A branch office in Qatar represents one of the most popular forms of business through which foreign corporations undertake their activities in this country. There is not a requirement for a local citizen to have an interest in a branch, however, a branch can usually be set up only to complete one or several contracts with the local government or with a governmental agency to effectuate a public service or utility. In this article, our specialists in company formation in Qatar explain different aspects related to establishing a branch in this country.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Applicable legislation |
For foreign countries |
|
Best used for |
– banking, – insurance, – financial operations, – specific projects |
|
Minimum share capital |
No |
| Time frame for the incorporation (approx.) |
Around 3 months |
| Management |
Local |
| Legal representative required |
Yes |
| Local bank account |
No |
| Independence from the parent company | Dependent on the parent company |
| Liability of the parent company | Full liability for the branch office’s debt and obligations |
| Corporate tax rate | 10% |
| Possibility of hiring local staff | Yes |
Table of Contents
How to register a branch in Qatar in 2025
To register a branch in Qatar in 2025, the company has to obtain a Ministerial Decree first, which enables it to set up a branch that is entirely owned by foreign citizens. To obtain the approval registration for a branch in Qatar, the following documents must be submitted:
- an application form, in Arabic;
- a copy of the Certificate of Registration for Foreign Shareholder from the country of origin;
- a Power of Attorney from the parent company in favor of a representative of the foreign shareholder for utilization in Qatar, as well as a copy of his or her passport;
- the Memorandum and/or the Articles of Association of the foreign investor;
- a board decision of the foreign investor that confirms his or her wish to set up a branch in Qatar;
- the contract with the government or with the governmental agency. It has to be translated in Arabic;
- any other documents the Ministry might require.
The documents required for opening a branch in Qatar must be notarized and legalized before starting the registration procedures. As such, the authorities only accept certified translations for non-Arabic documents.
After the approval is issued, the parent company has to obtain a commercial registration by filing certain documents. Our Qatar company formation advisors can provide all the necessary information on what these documents consist of and can collaborate with our immigration lawyers in Qatar for the relocation of a business. Please check this infographic for extra details:
Activities of a branch in Qatar
The activities that a branch may effectuate in Qatar are limited to effectuating specific contracts on which the registration is made. Further approval is needed to undertake other or to renew contracts. The registration of a branch is valid for the duration of the contract or contracts on which the registration is made and the branch has to be dissolved after completing these contracts, even though it can extend its activities by signing new governmental contracts. Our Qatar company formation agents can provide more details about the branch formalities for 2025.
It is a known fact that branches in Qatar must carry out only specific activities, as established by the parent company. Compared to subsidiaries, branches cannot engage in other operations but limited to those mentioned in the Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association.
A short guide to opening a branch in Qatar
Many international companies are found as branches in Qatar. If you, as a foreign investor in Qatar, are interested in such a structure, we recommend that you read the following guide:
- Branch application submission – This first step involves filling out an application with information about the branch you want to establish, as well as details about the parent company and its owners. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Qatar provides the necessary approvals in this regard.
- Preparation of documents – The Memorandum of Association, a power of attorney, the board’s decision to open such a structure, and a copy of the Certificate of Registration of the parent company are among the most important documents for opening a branch in Qatar. Our local agents can draft the required documents and represent your business interests in this country.
- Commercial residence requirements – To be able to open a branch in Qatar, you need to obtain commercial residence approval from the above-mentioned Ministry.
- Opening a bank account – As for any other type of business, the opening of a bank account is also required for the branch in Qatar. It is used for financial transactions registered in the company.
- Application for licenses – Depending on the specifics of the business, it is necessary to apply for special licenses and permits. In the case of branches, you must already have a signage license and commercial license in Qatar.
- Registration for paying taxes – Another important step in opening a branch in Qatar is registering for paying taxes. This is where VAT and income tax come into question.
- Employment of foreign staff – It is necessary to prepare immigration documents for foreign staff who will work in the Qatari branch. Work and visa permits, alongside residence permits, are the most important. In this matter, you can be helped by one of our immigration lawyers in Qatar.
- Hiring an accounting firm – Companies registered in Qatar are subject to accounting laws, both local and international. You can consider the services of an accounting firm in Qatar, in exchange for a department of this kind.
- Choose the company management – Your branch in Qatar can have local management for the activities undertaken. It is not necessarily an obligation in this sense, but rather a recommendation.
- Appoint a legal representative – The registration of a branch in Qatar is done with the help of a legal representative, in charge of varied paperwork. Get in touch with us and find out how you can help in this important endeavor.
So, these are some important steps to keep in mind when opening a branch in Qatar. Normally, there are no complications if you receive the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Qatar, but to ensure the smooth running of the procedures, we invite you to contact our company registration agents in Qatar. Below you can find a video presentation that might be helpful:
Qatar’s economy in a few lines
If you want to expand your business in Qatar and incorporate a branch, it would be useful to consider the economic direction of this country. Here are some interesting data that may help you make an optimal business decision:
- According to data for 2024, the GDP saw a growth of around 2%. This growth was recorded in Q3 of 2024.
- Qatar’s economic growth was supported, among others, by the non-hydrocarbons sector which grew by almost 4.5% in 2024.
- Qatar’s government plans further interest rate cuts for the next 12 months, as support for better economic growth.
- As for 2025, a GDP expansion of almost 2.6% is expected, largely supported by the hydrocarbons sector and its growth.
Besides opening a company in Qatar we also assist in other important matters. For instance, we can offer support for immigration to Qatar. Our experts can tell you more about residency in Qatar if interested in relocation. On the other hand, if you need to know more about branches in Qatar, or for help in setting up such an office in this country, please contact our experts in company incorporation in Qatar. We can also help you with company formation in other countries, such as Georgia, through our local partners.