The Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Doha, Qatar has announced a significant reduction in fees for services provided to the commerce, industry, business development, and consumer protection sectors. The reduction in fees reaches up to more than 90% for certain services, with the aim of supporting economic growth and creating an attractive business environment for investment. Minister of Commerce and Industry, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani, issued Ministerial Decision No. (60) for the year 2024, which will take effect after it is published in the official gazette.
The decision to reduce fees is part of the ministry’s strategy to enhance the investment environment and develop the trade and industry sectors in Qatar. It aligns with the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030) to achieve sustainable economic growth, economic diversification, and enhance the business environment in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. The reduced service fees will support national enterprises, entrepreneurs, and investors in obtaining high-quality services at reduced costs, thus enhancing competitiveness and supporting new enterprises.
The reduced service fees include various services such as Commercial Registration, Commercial Permit, Commercial Agents Registry, Commercial Company Services, Practicing Consultancy Services, Auditors, Quality Licenses, Patent Services, Protection of Designs and Industrial Models, and Industrial Development Services. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry conducted detailed studies and evaluations of business environment requirements and investors’ needs, leading to the decision to reduce fees across all sectors, including commerce, industry, business development, and consumer affairs.
The Ministry’s initiative is expected to have a significantly positive impact on the market, particularly in services related to company formation, commercial registrations, and licensing of commercial outlets. The new annual fee for registration in the commercial register with one main activity and for licensing of similar commercial, industrial, or public premises has been reduced from upto QR10,000 to QR500. These reduced fees aim to encourage and support the start of new commercial ventures in Qatar and attract more foreign investments to enhance the role of the private sector in economic diversification and sustainable growth.
The Ministry’s goal is to provide an ideal and flexible experience for both local and foreign consumers and investors to enhance Qatar’s position as an attractive investment destination. The reductions in fees aim to facilitate investors in obtaining high-quality services at reduced costs, thereby enhancing competitiveness and supporting new enterprises. The decision to reduce service fees is part of the ministry’s strategy to improve the investment environment and develop the trade and industry sectors in Qatar.
Overall, the reduction in fees for services provided by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Qatar is a positive step towards supporting economic growth, attracting foreign investments, and creating an attractive business environment for investors. The reduced service fees will benefit national enterprises, entrepreneurs, and investors, making high-quality services more accessible at reduced costs. This initiative aligns with the goals of Qatar’s national development strategy and the vision for economic diversification and sustainable growth.
