Commercial Registration (CR) & Trade Licence in Qatar
Start a business in Qatar through MOCI, QFC, or QFZ - foreign ownership is now allowed in most sectors.
Last verified: 2026-06
Overview
Setting up a business in mainland Qatar requires a Commercial Registration (CR) issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), plus a trade licence and a Chamber of Commerce membership. Under Law No. 1 of 2019, foreign investors can now own up to 100% of mainland businesses in most sectors with Cabinet approval.
Alternative jurisdictions include the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) for financial and professional services with 100% foreign ownership by default, and Qatar Free Zones (QFZ) for logistics, tech, and manufacturing. Each has its own licensing portal and fee schedule.
Documents required
- Founders' passports and QIDs
- Articles of Association (notarised)
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Tenancy contract for office address
- Activity-specific approvals (e.g., health, education)
Eligibility
- Founders meet minimum capital and shareholder rules for the chosen structure
- Selected commercial activity is permitted under Qatar's classification
- Office premises meet municipality requirements
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Registration (CR) | 1,000 QAR | First year for an LLC; confirm current amount on the MOCI portal. |
| Trade licence (municipality) | 1,000-5,000 QAR | Varies by activity and floor area. |
| Chamber of Commerce membership | 1,500 QAR | Annual; varies by capital band. |
| Foreign investment approval | Varies QAR | Required for activities outside the open list. |
Step by step
- 1
Reserve trade name
Reserve and approve the company name on the MOCI single-window portal.
1-2 days · online
- 2
Draft AoA and notarise
Prepare Articles of Association and notarise them through the Ministry of Justice.
3-5 days · center
- 3
Issue CR
MOCI issues the Commercial Registration once shareholders, capital, and activity are approved.
3-7 days · online
- 4
Municipality trade licence
Apply for the trade licence at the Ministry of Municipality based on premises and activity.
1-2 weeks · either
- 5
Chamber and tax registration
Register with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and with the General Tax Authority for corporate tax where applicable.
1-2 weeks · either
Processing time: Mainland CR and licensing: 4-8 weeks end-to-end. QFC and QFZ paths can be faster for eligible activities.
Where to do it online
- MOI Qatar
Visa support for foreign investors and employees
Licensed business setup consultants and authorised typing centres handle most filings; many specialise in QFC or QFZ tracks.
Renewal
CR and trade licence are renewed annually through MOCI and the municipality. Late renewal attracts financial penalties and can suspend trading.
Fines & penalties
- Operating without a valid CR: closure and fines starting at QAR 5,000
- Late CR renewal: monthly fines and possible suspension
- Mismatched activity vs licence: blocking of customs and banking transactions
Common pitfalls
- Assuming 100% foreign ownership is automatic - some activities still need Cabinet approval
- Choosing the wrong jurisdiction (mainland vs QFC vs QFZ)
- Letting the municipality trade licence lapse while the CR is current
- Mismatching the office tenancy address with the licensed activity
FAQs
In most mainland sectors yes, under Law No. 1 of 2019, subject to Cabinet approval. In QFC and QFZ, 100% foreign ownership is the default.
Mainland CR and trade licence usually take 4-8 weeks. QFC and QFZ structures can be set up faster for eligible activities.
The CR is the company's legal registration with MOCI; the trade licence is the permission to operate from a specific premises issued by the Ministry of Municipality.
Not in most mainland sectors after the 2019 law, and not in QFC or QFZ. Specific reserved activities may still require local participation.
Skip the hassle
A vetted typing centre can handle the paperwork end-to-end.
Get help with Commercial Registration (CR) & Trade Licence