Types of Business Licenses in Qatar

Mainland licences

• Commercial registration (CR): registers the company and its activities with MOCI.
• Trade / commercial license: permits operation from approved premises.
• Professional licences: for regulated professions such as consultancy, engineering or medical practice, often with the relevant ministry or council.
• Industrial licences: for manufacturing activities, with additional approvals.

Special platforms

• QFC licence: for financial and professional services under the Qatar Financial Centre framework.
• Qatar Free Zones licence: for eligible logistics, industrial and technology businesses in designated zones.
• QSTP licence: for technology, research and innovation companies at Qatar Science & Technology Park.

Sector approvals

Many activities also need approval from a sector regulator, for example health, education, tourism or financial services. These sit alongside, not instead of, the CR and trade license.

Which one do you need?

It depends on the activity, the customers you serve and where you plan to operate. A short consultation usually narrows it to one clear route.