To operate from the QFC, you must conduct activities from our list of permitted activities.
QFC offers 50+ permitted activities to operate.
Your Set up Journey with the QFC
What QFC Can Offer You
Up to 100% foreign ownership
Corporate tax on locally-sourced profits
Repatriation of profits
Trade in any currency
Compelling tax & business environment
Legal environment based on English common law
World-class regulator
World class civil and commercial court
Streamlined, swift and transparent company registration and licensing process.
Dedicated in-house immigration team
What Can You License Under the QFC?
Your Set Up Journey
1. Expression of Interest in the QFC
Your expression of interest in setting up an entity under the QFC can be initiated by completing the ‘Start Your Setup’ form or by contacting our business development team at +974 4496 7836 or email businessdevelopment@qfc.qa.
A member of our business development team will get in contact. Based on your plans and business operations, our business development team will confirm to you if your operations will be aligned to QFC Permitted Activities and it is considered your entity will add strategic value to Qatar and the QFC.
If it is determined that your proposed activities fall within the regulated activities, which are defined in the QFC Financial Services Regulations (FSR), in which case, an authorisation must be obtained from the QFC Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) before proceeding with the rest of the application for the certificate of incorporation or registration.
A member of our business development team will get in contact. Based on your plans and business operations, our business development team will confirm to you if your operations will be aligned to QFC Permitted Activities and it is considered your entity will add strategic value to Qatar and the QFC.
If it is determined that your proposed activities fall within the regulated activities, which are defined in the QFC Financial Services Regulations (FSR), in which case, an authorisation must be obtained from the QFC Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) before proceeding with the rest of the application for the certificate of incorporation or registration.
2. Complete Single Online Application*
If your proposed business operations are aligned to the non-regulated activities permitted under the QFC, a link will be shared with you to direct you to our secure QFC portal where you can complete an online Application for Registration and License with QFC.
Once submitted your application and all supporting documents provided will be reviewed and assessed. Your dedicated Business Development Representative will clarify any points that require follow up. Once you satisfy all our requirements, your application will be approved.
Once submitted your application and all supporting documents provided will be reviewed and assessed. Your dedicated Business Development Representative will clarify any points that require follow up. Once you satisfy all our requirements, your application will be approved.
3. Certificate and Scope of License Issued
Once your application is approved you will receive your Licensing and Registration Certificates, your QFC entity’s Scope of License, and Licensing Letter.
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You can track the status of your application through the QFC app. |
Once your entity is registered, you will be assigned a dedicated Relationship Manager who will support you to ensure your on-boarding is smooth. You can be assured of ongoing support from our Client Affairs Team and our Growth Team to help you throughout your business journey in Qatar.
Application Requirement Guidelines
Depending on the legal structure of the entity you propose to set up in the QFC, refer to the guidelines that outline the application requirements to carry out non-regulated activities.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
A form of legal entity known as a limited liability company. Refer to Article 14 of Part 3 of the Companies Regulations.
LLC Requirement Guidelines
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
A form of legal entity known as a Limited Liability Partnership. Refer to Article 6 of Part 2 of the Limited Liability Partnerships Regulations.
LLP Requirement Guidelines
LLC Branch / LLP Branch
A branch of a Non-QFC Company registered in the QFC under these Regulations. Refer to Article 157 of Part 14 of the Companies Regulations.
Branch Requirement Guidelines
LLC (Guarantee) - LLC(G)
A branch of a Non-QFC Company registered in the QFC under these Regulations or any other Regulations. Refer to Article 92A of Part 3A of the Companies Regulations.
LLC(G) Requirement Guidelines
Application and Annual Fees
Application Fee
US$5000
Annual Non-Regulated LLC, Branch Fee
US$5000 pro-rated
Annual Non-Regulated SPC, Holding Co. Fee
US$500
Application and Annual Fee for LLC(G
US$500
Note: Application fees are non-refundable.
Application Fee for Foundation
US$5000
Annual Fee for Foundation
US$2500
Helping You Run Your Business Smoothly
We at the Client Affairs team understand what it means to run your business smoothly. Understanding your needs is at the core of our business values, and your success is ours, which is why we are In Business, Together.
Our support extends beyond providing you with your license. We are committed to helping you through your business journey here in Qatar and the Client Affairs department serves as the one stop shop for all your business needs.
Our Tailored QFC Membership Program
Select Level
Our Select Level contains a range of benefits suitable for companies that opt for simple and basic assistance to become established on a small scale.
Advanced Level
Our Advanced Level contains a range of comprehensive benefits including discounts, opportunities and VIP partner services that will help kick-start your company and your employees in Qatar.
Premium Level
Our Premium Level contains a range of comprehensive benefits including discounts, opportunities, and VIP partner services; in addition, the QFC will actively promote your company through a variety of media channels to give you a competitive edge
Some of the Offerings to Look Forward to
✓
Access to special
banking services
banking services
✓
Special relocation
service rate
service rate
✓
Work space solutions
at special rates
at special rates
✓
Sponsorship opportunities
Helping You Stay Compliant
First Month
Ensure that you have access to the QFC E-services portal.
Apply for computer card.
This will help you with immigration & setting up a bank account.
This will help you with immigration & setting up a bank account.
Set up your bank account.
Preferred Partner: Commercial Bank.
Preferred Partner: Commercial Bank.
Ensure that your office is in a designated QFC building.
QFC designated buildings >
QFC designated buildings >
All Employers - please ensure a staff privacy notice is displayed in line with the Data Protection Regulations.
Complete the Conduct of Business Policies and Procedures checklist.
Complete your online tax registration.
Your tax card will be issued within 10 days.
Your tax card will be issued within 10 days.
Within 3 Months
Your Senior Executive Functions (SEF) full residency should be completed within 3 month.
You will be required to provide a copy to us.
Notify us once you receive the Resident Permit.
Professional Indemnity Insurance cover needs to be finalised within 3 months.
You will be required to provide a copy to us.
Registered office agreement.
You will be required to provide a copy to us.
Within 12 Months
Complete the annual compliance checklist.
Due every 31st of January.
Due every 31st of January.
File your annual return.
Not applicable to branches, SPCs and holding companies, which are passive or wholly owned by the
state of Qatar.
Find out more >
Not applicable to branches, SPCs and holding companies, which are passive or wholly owned by the
state of Qatar.
Find out more >
Submit your Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) annual report upon anniversary of registration.
Submit your annual financial statement.
Not applicable to branches, SPCs and holding companies, which are passive or wholly owned by the State of Qatar.
File your annual tax return and pay any tax due.
Tax filing and payment are due 6 months after the end of the accounting period.
Additional Information
Download an activity description guide for our non-regulated permitted activities
Read moreInterested parties are advised to consult the QFCA Rules, Schedule 5 Licensing Criteria, which lists the criteria used in assessing an application
Read moreEvery QFC entity must have a registered office/principal place of business and this address must be in a QFC designated location at all times
Read moreDiscover more about QFC's brochures, forms and guides
Read moreDiscover more about starting your setup with QFC
Read moreAsk For Help
QFCA Client Affairs
Location 2nd Floor, QFC Tower 1
(Opposite to City Center mall, West Bay)
PO Box 232 45
Doha, Qatar
Phone+974 4496 7777
EmailClientaffairs@qfc.qa