Valsen Corporate

Qatar Public Shareholding Company

Also known as a joint stock company or a Qatari shareholding company, the public shareholding company (PSC) is established in accordance with Qatari commercial company law and by virtue of ministerial decree. Generally, only Qataris may be shareholders, but there are three exceptions to this rule:

  • A national of another Arab country that has a relevant reciprocal agreement with Qatar;
  • Where foreign investment or experience is required, so long as the necessary license has been granted by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce; and
  • Where the company has been incorporated under a special decree that allows for foreign shareholding.

A minimum of five shareholders is required. Shareholders are not liable for the company’s obligations, except to the extent of the total nominal value of their respective shareholding.
A PSC may be open (i.e. public) or closed (i.e. private). The minimum capital requirement for an open PSC is QAR10m, with a nominal value for each share of QAR10; for a closed PSC, this is reduced to QAR2m.
Qatar Public Shareholding Company Key Features

  1. PSCs must have a minimum of 5
  2. The capital of an PSC must be at least QAR 2m
  3. The signed Memorandum and Articles of Association must be submitted, in Arabic, to the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.
  4. Shareholders are not liable for the company’s obligations, except to the extent of the total nominal value of their respective shareholding.
  5. Foreigners may own up to 100% of a Qatari company in certain sectors

Qatar Public Shareholding Company Legal Requirements

Qatar Public Shareholding Company

Corporate Details

General
  • Type of Entity

PSC
  • Registered Office in Qatar

Yes

Share capital or equivalent
  • Standard currency

QAR
  • Permitted currencies

Any
  • Minimum Capital

QAR 2m
  • Bearer shares allowed

Yes
  • No par value shares allowed

Yes

Directors
  • Minimum number

1
  • Local required

No
  • Corporate directorship allowed

Yes

Shareholders
  • Minimum number

5
  • Maximum

50
  • Corporate shareholder allowed

Yes

Company Secretary
  • Required

No
  • Local or qualified

Not required

Accounts
  • Requirements to prepare

Yes
  • Audit requirements

Yes
  • Requirements to file accounts

No
  • Publicly accessible accounts

No

Qatar Public Shareholding Company Tax Treatment
A Qatar PSC is liable to pay a corporate income tax of 10 % on profits sourced in Qatar
Qatar Public Shareholding Company Duration for Set up
Around 4 Weeks
Qatar Public Shareholding Company Distinctive Benefits

  1. No limitation on the amount of products or services the company can sell
  2. Your company will be recognized as a local company, often permitting the entity to take part in an increased number of government and private tenders
  3. A Qatar PSC is liable to pay a corporate income tax of 10 % on profits sourced in Qatar
  4. The company will not be subject to withholding tax

The Valsen Advantage

  1. End to end comprehensive service
  2. Speedy and efficient service
  3. Expert advice on structuring options
  4. Dedicated ongoing compliance support
  5. Extensive network pool of service providers