Unlock Long-term Stability with a Holding Company at QFC

Backed by a forward-looking legal and regulatory framework, the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) enables the incorporation of Holding Companies under the provisions of the QFC Special Company Regulations, in conjunction with the QFC Companies Regulations.

A holding company within QFC can be used to own and centrally oversee a group's enterprises and investments. Simplified governance, access to financing, the ability to provide security or guarantees, and clearer risk segregation are among the key features and advantages of this corporate vehicle. Under QFC's legal framework, a holding company can manage and divest assets in Qatar and internationally, fostering development and strategically planning for the future.

Leveraging QFC's transparent, investor-focused platform, your business benefits from seamless market entry and access to regional and global markets through Qatar's strategic location and pro-business ecosystem.

QFC Holding Company Features – Clean Component

Features of establishing a Holding Company with QFC:

A Holding Company established under QFC may undertake a range of activities connected to managing its group structure and investments. This includes the ability to:

  • Hold and manage one or more subsidiaries
  • Acquire, hold or dispose of shares, ownership interests, and other tangible or intangible assets
  • Provide loans or other forms of financing to group companies
  • Grant guarantees, indemnities, or security interests for its own benefit or that of its subsidiaries
  • Support treasury functions, capital structuring, and risk management (including ring-fencing risk)
  • Undertake strategic activities such as acquisitions, restructurings, and asset divestments
  • A Holding Company that is passive or wholly government-owned may be exempt from filing annual accounts, unless otherwise required by the QFC Authority

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

GET STARTED

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 your business at QFC.

A link will be shared with the applicant to complete the form and provide the application requirements.

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 submit 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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