For decades, establishing a commercial presence in Qatar meant one thing as a prerequisite: a physical office. Securing a lease was as fundamental to business setup as obtaining a commercial registration. That landscape has now materially shifted.
On 4 March 2026, Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (“MOCI”) issued Ministerial Decision No. 25 of 2026 (the “Decision”), which came into force on 16 March 2026 following publication in the Official Gazette. The Decision introduces a dedicated licensing framework allowing certain commercial activities to be conducted exclusively through digital platforms — without the requirement to maintain physical commercial premises. This is a significant regulatory development for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and international businesses eyeing the Qatari market.
The framework establishes a mandatory e-commerce license for businesses operating through websites, social media channels, or other digital platforms. Crucially, the term “website” is defined broadly under the Decision to encompass any technology-based system facilitating communications or transactions between parties — meaning platforms ranging from dedicated e-commerce sites to Instagram storefronts may fall within scope.
Permitted activities under the framework will be determined by a MOCI-approved list, subject to ministerial sign-off and publication on the Ministry’s website. Businesses may not conduct eligible activities digitally without first obtaining the e-commerce license and paying the applicable fees. Where a business operates across multiple platforms, a separate license must be obtained for each.
The Decision carries meaningful compliance obligations. Licensed operators must ensure their platforms display commercial registration and license numbers, customer service contact details, product and service descriptions, return and exchange policies, and consumer complaint mechanisms. Electronic payment options must also be made available. Regulators have been deliberate in signaling that operating online does not diminish accountability to consumers.
Businesses and advisors should note several important initial questions the Decision leaves open. The framework ostensibly applies only to MOCI-registered entities. Businesses established within the Qatar Financial Centre (“QFC”), Media City Qatar (“MCQ”), or other free zones likely fall outside its direct scope. Additionally, the Decision expressly excludes personal-use transactions that do not involve commercial quantities.
It is important to contextualize this Decision, as it did not emerge in isolation. Qatar’s Cabinet gave in-principle approval to the concept as far back as January 2025, signaling the government’s intent to formalize digital commerce regulation as part of the broader MOCI Strategy 2024–2030 targeting full-service digitalization and a more competitive, investor-friendly business environment. The framework sits alongside a series of recent e-service expansions, including the ability for investors to obtain many government services digitally. This digital transformation, along with a number of other pro-investor initiatives (notably the expansion of commercial activities eligible for 100% foreign ownership), have resulted in making Qatar a globally competitive business environment for foreign investors.
For businesses currently selling via social media or digital platforms without a formal license, this Decision brings both an opportunity and an obligation, which is to formalize your operations or risk non-compliance. For those considering entering the Qatari market without the overhead of a physical establishment, the framework offers a new and meaningful pathway. Either way, careful analysis of which activities qualify, which platforms require separate licensing, and how consumer disclosure obligations apply to your model will be essential.
Our team advises clients across the GCC on commercial licensing, digital regulatory compliance, and market entry strategy. If you would like to understand how Ministerial Decision No. 25 of 2026 applies to your business, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Authors: Dean Jaloudi, Partner, Head of Doha Office and Jehan Saleh, Associate.