Mainland (MOCI)
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Mainland company formation in Qatar
Business setup for the Qatar market, registered with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Mainland company formation in Qatar runs through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the company operates under Qatari law. Mainland companies can trade anywhere in Qatar, serve any customer and bid for government work. This is the default route for setting up a business whose customers are in Qatar.
The framework
Ownership
Law No. 1 of 2019 allows up to 100 percent foreign ownership in most sectors, subject to approval by the Ministry. Banking, insurance and commercial agencies remain capped at 49 percent unless the Cabinet grants an exception. The Ministry maintains the list of activities open to full foreign ownership and reviews each application.
Tax
Corporate income tax of 10 percent on the share of profit attributable to foreign ownership. Profit attributable to Qatari and GCC nationals is exempt. No personal income tax.
Licensing and commercial registration
Registering a company on the mainland involves commercial registration from the Ministry, a trade licence from the Ministry of Municipality tied to the premises, Chamber of Commerce membership and an establishment card from the Ministry of Labour for hiring. Licence types follow the activity: commercial, professional, industrial or tourism.
E-commerce
Since 16 March 2026, selling online to the Qatar market requires an e-commerce licence from the Ministry under Ministerial Decision No. 25 of 2026. It is issued on top of the commercial registration, one licence per platform. The platform must display the registration and licence numbers, contact details, and return and complaint policies.
Is this the right route?
Who fits
- Retail and restaurants.
- Import and distribution.
- Construction and contracting.
- Any business selling to consumers in Qatar, online or in person.
- Businesses whose revenue depends on government tenders.
Who does not
- A pure holding structure.
- A consultancy with clients mostly outside Qatar, for which the QFC is usually the better fit.
Speak to the adviser who will handle your mandate.
From the first assessment to the annual return, one person and one point of contact.