Qatar’s new foreign investment law has really opened doors of opportunities for many expats. Individuals and entities alike are recognizing these efforts, and some financial experts now acknowledge Qatar as being at least above average when it comes to foreign investment attractiveness.
Before you make any investments in Qatar, you have to consider the following tips.
Guide to Investing in Qatar as an Expat
1. Figure out what expats typically invest in, and what their degree of success is.
Many expats invest in stocks and mutual funds. They also like to invest in low-cost funds that are long term, moderately diversified, available not just in Qatar but in many other countries in the world.
2. Determine the stability of regulations surrounding foreign investments
Foreign investors are permitted, but there are regulations that need to be met. For one, business can only be conducted if they have at least one Qatari (entity or person) business partner. However, if you can secure an approval from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, you can actually own up to 100 percent of the company.
3. Identify the investment protections you can get as an expat investor.
One of the benefits that foreign investors have in Qatar is protection from expropriation; that is, the government of Qatar will not take away your property for public use. You will be protected from being dispossessed. You can also have full ownership if your company is small or medium sized and is within the Qatar Free Zones, Qatar Science and Technology Park and Qatar Financial Centre.
4. Know what incentives you can get for investing, if any.
There are many good reasons why you should invest in Qatar. For one, the process of acquiring licenses and starting businesses in general has been much smoother now, thanks to major government law revisions. This new development has been acknowledged by various foreign authorities, and Qatar has seen itself atop the ranks of the Global Foreign Direct Investment Country Attractiveness Index.
5. Be well-versed with the political situation of Qatar.
Qatar is politically stable, and crime rates are quite low. There have been some geopolitical rifts with neighboring Middle Eastern countries, but Qatar has shown its resilience and self-sustainability and the security and political environment of the country has not changed at all. Moreover, there are no organized political oppositions and political parties.
6. Research on the stability of the Qatar Riyal.
According to the Qatar Central Bank, Qatar Riyal is highly stable in terms of its exchange rate with the U.S. Dollar. Moreover, the International Monetary Fund recognizes it as an official currency. The Qatar Central Bank also has large cash reserves to support this currency.
7. Find out more about the financial and banking system of the country.
The banking system of Qatar is led by the Qatar Central Bank. It is responsible for taking charge of all banks in the country, as well as all money exchange firms. The economy of Qatar has taken giant progressive steps in the last few decades thanks in large part to a financial and banking system that supports the principle of a free market.
The best way to know the answer to these queries is by talking to people who are actually investing. They can give you accurate and unbiased advice.
Most investors also visit the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for more information. It is also good practice to hire a lawyer who can guide you through all the steps necessary to make a successful investment in Qatar.