ADVANTAGES AND BARRIERS OF INVESTING IN CATAR

The regulatory and legal framework does not offer special advantages to Spanish or European companies, or to any in general. Although we are facing a market with great potential. On the other hand, the good perception that the local business community has of Spanish products and services, considering them of good quality and of a reasonable price, is remarkable.

Investment incentives are officially regulated by the Investment Promotion Department, a section of the Ministry of the Economy. Through this Department, the Qatari government supports foreign participation in joint ventures through its participation in the fields of technology supply, market management and equity participation. The Government offers tax incentives, more advantageous supply prices or even exemption from import taxes to all those materials or objects that are necessary for the establishment of the foreign investor, to investment for joint ventures in certain areas of activity.

Taxation is one of Qatar’s main attractions for foreign investment. There is no personal income tax and the corporate tax is 10%. Likewise, there is no value added tax, although its introduction is pending.

There are no significant barriers to Spanish investment. In any case, it should be borne in mind that in practice it is convenient to have a Qatari partner to establish a company in the country, although after the reform of the investment law the possibility of having 100% of the capital stock opens up. In practice, the window of foreign investors to establish themselves with 100% of the capital stock is not operational. There are also risks of legal liability that are assumed when 100% of the capital is available compared to a shared participation, where the Qatari partner would respond to local institutions. There are also free zones such as the Qatar Financial Center, which could authorize 100% foreign capital stock. The Qatar Science and Technological Park also allows 100% foreign capital for technology-related projects.

More information on: https://www.icex.es/icex/es/navegacion-principal/todos-nuestros-servicios/informacion-de-mercados/paises/navegacion-principal/invertir-en/marco-juridico/index.html?idPais=QA