Investment Steps — Foreign Investor
Everything a foreign investor needs — procedures, laws and regulations, transaction forms, and answers to frequently asked questions. From application to commercial registration, fully digital through the Single Window platform.
A clear path to investing in Qatar
Under Law No. (1) of 2019 regulating the investment of non-Qatari capital in economic activity, foreign investors may invest in all economic sectors in Qatar — with up to 100% ownership — except banks, insurance, commercial agencies, and any other sector restricted by Council of Ministers' decision. The Ministry operates the Invest in Qatar Center to process applications through the Single Window platform.
Restricted Sectors
Foreign investors may not invest in banks, insurance companies, commercial agencies, or any other field excluded by Council of Ministers' decision — unless specifically authorized. Verify your intended activity against the official Positive List on the Single Window platform before applying.
Procedures, Laws & Forms
Procedures
Two procedure tracks are available depending on the type of foreign investment activity.
Track A — New foreign investment project
Gather all documents and papers required by the investor, including IDs, commercial registers, and notarized incorporation papers.
Submit the request through the Invest in Qatar Center at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry via the Single Window platform.
The Invest in Qatar Center reviews and evaluates the application against the Positive List and applicable regulations.
If approved, the commercial register will be issued — the investor may then proceed to obtain the commercial license.
Track B — Amendment with non-Qatari capital
Compile the documents required for the amendment application — including the existing commercial register, partner approvals, and supporting attachments.
Submit the application at the Single Window at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The Invest in Qatar Center reviews and evaluates the amendment application.
If approved, the commercial register will be issued reflecting the amendments.
Track C — Contracts with the State & Commercial Representation Offices
Prepare the documents required for non-Qatari companies engaged with state contracts or for opening a commercial representation office.
Submit the application at the Single Window at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The Invest in Qatar Center reviews and evaluates the application.
If approved, the approval and commercial register will be issued.
General required documents
Hospitals licensed for Medical Commission examinations (for residency purposes)
Laws and Regulations
The law regulating the investment of non-Qatari capital in economic activity is a cornerstone of Qatar's effort to enhance the business sector and strengthen the investment environment — providing foreign investors with a clear legal framework that governs ownership limits, permitted activities, and investor rights.
Law No. (1) of 2019 — Regulating the Investment of Non-Qatari Capital in Economic Activity
Key provisions of the law:
Supporting Legislation
Investor Rights
Positive Activities List
Maintained on the Single Window platform — verify your intended activity before submitting an application.
Right of Appeal
If your application is rejected, you may appeal the decision of the Minister within 15 days from notification or deemed rejection.
Transaction Forms
A library of official application forms for foreign investors — covering new project establishment, branch data modification, commercial representative offices, and contract-related applications. Forms must be submitted through the Single Window platform.
FAQs Quick Guide
Answers to the most common questions from foreign investors. The full list is below.
What's the maximum foreign ownership?
Up to 100% of project capital across all permitted economic sectors under Law No. (1) of 2019.
Is there a minimum capital requirement?
No specified minimum. Required capital depends on the size of the project to be established in Qatar.
Are there fees at the Center?
No fees at the Invest in Qatar Center itself — fees apply only after approval and at commercial register issuance.
Common company type for foreign investors?
Limited Liability Company (L.L.C.). Branches, representative offices, and joint ventures also available.
Frequently Asked Questions — Foreign Investor
Tap any question to expand. For more detail, refer to the MOCI Procedures Manual or contact the Call Center on 16001.
Under Investment Law No. (1) of 2019, a non-Qatari investor may own up to 100% of project capital across all permitted economic sectors.
Yes. Foreign investors may not invest in banks, insurance companies, commercial agencies, or any other field excluded by Council of Ministers' decision — unless specifically authorized.
Yes. A non-Qatari investor may apply for more than one project in authorized sectors in line with Law No. (1) of 2019, and may also apply for more than one activity related to an existing project.
There is no specified minimum capital. The required capital depends on the size of the project to be established in Qatar.
Yes. A non-Qatari investor wishing to establish an investment project in any permitted sector must open an account with a bank operating in the State of Qatar.
Following approval of the competent department at the Ministry, the investor can proceed by obtaining the commercial registration and the commercial license from the Ministry.
The most common form is the Limited Liability Company (L.L.C.). Other forms include branches of foreign companies, commercial representative offices, and joint ventures with Qatari partners.
Yes. An investor whose application has been rejected may appeal the decision of the Minister within fifteen (15) days from notification, or from the date the application is considered rejected.
There are no fees charged by the Invest in Qatar Center itself — fees apply only after obtaining approval and issuing the commercial register (standard MOCI fees).
For industrial land and related matters, investors can refer to Manateq — the Economic Zones Company — via www.manateq.qa.
Yes. A non-Qatari investor may apply for amendments using the specific form on the Ministry's website.