Skip to content
Forms of business ownership in Qatar

Forms of Business Ownership in Qatar and Legal Help

This page overviews the different forms of business ownership in Qatar, according to the latest laws and regulations as of 2024.

Additionally, it outlines the legal services offered by Justice Office Lawyers & Legal Consultants, specifically related to establishing and managing these various business entities in Qatar.

Whether you are a local entrepreneur or an international investor, understanding these options and the legal support available is crucial for successful business operations in Qatar.

Contact Justice Office Lawyer in Qatar and get expert help. Click the WhatsApp icon below or go to the Contact Us page.

Forms of Business Ownership in Qatar

In Qatar, various forms of business ownership are available to accommodate different business needs and structures. These forms are governed by the Qatar Commercial Companies Law No. (11) of 2015. Below are the primary forms of company ownership in Qatar:

  • General Partnership Company: This type involves partners who are jointly and severally liable for the company’s obligations. Each partner has unlimited liability for the business’s debts.
  • Simple Partnership Company: It consists of at least one general partner with unlimited liability and one or more sleeping or silent partners who are liable only up to the amount of their investment.
  • Sole Proprietorship Company: This type of business is owned and operated by a single individual who is unlimitedly liable for all business debts and obligations.
  • Shareholding Company: This form includes public shareholding companies whose shares are tradable on the stock market and whose shareholders’ liability is limited to their shares in the capital.
  • Private Shareholding Company: Similar to a public shareholding company but with restrictions on the transferability of shares.
  • Limited Liability Company (LLC): This is the most common form for foreign investors, where liability is limited to the amount of capital invested. Foreign nationals can wholly own LLCs in most sectors of Qatar.
  • Holding Company: A company that holds and manages shares of other companies, often a joint-stock company or LLC, with a minimum capital requirement.
  • Foreign Companies (exempted by ministerial order): This category includes branches and representative offices of foreign companies operating under specific conditions and ministerial exemptions.
  • Jointly and Severally Liable Partners: These are typically found in partnership structures, where each partner is equally responsible for the entire business debt.
  • Sleeping or Silent Partners: Partners who invest capital into the business but do not take part in day-to-day management and have limited liability.

Find an expert Business Formation Attorney in Qatar.

Legal Services Related to Company Ownership in Qatar

Justice Office Lawyers & Legal Consultants provide a comprehensive range of legal services to support the establishment and management of various forms of business ownership in Qatar:

  • Company Formation: Assistance in choosing the right type of business entity, completing the necessary documentation, and ensuring compliance with Qatari laws.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring businesses adhere to local regulations and industry standards, including obtaining required licenses and permits.
  • Legal Representation: Representing clients in disputes, negotiations, and arbitration, particularly in matters related to company obligations and shareholder agreements.
  • Auditing and Accounting: Partnering with certified legal accountants and auditing firms to provide thorough auditing services, ensuring transparency and compliance with financial regulations.
  • Consultation on Capital Investment: Advising on capital investment matters, especially non-Qatari capital and foreign ownership regulations.
  • Intellectual Property Rights: This includes assisting with the protection and management of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, and industrial designs.

Contact an experienced Company Registration Consultant in Qatar.

FAQs about Types of Company Ownership in Qatar

In Qatar, you can establish various types of companies such as General Partnership Company, Simple Partnership Company, Sole Proprietorship Company, Shareholding Company, Private Shareholding Company, Limited Liability Company (LLC), Holding Company, and Foreign Companies (exempted by ministerial order). Each type has specific requirements and regulations.
Yes, a foreigner can own 100% of a company in Qatar in most sectors, thanks to the new laws allowing full foreign ownership. However, certain sectors like banking, insurance, and real estate may have restrictions.
Legal consultants assist with choosing the right business entity, completing documentation, ensuring regulatory compliance, legal representation, auditing and accounting, capital investment consultation, and intellectual property rights management.

Conclusion.

Understanding various forms of business ownership in Qatar is crucial for anyone looking to invest or establish a business there. Each form offers different benefits and obligations, so choosing the right structure based on your business needs is important.

Legal professionals, such as Justice Office Lawyers & Legal Consultants, can provide invaluable support throughout this process, ensuring that all legal and regulatory requirements are met efficiently.

For further assistance or detailed advice on business setup and legal compliance in Qatar, it is advisable to consult with experienced legal consultants who are well-versed in Qatari business laws and regulations.

Contact Justice Office Lawyers & Legal Consultants today! Click the Whatsapp icon below or visit our Contact Us page.
Location: Excellence Tower, Floor (15), Office (1504) – Al Shatt Street – Doha – Qatar.

connect with lawyer