Frequently asked questions
Qatar is constantly expanding opportunities for progressive businesses looking to establish their presence in, or extend their reach to, Qatar and the GCC. We pride ourselves on having the most enabling, conducive and friendly economic and business environment in the region.
When you invest in Qatar, you shall enjoy:
- Up to 100 % foreign ownership
- Ownership of certain resort properties and residential units
- No export duties or taxes on corporate profits for pre-determined periods
- The world’s third least demanding tax regime
- No quantitative quotas on imports and no custom duties on machinery and equipment
- No restrictions on money exchange and transfer of profits abroad
- Ability to transfer ownership to any other investor or a Qatari partner in case of joint ventures
- World-class Infrastructure and global connectivity via air and sea connections
- Multicultural talent pool and liberal laws for the import of skilled and unskilled labour
- Exceptional lifestyle and many more...
As an investor, you will enjoy rapid access to leading markets and suppliers, especially in the following fields:
- Logistics and Transport
- Tourism
- Agriculture
- Fintech
- Sports
- E-commerce
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Education
- Consultancy services
- Information Communication Technology (IT)
- Energy
Qatar has also developed a well-designed entrepreneur-support ecosystem that helps Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups realise their ambitions from ideation to market.
Qatar’s tax system is competitive and concise. The rate of tax is 10% of a company’s total state income, paid annually. Typical business costs are deductible, and losses can be rolled over for up to three years from the original accounting declaration.
Get in touch with us and we will be more than happy to answer all your questions and provide you with relevant information.
As a provider of key support services and a comprehensive source for investment solutions in the country, we work closely with you to understand your business goals. Furthermore, we connect you to the right people, resources and platforms throughout the investment process to ensure your long-term success in Qatar and the region. You will not be charged until the incorporation process begins.
Qatar offers investors a variety of solutions with long-term success in mind. These include the following Free Zones, Logistics Parks and Industrial Zones:
Ras Bufontas - Airport Free Zone
Ras Bufontas is situated 6 km away from the world-renowned Hamad International Airport (HIA). As a leader in freight and passenger operations and efficiency, let Ras Bufontas and HIA take your business to new heights. Recommended industries include logistics, consumer products, light manufacturing, services, technology and applications, and pharmaceuticals.
Umm Alhoul - Port Free Zone
A 34 km2 free zone near Hamad Port, the world’s largest Greenfield port, the Umm Alhoul Free Zone is set to become a major factor in Qatar’s imports and exports. It offers a wealth of resources and connectivity, already capturing 27% of trade in the GCC region. Invest here to improve your global supply chain. Recommended industries include maritime industries, polymers and plastics, advanced manufacturing, and logistics.
Al Karaana Industrial Zone
Al Kaarana is an Industrial Zone with an area of 48 km2, advantageously situated half-way between Doha and Abu Samra. With access to over 100 million customers, locating on Al Kaarana will provide you with the infrastructure you need to successfully service global markets.
Mesaieed Industrial Zone
Strategically Located next to the Industrial City and only 40 km south of Doha, the Mesaieed Industrial Zone is a hub for many industries, such as oil refining, petrochemicals, fertilisers, workshops, and primary building material.
Jery Al Samur Logistics Park
The Jery Al Samur Logistics Park is designed for the distribution of land-based goods and materials, throughout Qatar and the wider region.
Birkat Al Awamer Logistics Park
The Birkat Al Awamer Logistics Park is ideal for companies that seek to build their own facility, with the option to build their own showrooms, offices, and worker accommodation in the plot. Offering plots vary in size, starting from 1000m².
Aba Saleel Logistics Park
The Aba Saleel Logistics Park serves as a major logistics area, providing investors with the perfect breeding ground for their business, and the infrastructure required to cater their needs. Offering plot sizes of that, this Park is ideal for small enterprises.
Al Wakra Logistics Park
The Al Wakra Logistics Park is one of several logistics facilities that promote an efficient, sustainable, and modern supply chain of goods and materials throughout Qatar.
Under the Qatari law, you may invest in all sectors permitted with a shareholding of up to 49%, which can be increased to 100% upon the approval of the Minister of Commerce and Industry.
Qatar’s licensing platforms represent regulatory environments where businesses can incorporate and operate, they include:
Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI)
In Qatar, you can incorporate any of the following legal entities: a limited liability company; a limited liability company owned by one person; a limited liability partnership; a joint liability company; a public joint stock company; and a private joint stock company. To streamline the registration process for you, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has developed a new system to process investment applications through the online submission of required forms.
Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)
QFC is one of the world’s leading and fastest growing onshore business and financial centres, endeavouring to promote Qatar as an attractive business destination. QFC provides its own legal, regulatory, tax and business infrastructure, offering favourable conditions including related to ownership requirements, profit repatriation, corporate taxation, legal jurisdiction based on English common law, and dispute resolution.
Qatar Free Zone Authority (QFZA)
QFZA develops and regulates world-class free zones in Qatar, delivering long-term solutions for businesses while supporting Qatar’s continued growth and diversification. Qatar’s free zones provide an ideal platform for companies to expand across the region and world. As an authority, we are also focused on raising awareness of Qatar as a great place to live and work.
Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP)
QSTP was established in 1995 as an international hub for applied research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The Park links early research with commercialization, manages intellectual property assets, and engages in active network relationships in various domains such as energy, environment, healthcare, and ICT. In addition to 100% foreign ownership, as well as potential fee waivers, rent discounts, and space customization. Funding is also available for product development and tech ventures.
You can kick-off your business project following the approval of the competent department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) and obtaining the commercial registration and license from relevant authorities. You can expect MOCI to reach a decision on your application within fifteen days of receiving the required documents.
Thanks to a host of visa facilitation measures, Qatar is now the most open country in the Middle East. Visitors from all around the world can now enter Qatar either visa-free, or by filling out simple online applications, depending on the passport they carry. For more information about visa types and requirements you can check out Visit Qatar's website.
All covid-19 updates and travel restrictions can be found on the website of the Ministry of Public Health.
Qatar is connected to more than 130 destinations through direct flights, you can book your flight today on Qatar airways' website.
