Qatar Free Zone (QFZ) is situated in the western coast of Qatar. It was founded in 2018 with main aim to modernize Qatar’s economy based on oil industry and increase inflow of foreign funds. The QFZ incentives vary from tax exemptions to 100% foreign ownership and many other benefits.
Company registration process in QFZ is governed by the respective authority. It provides a wide range of advantages to facilitate business procedures. QFZ companies can benefit from modern infrastructure and environment, high level of experience and favorable business climate.
Advantages of Setting up an Onshore Company in Qatar
- 100% foreign ownership;
- No requirements for minimum charter capital/proof of capital;
- Legal system based on English common law;
- Independence of QFC corporate regulation from the onshore Qatar corporate laws;
- A wide selection of QFC offices in the capital of Qatar allows each QFC firm to choose an office space that meets its unique business needs;
- No restrictions on foreign exchange transactions;
- Redomiciliation to/from the free zone is allowed;
- VIP Onboarding service to speed up and simplify the registration process.
Qatar Free Zone Company Formation Process
Step 1. Submission of information and documents to QFC, completion of the questionnaire and due diligence procedure. A signed Lease Agreement is required at the time of filing;
Step 2. QFC sends the registration link;
Step 3. License issuance (The time period from receipt of the registration link to license issuance can take 3-5 business days);
Step 4. Getting a company seal and company letterhead;
Step 5. Getting a Computer Card (Immigration Card);
Immigration Processes:
a. You can fly in, spend about 2-3 working days (including getting a Computer Card) and fly out. Then, after getting a work visa (about 10 working days), fly back and get a QID (about 7 working days).
b. It is required to appoint a Senior Executive Function (a Qatar resident) in the country, then it is possible to go through the first step without visiting the country. Arrive only when the work visa is ready. Once the QID is received, it will be possible to remove the authorised person from the list of signatories through the client portal.
Step 6. Applying for a Tax Card & Commercial Register (CR) Extract
Step 7. Opening a bank account;
Step 8. Professional Indemnity Insurance must be taken out within 3 months after registration;
Step 9. Signing an agreement with an audit firm.
Documents Required to Register a Qatar Company
Individual Shareholder
- Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months) of the founder(s)/director(s)/senior executive/secretary;
- Qatar ID of the senior executive;
- Passport photo of the founder(s)/director(s)/senior executive/secretary;
- CV or business profile of the founder(s)/director(s)/senior executive/secretary;
- Business plan (for some types of activities).
Corporate Shareholder
- Company registration documents and resolution to register a new company (certified and attested for Qatar);
- Passport copy of the founder/manager (valid for at least 6 months);
- Documented evidence of the company’s financial health, including data for the last two years;
- Audited financial statements of the non-QFC company/parent company;
- Passport photo of the founder/manager;
- Copy of the manager’s utility bill in the country of residence in English;
- CV or business profile of the founder(s)/director(s);
- Business plan (for some types of activities).
