Qatar Free Zones Authority
Overview
The Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) is an independent authority created in 2018 to oversee free zones in Qatar, offering opportunities for businesses seeking to expand globally. Though only established in 2005, the Qatar Free Zones (QFZ) have been home to many exciting and new developments. The free zones were designed and are dedicated to the diversification and development of Qatar’s economy, focusing on four core sectors: emerging technologies, logistics, industry, and maritime, all while maintaining a commitment to quality and sustainability.
There are currently two free zones in Qatar:
- Ras Bufontas Free Zone, a 400 hectare area adjacent to Hamad International Airport; and
- Umm AlHoul Free Zone, a 3,000 hectare area adjacent to Hamad Port,
Both free zones are continuously growing and open for foreign investment. One example of QFZ’s partnerships is with iLife Digital, which will host Qatar’s first laptop manufacturing facility in the Umm Alhoul Free Zone.
Setting up in QFZ gives companies access to fast growing nearby markets in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and Western Asia. This is done with the intent that an influx of new businesses to these areas will contribute to the economic growth of Qatar and increase the diversification of the Qatari economy.
QFZ businesses enjoy the benefits of 0% corporate tax for renewable 20-year periods, 100% foreign ownership with full capital repatriation, branch or LLC structuring options, access to investment funding, robust data protection and intellectual property laws, zero customs duties, no individual income tax, and full access to Qatar’s double taxation treaty network with over 65 countries.