Self-Employment in Qatar

A foreigner who plans to open a business in Qatar is required to have a local partner who will hold majority interest and control of the business. This partner may be an individual or a company. The business needs to be registered at the Ministry of Commerce. The amount needed to start a business varies in different locations in Qatar and this ranges from USD 10,000 to USD 50,000 in most cases.

It is advisable to seek the services of a local lawyer in order to ensure proper documentation. It is also best to learn common practices when dealing with locals as this is essential when getting into a partnership with them. They are expert with contracts that gaps in the agreement do not escape their notice. They do not decline directly and so it is important to learn to interpret the messages they are trying to convey to determine whether transactions are likely to push through or not. 

Export and manufacturing is greatly supported by the government as well as the purchase of land on which factories are planned to be built on. There are free trade zones in the country where one's business is exempted from import and export duties, property license fees, building fees, and commercial and land taxes.

A less complicated way to do business in Qatar is purchasing an existing business. This will save one from the tedious process of registration. There is the Local Chambers of Commerce who can assist newcomers in opening a business in Qatar.