Trade Names and Activities
How to enquire about a trade name?
Through MOCI’s application moci_qatar, MOCI’s headquarters, or any of its branches
Is it possible to reserve a company’s name before establishment?
It is required when establishing a company to reserve a trade name through MOCI’s application moci_qatar, the official website: www.moci.gov.qa, MOCI’s headquarters, or any of its branches
What are the requirements related to choosing a trade name?
The trade name must be unregistered in the commercial record or trademarks, does not violate public morals, and does not mislead.
What is the procedure followed to reserve a trade name?
You can reserve a trade name through MOCI’s application moci_qatar, the official website: www.moci.gov.qa, MOCI’s headquarters, or any of its branches
How much is the fee to reserve a trade name?
You can reserve a trade name for free up to three days (3), whereas reserving a trade name for six (6) months is for 1000 Q.R
Can I keep a trade name after a record is deleted?
You can keep a trade name after deleting a commercial record if the name was registered as a trademark.
Is it possible to use the words “Group” or “مجموعة” in a trade name?
Yes, you may use the words “Group” or “مجموعة” in a trade name.
What are the conditions where a commercial register branch can have a name other than the name in the main register?
It is not possible that a branch can be named other than the name in the main register under any condition.
What are the conditions to use the name “Qatar” in a commercial record, or country names?
The name must belong to a government entity, totally or partially
What is the procedure followed to reserve a trade name on the website?
Sign-on the website www.moci.gov.qa
Select entity and commercial activities
Enter desired trade name- you can enter more than a name to confirm its availability and choose from available names
What is the base to rely on for identifying similar commercial activities that can be added to a commercial record?
There is no such base to identify similar activities in a commercial record except type of establishment to be licensed.
Can I reserve a trade name for more than three (3) days?
Yes, you can reserve a trade name up to six (6) months through signing up on MOCI’s e-services portal on www.moci.gov.qa, or MOCI’s application moci_qatar
Can I add multiple commercial activities to one commercial record?
Yes, you can add multiple commercial activities to a commercial record.
Is it required to change a trade name when changing the commercial activity?
A trade name mustn’t mislead the activity practiced in a company.
Is it possible to establish a company that trades in construction supplies and children’s toys?
Yes, you can establish a company that practices all types of trading.
Is it possible to practice all commercial activities under “general trading” activity?
No, there isn’t any activity that allows general trading, an activity must be specialized in a certain area
If a foreign company is seeking to open a branch in Qatar and reserving a trade name (the same as the foreign company’s name) was impossible due to the name being reserved for an established entity within the same activity. What are the alternative solutions?
The company shall choose another name.
Can a L.L.C. company (limited liability company) own an individual establishment?
No, it is not possible because such an establishment is considered a moral person independent from its owner.
What are the conditions where a trade name can be different from the company’s name?
It is not allowed to choose a trade name different from the main commercial record.
Is it possible to use a trade name (on the outlet banner) different from the company’s name in the register?
No, the name on the banner must be the same name in the commercial record and license, otherwise an investor will be held accountable.
Can a GCC citizen sign-up for MOCI e-services, complete and renew their transactions online?
Yes, after acquiring a Qatari ID number
Is it required for “Nursery Activity” to obtain any approvals?
Yes, from Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.
Is it possible to use country names in a trade name?
According to the law, it is not possible to use country names for company trade names.
What are the requirements to reserve a trade name for a finance auditor?
The auditor’s name must be a main element of the office’s name.
Is it possible for a foreigner to practice Hajj and Omrah service activities?
No, licensing this activity is limited to Qatari citizens only. If it is a normal person, he/she must be Qatari, and if it is a moral person, the company must be totally owned by Qatari citizens, according to law no. (35) of 2015 about organizing the practice of Hajj and Omrah services.
