A tech company in Qatar is usually set up on one of three routes. Software and IT services sold across Qatar suit a mainland company with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Research, product development and technical advice are licensed by Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP). The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) licenses programming and IT consultancy, with published fees.
Three routes to start your own tech company in Qatar
Each route has its own licensing body and its own rules, so the first question is what the company will actually do and for whom. A software house selling to Qatari businesses, an AI research team and a regional technology head office can each land on a different route.
Mainland (MOCI)
A company on the commercial register, set up on the Single Window, for software, websites, AI and IT services in the local market.
QSTP free zone
A QSTP-LLC or branch for research and development, product development, technical training and technical advice.
Qatar Financial Centre
A QFC company licensed for programming, IT consultancy or AI consultancy, under QFC rules.
Qatar Free Zones
QFZ lists emerging technologies among its sectors, at Ras Bufontas beside Hamad International Airport.
Mainland company with MOCI
On the mainland you pick activity codes on the Single Window, and the code decides whether another authority must approve. Of the tech codes we checked, most need no approval at all. Two do: cybersecurity services and web hosting.
| Code | Activity | Other approval |
|---|---|---|
| 620102 | Designing and programming special software | None |
| 620104 | Artificial intelligence systems programming and development | None |
| 620202 | Artificial intelligence consultancy and solutions | None |
| 631201 | Website designing | None |
| 620201 | Cybersecurity services | National Cybersecurity Agency, before the commercial permit and at each renewal |
| 631100 | Web hosting and data processing infrastructure | Communications Regulatory Authority, before the commercial permit and at renewal |
For the codes above, the Single Window lists foreigners among the owners allowed, and the group fee in the commercial registration is QAR 500. Law No. 1 of 2019 allows foreign ownership up to 100% with an application to the Ministry above 49%, outside a few closed sectors. Software design, AI programming and website design can also run on a Home Business Permit of QAR 300 instead of an office.
Setting up in QSTP
QSTP is a free zone. It was set up by Law No. 36 of 2005, and the QSTP Board runs it. The law’s list of what counts as investment in the park is short: research and development, product development, technical training, technical advice, companies formed for those purposes, and services that support them. Reselling goods is not on it.
- Pre-approval
An initial application goes in first. QSTP decides at its sole discretion and does not have to give reasons if it says no.
- Application
Pre-approved applicants then apply for the licence, as a company (QSTP-LLC) or as a branch (QSTP-B). Fees paid are non-refundable.
- Licence and start
Once the licence is issued, the activity has six months to start, or the Board may withdraw the licence.
Foreign ownership is allowed. One or more non-Qatari persons may own a licensed project, so a QSTP company can be 100% foreign-owned. No minimum share capital applies, but the capital must suit the company’s objects. Tax is where the conditions sit. Zone activities are exempt only if the project meets substantial activity rules (real economic activity in QSTP, with adequate qualified full-time staff), and every QSTP entity still files an annual income tax return within four months of its year end.
Space goes from furnished, serviced 45 m² offices in the Innovation Centre up to two Tech Buildings for organisations needing 500 m² or more. QSTP does not publish its fees or processing times.
Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)
The QFC has a page for digital, AI and technology firms. Its examples include designing and writing code for software, applications and web portals; planning and designing computer systems; and IT consultancy on artificial intelligence, machine learning and the Internet of Things. Unless the QFC Authority permits otherwise, these firms may not sell or service hardware as a business.
- Standard application fee
- USD 500
- Annual fee for one licensed activity
- USD 5,000
- Each additional activity
- USD 50
- Corporate tax on locally sourced profits
- 10%
From the QFC digital, AI and technology page, checked 21 Oct 2026.
The steps are: express interest, submit the online application, assessment and approval, then licence, registration and set-up. The application asks for a principal place of business. The QFC lists 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits.
Comparing the routes
| Mainland | QSTP | QFC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed by | Ministry of Commerce and Industry, on the Single Window | The QSTP Board | QFC Authority |
| Tech activities | Software, AI, websites, IT services, hosting, cybersecurity | Research, product development, technical training and advice | Programming, IT consultancy, AI consultancy |
| Foreign ownership | Up to 100% by application above 49% | 100% allowed | 100% |
| Tax | 10% income tax on the foreign share | Exempt for zone activities if substance rules are met; a return is filed | 10% on locally sourced profits |
| Published fees | CR group fee QAR 500 per code group | Not published | USD 500 application, USD 5,000 a year |
| Start condition | Commercial permit for approved premises | Activity started within six months of the licence | Principal place of business |
Customers usually decide it. A company selling services across Qatar tends to start on the mainland. A team doing research or building a product for the region can look at QSTP. A firm that wants common-law rules and a regional base can look at the QFC.
Support and programmes for tech founders
The Startup Qatar Investment Program, provided by Qatar Development Bank, funds technology startups: up to US$1.1 million for those launching in Qatar and up to US$5.5 million for established startups expanding there, paid in tranches against agreed milestones. It also lists registration and licence renewal cost waivers, visa issuance and subsidised co-working. QDB’s incubation hub includes Digital & Beyond with Ooredoo, and QSTP runs its own incubation programme. No programme guarantees funding.
How we help
We help you match what your company does to the right activity codes and route, prepare the Single Window, QSTP or QFC application and its documents, and plan the approvals that cybersecurity or hosting need. The Ministry, QSTP and the QFC decide each application.
