Qatar has the world's third largest natural gas reserves and seeks to attract foreign investment and capital to diversify its economy. It offers various tax incentives for foreign investors and allows foreigners to own up to 49% of local entities in most sectors. To set up a business, foreigners can establish a limited liability company which requires at least two shareholders, one director and a Qatar resident secretary. The incorporation process takes around three weeks and the entity must file annual returns and taxes.

1. FACT SHEET
Qatar
Qatar formally called the State of Qatar. The capital is Doha. It is a sovereign Arab emirate, placed
Western Asia. Qatar has the world's third biggest characteristic gas saves and oil holds. Qatar has one of
the quickest developing economies on the planet. To achieve better profits of investor it has adopted open
market policy. It is essential to note that foreign direct investment is promoted and foreign entities are
welcomed in Qatar to help grow the economy. In addition, there are various incentives available to attract
foreign capital including tax breaks and exemptions from customs duty. Qatar investors delight in many
additional rewards, including liberty of unrestricted vacation and also movements of funds. It has close
links between Qatar and the other Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries. Non-Gulf Co-operation
Council nationals require a visa to work in Qatar
Company Incorporation in Qatar
With specific special cases, Qatar’s foreign investment law limits foreign ownership of local entities
to 49% of the entity’s capital. Foreign investors may own 100% of an entity’s capital in sectors such
as agriculture, industry, health care, education and tourism. The exploitation and development of
natural resources subject to approval by the Government of Qatar (“GOQ”).
Foreign investment is not allowed in commercial agencies and real estate
The representative office is 100% foreign owned and controlled, it is not allowed to make direct sales
in Qatar. Such an office will only engaged in activities such as promoting the business of the parent
company and market research
Branch offices must be authorized by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. Branch offices are
fully taxable unless granted a special exemption. There is no share capital requirement for a Branch
office
Licensing in Qatar
Trade license and Signage license issued by the appropriate Qatar Municipality
Department of Commercial Registration &. Licenses is responsible to issue commercial licenses
related to business practices
Accounting and tax
The corporate income tax rate has been cut to a flat rate of 10%.There is no personal income tax in
Qatar.
There is no VAT or sales tax in Qatar
Qatar has 33 Agreements for the Avoidance of Double Taxation

2. FACT SHEET
Qatar
Type: Limited Liability Company
Under Qatar law, foreigners can own 49%
Share Capital QR 200,000
Directors One
Shareholders Two
Memorandum and Articles of Association Yes
Can the entity hire expatriate staff in Qatar Yes
Qatar Resident Secretary Required Yes
Statutory audit required Yes
How long to open Corporate Bank Account 2 weeks
Timeframe for Incorporation 3 weeks
Annual Return Must file
Annual Tax Must file
Access to Qatar double tax treaties Yes
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