Regulatory Alerts2019-01-01
Law No. (1) of 2019 on Regulating Non-Qatari Capital Investment in Economic Activities
Issued by Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Law No. 1 of 2019 establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for non-Qatari capital investment in Qatar, permitting up to 100% foreign ownership across all economic sectors while explicitly reserving banking, insurance, and commercial agency activities for Qatari nationals. The legislation mandates streamlined licensing procedures, grants targeted income tax and customs exemptions, guarantees free repatriation of capital and profits, and establishes arbitration mechanisms for dispute resolution alongside clear administrative penalties for non-compliance. Furthermore, it supersedes the 2000 investment law, defines precise eligibility criteria and procedural timelines for applications and appeals, and ensures that existing state-linked enterprises and QatarEnergy licensees remain exempt where their specific concessions dictate.