Laws And Regulations
Investment Laws
Qatar’s investment laws, including Law No. (1) of 2019, have introduced a progressive framework that enables foreign investors to establish fully owned businesses in key sectors. This legal development represents a shift from earlier requirements, promoting economic inclusivity and creating a more flexible environment for international business growth.
Regulated under the Law no. (1) of 2019 On Regulating Non-Qatari Capital Investment in the Economic Activity. The Foreign Investment Law enables the establishment of fully foreign-owned companies, marking a departure from the previous requirement for a Qatari national or a Qatari-owned entity to hold at least 51% of the share capital for foreign investors to participate in the Qatari economy. With the implementation of the Foreign Investment Law, this ownership requirement is often no longer necessary.
The Foreign Investment Law offers several significant advantages for foreign investors in Qatar. Notably, it guarantees the protection of foreign capital from expropriation, although the state retains the right to acquire assets for public benefit on a non-discriminatory basis, provided that the full economic value of the asset is paid. Foreign investors are also entitled to transfer funds out of Qatar relating to their investments. Additionally, foreign investors have the right to lease premises for a period of up to 50 years.