Company Formation in Qatar | Business Setup & Registration

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About Qatar

Despite being a relatively small country, Qatar is one of the richest economies in the world based on GDP per capita and while petroleum and natural gas account for over 70% of total government revenue, its current primary focus is on the development of its non-energy related industries, such as petrochemical, real estate, financial services, education, health, sports and tourism.

Qatar is a country with a fast-growing economy and forward-thinking growth strategy that will undoubtedly provide diverse investment opportunities for businesses over the coming years. There are many multi-tiered investment opportunities that currently exist in Qatar, thanks to the country’s progressive economic policies and drive for infrastructure growth and revenue diversification.

QATAR COMPANY SET UP & REGISTRATION

Business setup in Qatar has grown in popularity having captured the attention of many foreign investors following the global coverage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Many are recognising the wealth of investment opportunities for infrastructure, hospitality, and education as well as the more traditional sector strengths such as shipping, logistics, local transportation and of course, oil & gas with the North Field Expansion Gas Development Project that was announced by Qatar Petroleum in 2017.

Businesses are seeing huge development in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 to ensure that the country incentivizes foreign investments and facilitates market growth across all sectors in Qatar.

Company registration in Qatar has grown significantly with entry barriers being vastly improved in the last decade to provide more options across the mainland and free zone setups in Qatar.

For companies in Qatar, it is now possible to have 100% foreign ownership. Qatar has been developing its business landscape in recent years to align with its ambitious Vision goals, to move away from its economic reliance on the oil and energy sectors. The transformative milestone in Qatar’s business environment proves to investors that Qatar is committed to being more flexible and autonomous. Read More >>

WHY SET UP YOUR BUSINESS WITH US IN QATAR?

Our Doha office has an extensive team with local knowledge who are dedicated to guiding you on how to start your company in Qatar. If you are planning to expand from another regional or international location, or setup as a new business in Qatar - Sovereign PPG provides foreign investors with a completely tailored Qatar company formation solution and this begins with identifying the correct legal entity or corporate service for your business.

Setup in Qatar

Contact PPG Qatar

In Qatar, there are a number of entity types for foreign investors to set up their business. The most common entity types across both mainland and freezone in Qatar include Limited Liability Company (LLC), Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and Qatar Free Zone (QFZ). To register your business in Qatar, you will have to register with the relevant authority either in the mainland or the freezone in which you incorporate. In most cases, Qatar now allows for 100% foreign ownership of the Qatar entity.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

In Qatar there are a number of entity types possible to set up, the most popular are: Limited Liability Company (LLC) incorporated in the State of Qatar (mainland), Branch Office and Representative Office, LLC incorporated in Free Zones (QFZA & QSTP), LLC incorporated in Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), Joint Stock Company (JSC), and Holding Company.

Setting up a company in the State of Qatar under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is dependent on the type of entity required – there are different requirements and processes for each. This is also dependent on how efficiently the required documentation is appropriately collected, as this may cause a longer set up time. Generally, setting up a company in Qatar could take between 4-6 weeks.

100% foreign ownership is permissible within the free zones and Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) jurisdiction in Qatar. It is also possible for foreign ownership in certain mainland sectors upon approval granted by the authorities. Branch Offices can also be set up under foreign ownership, but it must be performing a government contract. A Trade Representative office may also be foreign-owned, but cannot trade.

Foreign Direct Investment is limited to 49% of a company's capital. However, 100% ownership in certain situations and with government approval is allowed. Foreign investments (in mainland under MOCI) are not allowed, particularly in the purchase of real estate and commercial agencies, banking and insurance companies unless authorised by the Ministry.

Once the commercial registration has been issued an application for a trade licence can be submitted. This trade licence will be valid for a period of at least one year and is renewable. The following documents are required:

Identification documents of authorised person
Rental agreement
Commercial registration copy
Signboard with brand name (not exceeding 120cm in height)
Building completion certificate
Fee payment
Other documents, as required, depending on the list of business activities

For a detailed discussion on the requirements and timelines to set up a company in Qatar please contact a member of the Sovereign PPG team in Qatar on +974 4478 8765 email us at info@vpqatar.com. Alternatively, please complete the contact form below and we will be delighted to assist you.

Company owners know the importance of protecting intellectual property and all features involved. Registering a trademark will ensure that the company is not implicated in different infringements like copied trademarks and logos. Here is some information about how you can register a trademark in Qatar:

The registration of trademarks in Qatar is protected by Law no. 9/2002 referring to commercial indications, industrial designs and models, trade names etc.
A verification of the trademark you wish to register must be made in the first place.
Only a single application for trademark registration is needed.
The Industrial Property Protection Office registers the company trademarks in Qatar.
All the documents comprising the logo/symbols need to be submitted, alongside other papers, to the above-mentioned body.

One should note that foreigners in Qatar must appoint a representative with a power of attorney for trademark registration in this country. It is important to be distinctive in the market and have a unique trademark for your company in Qatar, so a prior verification is required before starting the registration process. If you would like to know more about the trademark registration process in Qatar, please to talk to one of our specialists and ask for details and support.

The trademark certificate is valid for 10 years from the date of issuance and can be renewed for another 10 years. It is only valid in Qatar.

Once the labour quota is approved, you will come to Qatar on an employment visa. After entry, your contract of employment will be registered with the Labour Department and you will be required to undergo a medical examination, in addition, your fingerprints and an eye scan will be taken. When the results of these are confirmed, you will be issued with a Qatari Identity Card, at this point, you become a resident of Qatar.

Passport copy - must have more than 6 months validity and at least 2 blank pages
Colour Photos x 2 - head and shoulders, no eyeglasses, blue background, high resolution.
Attested education certificate/diploma - if required for certain job titles - must be attested in the country of issuance and followed by a letter from the institution issuing the certificate (please contact us for further details)

The Articles of Association is the constitutional document for a company in Qatar. This document is signed when natural or legal person(s) commit to set up a company and they set out the guidelines on how the company is run and administered. The AOA must be drafted in accordance with Qatar Companies Law or in accordance with the rules and regulations of the free zone or QFC (depending on where the company is set up).

Setting up an LLC in the Qatar Freezone (QFZ)

For incorporation of an LLC, you will require all the documents relating to the free zone entity. These are:

Articles of Associations (AoA), which must be signed by shareholders or authorised representatives of the shareholders on every page
Documents pertaining to the incorporation of the free zone entity and appointment of an authorised representative (shareholder’s resolution)
All governmental documents that relate to the company shareholders

Note that where shareholders may be corporate entities then the relevant Board Resolution and Power of Attorney must be obtain from the country of origin and Notarised Legalised and Attested through the Qatar embassy in that country. PPG can assist with this process as needed.

Setting up a Foreign Branch in the Qatar Freezone (QFZ)

In order to register a branch office in the Qatar Freezone, you must provide the following:

All documents that relate to the authorisation for incorporation of a free zone branch
Any documents that are connected with the appointment of a manager
Any other constitutional documents that are related to the originating parent company

With setting up Branch office in QFZ the relevant Board Resolution and Power of Attorney must be drafted from the parent company and obtained from the country of origin and Notarised, Legalised and Attested through the Qatar embassy in that country. PPG can assist with this process as needed.

What are the fees to set up in the Qatar Freezone (QFZ)

The initial government fees to set up in QFZ are QAR11,000 for an LLC.

This is comprised of QAR 300 freezone application fee, QAR 5,700 freezone registration fee and QAR 5,000 annual licence fee.

Medical price list
Licensing of medical staff
Civil Defence Certificate
Security systems certification
Image of contract
Commercial registration
Commercial permit
A copy of the health facility licence (current)

It is possible to add partners to a commercial registration when they buy shares in the company. The process requires a Share Transfer Agreement and amendment to the articles of the company and then an update of the commercial registration.

You must first select whether the trade name is a trademark or not.

For trade name:

The trade name must be in the Latin (English and Arabic) alphabet. Numbers and symbols like full stops and commas are not permitted.
The trade name must not contain inappropriate words that are in bad taste to the public.
Enter three to five options for the company trade names for the relevant authorities to select one name.

For trademark:

Enter the name of the trademark and attach the required documents.

Testimonials

Sovereign PPG and their team have good experience in their field and are always reachable and there to support, we would recommend them for your company's needs.

FIFA

I greatly appreciated the professionality, efficiency, kindness, understanding, patience, and great team spirit displayed by the PPG team. A special mention to Ms. Jade Wong and Ms. Roxanne Villar who were my points of contact. The team promptly answered all my questions and provided sound advice and reliable contacts for further business support. I highly recommend working with PPG. You will receive a personal, practical, efficient, very professional service.

Frinsa del Noroeste

I would highly recommend using Sovereign PPG for company incorporation in Qatar. The Sovereign PPG team communicated with me in a timely and professional manner. I look forward to a long working relationship with the PPG/VPQ team. Abdullah Aksakal General Manager & Owner

Coffee Down Under Qatar

Sovereign PPG provide a bespoke, timely and professional service. They have consistently supported Hertel in all of our business requirements in a very timely and professional manner. All emails are responded in matter of hours, excellent!

AMB Hertel

Sovereign PPG are an excellent partner for new companies in Qatar. A special mention to Paulina and Nadia for being particularly great in responding to all emails and phone calls. Their communication is excellent and provided clarity around technical matters.

WSG Technical Services

Always professional and excellent service, I highly recommend the Sovereign PPG team for all business set up and visa services.

Shaw Contract

We have experienced fast and professional service from the team at Sovereign PPG - their staff always provide competent and on-time replies to queries

Field International Middle East

Sovereign PPG is an extremely competent organisation, that understands the process of setting up a company in the region, and can alleviate the pains of trying to do it on your own. The team involved was extremely well informed and provided prompt service to all inquiries.

AMETEK GmbH

I was extremely satisfied with the service provided by Sovereign PPG; they always provided quick and friendly responses and were very patient as I had (and have) so many questions being new to having a business in the UAE. If you would like to start a company in the UAE then you can find no better resource than PPG! I highly recommend their services.

Breathe Yoga

Sovereign PPG were prompt and professional at all times. They provided sound advice and guidance in a timely manner. We look forward to continuing the relationship with them moving forwards.

Famous Brands

We received a high level of support from Sovereign PPG and were always happy with their prompt communication and feedback. Keep up the good work!

Golden State Foods

We were very happy with the quick service Sovereign PPG provided us and their communication was always on point with a rapid response time. We will surely use their services again.

Coffey

We highly recommend Sovereign PPG. We had a great experience working with Sovereign PPG, the speed of response and clarify in explaining each process was excellent. Sovereign PPG take ownership of the process and completed tasks in a timely manner allowing for us to focus on day-to-day work.

Hydraulic Analysis Group

Sovereign PPG were able to provide excellent guidance and support to us as we established our new company in Abu Dhabi. At every step we were given detailed information by their knowledgeable team which gave us full confidence in their abilities and the peace of mind we needed.

WJ Groundwater Abu Dhabi

We are extremely satisfied with the level of service Sovereign PPG provided for our company registration and business set up. Communication was always on point with very fast and concise responses. We would definitely recommend Sovereign PPG to anyone who wants to form a business in the UAE.

Global Tech Hub

We were very satisfied with the service provided by Sovereign PPG. They were very professional and reliable and offered fast and efficient processing of all documents. We would use the service again in the future and would highly recommend Sovereign PPG.

Harley Street Medical Centre

We have had a good experience with Sovereign PPG. Communication from them has always been a strong point and they completed tasks in a timely manner. Their process is also very user friendly for expat companies. We would recommend any expat company looking to set-up in the region contact Sovereign PPG.

WT Partnership

I’m really pleased with all aspects of the PRO services delivered by Sovereign PPG for our company. The service offered was faultless and I am extremely satisfied with the delivery of our visa applications. The team were dedicated to our needs and have become a trusted partner.

GMCS

Sovereign PPG have been great to work alongside and have always been very proactive and informative during the setup of our company in Abu Dhabi and the transfer of ownership of our Dubai company. They are always quick to answer our enquiries and provide thorough feedback when required. Sovereign PPG have offered the most professional PRO and company formation services that I have experienced in the GCC region, I see a great future for Sovereign PPG and they come highly recommended.

Survival Systems International

We had an excellent experience with Sovereign PPG. The team were tremendously knowledgeable and communicated with us throughout every step of the process. We were extremely pleased with the speed of conversion and will certainly recommend Sovereign PPG!

Ischebeck Titan

Despite setting up a company in the UAE being time consuming and laborious, Sovereign PPG are professional in their approach and offer great support throughout the process. The team is highly proactive and knowledgeable, offering effective advice and finding solutions to issues faced throughout the process. Sovereign PPG offers valuable support to businesses setting up in the UAE, I would definitely recommend them.

Cru Wine Holdings

The service which Sovereign PPG offered was beyond our expectations, the team are very attentive and professional. Sovereign PPG are great to work with and are highly knowledgeable in their field. Overall, we had a very efficient and pleasing experience.

ShawContract

Sovereign PPG is knowledgeable, professional and responsive. The team always provide a detailed response to emails and calls and completed tasks in a timely manner. Amazing service!

Malaak

Sovereign PPG is our PRO Services provider for almost 2 years now and is always prompt in responding to our queries related to Government related transactions. They have been very helpful in various labor and immigration affairs we’ve had and provide the best solution or approach in the most cost effective way. Special thanks to their Government Liaison Specialist, Mary Ann for a job well done and making sure our visas, labor permits, government requirements are completed in a timely manner.”

bfound

Great service, friendly and knowledgeable staff, helped my company with visa applications, trade licence updates and changes, office relocation and many other PRO and company services. Highly recommended.

Thorlux Lighting

Sovereign PPG has been a big help to us in establishing our company in the UAE. Sovereign PPG are always available and attentive to respond to all our queries, highly professional employees had assisted us and are always there to guide us through a potentially complex process. Highly recommended firm to assist on all corporate related works.

EcoRenew Group

Sovereign PPG are very professional and all our queries were answered and responded to promptly. They met and exceeded the level of service we expect from a service provider and they delivered within the agreed time frames. Overall, we felt the quality of their work was excellent. Sovereign PPG is a reliable business partner and we would highly recommend them.

PORR AG

Kaplan Genesis is extremely satisfied with the service provided by Sovereign PPG, Very professional and great customer service and support. Special mention to Libbie (Opperation Manager) who steered our HR Deptartment through over 20 new visa and residency applications, including my own in a personable and very efficient manner. We would highly recommend using the Sovereign PPG to the company looking to get assistance with Company Formation, Government Liaison Services in the UAE

Kaplan Genesis

Working with Sovereign PPG has been an excellent experience. From onboarding them into our company, handing over tasks and formally establishing a working relationship, everyone on their team has been fantastic to work with. I can only recommend them to any small to midsize company in the region trying to get the best HR team possible.

OCS International Finance

Sovereign PPG have been a huge support to me and my business, they’ve not only assisted in the incorporation process of my company in Dubai but also provide on an ongoing basis a fully professional and trusted service covering all areas associated with my company commitments, from providing valuable guidance on the most suitable activity for my business, office search, finding the right local sponsor and handling all of the ongoing post-licensing procedures such as visa applications for me and my team. I would highly recommend Sovereign PPG; they are a very professional and highly recommended company.

Purpose

Sovereign PPG have helped us negotiate the sometimes opaque processes surrounding company set up and registration and at all times have been responsive and efficient. I would highly recommend Pro Partner Group to any other company looking to get assistance with PRO service, Company Formation in the UAE.

Fenergo

Sovereign PPG is well aware about the setup processes and they know what they are doing. They are very efficient and they have a great people working for them. The team is very helpful and they updated me every single step of the way. If you are looking for a premium local partner who is reliable, I would highly recommend Sovereign PPG

Werfen

Group Reel would like to thank Sovereign PPG very much for keeping good cooperation and relationships throughout the year. Sovereign PPG has a wonderful team, who act at a genuine professional level at all times.

Reel

Sovereign PPG has provided excellent support in relation to MRC Global’s Abu Dhabi based entity. Their staff are knowledgeable, professional and helpful and have proven expertise within the areas they cover. We are very pleased with their work.

MRC Global

We are very Thankful to Sovereign PPG and extremely satisfied about the way of processing on the each stage. The team was very helpful and they have done a good job to complete the task within one day. The team went over and above by dropping the documents at our premises. Thank you Sovereign PPG!

RSK

Sovereign PPG offer an extremely excellent, efficient, and professional service. The team were highly knowledgeable and acted very quickly to establish our Foreign Branch Office in Dubai including acquiring all paperwork and visas on time without cutting corners. I highly recommend using their services.

Alger-Triton

Sovereign PPG offered an excellent service they were very professional, efficient, reliable and so friendly. The staff were extremely helpful even on weekends and had a great understanding assessing any issues, managing the full process in a timely manner. Even when it involved areas out of the scope of work for PPG they still assisted and went the extra mile.

Creating Retail Emotions

We experienced a great service very professional with detailed communication throughout each stage of the process. There were a few complications due to the complexity of the set up but not due to Sovereign PPG who handled everything professionally and completed everything in a timely manner.

EFM Global Logistics

We were extremely satisfied with the service at Sovereign PPG. They promptly identified that we were going to use the wrong trade license before meeting them and advised us the correct one to use. This knowledge of the market helped us to be able to do more, save money and operate our business in a better way. Their fast, efficient and a speedy process meant we got our trade license much faster and were up and running in Dubai very quickly. We highly recommend Sovereign PPG.

SampleMe

As well as being easy to reach Pro Partner Group gave us quick and precise answers to all our questions which enabled us to set up our licence in an extremely timely manner. They were very professional but at the same time, able to explain easily the various problems and procedures giving us complete trust. They were pro active in finding a solution to match our needs, giving us a bespoke service and providing us with exactly what we needed. If you are looking for a partner who is serious, honest and consistent, I would highly recommend Pro Partner Group.

SmartPoint

The quality of services provided by Pro Partner Group is outstanding. I appreciated the professionalism, willingness to assist with any matter in both standard and non-standard requirements in shortest possible time. Their high level of communication allowed us to perform tasks to the highest quality. They also provided assistance and clear, concise responses to any request we had.This professional service enabled us to focus on business activities rather than spending time with administration and non-business related activities, which was a great benefit to the company.

Altron Middle East

Everyone that we have dealt with at ProPartner Group has excellent knowledge of the process and bureaucracy of dealing with the necessary steps to start a business in the Middle East, making our process run smoothly and giving us trust. We were extremely satisfied with the level of communication they provided as well as the time in which they did it, every inquiry that we had was answered within a 24 hour period. You have to have a “Partner” in the Middle East to navigate the intricacy of business establishment in the U.A.E.and I would highly recommend that it is Pro Partner Group.

Charlotte Pipe and Foundry

We would like to thank you James and your entire team, including Tyron and Shiraz and your accounts department for their splendid work to help us with the required steps to perform all the government related PRO services, not only for doing it in a timely manner, but also for being a class act. We are truly grateful and we will not hesitate to sent you referrals in this regard.“

Inspired Results

Speed and Commitment are the first 2 words that come to mind. Having dealt with a number of Company Formation agents over the years, no one has come close to the knowledge and expertise Sovereign PPG bring to the table. Nothing has ever been too much trouble and their guidance has been invaluable. We fully recommend Sovereign PPG and consider them an asset to our business.

VIVO Sports Group

Bridges Environmental Services LLC engaged Sovereign PPG to undertake their Government Liaison, Labour and Immigration support. They have a team of highly professional individuals and we have been impressed with their speed and attention to detail – particularly with regard to the processes here in Abu Dhabi. We will continue to use Sovereign PPG for our PRO work and I would not hesitate to recommend them to any other company looking to get assistance with Visas, Company Formation and Labour processes here in UAE.

Bridges Environmental Services LLC

Sovereign PPG always tried to find a solution to the obstacles we faced during the incorporation of our Foreign Branch. They were fast to respond on email and always provided updates on the work in progress. If you would like to incorporate a company in the UAE, Pro Partner Group is a reliable entity to work with.

TRACS International Limited

The team at Venture Partner Qatar provided me with consistent professional support throughout the entire company formation process. This included a constant communication channel that allowed me to have access to their team at any time. Their expertise allowed them to provide and implement great solutions to any issues that were faced. If you want to have a peace of mind during the company creation process, then use Venture Partner Qatar.

Sparklean Qatar

Venture Partner Qatar provided a personal approach in helping us open a branch office in Qatar. They implemented solutions that were specific to any issues or tasks that were required, particularly the local difficulties in Qatar. The team promptly replies to all requests in a professional manner. They are a trusted company that provides a wide range of services, and I highly recommend them.

Tunnel Tech

The team at Venture Partner Qatar were extremely accommodating and supportive when we used their services for share transfer and company restructuring in Qatar. VPQ staff were excellent at communicating information through the service, with clear instructions and solid information and next steps. I highly recommend Venture Partner Qatar as they are very professional and provide a great service.