Choosing the structure before the paperwork
The most expensive formation mistakes are structural, not procedural. Registering the wrong vehicle for your activity means unwinding and re-registering, with the licensing time spent twice.
A mainland LLC suits companies trading domestically and bidding for local contracts. A branch suits a foreign company delivering a specific contract. The QFC suits financial and professional services and operates under its own legal and tax regime.
100% foreign ownership
Law No. 1 of 2019 regulating the investment of non-Qatari capital permits up to 100% foreign ownership across most sectors, subject to approval and to sector-specific restrictions that still apply in certain areas.
Whether your activity qualifies should be confirmed against the current position before you commit to a structure.
What formation actually involves
Name reservation, articles of association, commercial registration, trade licence, tax registration on Dhareeba, establishment card, corporate bank account, and appointment of an auditor.
How the engagement runs
Structure
Confirm the right vehicle for your activity, ownership and tax position.
Register
Name reservation, articles, commercial registration and trade licence.
Activate
Tax registration, establishment card, and corporate bank account opening support.
Comply
Appoint an auditor and put the accounting and filing calendar in place from day one.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Qatar?
How long does it take to register a company in Qatar?
What is the difference between mainland and QFC registration?
Do I need a local sponsor to start a business in Qatar?
What is required to open a corporate bank account in Qatar?
Need this done?
Tell us your deadline and we will tell you what is required, what it involves and what it costs.