FAQ Licensing Regulations EN
FAQ Licensing Regulations EN
LICENSING
REGULATIONS
Introduction
This document is intended to provide an overview of the licensing process from a Licensing Regulations
(‘Regulations’) perspective. It does not replace the Regulations in any way, nor does it remove the need
for an investor to seek its own professional advice if it considers this to be prudent.
GUIDANCE | QATAR FREE ZONES AUTHORITY
LICENSING
REGULATIONS
1 Introduction
3 What does ‘Qatar Free Zone’ actually mean?
3 What activities are permitted in the Free Zones?
3 What licensing powers are granted to the Authority?
4 How does the free zone legislation work in relation to the state’s law?
4 What is the significance of obtaining a Licence?
4 How does an Investor apply?
4 What’s the next step, having successfully applied and received the Letter of Intent?
5 What are Licensing Criteria?
5 What’s the significance of the Licence?
5 What should I do if my Licence has been suspended or revoked?
6 Do I need to appoint a Manager?
6 What are the Authority’s Powers?
6 Does the Authority keep a Register?
6 Are there any fees?
7 Can sanctions be imposed?
7 Where will documents be served?
7 Is it possible to establish alternative forms of corporate structures in the Free Zones?
7 Can Qatari Companies apply to establish in the Free Zone?
8 Tabulated content of the Regulations
GUIDANCE | QATAR FREE ZONES AUTHORITY
LICENSING
REGULATIONS
The Free Zones are dedicated areas of land within the State of Qatar that have been identified as
economic zones; these economic zones have been designed in a way that enables investors to benefit
from economic incentives over and above those available to companies investing within the State of
Qatar.
1) Ras Bufontas – known as an ‘Airport Free Zone and 4 km2 in size; this particular zone is some 6 km
away from Hamad International Airport, and is intended to provide for industries such as logistics,
consumer products, light manufacturing, services, technology and applications, and pharmaceuticals.
2) Umm Alhoul – located near Hamad Port and 30 km2 in size will primarily cater to maritime industries,
polymers and plastics, advanced manufacturing, and logistics.
Article 4(2) also specifies that the Authority is the only entity that is permitted to issue Licences, Certificates
and any other documents relating Permitted Activities in or from the Free Zones.
When documentation is issued by the Authority, it will be recognised within the State of Qatar, without
the need for any additional governmental approvals, licenses, or permits.
GUIDANCE | QATAR FREE ZONES AUTHORITY
LICENSING
REGULATIONS
In other words, where the Authority has enacted legislation concerning particular subject matter then the
State of Qatar’s domestic laws do not apply. Conversely, if the Authority has not enacted any legislation
then the State of Qatar’s laws apply to that subject matter. It is therefore always advisable to check if the
Authority has legislated on a particular subject matter before considering any other relevant legislation.
Upon being approved by the Authority, the Investor will receive a Letter of Intent from the Authority.
Licences will be conditional and tailored to the Free Zone Entity’s delivery of a Permitted Activity.
GUIDANCE | QATAR FREE ZONES AUTHORITY
LICENSING
REGULATIONS
The Licence remains valid until and unless it is revoked, or until the Free Zone Entity is dissolved.
At least thirty (30) days before the anniversary of each issue date of the Licence, the Free Zone Entity
must pay the applicable annual renewal fee; supply to the Authority details of any changes to the Free
Zone Entity; if required, provide to the Authority copies of its latest financial statements; and satisfy any
other requirement imposed by the Authority.
The Authority may under Article 11 impose any condition or restriction it considers appropriate and will
have engaged the Free Zone Entity about this before doing so.
In those circumstances where the Authority’s CEO has decided on notice, to revoke or suspend a Free
Zone Entity’s licence (based on the criterion under Article 11); the Free Zone Entity is entitled within 15
days of receiving the decision, to raise its objection with the Authority’s Board. The Board, in turn, must
provide a written statement supporting its decision, where such grievance has been raised, within 1
month of its being notified. If the Free Zone Entity is dissatisfied it can refer the matter to the competent
court within 3 months of the decision.
The Authority may also take any other administrative action as appropriate before suspension or
revocation of the License.
LICENSING
REGULATIONS
Given the importance of the Manager’s function, any documentation restricting the Manager’s powers
must initially be submitted to the Authority at the time of registration; and will be recorded within the
Register maintained by the Authority.
Not only does the Authority possess investigative powers over the Free Zone Entity but it can investigate
the affairs of any affiliated body corporate or any other person connected with the Free Zone Entity where
it deems this necessary. Where such investigations are undertaken the appointed investigator is under a
prescribed obligation to submit it to the Authority upon completion of the investigation. The report must
give a view as to whether or not the Free Zone Entity has either contravened the Free Zones Legislation
or breached its licence.
Because the Authority can object to a trading name on the basis that it is ‘misleading to the public or
otherwise undesirable’ and can request a retraction of any advertisement or campaign that is ’misleading
or necessary in order to protect the public or the reputation or proper operation of the Free Zone‘ an
investor is advised to liaise with the Authority.
LICENSING
REGULATIONS
LICENSING
REGULATIONS