The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) is one of the Middle East’s top business and financial hubs. Located in Doha, QFC offers a welcoming platform for local and international companies looking to launch or grow their presence in Qatar and the wider region.
At the heart of this is the QFC’s “Start Your Setup” program, designed to make business setup fast, simple, and efficient.
Why should you Set Up in QFC?
QFC provides multiple advantages that make it ideal for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and multinational firms:
- ✅ 100% Foreign Ownership – No need for a local Qatari partner.
- ✅ Full Profit Repatriation – Move your earnings abroad freely.
- ✅ Attractive Tax Environment – Flat 10% corporate tax on profits sourced in Qatar; no personal income tax.
- ✅ Independent Legal System – Based on English common law, offering legal clarity for international companies.
- ✅ Strategic Location – Positioned at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, Qatar is a perfect regional base.
Simple Three-Step Business Setup
Getting started with QFC is straightforward:
- Submit an Expression of Interest
Fill out the “Start Your Setup” form to express your interest. - Application Phase
If your business activities align with QFC’s permitted sectors, you’ll gain access to the QFC portal to complete your online application. - Licensing and Registration
Once approved, you’ll receive your license, registration certificate, and license scope documents.
Post-Setup Essentials
Once registered, companies must meet a few regulatory and operational requirements:
- ✅ Secure a Physical Office – Choose a location approved by QFC.
- ✅ Get a Computer Card – Needed for immigration processes and opening a corporate bank account.
- ✅ Register for Tax – Obtain a tax card within 10 days of registration.
- ✅ Submit Reports – Provide financial statements, tax filings, and ownership details annually.
Permitted Business Sectors
QFC supports a wide variety of sectors, including:
- Financial Services – Banking, asset management, Islamic finance, insurance, and fintech.
- Professional Services – Consulting, law firms, and corporate advisory.
- Digital & Media – Tech startups, digital marketing, and content production.
- Sports & Tourism – Event planning, sports advisory, and tourism management.
Legal Structures to Choose From
Businesses can choose the structure that fits their goals best:
- ✅ LLCs – Ideal for a wide range of business operations.
- ✅ Branches – For foreign entities wanting a local presence without full incorporation.
- ✅ SPCs (Special Purpose Companies) – Best for asset management and project-based work.
- ✅ Holding Companies – To manage group structures and investments.
Conclusion
QFC is more than just a business center, it’s a growth platform for companies aiming to tap into Middle Eastern markets. With world-class infrastructure, supportive regulations, and a business-friendly tax regime, QFC is helping position Qatar as a global business destination.
