13 August 2026
Open Holding Company in Qatar
Find out information about how to open a holding company in Qatar, with complete support offered by our company formation agents.
If you are a foreign investor interested in opening a holding company in Qatar, you may use our online services. We have a dedicated team of specialists in company formation in Qatar who can assist during the entire registration process. Please explore this article with details on this topic and then reach out to us for further details.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Legal entities used | Limited Liability Company, Shareholding Company |
Incorporation method | It requires approval from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) in Doha |
Incorporation time | Around 3 weeks |
| Advantages | No resident director required |
| Precautions | A name reservation required |
| Shareholding structure | 1 shareholder |
| Minimum Capital | Not required |
| Taxation | 10% corporate tax rate (on the foreign-owned share of profits) |
| Control | 100% foreign ownership available |
| Accounting and Reporting | Annual tax return, statutory audits |
| Number of double taxation treaties | More than 80 |
What is a holding company and how is it used in Qatar?
A holding company in Qatar owns shares, assets, intellectual property and/or interests in one or more enterprises. It can oversee subsidiaries and manage various types of investments.
Are there any restrictions on foreigners opening holding companies in Qatar?
No. Holding companies can be 100% foreign owned.
What are the options for opening a holding company in Qatar?
- incorporated with Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) – 100% foreign ownership, optimal for international holding companies,
- incorporated in Qatar Free Zones (QFZ) – 100% foreign ownership and various tax exemptions.
- as a limited liability company or shareholding company in mainland Qatar registered with MOCI.
Is there a minimum share capital required for a holding company in Qatar?
- No statutory minimum for an LLC (abolished in 2015),
- QAR 10,000,000 for public joint stock companies (QAR 2,000,000 for private ones).
What are the steps in opening a holding company in Qatar?
- reserve the trade name first with MOCI,
- draft & present the Articles & Memorandum of Association, legalized if the parent company is foreign,
- open a bank account in Qatar and draft the minimum share capital,
- obtain the Commercial Registration (CR) once the documents are submitted.
NOTES:
- you must obtain/secure a bank certificate or statement when depositing the minimum share capital,
- there is no virtual office permitted for a holding company in Qatar,
- document legalization must be done at a Qatari Embassy and then attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Doha.
Where do I register a holding company for taxation in Qatar?
At the General Tax Authority (GTA) via the Dhareeba portal, with the CR, within 30 days. The Tax Identification Number (TIN) is issued.
What are the main activities of a holding company in Qatar? What is permitted?
Can own:
- intellectual property,
- shares in other subsidiaries,
- real estate, etc.
- can also manage/organize financing within a corporate group.
What is the taxation of a holding company in Qatar?
- 10% CIT if incorporated through MOCI or QFC,
- No CIT in Qatar Free Zones,
- 10% capital gains tax in mainland Qatar.
Are holding companies protected by the double tax treaties signed by Qatar?
Yes.
What is the time frame to open a holding company in Qatar?
2-6 weeks.
Are you ready to start a holding company in Qatar? Would you like to benefit from our personalized company formation services in Qatar? All you have to do is contact our local specialists online via a free case evaluation or by phone.