With everything moving digital, more companies need help digitising their products, services, or internal operations. That requires working with software development consultancies who can do everything from developing high-level digitisation strategies, to providing day-to-day support.
Software development consulting is a large industry across the world, and for the Qatar economy. At large, IT companies in Qatar have been growing by USD 1.40 billion between 2020 to 2024, increasing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8%. This performance surely makes setting up a software development consultancy in Qatar an even more appealing decision.
Benefits of opening a software development consultancy in Qatar
If you have an interest in assisting companies with software or digital processes, this industry just might be for you. Below are some incentives for starting a business in Qatar:
- Take advantage of doing business in a continuously growing industry
- Work with Qatari businesses in a wide range of industries, ensuring a steady stream of clients
- Benefit from the Qatar’s extensive support for tech companies
- Pay a minimal, 10% corporate tax rate and zero personal income taxes
- Operate in the world’s 14th nation in global business efficiency
(according to the 2022 Global Competitiveness Report)
Steps to open a software development consultancy in Qatar
- Reserve a company name
When picking out a name for a company setup in Qatar, make sure to follow naming rules. Avoid names that are offensive or blasphemous, and use words that can be translated into Arabic. Qatar companies’ names must be registered with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI).
- Draft a Memorandum or Articles of Association
These outline your business plans, company details, and objectives. A MOA/AOA is typically accomplished with the assistance of a legal advisor and business setup experts. After finishing this, have it attested by the relevant authority under the Ministry of Justice.
- Apply for a Commercial Residence
Also known as a CR, this is an important document that will allow your consulting business in Qatar to open a corporate bank account, make financial transactions, among others. This is also issued by MOCI.
- Find an office space
If your software development company will be operating from mainland Qatar, you will need a physical office. Our team will help you find not only the best mainland location for your firm, but also an ideal office space that you can use as your business center.
- Apply for your Qatar trade license & tax certificate
Acquiring your trade license is necessary to start operating your software development consultancy in Qatar. This requires the submission of relevant documents to MOCI, which include (but may not be limited to):
- Commercial Residence with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI)
- Articles of Association or Memorandum of Association
- Proof of business center address (for mainland companies)
- Valid IDs of the company’s authorized representatives
At the same time, you can also apply for your tax certificate with MOCI.
- Apply for a computer card
This indicates who can sign on behalf of your software development consultancy. It is about the size of a bank card. To get this, submit a copy of your CR, trade license, and the IDs of all individuals who must be on the computer card to immigration authorities.
- Register for your Tax Identification Number
Before you can operate, you’ll need to register with Qatar’s Public Revenue and Tax Authority. From here, they’ll provide your company with its Tax Identification Number (TIN).
The cost of opening a software development consultancy in Qatar Generally, it costs around USD 10,000 to open a consulting business in Qatar. This is an estimate, as actual rates depend on the chosen jurisdiction, business size, and other factors. There may also be additional costs depending on how many visas you need, what size your office is, or what equipment you need.
For a complete cost for your requirements, contact one of our consultants.
Where to open a software development consultancy in Qatar
There are plenty of options within Qatar to use as your business center. You could set up in mainland Qatar and take advantage of operating from a prestigious address while getting easy access to consumers, forming local partnerships, and getting to bid on government projects – among other benefits.
You can also operate from one of the Qatar free zones. Here, you’ll benefit from full foreign ownership, tax exemptions or reduced tax rates (as opposed to Qatar mainland’s 10% taxes), customs exemptions, fewer restrictions on hiring foreigners, and more. The Qatar Science and Technology Park or the Ras Bufontas Airport Free Zone are some examples, as both of these Qatar free zones have a focus on technology.
How Creative Zone can help
Although there are several steps needed to start a company in Qatar, the process is not as complicated as it seems – especially when you have business setup experts guiding you along the way. At Creative Zone, we have an expert team who has enabled over 50,000 businesses across all industries and jurisdictions get their start.
Beyond that, we also have services to make the entire entrepreneurial journey easier for our clients, be it legal assistance, marketing, HR, accounting, and everything else. Your business is our business, so you can trust us to put you on the right path. Get in touch with our specialists and let’s talk!
