Starting Business in Qatar: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re thinking of launching a business in Qatar, you’re not alone. In 2024, over 82% of early-stage entrepreneurs in Qatar started their business, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. That same year, venture capital funding in Qatar grew by 135% year-over-year — reaching a record QAR 115 million, thanks to a supportive regulatory environment, free zones, and improved access to capital. If you’ve got a concept brewing, QIC Reads guides you through everything you need to know about setting your business in Qatar. 

Entrepreneurs seek stability and uncomplicated regulations when they search for a place to grow their business or start it, and Qatar ticks these two boxes on their list. Most sectors in the country allow 100% foreign ownership, including construction, trading, transport, hospitality, education, healthcare, technology, and food & beverage. While some sectors — such as banking, real estate, petroleum, insurance, and automotive — remain restricted, the overall regulatory landscape is investor-friendly.

The tax structure is equally appealing. There’s 0% personal income tax, and most companies pay a flat 10% corporate tax on profits, whether they’re registered under the State of Qatar or the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC). Oil and gas companies are taxed at a higher 35% rate.

Qatar also offers access to a young, educated talent pool and serves as a regional gateway to Asia, Europe, and Africa — all within a six-hour flight radius. With modern infrastructure that includes world-class airports, ports, and highways, and government-backed support from entities such as Qatar Development Bank, the country continues to position itself as an ideal incubator for business growth.

With so many business models in the market, choosing what works best for your business might be overwhelming. The good news is that you will find several business structures to suit your vision. Here is a quick comparison to help you narrow your choices, explaining the entity type, its foreign ownership, and key features:

From creative hubs to law firms, understanding your business type will help you choose where to set up. These are the main authorities to start from: 

• Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI): For most local businesses such as tourism, retail and trading, food and beverage, education, and fitness

• Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA): Best for logistics, manufacturing, and tech

• Qatar Financial Centre (QFC): Great for consulting, legal, and fintech

• Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP): Focuses on tech and innovation

• Media City Qatar: Ideal for media, arts, and creative companies

Each authority has its own licensing process, benefits, and limitations, so take your time to choose the right platform. If your goal is to operate locally with physical stores or services, MOCI is likely your best fit. But if you’re aiming for regional expansion, tax incentives, or a sector-specific ecosystem — like tech, finance, or media — Free Zones, QFC, QSTP, or Media City might better suit your business model. 

1. Prepare your setup plan: Choose your licensing authority and business structure, and consult Invest Qatar if you need guidance

2. Reserve your trade name: This is your first official step through Single Window

3. Register your company: Process varies by platform — see below

4. Obtain your commercial registration (CR): This legalizes your company

5. Get sector-specific licenses: This may be optional — additional approvals may apply depending on your sector

6. Set up your office space: Virtual offices may be allowed in QFC or Free Zones

7. Register for tax — Dhareeba: Complete your tax registration online

8. Hire your team: Secure work visas and start operating

Each registration platform follows a different process. Follow the table below to know the exact documents you will need:

It’s important to note the following for these platforms:

MOCI: Requires a valid Qatar ID for Tawtheeq login to access the Single Window portal.

QFC: You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and attend a pre-application meeting before getting portal access. Learn more.

QFZA: Requires signing a formal declaration confirming the accuracy of your application, even at the initial stage. Start here.

Always verify with your chosen platform’s official website for the latest requirements, as rules may change depending on your business type and sector.

The cost depends on different factors. Some costs are pretty standard, while others vary based on your preferences and the business type. To help you out, here is an approximate breakdown of the different ranges you might want to consider:

Pro tip — While these fees are standard, you could check if you can benefit from the corporate tax exemptions in Free Zones, customs duty exemptions on machinery and raw materials, and land allocation through rent or usufruct.

You can start an online business following similar steps, with a few extras: Register as an eMerchant via MOCI, QFC, or Free Zones, register your domain name with the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), secure your trademark with MOCI and obtain an e-commerce license.

Plan your domain and branding early by securing your business name, registering your domain through Qatar’s CRA, and trademarking your brand via MOCI. This ensures consistency across your website, social media, and marketing materials, making promotion smoother when you launch.

One of the best things about starting a business in Qatar is that you’re not on your own, regardless of your business’s size or type. You can find below the proper leads to get help:

• Qatar Development Bank (QDB): Loans, funding, and advisory services

• Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC): Co-working spaces and mentorship

• Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP): For tech startups.

• Qatar FinTech Hub (QFTH): For finance and digital companies

• Single Window portal: Centralized online platform for business setup