E-commerce
Qatar E-Commerce Licence 2026: Decision No. 25, Activities and Fees
Published: Information last verified: 10 November 2026
Qatar's Ministry of Commerce and Industry introduced an e-commerce licence under Minister of Commerce and Industry Decision No. 25 of 2026. The licence covers 194 approved activities, the issuance fee is QAR 500, and the application is made online. It allows e-commerce activities to be set up and run online by licensing the website dedicated to the activity in Qatar.
Key points
- Legal basis: Minister of Commerce and Industry Decision No. 25 of 2026.
- Approved activities: 194.
- Licence issuance fee: QAR 500.
- Application: online.
- What is licensed: the website dedicated to the activity in Qatar.
- The Ministry says the licence eases the requirements for starting the activity.
What is the e-commerce licence?
According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announcement, the licence is part of the overhaul of the business set-up system. It allows e-commerce activities to be set up and managed entirely online by licensing the website dedicated to the activity in Qatar.
The Ministry says the licence gives owners of digital projects more flexible options, eases the requirements for starting the activity, and makes it easier for new projects to enter the market.
Related government fees
The issuance fee for the e-commerce licence is QAR 500 according to the Ministry announcement. If you set up through a company, the company registration fees published on the Single Window are added.
- E-commerce licence issuance fee: QAR 500.
- Commercial registration with one main activity: QAR 500, plus QAR 300 for each additional activity.
- Review of LLC articles: QAR 500. Notarisation: QAR 500 for the first three copies.
- Qatar Chamber fees are calculated automatically within the application.
Does it work with 100% foreign ownership?
Foreign ownership is governed by Law No. 1 of 2019, not by the type of licence. A non-Qatari investor may own up to 100% of the capital in all sectors except banks, insurance companies, commercial agencies and fields named by a Council of Ministers decision, after the Ministry of Commerce and Industry approves going above 49%.
So check two things before applying: that your activity is among the 194 activities approved for the licence, and that it is among the activities open to foreign ownership above 49% on the Single Window.
What the Ministry announcement does not say
The announcement does not include the following details, so we give no figures for them here. Confirm them with the Ministry or on the Single Window when applying.
- The full list of the 194 activities.
- The licence validity period and renewal fee.
- The documents required and the issuance time.
- Technical requirements for the website.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the e-commerce licence in Qatar?
The issuance fee for the e-commerce licence is QAR 500, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announcement.
Which decision governs the e-commerce licence?
Minister of Commerce and Industry Decision No. 25 of 2026.
How many activities does the licence cover?
194 approved activities, according to the Ministry announcement.
Can the application be made online?
Yes. The Ministry states that the application is submitted online.
Legal and official references
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry: e-commerce licence announcement (Decision No. 25 of 2026)
- Single Window: Start Your Business service (Ministry of Commerce and Industry)
- Law No. 1 of 2019 regulating the investment of non-Qatari capital (Al Meezan)
Government fees may change by decision of the competent authority and are confirmed when the application is filed. This article is general information, not legal advice.