Qatar

Opening a company in Qatar is a strategic step into Middle Eastern, Asian and African markets. The country holds leading positions in GDP per capita and ranks in the global top five for purchasing power.

Foreign principals may register companies with trading rights across the entire country, structures in free economic zones carrying 20-year tax holidays, and entities at the Qatar Financial Centre under English law.

• Registration timeline — 3 days in a free zone, 5 days at the QFC, 7 to 10 days on the mainland

Strategic Location

Qatar sits at the crossroads of trade routes between Europe, Asia and Africa, giving access to markets of 3 billion people.

Investment Protection

State guarantees of capital safety, protection from expropriation, and full compensation at market value in the event of nationalisation.

Zero Income Tax

No tax on personal income, dividends, capital gains or inheritance for residents of the country.

Premium Banking System

Access to international banks rated A+, multi-currency accounts and priority service for corporate clients.

State Capital and Vision 2030

Direct financing from the Qatar Investment Authority and Qatar Development Bank, startup support of up to USD 5 million, and a USD 200 billion national diversification programme covering infrastructure, technology and innovation.

Regional Entrepreneurs

Founders who want a base from which to sell into Middle Eastern and Asian markets.

Established Corporates

Companies that need a GCC jurisdiction their counterparties already recognise.

Golden Visa Investors

Investors for whom the five-year residency matters as much as the company itself.

Financial Services Firms

Regulated businesses that want QFC registration under English common law.

Local Company (Mainland)

A local company (LLC) on the mainland of Qatar with the right to conduct business across the entire country, participate in government tenders, and trade directly on the local market.

• 100% foreign ownership — Since 2023, full ownership without a local partner in most economic sectors.
• Unrestricted trade — Right to commercial activity across all of Qatar and participation in government contracts.
• Tax advantages — Corporate tax of 10% on profits above USD 102,000; no VAT.
• International reputation — A recognised jurisdiction for business with banks in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Europe.

Free Zone Company (Free Zone)

An enterprise in one of the two QFZA free economic zones with maximum benefits for international trade and manufacturing.

• Zero taxation — 20-year tax holidays: 0% corporate tax and customs duties.
• 100% profit repatriation — Free withdrawal of capital and dividends without restrictions or commissions.
• Express registration — Processing in 3 days with licence issuance and account opening.
• Duty exemption — Complete absence of import and export customs charges.

Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)

A financial centre with English common law for companies in finance, consulting, and professional services.

• English law — An independent legal system based on British commercial law.
• Tax optimisation — 10% tax only on profits from local income sources.
• International arbitration — Own courts and arbitration centre for dispute resolution.
• Premium reputation — Recognition by leading international banks and financial institutions.

Holding Structure

Instead of creating from scratch, one can acquire a company in Qatar for asset management.

• Asset protection — Risk isolation between subsidiaries and the holding.
• Tax efficiency — Use of 87 double taxation avoidance agreements, including all EU countries, the USA, China, India and Russia.
• Centralised management — A single decision-making centre for the entire corporate structure.
• Capital attraction — Simplified access to financing from Qatari sovereign funds.

Key financial parameters

• Mainland LLC minimum capital — from USD 55,000
• Free zone minimum capital — from USD 270
• QFC minimum capital — from USD 5,400
• Corporate tax (mainland) — 10% on profits above USD 102,000
• Free zone corporate tax — 0% for 20 years
• VAT — none
• Personal income tax — 0%

Founder identification

Passports and identification documents for all founders.

Business plan

A business plan with a description of the intended activity.

Founding documents

Founding documents drawn up in Arabic for mainland companies.

Legalisation

Notarial certification and legalisation at the Qatar consulate.

Share capital

Minimum share capital depending on the company type.

Registered address

A local registered address or virtual office.

1. Strategic Planning and Structure Selection

Mirsatori's corporate lawyers analyse your business model and set the optimal structure — mainland, free zone or QFC — against your GCC expansion plans.

2. Name Reservation and Documents

We verify the trade name through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and prepare, notarise and legalise the founding documents in Arabic.

3. Bank Account and Capital Contribution

We open the account with Qatar National Bank or Commercial Bank of Qatar, deposit the share capital and obtain the bank certificate.

4. Registration and CR Issuance

We file with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry; you receive the company registration certificate and trade licence.

5. Investor Visa and Qatar ID

We secure the entrepreneur or Golden Visa and process the Qatar ID card for banking and government services.