Can an expat own 100% of a business in Qatar in 2026?

Yes, under the updated Law No. 1 of 2019 and the 'Invest Qatar' initiative, expatriates can now have 100% foreign ownership in most sectors including IT, consultancy, and manufacturing.

What is the minimum capital required for an LLC in Qatar?

The standard minimum share capital for a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Qatar is QAR 200,000, divided into equal shares.

How long does it take to get a Commercial Registration (CR) in Qatar?

With the Single Window digital system, a Commercial Registration (CR) can typically be issued within 3 to 5 business days provided all documents are in order.

What is a CR in Qatar?

CR stands for Commercial Registration. It is the legal document that registers your business with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Can I start a business without an office in Qatar?

Most business activities require a physical office lease to obtain a Trade License, although some home-based licenses exist for specific Qatari-owned activities.

How To Start a Business in Qatar 2026 The Ultimate Guide

Qatar has transformed into a global investment hub, especially with the 2026 updates to the “Invest Qatar” initiative. For expatriates and international investors, starting a business in Qatar is no longer a complex hurdle. With the introduction of 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, the barriers to entry have never been lower.

Whether you are looking to open a tech startup or a retail outlet, here is the updated roadmap for setting up your company in Qatar.

1. Choose Your Business Legal Structure

In 2026, the two most popular paths for entrepreneurs are:

Limited Liability Company (LLC): Traditionally requiring a 51% Qatari partner and 49% expat ownership.
100% Foreign Owned Company: Under Law No. 1 of 2019, expats can now own 100% of their business in sectors like IT, consultancy, education, and manufacturing via the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI).

2. Secure a Commercial Registration (CR)

The Commercial Registration (CR) is the first legal document issued for your business. It identifies your company name, shareholders, and legal activities.

The Process: You can apply for a CR via the Invest Qatar (Single Window) portal.
Company Name: You must choose a unique trade name (Arabic names are cheaper; English/Foreign names carry an additional fee).
Digital Integration: You will need your Metrash2 app to sign documents digitally during the application.

3. Obtain a Trade License (Commercial Permit)

Once you have your CR, you cannot start operations until you have a Trade License. This document proves you have a physical, legal office space.

Office Space: You must have a lease agreement (Tawtheeq).
Inspection: The Civil Defense and the Ministry will inspect the premises for safety and compliance.
Signage: You also need a Signage License for your company’s physical board outside the office.

4. Key Requirements for 2026

Minimum Capital: For an LLC, the standard capital is QAR 200,000, which must be deposited in a local bank account (though requirements for startups are becoming more flexible).
Tax Card: You must apply for a Tax Card within 30 days of getting your CR to avoid fines from the General Tax Authority (GTA).
Computer Card: Also known as the Establishment Card, this is required to sponsor employees and issue work visas.

5. Cost of Starting a Business (Estimated)

Requirement	Estimated Cost (QAR)
Trade Name Reservation	QAR 1,000 – 2,000
Commercial Registration (CR)	QAR 1,500 – 10,000 (Varies by activity)
Trade License	QAR 1,000 – 5,000
Office Rent	Variable (Approx QAR 4,000+ per month)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a foreigner own 100% of a business in Qatar in 2026?

Yes, under the updated investment laws, foreigners can own 100% of companies in most sectors, provided they receive approval from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Do I need a Qatari partner to start a company?

In many consultancy and service-based sectors, a Qatari partner is no longer mandatory. However, for certain regulated industries, a 51/49% LLC structure may still be required.

How long does it take to register a company?

With the Single Window system, a Commercial Registration (CR) can often be issued within 2 to 5 business days.