QFC onboarded 1,135 new firms in the first half of 2026 — a 37% increase year over year — taking its total registered firms past 4,700. Technology & Innovation led the growth with 544 new firms. The rise reflects QFC’s appeal for 100% foreign ownership, profit repatriation and a competitive tax framework, though it is not automatically the right structure for every business — see QFC vs Mainland vs Free Zone below.
Qatar continues to strengthen its position as one of the region’s growing destinations for entrepreneurs, international companies and investors.
The latest numbers from the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) highlight that momentum. QFC registered 1,135 new firms during the first half of 2026, representing a 37% increase compared with the same period in 2025. By the end of June 2026, the total number of firms registered with QFC had grown to more than 4,700.
For entrepreneurs considering company formation in Qatar, these numbers raise an important question:
Why are more businesses choosing QFC, and could it be the right structure for your business?
QFC Business Growth in 2026
The growth has not been limited to one industry. According to QFC, new registrations during H1 2026 included:
| Sector | New firms (H1 2026) |
|---|---|
| Technology & Innovation | 544 |
| Media & Entertainment | 173 |
| Consulting & Professional Services | 166 |
| Wealth | 84 |
| Fintech | 65 |
Technology and innovation accounted for the largest number of new registrations, demonstrating Qatar’s increasing appeal to technology-focused and innovative businesses.
For entrepreneurs exploring business setup in Qatar, this growth also shows the range of sectors using QFC as a platform to establish and expand their operations.
Why Are Companies Choosing QFC?
The Qatar Financial Centre is an onshore business and financial centre that provides a framework for local and international companies looking to operate from Qatar. Several features make QFC company formation attractive to eligible businesses.
1. Up to 100% Foreign Ownership
QFC permits registered firms to have up to 100% foreign ownership. For international entrepreneurs, this can provide greater control over ownership, management and the long-term direction of their business — see our guide to 100% foreign ownership in Qatar.
2. 100% Repatriation of Profits
QFC also permits 100% repatriation of profits, providing international businesses with greater flexibility when managing earnings generated through their Qatar operations.
3. Competitive Corporate Tax Framework
QFC generally applies a 10% corporate tax on locally sourced profits, subject to its applicable tax regulations. Businesses should obtain professional tax advice based on their specific activities and circumstances rather than assuming that the same treatment applies to every company.
4. Onshore Business Environment
An important point for investors is that QFC operates as an onshore jurisdiction. It provides businesses with an internationally aligned legal, regulatory and tax environment while allowing eligible companies to establish a presence in Qatar.
5. English Common Law-Based Framework
QFC operates with a legal and regulatory framework based on English common law principles and international best practices. This can be particularly attractive to international companies and investors already familiar with similar legal frameworks.
Technology Companies Are Leading QFC Growth
One of the most interesting trends from the latest QFC figures is the growth of the Technology & Innovation sector. Of the 1,135 firms onboarded during H1 2026, 544 were in Technology & Innovation.
This creates an important opportunity for businesses working in areas such as:
- Artificial intelligence
- Software and technology services
- Digital solutions
- IT consulting
- Business technology
- Innovation services
- Technology advisory
Companies in these sectors considering expansion into Qatar should therefore assess whether QFC is suitable for their proposed business activities.
Consulting and Professional Services Are Also Growing
Consulting and professional services represented another significant category, with 166 new firms registered during H1 2026.
This makes QFC particularly relevant to entrepreneurs considering businesses involving professional expertise, advisory or consultancy services, provided their proposed activities fall within QFC’s permitted activities.
Before applying, it is important to confirm that your exact business activity is eligible and that QFC is the most appropriate jurisdiction for your commercial objectives.
Web Summit Qatar 2026 Also Drove Business Interest
QFC reported receiving approximately 2,300 business licensing applications during Web Summit Qatar 2026, around 44% more than the previous year.
QFC linked the strong response partly to incentives and its streamlined onboarding model. The numbers demonstrate increasing international interest in using Qatar as a location for establishing technology, consulting and other businesses.
Is QFC the Best Option for Every Business?
Not necessarily. This is one of the most important things entrepreneurs should understand before starting a company in Qatar.
Depending on your business activity, ownership requirements, target customers, office requirements and future plans, you may need to compare options such as QFC vs Mainland vs Qatar Free Zones.
For example, a consulting company may have different requirements from a trading, contracting, manufacturing or technology business. Choosing a company structure simply because it appears cheaper or easier can create complications later. A proper business activity assessment should therefore be completed before beginning the registration process.
QFC vs Mainland vs Free Zone: Which Should You Choose?
There is no single structure that is best for every investor.
QFC
QFC can be attractive for eligible businesses in areas such as professional services, consulting, technology, financial services and other approved activities.
Mainland
A Mainland company can be more appropriate for businesses whose activities and operational requirements are better served through registration under Qatar’s mainland commercial framework.
Qatar Free Zones
Free-zone structures can be attractive to businesses whose activities, operational model and investment requirements align with the relevant free-zone framework.
The right choice depends on what your company actually intends to do in Qatar.
How to Start a QFC Company in Qatar
The exact process depends on your proposed activity and company structure, but the journey generally involves determining whether the activity is permitted, selecting the appropriate legal structure, preparing the required information and documents, submitting the application and completing the relevant licensing requirements.
Because every business is different, investors should verify their activity and regulatory requirements before proceeding — our PRO services team can help with documentation and licensing once your structure is confirmed.
Should You Consider QFC Company Formation in 2026?
The latest registration figures provide a strong indication of growing business interest. With 1,135 firms onboarded in only six months and registrations increasing 37% year over year, QFC is becoming an increasingly important part of Qatar’s business ecosystem.
For entrepreneurs in technology, consulting, professional services, fintech, media and other eligible sectors, it may be worth evaluating QFC when planning a Qatar market entry.
However, the key is not simply asking:
“How do I register a QFC company?”
The better question is:
“Is QFC the right structure for my business?”
That decision should come before registration.
Written by Tejwaans Corporate Group · Company Formation in Qatar
Planning to start a business in Qatar? Let’s find out if QFC is the right structure for you.
Talk to Our AdvisorsFrequently Asked Questions
QCan foreigners own 100% of a QFC company?
QFC permits eligible registered firms to have up to 100% foreign ownership, subject to the applicable requirements and approved business activities.
QWhat is the corporate tax rate for QFC companies?
QFC generally applies 10% corporate tax on locally sourced profits, subject to the QFC tax regulations and the circumstances of the individual business.
QIs QFC a free zone?
No. QFC describes itself as an onshore business and financial centre. Investors should therefore avoid treating QFC, Qatar Free Zones and Mainland structures as interchangeable.
QWhat types of businesses are growing in QFC?
According to QFC’s H1 2026 results, Technology & Innovation recorded the largest number of new firms, followed by Media & Entertainment, Consulting & Professional Services, Wealth and Fintech.
QIs QFC better than a Mainland company in Qatar?
It depends on your business activity and requirements. QFC may be attractive for certain professional, technology, financial and other approved activities, while a Mainland structure may be more suitable for other businesses. A business activity assessment should be carried out before choosing.
QHow can Tejwaans help with QFC company formation?
Tejwaans Corporate Group can assist investors in assessing their business requirements, understanding available company formation options, preparing for the setup process and navigating relevant corporate procedures in Qatar.
Planning to Start a Business in Qatar?
Tejwaans Corporate Group assists entrepreneurs, investors and international companies with company formation and business setup in Qatar.
Our team can help you assess your proposed business activity and understand which setup route may be suitable for your requirements — whether you are considering QFC, Mainland or Free Zone company formation. Instead of choosing a structure without understanding the long-term implications, speak with our team and start with a proper business setup assessment.
- Company Formation Services
- QFC Business Setup
- QFC vs Mainland vs Free Zone
- Contact Tejwaans Corporate Group
Related guides
- MOCI Qatar: Complete Guide to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- Entering the Qatar Market in 2026: A Guide for Foreign Investors
- Single Window Qatar: Services, Business Activities & Company Setup Explained
- Free Zone vs Mainland vs QFC in Qatar
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax or investment advice. Figures are based on reported QFC statistics and may be revised or updated by QFC. Always verify current requirements, fees and eligibility directly with QFC or a licensed business setup advisor before acting on any information in this article.