QFC provides an attractive environment for venture capital and private equity firms seeking access to the region’s growing pipeline of high-potential companies, institutional investors and sovereign capital. Coupled with a robust regulatory environment and a strategic location at the heart of the Middle East, it’s an ideal platform for managers seeking to deploy capital across emerging and established markets.

Within the QFC, Venture Capital and Private Equity refer to the regulated activity of managing investments on behalf of clients, including individuals, institutions and family offices, under a framework designed to support sophisticated alternative investment strategies.

Venture capital and private equity managers can establish and operate a variety of fund structures within the QFC Collective Investment Funds Regime, governed by the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority’s Professional Investor Funds Rules (PROF) and Collective Investment Schemes Rules (COLL). These include Equity Funds, Islamic Funds, Sustainable and Responsible Investing (SRI) Funds, GP/LP Funds and Fund Custody [RK1.1]. These structures give managers the flexibility to build strategies across early-stage ventures, growth equity, buyouts and sector-focused investment themes.

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Explore the Range of Activities we License

Regulated Activities

  • Managing investments (for third-party and proprietary) 

  • Advising on investments (for third-party and proprietary) 

  • Arranging deals in investments 

  • Providing custody services 

  • Operating a collective investment fund 

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Explore the Range of Activities we License

Regulated Activities

  • Managing investments (for third-party and proprietary) 

  • Advising on investments (for third-party and proprietary) 

  • Arranging deals in investments 

  • Providing custody services 

  • Operating a collective investment fund 

Here's why companies choose to set up a business with QFC:

100% foreign ownership
100% foreign ownership
100% repatriation of profits
100% repatriation of profits
Trading in any currency with no restrictions
Trading in any currency with no restrictions
Competitive 10% corporate tax on locally sourced profits
Competitive 10% corporate tax on locally sourced profits
Legal environment based on Common Law
Legal environment based on Common Law
Access to 80+ double taxation agreements
Access to 80+ double taxation agreements

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Setup Process

Setting up a business at QFC is a transparent, efficient and seamless process. Requirements vary depending on the nature of your activities.

Connect with the QFC team to discuss your plans, proposed activities and eligibility to set up at QFC.

Work with our team to identify your activities and select the appropriate legal structure for your entity.

  • Confirm whether your activities are regulated or non-regulated

  • Select the appropriate legal structure within QFC framework

  • Align your business model with QFC's financial solutions offerings

Provide a business plan covering your strategy, target market, ownership structure and three-year financial projections.

Please note: Applications for regulated financial services must include a Regulated Business Plan (RBP) detailing governance, risk management, compliance and capital adequacy.

Your application will be reviewed by QFC team. If your activities are regulated, the QFC Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) will conduct a detailed assessment of your business model, governance arrangements, capital position and risk framework.

You may be asked to provide clarifications or additional documentation.

Once approved, your entity will be incorporated and licensed. You will receive your official registration documents and can proceed with post-licensing steps, such as:

  • Commercial Registration Extract

  • License Certificate

  • License Letter

  • Incorporation Certificate

After registration, QFC will facilitate the process of obtaining the computer card and setting up the bank account.

Set up your business in Qatar

Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) is a leading onshore business and financial centre, offering a world-class platform for both domestic and international companies to establish and operate in Qatar, and is supported by a legal and regulatory environment based on international best business practices.
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