Qatar provides various legal structures for foreign investors, each with specific requirements:

• Limited Liability Company (LLC): The most prevalent structure for foreign investors, necessitating at least two and a maximum of 50 shareholders.
• Branch Office: Enables foreign companies to operate directly in Qatar under their parent company.
• Representative Office: Primarily promotes the parent company’s business without engaging in direct commercial activities.
• Free Zone Company: For businesses that want to operate within one of Qatar’s free zones with 100% foreign ownership.
• Single Shareholder Company (SSC): A company that is owned by a single individual.

• Generally, foreign investors are mandated to partner with a Qatari national who must hold at least 51% of the company in an LLC.
• However, specific sectors (including technology, education, healthcare, and logistics) allow for 100% foreign ownership, especially in Qatar Free Zones.
• Companies established within the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) or Qatar Free Zones do not require a Qatari sponsor.

• The minimum capital for an LLC is QAR 200,000 (approximately USD 55,000), although this amount can vary depending on the nature of the business.
• For Free Zones, minimum capital requirements may differ based on the business type and the specific Free Zone where the company is established.

• Decide on the business activity you plan to undertake in Qatar. Available activities include trading, manufacturing, consulting, construction, technology, and financial services.
• The chosen activity must comply with the Qatari Commercial Companies Law and receive approval from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Investors have three options for company establishment based on ownership and operational needs:

• Mainland Qatar: Requires a local Qatari partner or sponsor.
• Qatar Free Zones: Allow 100% foreign ownership and provide benefits such as tax exemptions.
• Qatar Financial Centre (QFC): Suitable for financial services firms and also permits 100% foreign ownership.

• Select a distinct trade name that adheres to Qatar’s naming conventions. The name must not be identical or too similar to that of existing registered companies.
• The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) will need to approve the trade name before proceeding further.

The required documentation for company registration varies by legal structure. Generally, the following documents are necessary:

• • Passport copies of shareholders and managers.
  • Proof of residence for shareholders and managers.
  • Qatar ID copies of the local partner (for LLCs).
  • Business plan (required for certain sectors, especially in Free Zones).
  • Memorandum of Association (MoA): Specifies ownership structure, capital contributions, and business objectives.
  • Articles of Association (AoA): Outlines the internal management structure.
  • Shareholder resolutions (if applicable).
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current sponsor if the shareholder is already a resident in Qatar.

The MoA is a legal document detailing the ownership structure, capital contributions, and objectives of the business. It must be notarized and submitted to the relevant authorities

• Once approved by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the next step is to secure the Commercial Registration (CR).
• The CR officially registers the business and permits it to conduct commercial activities in Qatar. Required documents for this process include:
  • MoA and AoA.
  • Trade name certificate.
  • ID of the Qatari partner (for LLCs).

Depending on the type of business activity, the company will need to apply for the appropriate licenses from relevant authorities, such as:

• • Commercial License: For general trading or service activities.
  • Industrial License: For manufacturing and production activities.
  • Professional License: For services like consulting, engineering, and legal work.

• After obtaining the CR, the company can set up a corporate bank account in Qatar. Required documents typically include:
  • Commercial Registration (CR) certificate.
  • Trade name certificate.
  • MoA and AoA.
  • Passport copies of shareholders.
  • Proof of capital deposit (if necessary).

Businesses must acquire a physical office space in Qatar, except in Free Zones, where virtual offices may be acceptable. A lease agreement is required to complete the registration process.

Companies must register for corporate tax with the General Tax Authority (GTA). Qatar imposes a 10% corporate income tax on profits earned locally. Companies within Free Zones may benefit from tax exemptions for a set number of years.

• Register with the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) and the General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority (GRSIA) to comply with labor laws.
• Once the company is registered, it can apply for residency visas for employees and their dependents.