Qatar business set up can be difficult. International investors should prepare for company set up formalities to take at least six weeks. Furthermore, Qatar business set up is expensive due to high government costs and the legal requirement to appoint a local Qatari sponsor as a shareholder. Consequently, most foreign investors use a corporate services Firm on the ground in Doha to handle all paperwork and liaise with government departments. The following is an overview of the economic, legal and regulatory aspects of Qatar business set up.

A Qatari company attracts a top corporate income tax on profits sourced in Qatar of 35%.

Foreign investors who set up a company in Qatar can avail of other incentives such as tax breaks of up to 10 years for projects which meet certain criteria, customs duty exemptions and low-cost energy. Investors who set up a company in Qatar have good access to low cost skilled and unskilled labour.

A minimum of two shareholders are required to fulfill Qatar business set up requirements, and a Qatari citizen is required to hold a 51% share.

Investors who choose Qatar business set up can secure loans from local banks, including the Qatar Industrial Development Bank.

For additional information on a Qatar business set up, purchase our Asia Business Setup book, contact email@healyconsultants.com or call us at (+65) 6735 0120.

Back to Qatar Company Formation page