How Can You Start a Business in Doha, Qatar?

December 03, 2024

How Can You Start a Business in Doha, Qatar?

Indeed, with a GDP of around $94,000 per capita, Qatar is within the top five in the world, which attracts entrepreneurs and businesses alike. Offices for rent in Doha have become increasingly popular as companies extend their office infrastructures in this business hub. On the other hand, although the opportunities seem forthcoming, starting up business in Qatar can be a very complicated ordeal, especially to foreigners who are not familiar with local regulations.

Here is the classification of what you should know.

Types of Business Structures in Qatar

  1. Single Proprietorship Company (SPC): This type is most common and single owner-friendly. This has resemblance to an LLC, but in this company, the ownership is held by a sole shareholder or investor.
  2. Simple Association Company: The formation involves two or more legal entities that are liable for the obligations of the company. The requirement under this type of structure is shared liability among partners.
  3. Limited Liability Company (LLC): Most widely used structure by foreign investors. With the LLC, a company with limited liability can be formed between joint partners. An LLC generally requires a Qatari partner, who owns at least 51% of the company.
  4. Public Limited Company: Capital is shared among more than one shareholder including foreign investors. A minimum of five shareholders is required; each person shares only his or her share in the company.

Core Documents Required to Set Up

To register a company in Qatar, one has to meet the following mandatory legal requirements.

  1. A Qatari partner of establishment
  2. Commercial registration in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, MOCI
  3. All agreements in both Arabic and English.
  4. Minimum capital of QAR 200,000
  5. At least two shareholders must be present, of whom 51% are Qataris.

How to Register Your Company in Qatar

  1. Name and Registration of a Company: Choose an unique name of the business and ensure it is available.
  2. Choice of Business Organization: Choose one as per your requirements which can be LLC or SPC
  3. Initial Approvals: Apply for permits from concerned authorities, including the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Depending on the industry in which you engage with your business, if your business falls into any, then, permits are applied for from the Ministry of Energy and Industry
  4. Memorandum of Association: This is the writing that will describe all the relevant information and functions about your company.
  5. MOCI Registration: You need to register the business with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
  6. Business License Acquisition: You need to acquire any license to start up and conduct legal operations in Qatar.
  7. Opening of a Corporate Bank Account: You will need a bank account under your company's name to conduct financial transactions.
  8. Tax Registration: You register your business with the General Tax Authority to abide by tax regulations.
  9. Company registration at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs: A work permit issued by the ministry is mandated to hire foreign employees.

In general, this procedure takes about 4 to 12 weeks to carry out. However, preparation in terms of documents and requirements before the actual process can fasten the course.

Finding the Right Place and Office Space

No business is complete with the proper location. Even access to public transport will give your employees a feeling of being more positive and productive in working for the company. Your location for a business must be safe and accessible, with suitable parking and spaces of public space.

Global Business Centre offers modern facilities and services designed to support business productivity. If you are looking for premium offices for rent or professional business support , GBC can offer a professional environment for your business in Qatar.