The Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) regulates two world-class free zones – the Airport Free Zone at Ras Bufontas and the Port Free Zone at Umm Alhoul – and provides a one-stop shop for setting up and managing a business inside them. Both zones offer 100% foreign ownership, zero customs duties and corporate tax exemptions for renewable 20-year periods.
This guide explains the zones, the fees, the setup journey and the documents you need.
For hands-on support with registration, documents and approvals, see our company formation services in Qatar.
Key Takeaways
- 100% foreign ownership and no restrictions on capital repatriation.
- Corporate tax exemption for renewable 20-year periods, plus zero customs duties and zero individual income tax.
- Registration from QAR 6,000 (LLC) or QAR 4,000 (branch), with a QAR 5,000 annual licence.
- Access to Qatar’s double taxation treaty network of 65+ countries.
- Flexible structuring as a branch or LLC.
The two free zones
Airport Free Zone at Ras Bufontas
Covers 4 km2 directly beside Hamad International Airport, giving fast air freight and short export turnaround times, with direct access via the Doha Metro.
Port Free Zone at Umm Alhoul
Spans 32 km2 near Hamad Port, one of the world’s largest greenfield ports. It suits industries that depend on sea freight and includes MARSA, an integrated maritime ecosystem supporting boat building, maritime research, yachting and water sports. The zone already captures 27% of trade in the GCC region.
Core focus sectors are trade, logistics and exports; manufacturing and chemicals; and emerging technology.
What the free zones offer
- 100% foreign ownership
- Corporate tax exemptions for renewable 20-year periods
- Zero customs duties
- Zero individual income tax
- Access to investment funding
- No restrictions on capital repatriation
- Qatar’s double taxation treaty network with 65+ countries
- Robust data protection and intellectual property laws
- Flexible structuring options, including branch or LLC setups
The QFZ setup journey
QFZ runs a fully integrated, three-step onboarding journey.
- Business contact. The business development team supports application inquiry and assessment, property terms, visa allocations, entity registration, the lease agreement and licensing.
- Handshake. After the lease, licence and regulatory compliance are confirmed, the investor relations team completes the handshake: approval of customer information, assistance with business and work visas, issuance of a Qatar Identification Card (QID), support with a driving licence, and bank account set-up.
- Road to operations. Upon receipt of building permit approval, the construction team completes building and environmental permits, customs and tax file setup, and property management services with 5G connectivity.
Documents required
- The prescribed application form
- A copy of the Articles of Association signed by all shareholders
- A copy of the incorporator’s current certificate of incorporation or registration
- Any additional information requested by the authority
Incorporation results in a dated certificate, a QFZ registration number and inclusion in the QFZ register.
QFZ fees
| Item | QFZ |
|---|---|
| Application and registration | LLC QAR 6,000 / Branch QAR 4,000 |
| License (annual) | QAR 5,000 |
Land and spaces
QFZ offers offices, warehouses and land at competitive rates:
- Land from $2.75 per m2 per year
- Offices from $29 per m2 per month
- Fitted units from $34 per m2 per month
- Industrial units from $96 per m2 per year
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a free zone company trade with the mainland?
A free zone company can engage with mainland entities, but goods sold into Qataru2019s local market remain subject to the applicable customs procedures. QFZ offers zero customs duties on qualifying free zone activity.
How much does it cost to register in a Qatar free zone?
Application and registration start at QAR 6,000 for an LLC or QAR 4,000 for a branch, with a QAR 5,000 annual licence.
Which sectors do the free zones focus on?
Trade, logistics and exports; manufacturing and chemicals; and emerging technology.
What structures can I use in a free zone?
Flexible structuring is available, including branch and LLC setups.
Official sources
- Qatar Free Zones Authority (qfz.gov.qa)
- Invest Qatar – Setting Up Your Business in Qatar (invest.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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