Understanding the full cost of setting up and running a company in Qatar helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. This reference brings together the official government fees, utility rates, salaries and immigration charges in one place.
Key Takeaways
- MoCI application and licence fees start at QAR 500 each; a comprehensive establishment costs about QAR 2,200.
- QFC charges QAR 1,800 application and QAR 1,800 annually; QFZ registration is QAR 6,000 (LLC) or QAR 4,000 (branch) with a QAR 5,000 annual licence.
- Electricity starts at QAR 0.13/kWh and water at QAR 6 per m3.
- The minimum wage is QAR 1,000 plus QAR 300 food and QAR 500 housing allowances.
Company setup costs
| Cost | MoCI | QFC | QFZ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application | No separate fee | QAR 1,800 | From QAR 300 |
| Registration | QAR 500 | No separate fee | QAR 6,000 (LLC) or QAR 4,000 (branch) |
| Licensing (annual) | QAR 500 | QAR 1,800 | QAR 5,000 |
A comprehensive establishment with MoCI costs about QAR 2,200, and a factory establishment about QAR 3,200.
For hands-on support with registration, documents and approvals, see our company formation services in Qatar.
Office space
A typical 250 sqm office ranges from QAR 13,000 to QAR 20,000, depending on size and location.
Utilities
- Electricity: QAR 0.13/kWh for 1-4,000 kWh, QAR 0.17 for 4,001-10,000 kWh and QAR 0.22 above 10,000 kWh.
- Water: QAR 6 for 1-50 m3 and QAR 8.6 above 50 m3.
- Cooling: QAR 0.3161 per tonne of refrigeration.
- Gas (super): QAR 2.1.
Internet and telecom
- 150 Mbps: QAR 1,099
- 300 Mbps: QAR 1,799
- 600 Mbps: QAR 1,999
- 1 Gbps: QAR 2,199
- Business landline: QAR 150 per month
Taxes
Corporate income is taxed at 10% on locally sourced profits, and there is no personal income tax.
Labour
The minimum wage is QAR 1,000 basic salary, plus QAR 300 food and QAR 500 housing or accommodation allowances.
Car registration
Private passenger cars and light vehicles cost QAR 100 annually, taxis and limousines QAR 200, private transport vehicles for goods and animals QAR 150, and construction and agricultural vehicles QAR 2,507.
Banking
Opening a bank account is free of cost across account types, with a deposit requirement determined by the bank.
Immigration costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Computer card | New QAR 600 / Renewal QAR 500 |
| Business visa | New QAR 500 / 30-day extension QAR 300 |
| Medical checkup | QAR 200 (non-professional, three working days) |
| Employee residence permit | One year QAR 3,500; two years QAR 4,500; one year without medical checkup QAR 2,750 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to register a company in Qatar?
On the mainland, MoCI application and licence fees start at QAR 500 each, and a comprehensive establishment costs about QAR 2,200. Regulated activities and other licensing platforms carry additional fees.
Are there annual costs after setup?
Yes. Expect an annual licence fee, plus office rent, utilities, internet, staff salaries and any regulated-activity fees. MoCI and QFC annual licences start at QAR 500 and QAR 1,800, and the QFZ annual licence is QAR 5,000.
Is Qatar a low-tax place to operate?
Yes. Corporate income is taxed at 10% on locally sourced profits, and there is no personal income tax.
Official sources
- Invest Qatar – Setting Up Your Business in Qatar (invest.qa)
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry (moci.gov.qa), Qatar Financial Centre (qfc.qa) and Qatar Free Zones Authority (qfz.gov.qa)
Jisham
Head of Operations at Meem
4+ years of hands-on Qatar PRO experience, handling approvals and government procedures across multiple ministries and authorities, including establishment licensing and approvals.
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