Business Startup Consulting

Planning on starting a business in Qatar? If so, you’ve come to the right place. COREO offers comprehensive services for doing business in Qatar, right from company formation. We have built a solid network of relationships over the years and we are able to put you in contact with the right people and services to make your business hit the ground running.

Feel free to contact us for a free consultation.

If doing business in Qatar is a new frontier for you and your company then the following business basics may be of some benefit.

Legal Structures for Business

The law stipulates a total local equity of not less than 51% in any commercial company and defines seven categories of business organization, which can be established in Qatar. It sets out the requirements in terms of shareholders, directors, minimum capital levels and incorporation procedures. The seven categories of business organization defined by the Law are:

    • General partnership company

    • Partnership

    • Joint venture company

    • Public shareholding company

    • Private shareholding company

    • Limited liability company (LLC)

    • Share partnership company

Out of these seven activities LLCs are more commonly used by the foreign investors.

Limited Liability Company

A Limited Liability Company can be formed by a minimum of two and a maximum of 50 persons whose liability is limited to their shares in the Company's capital. Most Companies with expatriate partners have opted for this Limited Liability Company, due to the fact that this is the only option which will give maximum legal ownership.

Fifty-one per cent participation by Qatari nationals is the general requirement for the Limited Liability Companies. Therefore, the normal shareholding pattern for an LLC will be:

      •Local sponsor - 51% and

     • Foreign Shareholder (s) - 49%

The minimum capital requirement is 200,000 QR (approximately US$ 54,800), contributed in cash. While foreign equity in the Company may not exceed 49%, profit and loss distribution can be mutually agreed. Responsibility for the management of a Limited Liability Company can be vested in the foreign or national partners or a third party.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation so that we can help set you in the right direction in setting up your business in Qatar.