Setting up a company in Qatar: mainland, QFC or free zone
Three legal platforms, who they suit and what each costs to keep running.
In short
Set up a mainland company through the Ministry of Commerce or a Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) or Qatar Free Zones entity for 100% ownership and simpler rules.
- Options
- Mainland, QFC, Qatar Free Zones
- Corporate tax
- 10%
- Ownership
- Up to 100% in many sectors
- Time
- 2–6 weeks
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
QFC for services and finance; QFZ for industry and logistics.
Week 1
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Keep annual filings up to date
Don’t
- Don’t operate without an establishment card
Cost estimator
Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.
Common questions
Is VAT in Qatar?
Not yet.
Official links
Background and more detail
Three platforms
- Mainland (Ministry of Commerce and Industry): needed to trade locally. Since Law No. 1 of 2019, foreign investors can own up to 100% in most sectors with approval.
- Qatar Financial Centre (QFC): an onshore jurisdiction with its own law and courts. Popular with finance, consulting and holding companies. Corporate tax is 10% on locally sourced profits.
- Qatar Free Zones (QFZ): Ras Bufontas and Umm Alhoul, aimed at logistics, tech and manufacturing, with tax holidays for qualifying businesses.
Mainland steps
- Reserve a trade name through the Single Window
- Draft and notarise the articles of association
- Sign a commercial lease and get a municipality permit
- Obtain the Commercial Registration and trade licence
- Get the establishment card from the Ministry of Interior
- Register employees with the Ministry of Labour
Tax
Foreign-owned profits are taxed at 10%. Qatari and GCC-owned shares are exempt. Qatar has no VAT yet, but it has committed to the GCC framework.
Costs to plan for
Lease, licence renewals, establishment card, audit (required for most companies) and visa fees for each employee.
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