Doha
A guide
A practical guide from the team that manages company formation every week. Review it before your first consultation and we will make the most of our time together.
Three routes
Each route has its own authority and regulations. Your activity, shareholders and target clients usually point clearly to one of them, and we help you confirm it.
IMinistry of Commerce and Industry
For companies that trade, contract and serve customers anywhere in Qatar.
IIQatar Free Zones Authority
Purpose-built zones at Ras Bufontas and Umm Alhoul for technology, logistics and industry.
IIIQFC Authority
A common-law business platform for financial, professional and holding activities.
Step by step
The typical sequence for each route. Yours may vary slightly by activity, and we confirm it with you at the outset.
Handled by Ministry of Commerce and Industry · 9 steps
Advisory
We assess your plans and recommend the structure and licensed activities that fit them best.
MOCI · Single Window
We reserve your trade name and licensed activities.
Ministry of Justice
Drafted, translated into Arabic and notarized.
MOCI · Qatar Chamber
Your CR is issued and your company is formally established.
Ministry of Municipality
Your premises are approved and your trade licence is issued.
Ministry of Interior
The card that authorizes your company to sponsor employees.
Ministry of Labour · General Tax Authority
Your company is registered to hire and set up for tax on Dhareeba.
Ministry of Interior · Ministry of Labour
Work permits, medicals, fingerprints and Qatar IDs for your team.
Your chosen bank
Through our banking relationships, we arrange and support your corporate account opening.
Handled by Qatar Free Zones Authority · 6 steps
Advisory
We check that your activity fits a free zone, and look at Ras Bufontas and Umm Alhoul with you.
Qatar Free Zones Authority
Your business plan, shareholder documents and application go in.
Qatar Free Zones Authority
The authority reviews it, approves it, and the company is incorporated.
Qatar Free Zones Authority
Your licence is issued and your space in the zone is agreed.
Ministry of Interior
Establishment card, work permits and IDs for your team.
Your chosen bank
We prepare the file and help with the bank's questions.
Handled by QFC Authority · 6 steps
Advisory
We confirm your activity is allowed in the QFC, and whether it's regulated.
QFC Authority
The online application, business plan and shareholder documents.
QFC Authority
The QFC reviews and issues your licence. Regulated firms also go through the QFC Regulatory Authority.
QFC
You take approved office space.
Ministry of Interior
Establishment card, work permits and IDs for your team.
Your chosen bank
We prepare the file and help with the bank's questions.
Documents
Your progress is saved in this browser, so you can return to the list at any time. Documents issued abroad usually require legalization before use in Qatar.
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Questions
Not in most cases. Since Law No. 1 of 2019, foreign investors can own up to 100% of a mainland company in most sectors, subject to approval. Free Zone and QFC entities can be fully foreign-owned. A small number of activities still carry conditions, and we check yours at the start.
The core registration steps can move quickly once documents are ready. A complete setup, with licence, establishment card, first visas and a bank account, usually takes several weeks. Documents from abroad, regulated activities and premises inspections are the usual sources of delay, and we plan around them.
Usually, yes. Company documents and certificates issued abroad generally need legalization in the issuing country and at the Qatari embassy there, followed by attestation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Doha. We check each document before it is sent.
Yes. With a power of attorney, we can carry out most formation steps on your behalf, and schedule what needs your presence, such as bank meetings or biometrics, into one visit.
Because we work closely with the leading banks in Qatar, we know exactly what each one requires and who to speak to. We prepare a complete, bank-ready file, arrange the meeting and resolve compliance questions on your behalf, which makes account opening fast and straightforward. Final approval always rests with the bank.
Our partnership continues. Every licence, card and permit goes into a renewal calendar, and our government relations team manages changes, renewals, visas and filings as your company grows.
