Establishing a business in Qatar requires selecting the appropriate jurisdiction, legal structure and permitted business activities. HLB AG assists investors and businesses in evaluating the available routes and managing the establishment process. These include mainland establishment through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), Qatar Free Zones and the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), with the appropriate route depending on the nature of the proposed business and its activities. QFC is an onshore business and financial centre rather than a separate offshore jurisdiction.

Our business setup services include:

• Mainland company establishment and registration
• Qatar Free Zone company setup
• QFC company establishment
• Selection of the appropriate legal structure
• Business activity and jurisdiction assessment
• Trade name and incorporation documentation
• Commercial registration and licensing support
• Foreign ownership and investment structure considerations
• Regulatory approvals for activities requiring additional authorisation
• Post-incorporation setup support

The establishment process, available legal structures and approval requirements vary between MOCI, Qatar Free Zones and QFC. HLB AG helps clients assess the appropriate route, prepare the required documentation and coordinate the relevant registration and licensing procedures through to establishment. QFC, for example, offers structures including LLCs, branches, holding companies, special purpose companies and partnerships, while its setup process includes activity assessment, application, approval, incorporation and licensing.