Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Formation Document
I need a formation document for establishing a limited liability company (LLC) in Qatar, detailing the roles and responsibilities of each founding member, the distribution of shares, and compliance with local regulations. The document should also outline the process for decision-making and dispute resolution among members.
What is a Formation Document?
A Formation Document is the official paperwork you need to legally establish your business in Qatar. It outlines essential details like your company's name, ownership structure, business activities, and initial capital. Under Qatar's Commercial Companies Law, this document must be submitted to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry when setting up any business entity.
Think of it as your company's birth certificate - it proves your business exists and sets the ground rules for how it will operate. For Qatari limited liability companies (LLCs), it must include specific shareholding information and be written in Arabic. Once approved and registered, your Formation Document becomes a binding legal reference for your company's basic structure and operations.
When should you use a Formation Document?
You need a Formation Document when starting any new business venture in Qatar, from small enterprises to large corporations. This foundational paperwork comes into play before you can legally begin operations, secure commercial registration, or open a corporate bank account. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry requires it as part of your initial business setup process.
A Formation Document becomes especially important during key business moments: bringing in new shareholders, expanding into additional business activities, or seeking investment funding. Qatar's regulations mandate updating this document to reflect significant company changes, so keep it current as your business evolves. Many companies also need it when bidding on government contracts or applying for specific licenses.
What are the different types of Formation Document?
- Partnership Contract: The most common Formation Document for small businesses, detailing partner roles, profit sharing, and management rights
- Business Agreement Form: A simplified Formation Document used for sole proprietorships and small enterprises with straightforward structures
- Partnership Deed Form: A detailed Formation Document specifically designed for professional service firms and consulting partnerships
- Board of Directors Resolution: Used when establishing larger companies requiring formal board oversight and governance structures
Who should typically use a Formation Document?
- Business Founders: Primary users who must prepare and sign the Formation Document when establishing their company in Qatar
- Legal Consultants: Draft and review the documents to ensure compliance with Qatari law and protect client interests
- Ministry Officials: Review and approve Formation Documents as part of the business registration process
- Shareholders: Must be listed in the document with their ownership percentages and voting rights clearly defined
- Corporate Banks: Require Formation Documents to open business accounts and verify company authority
- Company Managers: Use the document as reference for operational authority and decision-making boundaries
How do you write a Formation Document?
- Company Details: Gather full legal names, proposed business name, and intended activities
- Ownership Structure: Document shareholder information, capital contributions, and profit-sharing ratios
- Management Setup: Define roles, responsibilities, and decision-making authority clearly
- Required Documentation: Collect passport copies, Qatar IDs, and proof of address for all parties
- Legal Requirements: Check minimum capital requirements and local ownership rules for your business type
- Document Generation: Use our platform to create a legally-sound Formation Document that meets Qatar's requirements
- Language Compliance: Ensure Arabic version is prepared alongside any English translation
What should be included in a Formation Document?
- Company Identification: Full legal name, trade name, and commercial registration details
- Business Purpose: Specific permitted activities under Qatar Commercial Law
- Capital Structure: Initial capital amount, share distribution, and payment terms
- Ownership Details: Names, nationalities, and shares of all partners/shareholders
- Management Structure: Decision-making procedures and authority limits
- Duration Clause: Company lifespan and renewal provisions
- Profit Distribution: Method and timing of profit sharing
- Dispute Resolution: Clear procedures aligned with Qatari law
- Signature Block: Arabic attestation requirements and official stamps
What's the difference between a Formation Document and a Corporate Governance Document?
People often confuse a Formation Document with a Corporate Governance Document, but they serve distinct purposes in Qatar's legal framework. While both are crucial for business operations, they function differently and are needed at different stages.
- Timing and Purpose: Formation Documents are required at company creation and establish legal existence, while Corporate Governance Documents guide ongoing operations and decision-making processes
- Legal Requirements: Formation Documents must be filed with the Ministry of Commerce for business registration, whereas Governance Documents are internal policies that can be modified without government approval
- Content Focus: Formation Documents outline basic structure, ownership, and capital, while Governance Documents detail board procedures, reporting lines, and operational policies
- Modification Process: Changes to Formation Documents require official amendments and registration, but Governance Documents can be updated through internal procedures
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
Genie’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; Genie’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our Trust Centre for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.