🇶🇦 Qatar (QFC) vs 🇦🇪 UAE (DIFC)
A side-by-side look at setting up a company in Qatar (QFC) (QFC LLC) and UAE (DIFC) (DIFC Private Company Ltd), plus 1 regulatory differences to plan for if you operate in both.
| Criterion | Qatar (QFC) | UAE (DIFC) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vehicle | QFC LLC | DIFC Private Company Ltd |
| Foreign ownership | 100% | 100% |
| Minimum capital | No statutory minimum | USD 50,000 typical (activity-based) |
| Time to incorporate | 10–20 days | 10–25 days |
| Corporate tax | 10% | 9% (0% for qualifying income) |
| VAT / GST | None (VAT pending) | 5% |
| Dividend withholding | 0% | 0% |
| Resident director | Not required | Not required |
| Physical office | Flexi-desk accepted | Required |
| Annual running cost | USD 5,000–12,000 | USD 12,000–30,000 |
| Audit | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Legal system | English common law (QFC courts) | English common law (DIFC courts) |
| Currency controls | None | None |
Operating in both: key conflicts
medium
Sanctions & export control: Extraterritorial sanctions reach differs
The higher-exposure jurisdiction applies its sanctions and export-control rules extraterritorially to group entities, personnel and USD/GBP clearing. Screen counterparties against the stricter list group-wide.
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Figures are indicative and change often. Not legal or tax advice — confirm with qualified counsel.