Frequently Asked Questions

The Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) is the organization responsible for the development and regulation of Qatar’s free zones. It was established in 2018 with a mandate to build world-class free zones and attract through its business development efforts international business to its zones that will contribute to Qatar’s continued economic growth and diversification.

QFZA operates through its own regulatory framework, granting companies access to fast growing nearby markets in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and Western Asia. The QFZA team has a very proactive investment attraction & business development ethos and manages company registrations, licensing and related services, among other responsibilities.

QFZA currently oversees two free zones:

• Ras Boufantas Free Zone, a 400 hectare area adjacent to Hamad International Airport.
• Umm AlHoul Free Zone, a 3000 hectare area adjacent to Hamad Port

We are focused on certain key sectors where Qatar has a strong value proposition, which we’ve identified as primarily being in logistics, chemicals and emerging technologies. Within these broad areas, we are focused on exciting opportunities in a range of key sectors including maritime services, energy and clean technology, food, healthcare and medical technologies, information and communications and industrial equipment.

For more information on logistics, chemicals and marine services, you can click on the link below to download information.

https://fza.gov.qa/scenarios

We have developed a clear approach to the types of activities that we envision operating in the free zones, which are characterized by cutting edge technology, high skill levels and a measurable value add to Qatar’s economy.

We are creating specialized areas within the zones for these sectors, allowing companies in those sectors to benefit from a growing community of like-minded organizations, dedicated research and innovation facilities and partnership opportunities. As a new organization, we are able to tailor solutions for companies who choose to operate in our free zones, and evolve to best suit your needs. 

The free zones will give foreign companies a base from which to tailor their products and services for nearby markets across the Middle East, Europe, North Africa and Western Asia. The legal environment in Qatar’s free zones is based on a common law concept and is entirely under the jurisdiction of the Free Zones Authority, providing a seamless environment to conduct business. Moreover, companies operating in Qatar will benefit from 100% foreign ownership, renewable 20-year tax holidays – zero corporate tax, zero customs duty, and of course no personal income tax – and access to a skilled and flexible workforce under a permit regime directly managed the Free Zone Authority.

Additional benefits include:

• State of the art infrastructure at the airport and seaport zones.
• Mix of pre-built and land lease options to suit your current and future development plans.
• Regionally competitive land pricing
• No restrictions on capital repatriation
• Strong intellectual property and data protection laws
• Access to investment funds for eligible companies
• Access to partnership opportunities

We are focused on industries and companies that have the potential to contribute significantly to Qatar’s economic diversification and sustainable growth.

Companies or investors intending to secure pre-built units or land plots and locate a business in one of the Free Zones must demonstrate to the Authority's satisfaction that their proposed business activities with the Zone meet this requirement. Potential Free Zone investors should also:

• Operate in one of QFZA’s target sectors
• Plan to use their position in Qatar to primarily trade in the regional and international markets
• Demonstrate their ability to generate incremental economic added value
• Demonstrate financial capability to undertake the proposed investment.

As part of the initial phase of development, we expect our first land plots and pre-built units in both Ras Bufontas and Umm Alhoul Free Zones to be available by the end of 2019.

The land and buildings are currently available for lease only.

Rates are regionally competitive. Specific pricing arrangements will be determined based on your land use and specific utility and location requirements which will be discussed during the application process.

Yes, site visits can be arranged by your QFZA Business Development representative as part of the application process.

We are now open for applications from investors seeking to establish industrial and internationally trading operations within the Free Zones and the QFZA Business Development Team is available to support you through the application process.  

If you are interested in establishing a business in the free zones the first step is to complete an online enquiry on our website at https://fza.gov.qa/apply/ . Once we receive your enquiry you will contacted by a member of our Business Development Team to discuss your plans in more detail. QFZA will determine if your proposed business plan is eligible for the Free Zones, and if so will provide you with a formal application form, to be submitted along with a License Application Fee.