hamad International Airport and the Umm Alhoul Free Zone next to Hamad Port. Its focus sectors include logistics and trading, manufacturing, emerging technology and maritime services. It lists 100% foreign ownership, a 20-year corporate tax holiday, no customs duty on imports into the zone and full capital repatriation. Goods sold into the local Qatar market go through normal customs.

4. Look at specialised platforms

   Invest Qatar lists two more licensing platforms. Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), part of Qatar Foundation, is described as Qatar's first free zone, focused on technology and innovation, with its own licensing. Media City Qatar is for media, technology and creative businesses, such as screen and music, digital and social media, gaming and agencies. It offers business licensing and office space, and mentions tax and customs incentives.

5. Compare against your plans

   Match your activity, ownership and customers to each option. Some activities are only open in one place, and some need an extra licence from a sector regulator. Tax also differs: mainland companies deal with the General Tax Authority, while QFC firms register with the QFC Tax Department.

6. Make first contact

   For the mainland, use the Single Window's Business Setup Advisor for a first view of requirements, fees, documents and timings, then apply online. For the QFC, register your interest on its website. For the free zones, send your details through the QFZ investor portal; a business development team member will contact you. For Media City Qatar, fill in its start-a-business form. Invest Qatar can also answer general questions and make introductions.

Useful numbers and apps

• Single Window (Ministry of Commerce and Industry) 16001 Source
• Qatar Free Zones investor enquiries +974 4020 5020 Source
• Qatar Free Zones investor email investors@qfz.gov.qa Source
• Media City Qatar +974 4449 9501 Source
• Media City Qatar email info@mediacity.qa Source

Good to know

• The QFC and the free zones each have their own rules and processes, separate from the mainland. A company in one place does not automatically get the rights of another.
• Even with foreign ownership allowed, Law No. 1 of 2019 lets the Council of Ministers keep other sectors closed to non-Qatari investors. Invest Qatar also lists natural resource companies as excluded.
• The figures in this guide are as published by each authority. Tax holidays and incentives often have conditions, so confirm what applies to your activity before you decide.
• Invest Qatar says its support for investors is free until the incorporation process starts.