Setting Up A Company In Qatar: Administrative Guide

Published on October 3, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Qatar offers an attractive business environment for foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in the Gulf. However, setting up a company in the emirate requires following a well-defined administrative process. Here is a detailed guide to the steps to follow and required documents for launching your business in Qatar.

Key steps to realize your Qatari business project

Choose the legal structure suited to your activity

The first crucial decision involves selecting the most appropriate company type. In Qatar, the main options are:

• Limited Liability Company (LLC): equivalent to a private limited company, this is the most common form
• Branch Office: branch of a foreign company
• Representative Office: representation office without commercial activity
• Single Person Company: sole proprietorship with limited liability

Each structure has specific advantages and constraints regarding minimum capital, required local ownership, or permitted activities. Consulting with a legal expert is recommended to make the best choice.

Obtain preliminary approval from the Ministry of Commerce

Once the structure is chosen, you must submit a preliminary approval application to the Qatari Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This step verifies the availability of your desired trade name and compliance of your planned activity.

Find a local partner if necessary

For certain structures like LLCs, Qatari law requires that at least 51% of capital be held by a Qatari citizen or entity. Therefore, you must identify a trusted local partner, except in certain exempted sectors.

Draft articles of association and other incorporation documents

The company’s articles of association must be drafted in Arabic and English, complying with Qatari legal requirements. They define the corporate purpose, capital, share distribution, and governance rules.

Obtain the final commercial license

Once the complete file is submitted and validated by the Ministry, you will receive the official commercial license authorizing you to start your activity in Qatar.

Register with the commercial registry

The final step involves registering your new company with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce to obtain the commercial registry certificate.

Administrative file to prepare: essential documents

The precise list of required documents varies depending on the chosen structure, but here are the main documents generally required:

For all company types:

• Properly completed preliminary approval application form
• Copy of shareholders’/directors’ passports
• Proof of Qatari address (commercial lease or hosting contract)
• Detailed business plan for the planned activity
• Proof of directors’ professional qualifications

Specifically for an LLC:

• Draft articles of association in Arabic and English
• Bank certificate of minimum capital deposit (200,000 QAR)
• Partnership agreement with majority Qatari partner

For a branch:

• Articles of association of the foreign parent company
• Board resolution authorizing branch opening
• Parent company’s last 3 audited financial statements

For a representative office:

• Letter appointing legal representative in Qatar
• Certificate of non-competition with existing Qatari companies

Sector-specific requirements to know

Certain business sectors are subject to specific regulations in Qatar:

Financial services and insurance

Prior approval from the Qatar Central Bank is required. Increased capital and governance requirements apply.

Healthcare and pharmacy

Authorization from the Ministry of Public Health is necessary, with strict criteria regarding staff qualifications.

Education

Opening an educational institution requires approval from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

Media and advertising

These activities are closely regulated and require a special license from the Ministry of Culture and Sports.

Costs to anticipate for your establishment

Setting up a company in Qatar involves various administrative fees and mandatory deposits:

• Trade name reservation fee: 1,000 QAR
• Commercial license fee: 10,000 to 50,000 QAR depending on activity
• Chamber of Commerce registration fee: 2,500 QAR
• Minimum capital for LLC: 200,000 QAR
• Visa and work permit fees: approximately 3,000 QAR per employee

Additionally, there may be lawyer or consultant fees, plus document translation and legalization costs.

The importance of local support for success

Although Qatar has simplified its procedures in recent years, setting up a company in the emirate remains a complex process for foreigners. Surrounding yourself with experienced professionals is crucial to:

• Effectively navigate the local regulatory environment
• Optimize your project’s legal and tax structure
• Accelerate administrative procedures
• Avoid costly mistakes
• Benefit from a local network to develop your business

Many law firms and consulting companies offer comprehensive support services, from feasibility study through license acquisition.