Did you know? Registering a new company in Qatar involves multiple key steps — including reserving a trade name, obtaining initial approvals, drafting legal documents, and registering with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
This article summarizes the process, benefits, and requirements for a new company registration in Qatar in 2025.
It includes essential steps, necessary documents, and how our lawyers and legal consultants can help you with the legal aspects.
Contact our expert lawyers & legal Consultants in Qatar. Click the Whatsapp icon below.
Table of Contents
New Company Registration in Qatar – Steps
What does it take to register a company in Qatar?
Setting up a business in Qatar involves a structured legal process that includes approvals, documentation, licensing, and compliance with government regulations.
To successfully register a new company in Qatar, it is crucial to follow a series of detailed steps, ensuring compliance with the latest laws and regulations.
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.
- Determine a Company Name and Check Availability:
Begin by selecting a unique name for your company and verifying its availability through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s portal. The cost for a trade name reservation is approximately QR 1,000. - Choose the Type of Company:
Decide on the type of company structure that best suits your business needs. Common structures include Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), Joint Stock Companies (JSCs), and branch or representative offices. Each type has specific requirements and benefits, such as liability limitations and shareholding capacities. For an LLC, the minimum share capital requirement is QR 200,000. - Obtain Initial Approvals:
Depending on your business activities, you might need initial approvals from relevant authorities like the Ministry of Commerce and Industry or the Ministry of Energy and Industry. Initial approval fees range from QR 2,000 to QR 5,000. - Draft and Sign the Memorandum of Association (MOA):
Prepare the MOA and Articles of Association (AOA) detailing the company’s structure, objectives, and operational guidelines. Depending on the complexity, these documents must be signed by all shareholders and notarized, costing between QR 5,000 and QR 10,000. - Register the Business:
Submit the MOA, AOA, and other required documents to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The registration fee, generally between QR 10,000 and QR 20,000, includes processing the registration application, issuing the commercial registration certificate, and other administrative fees associated with verifying and validating the submitted documents. This process ensures that all legal and regulatory requirements are met and that the company complies with Qatari law. - Obtain a Commercial License:
After registration, obtain a commercial license from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This license is mandatory for conducting commercial activities and costs around QR 10,000 to QR 15,000 annually. - Open a Corporate Bank Account:
Open a corporate bank account in your company’s name to handle all financial transactions. This step is crucial for completing the registration process. - Register for Taxes:
Register your company with the General Tax Authority to comply with tax obligations. The tax registration process includes corporate income tax, value-added tax (VAT), excise tax, and withholding tax. Corporate income tax is set at 10% of taxable profits. - Register with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs:
To hire foreign employees, your company must be registered with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, which is necessary to obtain work permits for your employees. This registration can cost around QR 1,000 per permit.
Justice Office Lawyers & Legal Consultants can assist you throughout this process by providing expert legal advice, preparing necessary documentation, and ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Find an expert Company Registration Consultant Qatar. Learn about Vendor Registration in Qatar Companies.
Offshore Company Registration in Qatar
Offshore new company registration in Qatar involves several steps to facilitate foreign investment while ensuring compliance with local laws.
The process begins with selecting a suitable offshore entity, typically structured to take advantage of Qatar’s tax-friendly environment and investment opportunities in sectors like natural gas, oil, and infrastructure.
After choosing the entity type, you must reserve a unique trade name and draft the necessary incorporation documents, including the MOA and AOA.
Depending on your business’s specific requirements, these documents must be submitted to the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) or the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Once the documents are approved, you will obtain the necessary commercial licenses and register the company with the General Tax Authority. Opening a corporate bank account is also critical in managing the company’s financial transactions.
The overall costs for offshore company registration can vary widely but typically range from USD 9,025 for the first year to around USD 1,400 annually after that.
Justice Office Lawyers & Legal Consultants offer comprehensive support in offshore company registration, ensuring all legal and regulatory requirements are met.
They provide services such as drafting legal documents, obtaining necessary approvals, and guiding you through the registration process to ensure smooth and efficient company incorporation.
Read about Foreign Company Registration in Qatar.
FAQs about Registering a New Company in Qatar
As we mentioned above, a new company registration in Qatar involves several key steps. These include reserving a trade name, choosing the company structure, and obtaining initial approvals.
It also requires drafting and notarizing the MOA and AOA, submitting documents for registration, and acquiring a commercial license.
Additional steps include opening a corporate bank account, registering with the tax authority, and completing labor registration if foreign employees are involved.
Legal consultation plays a central role throughout this process, particularly in preparing documentation, navigating regulatory requirements, and ensuring full compliance with Qatari law.
Contact our lawyers in Qatar and get expert help. Click the WhatsApp icon below.
A law graduate specializes in translating complex legal topics into clear and actionable insights, empowering individuals and businesses to navigate Qatar’s multifaceted legal landscape.