Free Zone Company Formation / Registration in Qatar 

Free Zone Company Formation / Registration in Qatar

Qatar Free Zones

The notion of free zones has transformed Middle Eastern nations into rising commercial hubs. Not only does it aid in attracting industrialists from all over the world, but it has also greatly influenced the thought processes of business investors. When it comes to company establishment, Qatar has a stronghold and has been listed in Forbes’ top 40 nations for business. Qatar, like its surrounding nations, has free zones that invite corporate investors, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs to establish their foundations. Because of the availability of free zones in Qatar, they find that establishing a business there is a more appealing alternative. Check it out / Let’s have a look.

Benefits of Establishment Free Zone Business Qatar

• 100 percent firm ownership
• 100 percent return of capital/profits
• Tax reduction
• No capital gains tax
• No currency limitations
• Low operating costs
• Excellent infrastructure Excellent customer support

Qatari free zones provide a wide range of amenities for day-to-day business, including:

• Rapid firm formation and licencing
• Possibility of leasing property for development Warehouse/factory/office units for rent
• Personnel accommodations on-site
• Road, sea, and air transportation are available.
• Energy at a low cost
• Low living expenses
• An appealing working environment

In Qatar, there are primarily three regulatory authorities that provide free zones and economic zones:

1.   Qatar Free Zone Authority (QFZA)

QFZA provides world-class Free Zones in Qatar with cutting-edge facilities and infrastructure for international investors looking to participate in industries that help the Qatari economy grow. The QFZA now operates three free zones, all of which are within 30 minutes of the country’s capital, Doha.

Msheireb Downtown Free Zone

This zone, located in the centre of Downtown Doha, contains 17 business buildings and about 10,000 parking spots.

It consists of business and retail space, Civil Services, and cultural and leisure offerings.

Ras Bufontas

This airport free zone is 4km2 and has direct access to Hamad International Airport. It contains 24 pre-fabricated industrial units ranging in size from 415m2 to 1500m2.

It consists of a variety of corporations in a variety of industries, including logistics, new technology, light manufacturing, aviation, and international business services.

Umm Alhoul

Umm AlHoul is a seaport free zone with direct access to Hamad Port, the city’s primary seaport and the world’s largest “greenfield” port development.

Its plots are classified as logistics, petrochemicals, automotive, maintenance, repair, and operations, food processing, and marine.

2.   Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP)

This free zone is located within Qatar Foundation and primarily accepts enterprises engaged in scientific, innovative, research, and technology.

Benefits:

• Complete foreign firm ownership
• Corporate income tax exemption of 100%
• Personal income tax exemption of 100%
• Import and export tariffs and taxes are completely excluded.
• Capital and earnings are repatriated in their whole.
• No limits on foreign currency
• Rapid Company Formation

3.   Qatar Financial Center (QFC)

QFC was initially founded to recruit international financial institutions and other multinational enterprises to Qatar and to develop financial sector businesses.

How Can I Establish A Business In A Qatar Freezone?

Starting a company in a Qatar Freezone (QFZ) involves two major steps: the application stage and the registration stage. Both steps are handled directly by QFZA liaison (Qatar Freezone Authority). Please keep in mind that QCF Global Services (QCF) can function as your agent to assist with the setup and contact with the Qatar Freezone Authority to guarantee the accurate and timely establishment of the freezone firm in QFZ. Throughout the procedure, QCF will serve as your primary point of contact.

Application procedure for establishing business in QFZ

This procedure entails gathering basic firm information, financial and employment estimates, and a business plan outlining projected operations and activities.

The following documentation must be submitted at this stage:

• A copy of your business registration (If the company is already registered in Qatar)
• Audited financial accounts or a shareholder’s financial statement for the last three years
• Copies of identification documents for all potential company directors
• Proof of payment of the required 300 QAR for the application

Qatar Free Zone Company registration procedure

The documents provided at this stage are determined by the planned business activity and structure.

Establishing an LLC in the Qatar Freezone (QFZ)

All documentation related to the free zone entity will be required for the creation of an LLC. These include:

• Articles of Association (AoA), which must be signed on every page by shareholders or authorised representatives of shareholders.
• Documents relating to the formation of the free zone entity and the nomination of an authorised representative (shareholder resolution)
• All government papers pertaining to the company’s shareholders
• It should be noted that if the shareholders are corporate entities, the required Board Resolution and Power of Attorney must be obtained from the country of origin, notarised, legalised, and attested through the Qatar embassy in that country. As needed, QCF can assist with this procedure.

Establishing a Foreign Branch in the Qatar Free Zone (QFZ)

To register a branch office in the Qatar Freezone, you must present the following paperworks:

• All documents pertaining to the authorization to incorporate a free zone branch
• Any documentation related to the appointment of a manager
• Other constitutional papers pertaining to the initial parent firm
• With the establishment of a branch office in QFZ, the applicable Board Resolution and Power of Attorney must be written by the parent business and received from the country of origin before being Notarised, Legalised, and Attested by the Qatar embassy in that country. As needed, QCF can assist with this procedure.

What are the fees for establishing a business in the Qatar Free Zone?

The initial government fees for establishing a business in a QFZ are QAR11,000 for an LLC.

This includes a free zone application charge of QAR 300, a freezone registration price of QAR 5,700, and an annual licensing fee of QAR 5,000.

How can QCF Global Services help you?

At QCF, we understand how difficult it is to enter and expand in new markets. Therefore, we assist you with determining the best legal entity for your firm and with all applicable PRO Services, such as staff visas, immigration, and labor issues, as well as any relevant company licenses, corporate structuring, and corporate governance.

If you require any  assistance in establishing a free zone company in Qatar, or if you need further information on any other related company setup, local partner, or PRO service matter in Qatar,

Please contact us at +974 33222369, or email us at [email protected], or complete the contact form, and we will be happy to assist you!