Qatar is a middle eastern country located in the West of Asia. Although small in size and population, Qatar is currently a powerhouse when it comes to economic growth. Moreover, Qatar currently ranks as one of the highest countries globally in terms of human development. This could be linked to the fact that this country enjoys one of the highest GDPs per capita.

This leads to Qatar being one of the best countries to setup your company. Advantages of incorporating in Qatar are their regulations that don’t impose corporate tax. Moreover, even as a foreign national, you can own up to 49% of your company. This is because the government of Qatar has taken it upon themselves to increase foreign investment. And what better way to do so than to make the process as easy as possible?

Steps of company registration in Qatar


The company registration process in Qatar is relatively simple. However, if you need any help, do contact us. Here at S & F Consulting we are a business consultancy group who are officially registered in Qatar. As such we are professionally qualified to assist you in anything you need with regards to your company formation in Qatar. In the time being, we have put together a summary of the company registration process in Qatar that you may use as a guide. This is in order for you to have an overview of what the process will entail for you.

Before starting the process, it would be best to know what options you have for company registration. In Qatar there are seven types of legal structures a company can take. They are as follows:
  • Simple Partnership Company
  • Joint Partnership Company
  • Joint Venture Company
  • Public Shareholding Company
  • Limited Share Partnership Company
  • Limited Liability Company
  • Holding Companies

Although all seven structures have equally similar registration processes, by far the most popular structure is the limited liability company. You may read an in dept guide to registering an LLC in Qatar here.
For the most part, all company structures have the same basic registration process. We have summarized the steps below in order for your ease of understanding:

The company registration Steps in Qatar are:


Step 1- Choosing your partner/s
As the government mandates that you may only own up to 49% of your company, you will need to look for foreign partners to start.

Step 2- Company Name
The next step to incorporation is to decide on your company name. Do note that you have to adhere to the following regulations regarding the name.
The name must be unique, i.e. it should have no similarities to the names of pre-existing companies.
The name should not have anything considered inappropriate or offensive in Qatar.

Step 3- Articles of Incorporation
The Articles of Incorporation are a document containing the following details as well as the codes of conduct of the company:
  • Shareholder details
  • Ownership percentage of shareholders
  • Rights of shareholders

You will also need to draft a separate document detailing your business activities and your company objectives.

Step 4- Company bank account
Next, you must open a bank account under your company name. You will first need to file for permission do so from MEC. Depending on the legal structure you take, you may need to have a minimum share capital.

Step 5- Submit your articles of Association
Next you will need to draw up your document for the Articles of Association and submit them to the Ministry of Business and trade. This document will have to list the following:
  • The address of the official company headquarters
  • Objective of the company
  • Shareholder details
  • Share capital
  • Owner details
  • Information of shares

Step 6- Company seal
You will need to have your official company seal. This is as per government regulation.

Step 7- Trade License
Finally you will have to apply for your trade license. You will need to submit the following to do so:
  • Your CR certificates.
  • Copies of the Identity cards of all owners, partners, shareholders, and managers
  • A copy of the Articles of Incorporation
  • The address and picture proof of your office building
  • Identity card copy of the building owner
  • Building completion certificate
  • You will also need to pass inspection of the actual building by the MEC

As you can see, the process, while long, is relatively simple. If you have any doubts or reservations, do feel free to contact us. Our friendly customer service team is online 24/7 and are always waiting to help. At S & F Consulting your satisfaction is our happiness. So, contact us asap and we can start on the registration process today!

Read Also: The Best Businesses to Start in Qatar - Biz Blog Writer