Local Sponsorship for foreign investors in Qatar
In common with much of the GCC, commercial law in Qatar states that a foreign investor cannot establish a mainland business entity without first appointing a local sponsor. The role of this local sponsor varies depending on the structure of the business, and as an inevitable challenge for foreign investors, it is vital to understand the functions of a local sponsor and the impact this has on establishing a business in Qatar.
Why have a local sponsor?
Companies who wish to operate in Qatar are required to have a local sponsor by law. The type of sponsorship available depends on the type of business to be conducted by the company and therefore the legal business structure selected.
Types of sponsorship
There are two sponsorship options for a foreign investor wishing to set up a business in Qatar: individual sponsorship and corporate sponsorship.
Individual sponsorship: As the name suggests, individual sponsorship is simply when an individual Qatari national, or nationals, sponsor your business, and by doing so, hold a 51% share of your company. He or she must be a Qatari citizen over the age of 21, and whilst it is not required that they have any experience within your chosen industry, they will usually be business professionals or government employees. Whilst this might all sound a bit daunting, there are two important points to note at this stage. Firstly, profits do not have to be shared to reflect the percentage shareholding, and in most instances, the local sponsor is paid a set annual fee in exchange for full power of attorney and control over the business activities. Secondly, in holding 51% of the business, the local sponsor also assumes more than half of the liability for the company but this is limited to the amount of 51% of the share capital.
Corporate Sponsorship: The primary difference here compared with an individual sponsor is that the local partner is a 100% Qatari-owned company. This allows for a far more robust governance structure to safeguard foreign investment, allowing issues such as shareholder succession to be dealt with under Company law and typically providing a dedicated team to assist with licence and visa renewals, and any other ad-hoc support required to operate the company. Again, the corporate sponsor will assume a 51% stake in the business, and in exchange for receiving an annual fee it is typical to contractually limit their involvement via a Shareholder Agreement.
Must I have a local sponsor to do business in the Qatar?
One option for companies unwilling to explore sponsorship options is to establish a business within one of the Qatar’s free zones. On the surface, free zones appear to be a way for foreign investors to establish a business in Qatar whilst still retaining 100% ownership. The major drawback to this though is that businesses established in a free zone are limited to the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP). Both require companies to process license applications for activities specific to each and located within their zones.
Other options, include the opening of a Branch Office in Qatar but this is only applicable when the company has obtained a Government or quasi Government contract and the issuer of the contract supports the opening of a Branch Office. The Branch Office can only service the contract obtained.
A Trade Representative Office, is commonly known as a ‘shop window’, although 100% foreign owned, it can only serve to display goods or services but cannot trade in Qatar.
The Role of Venture Partner Qatar
As a leading company formation specialist, Venture Partner Qatar act as a corporate partner for foreign investors wishing to establish a business in Qatar and assume the role of the 51% Qatari shareholder, allowing foreign investors to retain effective control of their business. Through Venture Partners secure and trusted nominee structure, this model ensures that foreign investors’ interests are protected in accordance with the law.
In the case of establishing a Branch Office or Trade Representative Office, Venture Partner Qatar can be employed as a local agent in order to quickly and efficiently handle all governmental administration requirements, in order to get the Branch Office or Trade Representative Office up and running as soon as possible.
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