Step-by-Step Process to Obtain a Business License in Qatar

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain a Business License in Qatar

Blog Article

The Qatari economy is strong and the country well located, so starting a business in Qatar is considered a promising opportunity. Yet, before you start operating you must first register your company and obtain a business or trade license. Here are the steps of acquiring a business license, required documents, and some important tips to help make it smoother.

Types of Business Licenses in Qatar
The kind of business license depends on the kind of business activities you want to conduct in Qatar. There are mainly the following:

Commercial License: For trading purposes, buying or selling goods.
Industrial License: For manufacturing or producing products.
Service Licence: For rendering professional services.
Choosing the correct license is crucial for legal compliance and avoiding potential issues.

Step 1: Identify Your Business Activity
You can now apply for a license only after you have defined what your business will do. The activity you choose dictates the type of license and further approvals which you will require to obtain from different bodies within the government.

Step 2: Determine the Correct Legal Structure
The next stage involves choosing the legal structure for your company. Generally, most foreign investors opt to incorporate in Qatar either as a form of LLC or as a branch of their existing foreign entity. Liability and tax duties are both different between the two forms while the extraction of profit is also different.

Step 3: Registration of a Trade Name
You must register your business’s trade name with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI). The name must be unique and related to your business activities. Once approved, your trade name will be protected, preventing others from using it.

Step 4: Initial Approval and Special Permits

Once you decide on your trade name, you will have to get preliminary approval from MOCI. Depending on the activities, some businesses will need further permits to be obtained from special authorities. For instance, if your business involves food or health services, you would get permission from the Ministry of Public Health.

Step 5: Prepare the Articles of Association

This document is one of the most important papers that establish the ownership structure and operational rules for your company. In Qatar, it has to be in Arabic and must be signed by all partners in the presence of a notary public.

STEP 6: Open Corporate Bank Account

Once your documents are in order, you’ll need to open a corporate bank account. Most banks will require a copy of your trade license draft, identification documents, and proof of your business address.

Step 7: Submission of final registration documents

Upon completing all of the above procedures, present your documents to the Commercial Registration and Licenses Administration.