Qatar steps up efforts to drive digital business and e-commerce growth

Doha, Qatar — Qatar has launched a dedicated e‑commerce licence that allows eligible businesses to carry out approved commercial activities through their own websites, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) announced. The licence covers 194 approved commercial activities, can be obtained for an issuance fee of QR500, and applications are submitted electronically through the Single Window platform, the ministry said.

“Discover the e‑commerce licence, which enables businesses to conduct 194 approved commercial activities through their own websites, establish a new e‑commerce company, and obtain the licence for an issuance fee of QR500. Applications can be submitted electronically through the Single Window platform, supporting the growth of e‑commerce and entrepreneurship while advancing digital transformation and enhancing the competitiveness of Qatar’s business environment,” the ministry wrote in a post on its X platform.

Context and details

The new framework, issued under the Minister of Commerce and Industry Decision No. 25 of 2026, establishes a dedicated route for entrepreneurs and investors to register and operate online businesses. “Under the Minister of Commerce and Industry Decision No. 25 of 2026 conduct your business digitally through your website. The e‑commerce licence allows specific approved commercial activities to be conducted electronically,” the ministry added.

The activities approved under the licence extend beyond conventional online retail and include professional and creative services. The ministry cited examples such as fashion design and related products, consulting services across various fields, digital design services, AI consulting and solutions, photography activities and translation services.

To ensure regulatory oversight and consumer trust, MoCI has attached specific requirements to the electronic domains used by licensed businesses. Licensed websites must use domains ending in .qa or .com.qa, and domain registration must be completed through one of eight approved service providers that are regulated by the Communications Regulatory Authority. This domain stipulation is framed as a way to guarantee compliance with national digital standards and add a layer of transparency to online commercial activity.

• Select an activity from the list of 194 approved commercial activities
• Obtain the e‑commerce licence for the issuance fee of QR500
• Operate the approved activity via a website with a .qa or .com.qa domain
• Register the domain through one of eight CRA‑regulated service providers
• Submit the electronic application via the Single Window platform

Outlook

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said the initiative is intended to support the growth of Qatar’s e‑commerce sector, encourage entrepreneurship and investment, and enhance trust and transparency in digital transactions. By aligning the licence with the Single Window platform and specifying domain requirements, regulators aim to streamline establishment while reinforcing digital governance.

MoCI framed the move as part of broader efforts to advance digital transformation and contribute to national development goals, including the Qatar National Vision 2030. For entrepreneurs and small businesses, the new licence creates a formal, lower‑cost pathway to operate electronically — provided they comply with the prescribed activity list, domain rules and application procedures.