Step 1 Decide on the type of presence you wish to establish in Qatar:

• A local entity incorporated under the Commercial Companies Law;
• A branch office or trade representative office;
• A commercial agency relationship;
• A firm incorporated or registered with Qatar Financial Centre (QFC);
• A free-zone entity within Qatar Science & Technology Park.

Step 2 Seek advice from a specialist in company formation to decide on company structure if setting up a local entity. Most businesses will require a local partner. If you are setting up a financial services company, you must register with QFC.

Step 3 Appoint a lawyer to prepare legal documentation.

Step 4 Have documents attested at your country of origin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Qatari embassy.

Step 5 Have documents stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar.

Step 6 Submit documents and company name to the Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC), which will issue a letter confirming the reservation of the firm’s name.

Step 7 Deposit minimum share capital, QR200,000 ($54,919), at your bank, which will issue a letter to the MEC confirming the money has been transferred and cleared. Once the articles of association have been approved, a representative from the shareholders can sign to incorporate the company.

Step 8 Firm will automatically be registered at the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and will be issued a certificate. Shortly after that, the Commercial Registration will be ready for collection.

Step 9 Sign a one-year lease at an approved commercial office.

Step 10 After a municipality inspection and approval, obtain a municipality licence and a signage licence.

Step 11 Apply for a computer card at the Immigration Department in the Ministry of Interior. The card will include the authorised signatories for immigration services for the company.

Step 12 Apply for the labour quota at the Labour Department. This will determine what kinds of visas you can obtain for employees.

Step 13 Obtain work visas for your staff at www.gov.qa.