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<\/h1>\n<\/h1>\nQatar is one of the promising business destinations due to its easy policies, low 10% corporate tax and stable environment. Starting a business in Qatar is financially rewarding, thereby attracting entrepreneurs from around the globe. When setting up a business, the first step is to obtain a trade licence in Qatar.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n This legal document permits business owners to operate legally within the state. Read on to discover everything about getting a trade licence, including the prerequisites and fees.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Starting a business in Qatar<\/span><\/a> follows certain legal obligations, such as visa approvals, permits and sponsorship agreements. Among these, one crucial step is the trade licence application in Qatar. It is granted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) and is also known as a business licence or Commercial Permit (CP).<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Every business owner, local or an expat, must obtain a trade licence before setting up business operations.<\/span><\/p>\n Business licences are divided into multiple types based on the main line of activity. Among the many types, the four common ones are:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Navigating the trade licence application process can be daunting for many. To simplify the process, we have divided it into simple steps. Before applying for a trade licence in Qatar, business owners must comply with some prerequisites. Read on to discover the complete requirements for a hassle-free application:<\/span><\/p>\n The first step is to finalise your business type and trade licence. As per the Law of Companies No. (11) of 2015, businesses in Qatar are established on the following legal structures:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Besides legal structure, business owners also have to finalise a licence type. Choose from Industrial, Commercial, Professional, Tourism or E-Commerce licences depending on your business activities.<\/span><\/p>\n In Qatar, the business landscape is divided into mainland and freezone companies. While the mainland allows 49% expat ownership, Freezone permits 100% foreign ownership. Under special conditions, MOCI may approve 100% ownership to mainland companies. The best thing about the Freezone is that you don’t need a local sponsor to set up a business.<\/span><\/p>\n The next prerequisite is a business visa application and approval. Simply put, a business visa is a <\/span>type of Qatar visa<\/span><\/a> issued to business owners who wish to travel to Qatar. It is valid for 72 hours to 3 months and is extendable.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat Is a Trade Licence?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nTypes of Trade Licences in Qatar<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n Type<\/b><\/td>\n Use<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Commercial licence<\/span><\/td>\n For buying, selling, importing and exporting goods.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Industrial licence<\/span><\/td>\n Issued for manufacturing businesses.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Professional licence<\/span><\/td>\n Businesses selling professional services like consultants.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Tourism licence<\/span><\/td>\n For tour operators and tour agencies.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/h2>\n
Prerequisites for a Trade Licence<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n1. Select a Business Type and Licence<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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2. Choose from Mainland and Freezone<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
3. Get a Business Visa<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\n4. Rent or Buy an Office Location<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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