Setting up a business in Qatar involves a detailed process that demands close attention to the country's regulations and required documentation. This structured approach ensures your iGaming business meets all legal obligations while avoiding unnecessary delays. Here's a breakdown of the key steps involved.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Business Review
The first step is to evaluate your iGaming business model against Qatar's investment laws to confirm its eligibility under the rules for foreign investors. This includes reviewing the most suitable entity type for your business and identifying any pre-approval requirements. Key laws to consider include Law No. 1 of 2019 and Law No. 3 of 2023, which outline rules on foreign ownership and restricted sectors.
MGL guides you through this process by assessing your ownership structure to ensure compliance with the Ultimate Beneficiary Ownership (UBO) declarations required by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Early identification of restrictions is essential to avoid delays. Additionally, any specific iGaming activities must secure pre-approvals from relevant ministries, such as the Ministry of Public Health or the Ministry of Interior. This phase typically takes 1–2 working days and lays the foundation for the next steps.
Step 2: Documentation and Submission
The second phase involves preparing and submitting all necessary documents. These include your Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA), identification proofs, board resolutions, and office lease or title deeds. A Trade Name Reservation Certificate must also be obtained through Qatar's Single Window system. This step requires coordination with various government entities, including the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Justice, to ensure all standards are met.
The Trade Name Reservation Certificate is usually processed within one working day. For iGaming businesses, obtaining sector-specific approvals is mandatory and can affect timelines. MGL streamlines this process by addressing regulatory queries quickly through the Single Window system. On average, the documentation and submission phase takes 2–3 working days, though additional sector-specific approvals may extend this timeframe.
Step 3: Company Registration and Ongoing Support
After completing the documentation, the final step is to officially register your business. This includes obtaining your Commercial Registration (CR) and trade licences. MGL also assists with Chamber registration and banking arrangements while ensuring ongoing compliance with Qatar’s regulations, such as updating UBO declarations, submitting annual reports, and conducting required audits.
The registration process typically takes 3–5 working days for trade licences and 1–2 working days for Chamber registration. However, opening a bank account for foreign-owned companies can take up to 16 weeks [6]. Post-registration, businesses must appoint licensed auditors, file annual financial reports with the General Tax Authority, and update UBO declarations within 30 days of any changes - or within 90 days if there are delays in obtaining necessary documents.
MGL ensures a smooth transition into operations by managing compliance obligations and assisting with labour and immigration requirements. Labour and immigration setup generally takes 2–7 working days, while banking relationships are usually established within 3–7 working days. This comprehensive approach ensures your iGaming business adheres to key regulations, including Labour Law No. 14 of 2004, Competition Law No. 19 of 2006, and environmental requirements under Law No. 30 of 2002.
