Starting a business in Qatar or anywhere else overseas can be a daunting time; there are so many things to think about that it’s easy for people to feel lost during the process. If you want to make your new adventure a little easier, it helps to frame the challenge in a new way. When you run a marathon, it’s no good thinking about the fact that you have 26 long miles ahead of you; this kind of perspective can easily overwhelm you and make you feel that it’s just not even worth starting – after all, how can we run all that way without failing?

The power of small things

As with any long-term challenge, you have to remember that there is great power in small things; when running a marathon, many people find that it’s much easier to think about it in smaller, bite-size chunks. For example, that 26 mile marathon is only really a combination of many small and individual steps. Starting a business in Qatar is much the same thing; if you look at the whole thing all at once it would be easy to change your mind for fear that you’d never be able to manage it – but if you break it down into a series of small steps, suddenly it all seems very achievable.

A marathon runner may think about each section of the route as an individual challenge and achievement; perhaps they’ll look at the route beforehand and pick out some impressive landmarks to help them feel that they have achieved each small goal, one at a time. These small successes can spur you on and help you gain the confidence that you need in order to make it to that final objective. By thinking of each bend in the road or each new aspect of the route as an easily attainable feat, even inexperienced competitors can succeed and achieve great things.

We can help you to start a business in Qatar – one step at a time

If you’re thinking of starting a business in Qatar, the process really is just a series of small steps for you to take on the path that will lead you to your dreams. Here at Business Start Up Qatar, it’s our job to show you each of these small steps and guide you through every one of them until you have walked the entire path – then you’ll turn around and look at the road you’ve travelled and wonder why you ever worried in the first place!

Our guiding hand and the confidence that we have in our experience and expertise will allow you to enjoy the process of starting a business in Qatar and help you to reach the finish line much more quickly and with much less worry or stress than you imagined when you first looked ahead from the start line.

If you want to start a business in Qatar but need help to see each small step that makes up the whole challenge, please contact us here at Business Start Up Qatar and we will help you to find a new and refreshing perspective.

We have just heard the news that a proposed Double Taxation Agreement has just been signed between the Isle of Man and Qatar, with an official ceremony being held on 6th May in order to celebrate the signing of the agreement. This agreement is the 30th of its kind signed by the Isle of Man which ‘meets the OECD international tax standard on transparency and effective exchange of information’.

New business opportunities – Qatar welcomes the developing relationship

The agreement between these two countries will help businesses from the Isle of Man to develop their relationships and realise new overseas business opportunities. Qatar officials have also declared their excitement at the new opportunities that this will present for nationals of both countries. The Double Taxation Agreement has been designed to ‘address taxation issues arising in relation to the flow of business and any movement of people between the Isle of Man and Qatar, and closely follows the model text published by the OECD’.

Need help to start a business in Qatar?

If you’ve identified potential business opportunities, Qatar, as your chosen destination for growth, can provide a wonderful lifestyle and a whole new adventure. However, before you take the plunge you may need some professional help to get you started and to understand the different processes that you will need to adhere to when starting a business in Qatar.

If you’re a company based on the Isle of Man looking to extend your business opportunities, Qatar is a fantastic platform and this new Double Taxation Agreement will allow you to feel more secure in your dealings there. We can help you with every step of the process, including visas, licenses and company registrations.

Even if your company is located elsewhere in the world, please feel free to contact us here at Business Start Up Qatar and we will do everything we can to ensure that your new business venture and the transition of taking your company to Qatar goes smoothly.

If you’re thinking of starting a business in Qatar, it may be that you need to travel there for a preliminary visit in order to secure offices or find a sponsor – if this is the case, then you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa; Qatar tourist visas aren’t required for UK residents if they’re planning to stay for less than 30 days, but as with any country, visa requirements can be subject to change, so always check before you travel. In fact, there are a total of 30 countries that are exempt from a tourist visa requirement, including residents of countries that fall under the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), but again, you MUST check whether you fall into this exemption category.

The same principal applies when it comes to a work visa – Qatar laws may change at short notice, so always make sure that you do your homework first! It’s also important to bear in mind that visa requirements differ depending on your nationality. Here we’ll look at the current regulations for tourist and work visas in Qatar; while we’ll always endeavour to ensure that the information is current and correct, please conduct your own investigations before travelling.

Tourist Visa – Qatar requirements

If you want to visit Qatar for a holiday or to get a feel for the country in light of starting a business there, you’ll need a tourist visa. Qatar visa requirements differ depending where you’re travelling from – for example, UK nationals don’t require a tourist visa for Qatar, providing they don’t intend to stay for more than a month, but if you’re an American visitor, you’ll need a valid tourist visa for Qatar.

How to obtain a Qatar tourist visa:
You can apply for your Qatar tourist visa either via your local Qatar Embassy, or upon entry to the country. Tourist visas for Qatar are only valid for a maximum stay of 30 days and in order to obtain your tourist visa you will need to do the following:

• To secure your Qatar tourist visa, you will need to have at least 90 days validity left on your passport from your intended date of departure from Qatar – this also applies to UK residents who don’t need a tourist visa for short stays. You will also need 2 copies of the main passport pages which have your details and photograph on them.

• You will need at least 2 blank pages left in your passport for your tourist visa and any other official stamps.
• To purchase your tourist visa, Qatar regulations require you to submit the following items in addition to your passport:
• 2 passport size photographs
• A copy of your flight tickets/travel itinerary/hotel booking
• Your most recent bank statement and evidence that you have funds equal to 5,000 QAR (credit cards will be accepted)
• If the purpose of your visit to Qatar is to see friends/family, you need a letter of invitation with the following information included; their contact details, purpose and duration of visit, proof of their status (copy of their Qatar passport information page or overseas passport and residence permit), date and signature
• The current rate for a Qatar tourist visa is around 100 QAR
• If you’re travelling to Qatar via connecting flights in other countries, it’s your responsibility to obtain any transit visas that may be required.

Work Visa – Qatar requirements

Unlike many other countries, you can travel on a tourist visa first, before you arrange your work visa – Qatar regulations for obtaining a work visa/permit actually require you to enter the country in a single entry/employment visa and then your sponsor will have to declare their support for you working in the country and help you to secure the correct work visa. Qatar has no restrictions on employment and work visas based on gender, but you will have to undergo a variety of checks.

As with a tourist visa, rules for obtaining a Qatar work visa may vary depending on your country of origin and it’s vital that you check for the latest information and laws prior to entering the country on any type of visa. However, as a guide, these are the steps you will need to adhere to for your work visa in Qatar:

• Some nationalities may be required to provide police clearance from their country of origin.
• Health checks are often a requirement to secure a work visa in Qatar, including a blood test, chest x-ray, blood type test and a record of your fingerprints – you cannot get your Qatar work visa or resident’s permit without this. HIV tests may also be required.
• In addition to the above, further medical checkups may be required for those travelling from some Asian, African and Middle Eastern countries.
• You will need a valid passport, 2 passport size photographs and the relevant visa for legal arrival in the country before applying for your work visa.
• Your employer/sponsor is required to make the necessary application for your Qatar work visa, which must be submitted to the Ministry of Interior.
• Your sponsor will need to submit a letter on headed stationary stating the nature of your relationship and your terms of business/employment.
• All expat workers in Qatar will also need to obtain an official ID card and resident’s permit.
• Once you have your work visa, Qatar will also welcome your dependants to live in the country – children must be under 25 years old to qualify and if your dependants wish to work, they will need to secure their own sponsor and work visa.
• Exit visas must be obtained if you’re working for a sponsor and you wish to leave the country.

Work visas in Qatar are applicable for individuals, private entities and companies.
Business Start Up Qatar are experts in helping you to take your business dream to this wonderful land of opportunity. If you have any questions about finding a sponsor, the business start up process or securing a tourist visa in Qatar or a work visa in Qatar, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Having established an excellent reputation as the premium choice for luxury car rental service in Qatar, Prestige Cars’ comprehensive provision will ensure that you can get from A to B in real style. By using a quality chauffeur service, Qatar hotels, business centres and any local destination you require to travel to becomes easy to reach, with the minimum of hassle. With a fantastic range of vehicles such as the BMW 7 and 5 series and a VVIP shuttle coach, both individuals and groups can be easily transported to their destination of choice.

Chauffeur Service – Qatar private transport with a touch of class

In order to cater for both locals, expats and visitors, the company provides multi-lingual drivers, speaking both English and Arabic, who will always do all they can to make sure that you receive a friendly and professional chauffeur service. Qatar’s most distinguished businesses and clients trust Prestige Cars to provide an exceptional, chauffeur service, ensuring that they can always travel in real style.

By using a chauffeur service, Qatar businessmen and executives are able to focus on their next appointment while somebody else takes care of the logistics. All of the drivers employed by Prestige Cars are well presented in smart attire, and are constantly trained to ensure that they provide a courteous service and a high standard of professionalism. Whether you want to be transported by Rolls Royce, Range Rover or Jaguar, every car and limousine is fully equipped with daily newspapers, chilled refreshments and a choice of music.

A car for every occasion

By using the Prestige luxury car rental service, Qatar airport transfers, wedding parties and any other kind of mobility requirement can be catered for, with premium customer service and quality vehicles guaranteed. In addition to their exclusive chauffeur service, Qatar-based clients also have the option of self-drive luxury car rental, which can be provided on an hourly, daily or monthly basis, with no mileage limit. You will also benefit from a free delivery and pick up service, fully comprehensive insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance.

Whether you’re looking for a luxury car rental service in Qatar, a corporate vehicle leasing package or a quality chauffeur service, Qatar’s Prestige Cars are the company to trust.

Connecting Qatar has recently been launched in order to provide a means of communication and to connect business people in the UK and Qatar in order to explore opportunities and work together for greater international success. We couldn’t be happier with this new partnership with our associates at Connecting Qatar, and we’re looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship with them.

Over recent years, there have been more and more businesses in the UK sitting up and taking notice of the wealth of business opportunities available to them in Qatar and the Middle East. Qatar is a progressive country that encourages overseas business investment, and Business Start Up Qatar has been instrumental in helping many UK businesses and other companies from around the world to expand their offering into this beautiful country.

View the latest Connecting Qatar magazine here…

Connecting Qatar and Strengthening Relationships

The launch of Connecting Qatar offers the chance for UK businesses to get a better understanding of both the professional world and the culture in Qatar. Similarly, Connecting Qatar also allows businessmen in this incredible Middle Eastern country to find out more about the UK and different companies who have an interest in branching out into Qatar, or for them to bring their own business to the UK.

Our partnership with Connecting Qatar may open further opportunities for the companies that we’ve helped to start up in Qatar to promote themselves and share their experiences with other UK business people, who may also be interested in opening an office there. The Connecting Qatar magazine is a great source of news, information and advice for both countries to learn a little more about each other. With a variety of features covering anything from international schooling, activities and hobbies, property and investment opportunities, Connecting Qatar is set to become one of the most important channels of communication between businesses in the UK and Qatar.

Business Start Up Qatar Can Help with a Range of Services

By having a platform through which to share business and investment news, the relationships between the UK and Qatar will further strengthen and develop. With Qatari businesses looking to set up in the UK, and UK businesses seeking to start up in Qatar, the Connecting Qatar magazine will help people to bridge the geographical gap and develop a much better understanding of each other’s cultures, traditions and business processes.

If you’re interested in appearing in a copy of Connecting Qatar and you have a great idea but need some help to produce a news item or feature, our team of expert copywriters here at Business Start Up Qatar can help. We also offer a full range of services to help you start a business in Qatar, as well as SEO internet marketing and design services too.

Recently, the fifth annual Middle East Commercial Interior Design (CID) awards were held at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on the Plam Dubai, celebrating and applauding interior designers across 15 different categories. These awards are presented to the interior designers who have consistently proved their high standards of service to design.

Proud to be Working  with the Best Interior Contractor in the Middle East, opening a new division in Qatar!

We were incredibly excited to learn that ISG were awarded the Middle East Interior Contractor of the Year award at the ceremony, in a very small way we have helped them to broadening their operation into Qatar and to expand as market leaders and take advantage of the amazing opportunities available in this ever-growing country.

Paul Gyles, Finance Director of ISG Middle East says: “It’s with great pleasure we accept the award for the Middle East Interior Contractor of the Year and huge congratulations to everyone in the company who has helped to make this possible. We greatly enjoy providing our clients in the Middle East with interior design contractor services and hope to continue our successes. Special thanks also to Business Start Up Qatar, for helping us start our Qatar division, they have made the process very simple, I am sure it would have otherwise been much more difficult!”

Another Job Well Done

We couldn’t be happier for ISG, and feel that they have been justly rewarded for the exceptional services that they offer as interior contractors. Qatar has many opportunities for companies like ISG and it’s been fantastic to be involved in their journey to Qatar.

If you’d like to speak to ISG about their interior contractor service in Qatar , please follow the link to their website.

For more information about how we can help you to start a business in Qatar , follow the link to find out more!

Qatar Business Etiquette Tips

Greetings and Salutations
When doing business in Qatar, always make sure that you shake the hand of your associates upon meeting – be aware that in the Middle East, handshakes can be held for what would seem an uncomfortable amount of time in western cultures. Qatar etiquette dictates that you must always use your right hand and it’s not uncommon for a man to hold another man’s hand when directing him to a location. Such gestures between men are an integral feature of Qatar etiquette and are not viewed in the same way as in the west.

When doing business in Qatar and addressing a colleague or associate, you will find that it is usual practice for your first name to be used – this will usually be preceded by the title of ‘Mr’, so if your name is David, you will be called ‘Mr David’.

Working with Women
Business etiquette tips are vital in order to conduct yourself respectfully when doing business in Qatar. Levels of interaction between men and women will differ, and in these modern times you are much more likely to work with women when doing business in Qatar than ever before – but for more devout Muslims or in more traditional situations, such close proximity between the genders may still be discouraged and seen as bad Qatar etiquette.

When it comes to women, it’s not always appropriate to make physical contact by shaking their hand upon introduction (if you’re a man), so let them take the lead and only shake if they instigate it. Refrain from any other form of body contact and also keep eye contact to a minimum when doing business in Qatar with female colleagues.

A More Personal Approach
One of the big differences you’ll notice when doing business in Qatar, and one of the most important business etiquette tips we can offer, is that business relationships are formed on a much more personal level. The division that exists between business and personal life in the west does not exist when doing business in Qatar. It is usual in Qatar etiquette for private and personal matters to be given priority over professional ones. You will be expected to build strong business relationships that have a foundation in mutual friendship, honesty and trust.

You will see the greatest displays of this element of Qatar etiquette in what is known as wasta – this is very much a culture similar to ‘you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours’. Favours should always be returned and you should always remember any help that you have been given and this will be reciprocated by your Middle Eastern counterparts. Existing contacts and friends will always be shown favour in business dealings and while it may feel uncomfortable at first, this is a normal part of the process when doing business in Qatar and something that you should take advantage of.

Help with Qatar Etiquette

Business Start Up Qatar can offer you help and guidance on all aspects of Qatar etiquette and every element of starting a business in Qatar. You can read more business etiquette tips in our article Doing Business in Qatar – Business Etiquette Tips (Part II).

If you would like further information about starting a business in Qatar, follow these links to find out more about our services and how we can help you to start doing business in Qatar.

Business Start Up Qatar have a wealth of experience in helping companies to start doing business in Qatar and are pleased to be able to offer our expert advice to ensure that you have a great experience in this wonderful country.

More Qatar Business Etiquette Tips

Be Gone With Bureaucracy
Qatar etiquette, especially in business, differs greatly from the way that we conduct our affairs in the west. A huge amount of significance is placed on honour in Qatar, and therefore your word is seen as the more official part of any contract – should you fail to deliver on your promises, you will face a loss of honour and therefore respect and trust. While it is true that when doing business in Qatar you’ll still go through the usual processes of developing contracts etc, these items are really just a necessary piece of paper work that consolidate the agreements you have made on a verbal basis and do not have the same finality as they would in a more western business dealing.

Business Meetings
As we have already seen, Qatar etiquette is quite different than what you will most likely have been used to when doing business. In Qatar, business meetings are much more informal and without the same rigid structure and agendas that you will find in their western equivalent. Business meetings are the chance to form a friendship with your new associate, and due to personal life taking precedence in Qatar etiquette, you should bear this in mind when organising meetings. Try not to book meetings too far ahead and always check with the person you want you to meet a couple of days beforehand, verbally if possible, to ensure that nothing has arisen that will stop them from attending.

Important business etiquette tips surround other features of meetings in Qatar – don’t be surprised if people come and go during a meeting, regardless of whether you are expecting them or not! It is also well within the realms of Qatar etiquette to take a phone call during a business meeting, so don’t be offended if this happens. When doing business in Qatar, you will be expected, as a foreigner, to be punctual – although your Middle Eastern colleagues may not adhere to this same level of punctuality! If you are held up unintentionally, a polite apology and explanation will be enough to make amends.

The Art of Negotiation
When doing business in Qatar, don’t be afraid to enter into negotiations. As traditional traders, your Middle Eastern colleagues will never enter into a business agreement without some severe haggling taking place first! Be patient and expect decisions to take some time – and in observance of Qatar etiquette, don’t try to pressure people into making faster decisions as this will only slow the process down even more. This is one of the most valuable business etiquette tips to take note of – if you don’t learn to negotiate, you could cost your business unnecessary money!

Have You Found Our Qatar Business Etiquette Tips Helpful?

If you have found our business etiquette tips helpful and would like some further information about starting a business in Qatar, please feel free to contact us via the Business Start Up Qatar website, and we will do all we can to help you start your business and plan the best way forward for doing business in Qatar possible.

An understanding of Islam is crucial for doing business in Qatar. Good Qatar etiquette requires a thorough understanding and observation of the cultural differences and Islamic values that permeates throughout the Middle East and Qatar. Ignorance is never an excuse when it comes to respecting another’s religion, so Business Start Up Qatar offers these business etiquette tips to help ensure that you’re doing business in Qatar the right way.

Doing Business In Qatar – Etiquette Around Religion

As a basic guide, you will need to understand the daily routine of Muslims across the Middle East to make sure that you observe and respect their faith.

If you’re doing business in Qatar, you will undoubtedly be working alongside many practising Muslims. As a matter of course, Muslims pray five times every day – the mosques announce this with their ‘call to prayer’, or azan – although many Muslims will not attend the mosque itself to pray, but rather conduct their prayers in the office or their home. When doing business in Qatar, it’s important to familiarise yourself with Muslim prayer times, so that you can organise any business meetings and appointments around them – this will show good Qatar etiquette and respect for your associates and colleagues. Additionally, any important business meetings should be avoided on a Friday, as males of the Muslim faith are obliged to attend congregational prayers on this day of the week.

To observe Qatar etiquette you should also make sure that you limit your business activity during the month of Ramadan. During this time Muslims observe fasting from dawn till dusk, which means they’re not allowed to eat, drink or smoke during daytime hours. When doing business in Qatar you will find that many companies limit their business activity during Ramadan.

Another time where you should consider limiting the amount of business activity your company undertakes is during the two Eid festivals. Eid al-Fitr falls after Ramadan and after the yearly pilgrimage, the festival of Eid al-Adha is celebrated. Both of these festivals are conducted across a period of around three days, although this is often extended. It is unreasonable when doing business in Qatar to ask your Middle East colleagues to go against their religion in order to help make you money! If you’re not a member of the Islamic faith yourself, perhaps you could use these periods to have your own holiday.

Help and Advice for Doing Business in Qatar and the Middle East

As with any other religion, Islam is highly complex and involved, so it’s advisable to conduct further research regarding Qatar etiquette and the Muslim faith before doing business in Qatar. If you are looking to start a business in Qatar, Business Start Up Qatar can offer vital information and guidance to help you make sure that you are conducting yourself within the local laws and Qatar etiquette.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have regarding doing business in Qatar.

Starting a business in Qatar may seem like a complicated and difficult process, but with the help of Business Start Up Qatar, you will find that the company formation process can be dealt with quickly and with the minimum of hassle.

The Company Formation Process, Qatar

If you’re starting a business in Qatar there are various procedures and legislations that you will need to adhere to. You will need to open a Qatari bank account, into which you must place at least QAR 200,000 upon opening. You will also need to apply for a license for your business from the relevant authority or ministry, as well as registering your business with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce. It’s also important that you ensure you have the correct Visa for starting your business in Qatar.

When starting a business in Qatar, another essential item that you must see to during the company formation process is the securing of a local business sponsor. Your business sponsor in Qatar must own the majority of the company – so the legal requirement dictates that your Qatari sponsor should hold 51% or more of the business.

Working With Your Business Sponsor in Qatar

Once you have found your business sponsor in Qatar there are several things that you will need to put into place. You and your Qatari sponsor will need to create a shareholders agreement and an Articles of Association document. The Articles of Association document needs to include basic details of your business in Qatar, such as the company name, the type of business or industry that it operates in, how long the sponsorship will last and renewal dates for securing further sponsorship from your local Qatari partner. Other information that should be included are items such as financial details, including auditing and information regarding liquidation should it to become an eventuality.

Your shareholders agreement is a slightly more involved document explaining many of the same items as the Articles of Association. Information that must be included are things such as the relationship between yourself and your Qatari business sponsor, governance and management details, a declaration from your Qatari sponsor that they will offer advice and support by sharing their knowledge of Qatar and you will also need to guarantee a commitment to your new business in Qatar, regarding management and any technical expertise.

Your Qatari sponsor is not allowed to set up a similar business that would act in competition with your new business in Qatar and is forbidden to share any information from your company that could hinder your success.

How Can Business Start Up Qatar Help?

Business Start Up Qatar can help you with all of the above elements of company formation in Qatar and much much more. With our wealth of contacts in the country, we can help to find the most appropriate business sponsor in Qatar for your company, as well as helping with other vital aspects of company formation in Qatar, such as registrations licenses and visas.

If you would like to speak to one of our team regarding starting a business in Qatar or finding a Qatari sponsor, feel free to contact us via the link and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.