1. Define the activity and structure
Your commercial activity decides which approvals you need, whether full foreign ownership is possible and what premises are acceptable. Settle this before anything else.
2. Reserve the trade name
Names are reserved with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and must follow its naming rules, for example avoiding names that are misleading or already registered.
3. Articles of association
The articles set out shareholders, capital, management and profit sharing. They are drafted and then notarised before the company can be registered.
4. Commercial registration (CR)
With the name and articles in place, the company is registered and receives its CR number, its legal identity for contracts, banking and government transactions.
5. Premises and trade license
The business needs approved premises. After inspection and approval, the trade (commercial) license is issued, authorising operation from that address.
6. Tax, establishment card and bank
- Register with the General Tax Authority.
- Obtain the establishment (company) card from the Ministry of Interior.
- Open the corporate bank account.
- Apply for work permits and residence for staff.
How long does it take?
A straightforward setup can move quickly once documents are ready; activities that need extra approvals, and free zone or QFC setups, take longer. Delays usually come from incomplete documents rather than the process itself.
Please noteThis guide is general information about practice in Qatar and is not legal advice. Laws and procedures change; for a decision on your case, speak to a licensed Qatari lawyer or contact us to review your situation.
