Corporate & Commercial Law in Qatar

Corporate and commercial work in Qatar

The firm covers Qatar matters in cooperation with an announced partner office in Qatar. That partner office is not a branch owned by the firm, and the firm does not itself hold a Qatar law practice license; local licensing and representation are assessed for each matter in the State of Qatar. We advise on Qatari company law, corporate governance and commercial contracts, including shareholder arrangements, signing authority, board and deadlock mechanics, and contracts matched to actual operations.

The Qatari legal framework

Commercial companies in Qatar are governed by Commercial Companies Law No. 11 of 2015, as amended (including by Law No. 8 of 2021). Foreign investment is regulated by Law No. 1 of 2019, which allows up to full foreign ownership in most sectors with ministerial approval; the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) applies its own legal framework. The applicable rules depend on the activity, the chosen framework and the ownership structure.

Contracts and governance

Before drafting, we map who owns the shares, who can sign, and how decisions and deadlocks are handled. Signed versions, notices and the transaction record are preserved so a later disagreement can be managed on evidence. Where a disagreement already exists, see our dispute resolution practice, or read the General Commercial & Corporate overview.

MENA coordination

The firm was founded in Kuwait in 1986 and has a branch in Cairo. It covers MENA matters in cooperation with partner offices in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, and partner offices in Turkey and the United States. Those partner offices are not branches owned by the firm; local licensing and advice are assessed in the relevant jurisdiction.

This page is general information, not advice for a particular entity or transaction.

Frequently asked questions

What law governs companies in Qatar?

Commercial Companies Law No. 11 of 2015, as amended (including by Law No. 8 of 2021). Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) entities follow their own rules.

Can foreigners fully own companies in Qatar?

Law No. 1 of 2019 allows up to full foreign ownership in most sectors with ministerial approval. The Qatar Financial Centre and the free zones follow separate frameworks.

Does the firm have an office in Qatar?

The firm covers Qatar matters in cooperation with an announced partner office in Qatar. That partner office is not a branch owned by the firm, and the firm does not itself hold a Qatar law practice license; local licensing and representation are assessed for each matter.

Other markets

Company Formation in Qatar · Corporate & Commercial Law in Egypt · Corporate & Commercial Law in the UAE · Corporate & Commercial Law in Oman · Corporate & Commercial Law in Bahrain