Damalion Qatar desk

Qatar’s legal system is based on a combination of Islamic law, Egyptian civil law, and French civil law. 

The country’s legal system is overseen by the Ministry of Justice, which is responsible for drafting laws and regulations, administering justice, and ensuring that the legal system operates by Islamic principles. 

Islamic law is the primary source of legislation in Qatar and is used to interpret civil laws and regulations. 

Qatar also has a dual court system consisting of civil courts and Sharia courts. 

Civil courts deal with civil and commercial disputes, while Sharia courts handle matters related to family law and personal status. 

Foreign investment in Qatar 

Qatar is open to foreign investment and has implemented several initiatives to attract foreign businesses to the country. The government has established several free zones and investment incentives and has streamlined business regulations to make it easier for foreign investors to establish a presence in the country. 

Foreign investors can invest in a wide range of sectors in Qatar, including energy, real estate, and finance. 

And under Qatar Foreign Investment Law, foreign investors can invest in most national economy sectors if they have a Qatari partner who holds a minimum of 51% of the capital of the joint venture vehicle and the company is established in agreement with the provisions of the Law of Commercial Companies. 

Foreign investors can also establish a presence in one of the country’s free zones, such as the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) or the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP). These free zones offer a range of incentives and benefits to foreign investors. 

Entity Choice in Qatar 

Foreign investors looking to do business in Qatar have several business structure options for establishing their business operations in the country. 

The most popular business structure in Qatar are: 

Qatar Limited Liability Company (LLC) 

An LLC is a separate legal entity and offers limited liability protection to its owners in Qatar. 

Features 

• An LLC requires a minimum of two shareholders 
• It can have up to 50 shareholders. 
• Foreign investors can own up to 49% of an LLC, with the remaining 51% held by Qatari nationals or Qatari-owned companies. 
• An LLC is a separate legal entity, so it can enter into contracts, sue or be sued, and own property in its name. 

Joint Venture in Qatar 

A joint venture is a separate legal entity and offers limited liability protection to its owners. 

Features 

• The Qatari partner must own at least 51% of the joint venture, while the foreign investor can own up to 49%. 
• A joint venture must be registered with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry 
• It must also have a joint venture agreement that outlines the terms of the partnership. 

Free Zone Company in Qatar 

Foreign investors can also establish a free zone company in one of the country’s free zones. A free zone company is a separate legal entity and offers 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and streamlined regulations. 

Features 

• It’s a separate legal entity that offers 100% foreign ownership. 
• Free zone companies are located in designated free zones, such as the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) or the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP). 
• Free zone companies offer tax exemptions, streamlined regulations, and other incentives to foreign investors. 

Branch Office in Qatar 

A branch office is not a separate legal entity and is fully owned by a foreign company. 

Features 

• A branch office must appoint a Qatari agent to act as a liaison with local authorities and to comply with local regulations. 

• A branch office can engage in business activities in Qatar but is limited to the activities specified in its commercial registration. 

• It is not regarded as a permanent establishment by the Qatari Government 

• It must be authorized by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce 

When choosing a business structure in Qatar, it is also important to seek legal and business advice from experts to ensure compliance with local regulations and minimize any potential risks. Contact your Damalion experts now and let us help.

Qatar has a well-developed banking system that is regulated by the Qatar Central Bank (QCB), which is responsible for maintaining monetary stability and supervising the banking sector in the country. The QCB is also responsible for setting monetary policy, issuing currency, and regulating financial institutions in Qatar. 

Key features of banking in Qatar include: 

Banking Services 

Qatar’s banks offer a full range of banking services, including savings and current accounts, loans, credit cards, foreign exchange, and investment products. Many banks also offer online and mobile banking services for added convenience. 

Islamic Banking 

Islamic banking is a popular form of banking in Qatar, with several Islamic banks operating in the country. Islamic banks operate by Islamic law, which prohibits the payment or receipt of interest (riba) and the financing of businesses that are considered to be haram (forbidden). 

Banks in Qatar 

The banking sector in Qatar is dominated by local banks, but there are also several international banks operating in the country, which provide a range of services to both individuals and businesses. 

Qatar’s banks have strong credit ratings, with many banks receiving ratings of A or higher from international credit rating agencies. 

Qatar’s banks also offer a range of foreign currency services, including foreign currency accounts and foreign exchange services. 

Financial Center 

The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) is a financial center located in Doha that offers a range of financial services, including banking, asset management, and insurance. The QFC is regulated by the QFC Authority, which is responsible for overseeing the development and regulation of the QFC. 

Opening a bank account in Qatar 

To open a bank account in Qatar, whether personal or for a company established in Qatar, applicants must have a residence permit. Applicants must also provide some extra documents including a photocopy of their passport, residence visa, two photographs, and a letter from their employer stating the amount of money that will be transferred to the account monthly. And in the case of newly established companies in Qatar, a Certificate of Incorporation will be required for opening a bank account. 

Once all these are available, the bank account opening process will be straightforward. 

Overall, the banking system in Qatar is well-regulated and stable, with a range of services available to both individuals and businesses.

High standard of living, tax-free income, cultural diversity, safety and security, and beautiful natural surroundings. These are just some of the plenty benefits of moving to Qatar. 

And if you plan on moving to and living in Qatar, you must have a current resident permit, which will also enable you to recognize yourself legally. 

Getting Qatar Residency 

If you are interested in getting residency in Qatar, there are several options available depending on your circumstances. Here are some ways to obtain residency in Qatar: 

• Employment Visa: this is for individuals who have a job offer from a Qatari company. The applicant’s employer can sponsor his/her residency in Qatar through an employment visa. This visa is typically valid for the duration of the employment contract and can be renewed as needed. 
• Business Visa: this is for investors or business owners. This visa allows the applicant to enter and stay in Qatar for a specified period to conduct business activities. 
• Family Visa: this type of visa is for individuals who have family members who are residents or citizens of Qatar. This visa allows the individual to join his/her family members in Qatar and stay for a specified period. 
• Retirement Visa: this is for individuals who are over the age of 60 and have a specific minimum monthly income. This visa allows the individual to live in Qatar and enjoy its amenities as a retiree. 
• Property Visa: this is for individuals who own property in Qatar. This visa allows the applicant to reside in Qatar for a specified period and is typically linked to the ownership of a specific property. 

To obtain residency in Qatar, you will need to meet certain requirements and provide documentation to support your application.It is recommended that you seek the assistance of a professional to help you navigate the process. Contact your Damalion experts now and let’s help.

Qatar has a tax-friendly regime with no personal income tax or social security tax. 

The country operates a territorial taxation system, indicating an individual is taxable in Qatar if one has generated source income from Qatar, regardless of one’s tax residence. 

Here is an overview of the tax regime in Qatar 

Corporate Income Tax 

Qatar has a flat corporate income tax rate of 10% on profits earned by companies operating in the country. This tax applies to both Qatari and foreign companies, although there are some exemptions and incentives available to certain industries and activities. 

Value-Added Tax (VAT) 

Qatar’s VAT standard rate is 5%. VAT is applied to most goods and services, including imports, but there are some exemptions and zero-rated items, such as healthcare and education. 

Withholding Tax 

Qatar does not have a withholding tax on dividends or interest payments, although it does have a withholding tax on certain types of royalties paid to non-residents. 

Excise Tax 

Qatar has implemented an excise tax on certain goods that are deemed harmful to health or the environment, such as tobacco and energy drinks. The excise tax rates vary depending on the type of product. 

Qatar Tax treaties 

Qatar has signed several tax treaties with other countries to avoid double taxation and promote cross-border investments. 

Qatar has signed tax treaties with more than 80 countries, including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Barbados, Belgium, Belarus, China, Cuba, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Germany, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Lebanon, Macedonia, Mexico, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Portugal, Pakistan, Russia, Romania, Senegal, San Marino, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Syria, Turkey, Tunisia, the United Kingdom, United States, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Yemen 

These tax treaties generally aim to provide a framework for cooperation and exchange of information between Qatar and the other country on tax-related matters and establish rules for the taxation of income and profits derived from cross-border activities. 

Some of the key provisions of these tax treaties include rules for determining the tax residency of individuals and companies, the allocation of taxing rights between the contracting states, and the prevention of tax evasion and avoidance. 

It is important to note that the tax regime in Qatar is subject to change, and businesses should consult with qualified tax professionals to ensure compliance with all applicable tax laws and regulations. Contact your Damalion experts now and let us help.

Qatar has a strong legal framework for the protection and enforcement of IP rights, and the government is committed to promoting innovation and creativity through the effective protection of these rights. 

The protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP) rights in Qatar are governed by a range of laws and regulations, including: 

• Law No. 7 of 2002 on Trademarks, Trade Names, Geographical Indications, and Industrial Designs, 
• Law No. 9 of 2002 on Copyright and Related Rights, 
• Law No. 30 of 2006 on Patents and Industrial Designs, and 
• Law No. 26 of 2005 on Protection of Trade Secrets and Know-How. 

The types of intellectual property (IP) protection available in Qatar include: 

Trademarks 

• A trademark is a sign or symbol that distinguishes the goods or services of one business from those of another. 
• The major conditions for a trademark to be accepted for registration in Qatar are to be unique and not opposing with public order. 
• Trademarks are registered before the Trademark Office at the MEC (Ministry of Commerce) in Qatar. 
• In Qatar, trademarks can be registered with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for 10 years, and renewable for further periods of 10 years. 

Patents 

• A patent is a legal monopoly granted to an inventor for a new and useful invention. 
• To qualify in Qatar, a patent must be new, involve an inventive step, capable of industrial application and not opposing with public order. 
• Patents are registered before the patent office at the MEC. 
• In Qatar, patents can be registered for 20 years from the filing date, subject to payment of annual renewal fees. 

Industrial designs 

• An industrial design is the ornamental or aesthetic aspect of a product, such as its shape, color, or texture. 
• In Qatar, industrial designs can be registered with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry 
• Industrial designs can be registered for 5 years, renewable for further periods of 5 years, and up to a maximum of 25 years. 

Copyright 

• Copyright protects original literary, artistic, and scientific works, including books, music, paintings, and software. 
• In Qatar, copyright protection is automatic from the moment the work is created, and registration is not required. 
• However, copyright owners can register their works with the Ministry of Culture and Sports to provide evidence of ownership and facilitate enforcement of their rights. 
• Copyright protection in Qatar lasts for the life of the author and 50 calendar years after his death, and cannot be renewed. 

Trade secrets 

• A trade secret is a confidential information that gives a business a competitive advantage, such as customer lists, and marketing strategies. 
• In Qatar, Trade secrets are regarded as the property of their proprietor. 
• In Qatar, trade secrets can be protected under Law No. 26 of 2005 on Protection of Trade Secrets and Know-How. 
• There is no limitation period for the protection of trade secrets in Qatar. 

Qatar provides robust protection for a wide range of intellectual property rights, and businesses operating in the country should take steps to protect their IP assets by registering their trademarks, patents, and industrial designs, and maintaining strict confidentiality of their trade secrets. 

Labor and employment in Qatar are governed by Labor Law No. 14 of 2004, as amended by Law No. 13 of 2017, and its implementing regulations. The Labor Law sets out the rights and obligations of employers and employees in the country, including provisions related to recruitment, working conditions, wages, leave, termination, and dispute resolution. 

Key provisions of the Labor Law include: 

Employment contracts 

Employers are required to provide written employment contracts to their employees, which must include details such as the nature of the work, the duration of the contract, and the remuneration. Contracts should be in Arabic and can be for a fixed or indefinite term. 

In Qatar, there are two main types of employment contracts: 

• Limited-term employment contracts: A limited-term contract is a fixed-term employment contract that specifies the start and end date of the employment period. This type of contract is commonly used for project-based work or temporary positions. The duration of a limited-term contract should not exceed 5 years, and it can be renewed for one or more periods, but the total duration should not exceed 9 years. 
• Unlimited-term employment contracts: An unlimited-term contract is an employment contract with no fixed end date. This type of contract is commonly used for permanent positions in Qatar. An unlimited-term contract can be terminated by either party, but notice is required. The notice period is determined by the length of service of the employee, with a minimum of one week’s notice for employees with less than 5 years of service, and up to 2 months’ notice for employees with more than 15 years of service. 

Both limited-term and unlimited-term contracts should be in writing and should include the terms and conditions of employment, such as the job duties, working hours, remuneration, and leave entitlements. 

Employment Compensation, entitlements, and Benefits in Qatar 

• Working hours: the standard working week in Qatar is 48 hours, and working hours should not exceed 8 hours per day, except in cases where the work is necessary to prevent a loss or a serious accident. Employees are entitled to one day off per week, which should be Friday, the official day of rest. 
• Wages: the Labor Law sets out minimum wage rates for various industries, and employers are required to pay their employees at least the minimum wage. 
• Annual leave: employees are entitled to annual leave of 3 weeks for the first 5 years of service and 4 weeks for more than 5 years of service. 
• Sick leave: employees are entitled to paid sick leave for up to 2 weeks per year. 
• Maternity leave: female employees in Qatar are entitled to 50 days of paid maternity leave, which can be taken before or after the birth of the child. 
• End-of-service benefits: employees who have completed at least one year of service with their employer are entitled to end-of-service benefits, which can include a gratuity payment and other benefits such as airfare and housing allowance. 
• Health insurance: employers in Qatar are required to provide health insurance coverage to their employees, which can include medical and dental benefits. 
• Housing and Education: some employers may provide housing or a housing allowance to their employees as part of their employment package. Some employers may also provide education allowances for employees with children who are attending school in Qatar. 
• Retirement benefits: employees who have completed at least 5 years of service with their employer are entitled to a pension, which is provided by the Qatar Pension Fund. 

Employment Termination 

Employers can terminate employees for various reasons, such as redundancy or poor performance, but they must provide notice and a valid reason for termination. Employees who are terminated without cause may be entitled to compensation. 

In addition, employers in Qatar are required to comply with the Labor Law and its implementing regulations, which set out the minimum standards for employment benefits. However, some employers may provide additional benefits to attract and retain employees.