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Company registration in Qatar
Access to Gulf markets and global investments
- 100% business ownership without a local partner
- Tax optimization up to 0% in free zones
- Bank account opening in just 48 hours
- 5-year Golden Visa for the investor
Submit a request and get a consultation with a corporate law specialist
About the program
Company formation in Qatar is a strategic decision for scaling a business into the markets of the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. The country ranks among the top in GDP per capita and is in the world’s top five for purchasing power.
Foreign entrepreneurs can establish companies with trading rights across the country, set up entities in free economic zones with 20-year tax holidays, or register in the Qatar Financial Centre under English law. Qatar offers 100% foreign ownership in most sectors and the ability to repatriate all profits abroad.
- Dividend, profit, and capital gains tax: 0%
- Corporate tax: 0–9%
- Company registration time: from 2 weeks
- Office requirements: virtual or physical office
- Currency restrictions: none
Types of companies and key features
Opening a company in Qatar from scratch is creating your own unique platform for global business with access to Gulf markets.
Mainland
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A local company (LLC) on the mainland of Qatar with the right to operate across the country, participate in government tenders, and engage in direct trade on the local market.
- 100% foreign ownership
Since 2023, full ownership without a local partner is allowed in most economic sectors.
- Unlimited trading
Right to conduct business across Qatar and participate in government contracts.
- Tax advantages
Corporate tax of 10% on profits over USD 102,000; VAT is not applied.
- International reputation
Recognized jurisdiction for business with banks in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Europe.
Free Zone
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An enterprise in one of the two QFZA free economic zones offering maximum benefits for international trade and manufacturing.
- Zero taxation
20-year tax holiday: 0% corporate tax and customs duties.
- 100% profit repatriation
Free transfer of capital and dividends without restrictions or fees.
- Express registration
Setup in 3 days with license issuance and bank account opening.
- Exemption from duties
Full exemption from import and export customs fees.
Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)
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A financial centre under English common law for companies in finance, consulting, and professional services.
- English law
An independent legal system based on British commercial law.
- Tax optimization
10% tax only on profits from local sources.
- International arbitration
Own courts and arbitration centre for dispute resolution.
- Premium reputation
Recognized by leading international banks and financial institutions.
Holding company
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Instead of starting from scratch, you can purchase a company in Qatar to manage assets.
- Asset protection
Isolation of risks between subsidiaries and the holding company.
- Tax efficiency
Utilization of 87 double taxation avoidance agreements.
- Centralized management
Single decision-making centre for the entire corporate structure.
- Capital attraction
Simplified access to financing from Qatari sovereign funds.
How to choose a location and corporate structure for your business in Qatar: Free Zone, Mainland, QFC
- Which business structure in Qatar suits you best
- Documents required to start a company in Qatar
- Updated business registration rules in 2025
How to choose a location and corporate structure for your business in Qatar: Free Zone, Mainland, QFC
Step-by-step process to company registration
Step-by-step process to company registration
Andris Kaushelis
General Manager
Strategic planning and jurisdiction selection
Corporate lawyers Mirsatori analyze your business model, determine the optimal structure (Mainland, Free Zone, or QFC) turnkey, and develop a tax strategy considering expansion plans into GCC markets.
Get consultationName reservation and document preparation
Specialists check the uniqueness of the trade name through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry portal. The Mirsatori team ensures preparation of incorporation documents in Arabic, notarization, and legalization at the Qatar consulate.
Get consultationCorporate account opening and capital contribution
Express account opening is conducted at Qatar National Bank or Commercial Bank of Qatar within 48 hours. At this stage, the share capital is deposited and a bank certificate is obtained for company registration.
Get consultationRegistration with the Ministry of Commerce and obtaining CR
To register a company in Qatar, a package of documents must be submitted to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. As a result, you will receive the company registration certificate (CR) and trade license.
Get consultationInvestor visa and Qatar ID issuance
Specialists Mirsatori ensure obtaining a 2-year entrepreneur visa or a 5-year Golden Visa, as well as issuing a Qatar ID card for access to banking services and government platforms.
Get consultation
Qatar company as a gateway to global markets
Opening a company in Qatar creates a foundation for entering global markets and integrating with international financial systems. By obtaining a license, you secure:
- Corporate and family resident visas
- Legal tools for reducing tax burdens
- A reliable structure for preserving and growing capital on an international scale
Submit a request and get a consultation with a corporate law specialist
Get a personalized strategy for entering the Qatari market
A Mirsatori specialist will prepare a tailored company registration plan based on your goals, business scale, and ownership type. The strategy will include:
- Selection of the optimal jurisdiction (Free Zone or Mainland)
- Capital requirements and types of activities
- Timelines and costs at each stage
- Opportunities for obtaining residency
Get a personalized strategy for entering the Qatari market
Advantages of registering a company in Qatar
Strategic location
Qatar is situated at the crossroads of trade routes between Europe, Asia, and Africa, providing access to markets with a population of 3 billion people.
Investment protection
Government guarantees ensure capital security, protection against expropriation, and full compensation at market value in the event of asset nationalization.
Zero personal income tax
No taxes on personal income, dividends, capital gains, or inheritance for residents of the country.
Premium banking system
Access to services of international banks with an A+ rating, multi-currency accounts, and priority service for corporate clients.
Investor golden visa
Long-term residence for 5 years with the right to sponsor family members, own property, and conduct business without a local partner.
Investment support
Direct financing from the Qatar Investment Authority and Qatar Development Bank, with startup support programs up to USD 5 million.
Vision 2030
A government program for economic diversification with USD 200 billion invested in infrastructure, technology, and innovation.
Reduced fiscal burden
87 double taxation avoidance agreements, including with all EU countries, the USA, China, and India.
Company registration: comparative analysis
Category
Qatar
The UAE
Bahrain
Saudi Arabia
Minimum share capital
from USD 55,000
USD 0
USD 0
USD 6,600
VAT
from 0%
5%
10%
15%
100% foreign ownership
yes
yes
yes
yes
Audit
yes
yes
yes
yes
Corporate tax
10%
from 0%
0%
20%
Personal income tax
0%
0%
0%
0%
Dividend tax
0%
0%
0%
0%
Double tax treaties countries
80+
130+
40+
80+
Currency control
no
no
no
no
Company registration: alternative programs
Country
Cost
Processing time
Benefits
The UAE
Cost
from USD 10,000
Processing time
from 1 week
Benefits
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- Tax optimization and access to new markets
- Residency for family members
- Full business ownership in a free zone
Bahrain
Cost
from USD 13,500
Processing time
from 1 week
Benefits
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- Residency with renewal option
- Tax optimization and access to new markets
- 100% ownership of the company and capital management
Saudi Arabia
Cost
from USD 20,900
Processing time
from 1 week
Benefits
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- Social subsidies and tax incentives
- No currency control regulations
- Access to the Gulf market
FAQ
What is the difference between registering a company on the mainland and in the QFZA free zone?
A mainland company can conduct business throughout Qatar and participate in government contracts, paying 10% corporate tax. A QFZA free zone company receives a 20-year tax holiday but can trade only in international markets.
What taxes do companies pay in Qatar?
Mainland companies pay 10% corporate tax on profits above USD 102,000 per year. Free zone companies enjoy 0% corporate tax for 20 years. There is no VAT. Personal income tax is 0%.
Is it possible to register a company with 100% foreign ownership?
Yes, in free zones and QFC there are no restrictions. On the mainland, since 2023, most sectors allow 100% foreign ownership except for oil and gas and banking.
What is the minimum share capital required?
The registration fee depends on the type of company. Mainland LLC: from USD 55,000. Free zone registration: from USD 270. QFC: from USD 5,400. Capital must be deposited into the company’s bank account.
How does company registration help obtain residency?
Owning a company grants a 2-year entrepreneur visa with the possibility of renewal. Investments from USD 200,000 qualify for a 5-year Golden Visa for the entire family.
How long does turnkey company registration take?
Free zones: 3 days, QFC: 5 days, mainland: 7–10 days. Opening a bank account: 48 hours. Visa issuance: 2 weeks.
What licenses are required to conduct business?
- Trade license – for buying and selling
- Professional license – for services
- Industrial license – for manufacturing
- Special licenses – for finance, medical, and education sectors
Is physical presence required to manage the company?
To maintain the visa: at least 1 day every 180 days. For tax residency: 183 days per year. Remote management through authorized representatives is possible.
Get expert guidance on your case
Schedule a meeting with our specialists, in-office or online, and receive a tailored case analysis, a clear cost estimate, and the best solution to achieve your goals.
Fill out the form to schedule a meeting in the office or online
