Choose how to set up your company in Qatar
Setting up a company in Qatar starts with three choices: the legal form, the route and who will own the company. This section brings our set-up services together: the full set-up of a company, the LLC (WLL), full foreign ownership, working with a Qatari partner, a branch or representation office, free zone and QFC companies, and support for new founders.
Company formation at a glance
- Mainland, a free zone or the Qatar Financial Centre
- 3 routes
- Partners in a limited liability company
- 1 to 50
- On the mainland, by application above 49%, outside closed sectors
- Up to 100%
- For the registration decision on a complete file
- 15 days
From the company law and Law No. 1 of 2019. One official Ministry page still shows 51% Qatari participation as the general rule, so a lawyer confirms the ownership rule for your activity.
How we work
- Your activity
Tell us the activity, your partners’ nationalities and the route you have in mind.
- Route and form
We tell you what fits and what each step needs.
- Documents
Attestation, Arabic translation and the memorandum.
- Single Window
Trade name, CR and commercial permit, in order.
Company formation services
Company formation in QatarThe whole set-up, from picking a route to holding the licence.
Company formation in Qatar
LLC (WLL) company formationPartners, managers, capital and the Arabic memorandum for the most common form.
LLC company formation
100% foreign ownershipOwning more than 49% under Law No. 1 of 2019, and the application it needs.
100% foreign ownership
Qatari partner and local sponsorWhen a Qatari partner is part of the plan, and what the memorandum must say.
Qatari partner
Branch or representation officeFor a foreign company with a government contract, or one that promotes its products.
Branch or representation office
Free zone and QSTP companyRas Bufontas, Umm Alhoul or Qatar Science and Technology Park, each with full foreign ownership.
Free zone company
QFC companyDoha’s common-law financial centre, where corporate tax is 10%.
QFC company setup
Support to start a businessFunding and incubation from Startup Qatar, QDB and QSTP, plus advice on the route.
Startup support
Which service fits your plan
| Your situation | Service | When you need it |
|---|---|---|
| A new company to trade in Qatar | Company formation in Qatar | Before you lease premises or hire staff |
| One owner or up to 50 partners, with limited liability | LLC (WLL) company formation | When you choose the legal form; usually a limited liability company on the mainland |
| Foreign owners above 49% | 100% foreign ownership | Before the Single Window application: the Ministry decides first, if the activity allows it |
| A Qatari partner in the plan | Qatari partner and local sponsor | Before the Arabic memorandum is signed, so shares, control and profits are written into it |
| A foreign company entering Qatar | Branch or representation office | A branch for a government contract; a representation office to promote the parent’s products |
| An activity in a free zone sector, or research and technology | Free zone and QSTP company | When the activity fits the QFZ sectors or QSTP’s focus, and you want full foreign ownership |
| A business that wants the QFC’s common-law framework | QFC company | Non-regulated activities are licensed by the QFC Authority; financial services also need QFC Regulatory Authority authorisation |
| A first-time founder looking for funding or incubation | Support to start a business | Before you apply, to see which programme you qualify for |
Services in this group
- Company formation in QatarThe full set-up, from route to licence
- LLC (WLL) company formationThe most common legal form
- 100% foreign ownershipFull foreign ownership on the mainland
- Qatari partner and local sponsorWhen a Qatari partner is in the plan
- Branch or representation officeFor a foreign company
- Free zone and QSTP companyQatar Free Zones and QSTP
- QFC company setupThe Qatar Financial Centre route
- Support to start a businessProgrammes, funding and setup help
Common questions about company formation in Qatar
Which type of company should I set up in Qatar?
For most new businesses it is a limited liability company (LLC, also written WLL), which the Ministry of Commerce and Industry names as the most common form for foreign investors. A foreign company with a government contract opens a branch, and one that only promotes its products can open a representation office.
Source: Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Investment steps for foreign investors
Do I need a Qatari partner to start a company?
Not always. Law No. 1 of 2019 allows up to 100% foreign ownership with Ministry approval above 49%, outside closed sectors such as banking, insurance and commercial agencies. One official Ministry page still shows 51% as the general rule, so a lawyer confirms the rule for your activity.
Source: Law No. 1 of 2019 on investment of non-Qatari capital (Al Meezan)
How long does it take to form a company in Qatar?
The registration decision is the short part: 15 days from a complete file, under the company law. Before that you may be waiting on documents attested abroad, a lease on approved premises and any extra approval your activity needs, and those steps tend to take longer.
Source: Commercial Companies Law No. 11 of 2015, as amended (Al Meezan)
Did not find your question? Ask an adviser. We reply with what applies to your case.
Sources
Official sources for the facts on this page, last checked 19 Oct 2026.
- Law No. 1 of 2019 on investment of non-Qatari capital (Al Meezan)
- Commercial Companies Law No. 11 of 2015, as amended (Al Meezan)
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Investment steps for foreign investors
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Local investor services
- Invest Qatar, Setting up your business in Qatar (guide hosted by MOCI)
- Single Window, Start your business (establishment service)
Tell us your activity and who will own the company.
We tell you which service fits and what the first steps are.