Company Formation
All the stages of setting up a business, from the first meeting, through establishing a partnership, registration and obtaining a license, are conducted quickly and smoothly as part of our broad-based incorporation service. Through our access to the Ministry of Economy & Commerce and the Qatar Financial Centre, as well as all the other relevant government authorities, we perform a streamlined operation that will get your company up and running quickly and improve your chances of competitivity.
We can advise you on the opportunities offered by different sectors of the economy, help you decide on the appropriate kind of company formation to choose, and define our role as partner as it fits your business model. Our many years of experience and our approach to remaining continuously up to date on changes in regulations and practices means that we are a sound choice as representatives for your business interests, whether you are a small company or one with many employees.
What is the most common type of company formation procedure in Qatar?
The LLC (Limited Liability Company) where your Qatari partner controls 51% of the shares and you control 49% is one of most popular types of partnerships we offer.
How long does it take to complete formation of a company in Qatar?
It depends on its activities and licenses.
What are the advantages of a Free Zone entity?
There is the possibility of 100% foreign ownership and no corporate or personal income tax being withheld.
What is the purpose of an SSP?
The Services Support Provider role allows us to represent you in setting up your business, a part of our being your SEF, obligatory under Qatari law.
What is a representative office permitted to do in Qatar?
A representative trade office can be registered in the Commercial Registry and employ staff in its own name, and can be used as a way to introduce a company’s products and services.
How much is corporation tax in Qatar?
The corporate rate tax is 10% in Qatar.
How long is the Establishment Card valid?
It is valid until the termination of the Trade License but needs to be renewed on a yearly basis.
Which Ministries and Governmental departments are covered by your Corporate services?
Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Ministry of Culture and Sports, The Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics, Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Transport and Communications, Ministry of Economy and Commerce, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Energy & Industry, Qatar News Agency, Qatar Museums Authority, Administrative Control and Transparency Authority, Civil Aviation Authority, Communications Regulatory Authority, General Authority of Customs, General Tax Authority, Qatar Free Zones Authority, Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners, Customs & Port General Authority, Qatar Development Bank, Qatar Central Bank, Qatar Financial Centre, Qatar Tourism Authority, Planning and Statistics Authority, Public Prosecution, Qatar Chamber, State Audit Bureau
One of the most common ways of forming a company chosen by foreign companies who want to expand into the Qatar market is the Limited Liability Company (LLC), also known as a WWL company (With Limited Liability). We can enter into a partnership with your company that allows you to establish a foreign branch or representative office that is in full compliance with current local laws on company ownership.
Recently government regulations for foreign investors have been encouraging a more positive environment for prospective newcomers to the local market. This has included the setting up of the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) that supports economic development in certain designated areas of the country. Our experience and expertise in setting up companies extends to the Sole Proprietorship Company (SPC) as well as the Special Purpose Company (SPC) or Holding Company (HC). We offer a full registered office service that covers all the necessary documentation and interaction with government entities.
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- With Limited Liability (WLL)
- Sole Proprietorship Company (SPC)
- Special Purpose Company (SPC)
- Holding Company (HC)
- Free Zone Entity
- Foreign Branch
- Representative Office
- Registered Office Service
Acting as your nominee local partner, we can organize a business partnership that complies with the 2015 State of Qatar Companies Law no. 11, requiring that a Qatari citizen holds a minimum of 51% of the company shares. You are in control of the operation of your business, taking minimum risk, and we provide administrative assistance and help with registering the company and interacting with the relevant official organizations. If you want a General Partnership (with 2 general partners) or a Limited Partnership (with 1 general partner and 1 limited partner), this can be arranged.
We can act as your Principal Representative, as required for any company setting up a branch with the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC).It is also mandatory for any company licensed by the QFC to have a Qatari resident as senior executive (SEF) and in our capacity as a Services Support Provider (SSP) we are entitled to carry out this role for you through our parent entity, Afreno WLL.
- Nominee Local Partner
- Silent Partner
- Administrative Partner
- General/Limited Partnership
- Principal Representative
- Senior Executive Function (SEF)
We can help you with the registration and licensing of your company with the QFC, which is encouraging foreign investment in Qatar by promoting its competitive tax environment. Establishing a company name is done through MOCI, Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, another part of incorporating your business we can take care of for you. Obtaining the EC (Establishment Card) and CR (Commercial Registration) are all part of the process, and this has to be done in a particular order.
Your company will need to acquire a commercial license (CL), and various other licenses depending on the type of commercial activity you are involved in. Civil Defense approval is needed for products and buildings, whereas MOI approval is needed for work or visa applications for yourself and your employees. Clearly there are a lot of steps to go through to establish your company, but we are experienced at guiding our clients through the bureaucracy, and always keep up to date on any changes made by the various ministries we deal with on your behalf.
- Qatar Financial Centre Registration (QFC)
- Qatar Chamber Of Commerce & Industry Registration
- Establishment Card/ Computer Card (EC)
- Commercial Registration (CR)
- Commercial License (CL)
- Activity License
- Tax Card
- MOL Approval
- Civil Defence Approval
- Signage License