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Ongoing Obligations Annual Filings Extensions & Waivers How to Stay Compliant

A licensed firm should adopt a clear policy of establishing and maintaining a compliance function in order to meet all applicable rules and regulations on an ongoing basis. Once a firm is registered and licensed in the Qatar Financial Centre, a number of continuing obligations apply. Meeting these requirements helps ensure the integrity of the firm’s records and supports transparent business operations.

Ongoing Obligations After Registration

The major areas of post-registration compliance are outlined below. These requirements apply to all licensed QFC firms and are designed to maintain accurate corporate records and regulatory transparency.

Control

A licensed firm must provide information on holders of controlling interests in the form and manner required by the QFCA. The firm must also establish and maintain appropriate systems and controls, and continuously monitor any changes in control.

Registered Functions

A licensed firm must appoint one individual to carry out the Senior Executive Function (SEF) and, where applicable, the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) and Designated Representative functions. Details of these appointments must be notified to the QFCA and kept up to date.

Scope of Licence (SoL)

A licensed firm must conduct its activities fully in accordance with the conditions set out in its Scope of Licence. Where there is any doubt regarding the permitted activities, the firm should contact the QFCA for clarification. Firms must not breach the terms of their licence. An application may be made to amend the Scope of Licence if required.

Annual Filings
The following annual filings must be submitted to the Companies Registration Office to keep a firm's records accurate and up to date.

Annual Return The Annual Return is a mandatory filing submitted to the CRO each year. It confirms that the corporate information held by the CRO about the firm is accurate and provides an opportunity to update any details that may have changed. The Annual Return becomes due on the anniversary date of the firm's incorporation. A firm may change its Annual Reporting Period through the Client Portal if required. The newly selected date will then become the firm's due date for future Annual Returns.
Deadline: Within 28 days after the Reporting End Date
Fee: USD 200 (USD 50 for LLC(G)s and Foundations)

Financial Statements (Accounts) Financial Statements must be filed in accordance with the applicable regulations. The reporting period is the firm's financial year as notified to the CRO. The steps for filing may vary depending on the legal structure of the firm.
Deadline (LLCs & LLPs): Within 21 days from approval by the General Meeting of members Deadline (LLC(G)s): Within 21 days from approval by the General Meeting (accounts need not be audited)
Fee: None Note: Special Purpose Companies and Holding Companies that are passive in relation to their approved permitted activities, or that are fully owned by the Government of the State of Qatar, are exempt from the requirement to submit Financial Statements or Annual Returns, unless specifically requested by the CRO or the QFCA.

Annual Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) Report All QFC firms must submit an Annual UBO Report containing details of beneficial owners, nominee shareholders, nominee directors, and directors that are body corporates.
Deadline: Within 30 days from the date specified by the CRO in the Annual UBO Filing Notification

Event-Driven (Ad-hoc) Filings

Whenever a change occurs in a firm’s corporate details, the firm is required to notify the CRO within the prescribed time limit. Common examples include changes to directors, secretaries, registered office, share capital, or shareholders.

In most cases, the filing must be submitted within 21 days of the change. Applicable fees are typically around USD 200 per notification.

View Complete List of Filings

Extensions, Waivers and Modifications

Where a firm is unable to meet a filing deadline for justifiable reasons, a request for an extension of time may be submitted through the Client Portal. Supporting documentation from a third party should accompany the request. The CRO will review the application on its merits and communicate the QFCA’s decision.

How to Stay Compliant

  • All filings and notifications must be submitted through the QFC Client Portal

  • Reporting deadlines should be carefully monitored

  • Corporate records must be kept accurate and up to date

  • The full list of filings and requirements should be reviewed regularly

Access the QFC Client Portal

View Complete List of Filings
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