Do you want to apply for a business license in Qatar? You may acquire one for as little as QAR 1,000.
Yes, that’s correct, the Qatars free zones have implemented some of the most aggressive pricing plans to attract a new wave of enterprises to set up business or operate in the country. The message from the country’s numerous free zone authorities is obvious – “All startups are welcome”.
According to the CEO of a Dubai-based firm, the new packages “target a new generation of businesses.” “By lowering the entry barrier as far as possible, the authorities are aiming at two new types of business owners.
“First, those based outside the country who want to sell a product or service in this market, such as online sales, technology solutions, or even gaming services. These businesses need a license to operate and will not have much use for a visa, at least initially.
“Second, someone who is employed here and wants to use their off-duty hours to give freelance services. They, too, benefit immediately from having a low-cost business license.”.
Multiple Activities with a Single License
Doha city proclaimed its intentions loud and clear on Monday, offering three business licensing packages, the least expensive of which is set at QAR1,000.
Package A allows a registered business owner to combine two operations under one license and spend only QAR 1,000 to get started. However, this does not include a visa.
The other two packages are priced at QAR 7,000 and QAR 12,000, respectively, and the licenses allow for four and five activities. These do include visa requirements. “Abu Dhabi’s position as an attractive global hub that promotes economic diversification, empowers global talent, and supports the emirate’s sustainable development is further reinforced with the recent government notice to ease the business environment,” said Abdulla Balalaa, Executive Director, Masdar City.
Balalaa’s emphasis on ‘global talent’ is being echoed loudly in all other Qatar jurisdictions that cater to businesses.
“COVID-19 has changed the style in which businesses operate,” said Robin Philip, Director for Assurance and Business Advisory, A&A Associates. “As a result, we have seen a huge spike in ecommerce licenses – more than 50 per cent of the licenses we are applying for right now are for ecommerce establishments.”
“The Government has made it more flexible for people wanting to start their business in Qatar – and much easier for new entrants. For instance, they do not need a commercial office or physical address to get a license – they can operate a business in Qatar for one full year without it. They need to produce an ‘Ejari’ certificate only at the time of license renewal one year later.” (Ejari is the rental contract that is registered with the Dubai Land Department.)
Auditment Business set-up in the Qatar
Auditment will help you to set up Free Zone and Offshore Companies in Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Sharjah. We help to obtain trade license and registration with relevant free zones in the Qatar. We also provide wide range of advisory and consultancy services in relation to Free Zones in Qatar.