Qatar Free Zone Company Registration: Know everything

Are you planning to set up a company in the Qatar free zone location (QFC)? If so, this is a must-read for you.

The entity in charge of planning and governing Qatar’s free zones is the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA). It was founded in 2018 to create free zones of the highest caliber and lure foreign business to those zones through business development initiatives that would support Qatar’s continuing economic growth and diversification. If you are planning to set up a new company in QFC, then we are there to help you.

The QFZA works under its own set of regulations and gives businesses access to rapidly expanding regional markets in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and Western Asia. The QFZA team administers company registrations, licenses, and related services among other duties. The team has a very proactive investment attraction & business growth culture.

QFC, run by the Qatar Financial Center Authority (QFCA), was first established as a financial and economic hub to attract foreign financial institutions and other associated companies to Qatar. However, in recent times, it has broadened the scope of its operations to encompass professional services, information technology, consulting, and various services that are found to support the financial services industry. The “Non-Regulated Activities” and “Regulated Activities” are the two primary types of Activities that can be carried out in the QFC. A legal presence must be established in order to carry out these Allowed Activities. This can be done by registering a branch of a non-QFC legal organization or by establishing an LLC or LLP with QFC.

The main benefit of establishing a business in QFC is that you can do it without a local Qatari partner and have a 100% foreign-owned firm in Qatar. Construction, the manufacture or sale of tangible items, and labor-intensive services are all prohibited activities in QFC. Nonetheless, businesses that engage in such activities can profit from the QFC environment by setting up holding, investment, or management structures there.

Which free zones are under the Qatar free zone authority’s management?

Currently, Qatar free zone authority is in charge of two free zones:

• Ras Boufantas Free Zone, a 400-hectare area near to Hamad International Airport
• Umm AlHoul Free Zone, a 3000-hectare near to Hamad Port.

Are there any particular industries or commercial ventures that the free zones are hoping to draw?

Logistics, chemicals, and developing technologies are a few of the core industries on which QFZA is concentrated and where Qatar has a compelling value proposition. The exciting opportunities fall within these broad categories and include several important industries, including maritime services, energy and clean technology, food, healthcare and medical technologies, information and communications, and industrial equipment.

For these industries, the QFZA is developing specific regions within the zones, enabling businesses operating in those sectors to take advantage of an expanding network of complementary organizations, specialized facilities for research and innovation, and cooperation opportunities. As a young organization, we can adapt to your needs and develop solutions for businesses that desire to operate in our free zones.

What advantages do free zones offer for a business location?

Foreign businesses will be able to customize their goods and services for close-by markets in the Middle East, Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia using the platform provided by the free zones. The Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFC) has complete jurisdiction over the legal system in Qatar’s free zones, which provides a seamless environment for conducting business. This system is founded on the common-law principle. Businesses operating in Qatar will also gain from 100% foreign ownership, 20-year tax holidays that are renewable, zero corporate tax, zero customs duty, and of course no personal income tax, as well as access to a skilled and adaptable workforce through a permit system directly managed by the Free Zone Authority.

Added advantages include:

• Modern infrastructure is present in the seaport and airport areas.
• A range of alternatives for pre-built and land leases to fit your present and future development goals.

• Affordable land prices in the area
• No limitations on the capital return
• Data protection and intellectual property regulations that are strict
• Availability of investment capital for suitable businesses
• Having access to partnership opportunities

Eligibility criteria for setting up a company in Qatar Free Zones (QFC)

The QFZA is concentrated on sectors and businesses that can make a major contribution to Qatar’s economic diversification and long-term expansion.

Businesses or investors must prove to the Authority’s satisfaction that their anticipated business operations with the Zone satisfy this condition if they want to obtain pre-built units or land plots and open shop in one of the Free Zones. Furthermore, potential Free Zone investors should:

• Operating in one of the QFCA’s target industries
• Aspire to predominantly trade in the regional and global markets using their position in Qatar.
• Demonstrate their capacity to produce additional economic value
• Show that you have the resources to make the suggested investment.

Process of company formation in Qatar Free Zone (QFC)

There is a lengthy process that must be followed to start a firm in Qatar’s free trade zone. Helpline Group ensures that you may focus entirely on your main business without having to spend time on these paperwork processes.

1. 1. Step 1: Getting the name of the Qatar Free Zone Company approved and preparing the Business Care for commercial registration in Qatar.
   2. Step 2: The articles of organization are drafted following the preparation of the business case for commercial registration and the name reservation.
   3. Step 3: After the articles of association have been signed by all of the partners, a business stamp is created and commercial registration is granted.
   4. Step 4: To launch your business in the Qatar Free Zone, you must next get the required licenses from the relevant government authorities.

• Step 5: You must obtain tax registration from the Public Revenue and Tax Authority of Qatar to set up a new company in Qatar.

1. Step 6: Opening a bank account in Qatar would be the sixth and last stage.

Why Choose Helpline Group?

You might be planning for a Qatar free zone company formation using an effective strategy in place. New firms can flourish in Qatar thanks to the country’s social infrastructure, economy, political and social climate, banking and financial industry, and other factors. Now is the ideal moment and location to make investments or grow your company. It is a good moment to create a company in Qatar as the economy prepares for important milestones in the future.

If you are looking for an expert who can handle everything on Qatar free zone company formation, its cost, licenses, recruitment, and much more, we are there for you. Call us now at +974 77711129.