Silicon Valley Software company looking to expand into Qatar
Greetings,
relatively new to QatarLiving.com. Glad to have found it. Was hoping that knowledgeable members of the site or moderators could point me in the right direction.
I am the owner, founder of a software technology firm based in Silicon Valley, California and I am looking to setup an office in Doha. I was hoping that somebody here could point me to the right place to start for obtaining the right visas, permits, etc. Hopefully, others on this forum have gone through a similar process before.
I would like to live and setup/establish a local branch of my own company in Qatar, not necessarily looking for "employment" per se. Ideally, I'd live in Qatar for 9-10 months out of the year and the rest in US/EU.
Would truly appreciate if you could point me to the right direction as far as what type of visa to apply for and what kinds of documentation would be required. Also, can a US citizen establish a company in Qatar.
Thank you in advance.
Speak to me if you would like to know more. I also know a number of trustworthy sponsors you could work with. (this is the most important part of setting up in Qatar)
daniel/at/digitalminds.qa
Hi there.
There are a number of things which you will need to take into consideration when opening a company or branch in Qatar. I am talking from experience here as I have setup 3 companies over the last year (One in IT). Just to name a few:
Company name approval
COC certification
Company activities application
Municipality Licences
Computer card
Sponsorhship fees
Office rental
Visas
The above is only a very brief overview and does not include the legal documentation that comes with it.
As someone else mentioned here you will legally need a 51% Qatar sponsor but you can waive their rights to any profits by paying a monthly sponsorship fee.
From what I know you would be mistaken to try and setup this company alone as it may take you several months to get the company established not to mention the extra fees.
Contact me and I can guide you further: daniel/at/digitalminds.qa
I also know a number of trustworthy sponsors you can work with
You have to find a Qatari sponsor to establish a company here. By law his share shouldnt be less than 51%
would you think about a joint venture, we can support you from Qatar, pls mail me [email protected]
You might get some info at http://www.qstp.org.qa/