العربية• International Business Setup
Full ownership is available in Qatar, but it needs an application and approval
Law No. 1 of 2019 regulating the investment of non-Qatari capital allows non-Qatari investors to invest in most sectors with ownership of up to 100%. But ownership above 49% needs an application and approval from the competent department, and that is the heart of the file.
You deal with LegalIn alone, from Egypt. We handle the in-country steps through our network of offices there, so you do not need to engage another firm.
• Is this route for you?
- Investors targeting the Qatari market with a commercial or service activity.
- Egyptian companies with contracts or projects in Qatar.
- Founders who want a Qatari entity to contract with local parties.
• Foreign ownership and investment regime
Up to 100% in most sectors, with approval above 49%
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Ownership | Up to 100% in most sectors (Article 2) |
| Ownership above 49% | Application to the competent department; no response counts as rejection, with a right of appeal to the Minister (Article 3) |
| Closed to non-Qataris | Banks, insurance companies (unless exempted by the Council of Ministers), commercial agencies, and anything the Council of Ministers adds (Article 4) |
| Listed companies | Non-Qatari ownership up to 49% unless a higher ratio is approved |
| Legal basis | Law No. 1 of 2019 regulating the investment of non-Qatari capital |
• How we handle the file
From Egypt to incorporation
- Checking the activity against lists of activities restricted or closed to non-nationals.
- Choosing the form and the ownership and management structure.
- Preparing, notarising and attesting documents.
- Registering and obtaining licences from the competent authorities.
- Arranging post-incorporation steps: government registrations, hiring and compliance.
• Before we start
What we need to know
- Your exact activity, and who and where your customers are.
- The partners and their nationalities, and whether the investor is an individual or a company.
- Whether you need a physical office or staff in Qatar.
- How the new entity relates to your company in Egypt, if any.
This tells us the route and the document list; documents vary with the activity and the partners’ nationalities.
• Common pitfalls
What can delay the file?
Assuming full ownership is automatic without applying for approval above 49%.
Filing an incomplete application: the decision period only starts once documents are complete.
Targeting an activity closed to non-Qataris without checking first.
Ignoring the laws on non-Qataris practising trade and professions, to which the law expressly refers.
• FAQ
Questions we often hear before setting up in Qatar
Can I own the company fully?
Yes in most sectors, provided approval is obtained for ownership above 49%.
Which activities are closed?
Banks, insurance and commercial agencies, plus anything the Council of Ministers adds.
Do I need a firm in Qatar?
No. You deal with LegalIn, and we coordinate with our network of offices there.
• Related routes
Your file may also involve
• Your next step
Considering Qatar?
Send us your activity and partners’ details. We review the right route and get back to you on the next step.
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