Nominee Agreement Template for Qatar

A Nominee Agreement lets someone act legally on behalf of another party while keeping the true owner's identity private. In Qatar, these agreements are common in business arrangements where a local sponsor or representative manages assets or conducts transactions for foreign investors, in line with Qatar's Commercial Companies Law.

The agreement carefully outlines the nominee's duties, compensation, and limits of authority while protecting both parties' interests. While Qatar requires transparency in most business dealings, nominee arrangements help facilitate legitimate business structures, particularly in sectors where local ownership requirements apply. The agreement must follow strict compliance rules and cannot be used to circumvent Qatari laws.

Use a Nominee Agreement when establishing business operations in Qatar that require local representation or ownership. This agreement proves especially valuable for foreign investors who need a Qatari national to hold shares or act as a sponsor while maintaining control over their business interests, particularly in sectors with local ownership requirements.

The agreement becomes essential when structuring joint ventures, real estate investments, or commercial agency relationships in Qatar. It helps navigate local ownership rules while protecting both parties' interests through clear documentation of roles, responsibilities, and financial arrangements. Many businesses use these agreements during their initial market entry or when expanding operations across restricted sectors.

• Share Nominee Agreement: Used when a local Qatari citizen holds company shares on behalf of foreign investors, detailing profit distribution and voting rights
• Corporate Nominee Agreement: Establishes a local corporate entity to act as nominee for foreign business operations, common in commercial agency setups
• Property Nominee Agreement: Applied when Qatari nationals hold real estate on behalf of foreign investors in restricted areas
• Bank Account Nominee Agreement: Governs arrangements where a local representative manages financial accounts for foreign businesses
• Trading Nominee Agreement: Used in import/export operations where local sponsors facilitate trade activities under Qatar's commercial regulations

• Foreign Investors: Primary beneficiaries who need local representation to conduct business in Qatar while maintaining control over their investments
• Qatari Sponsors: Local citizens or companies who act as nominees, holding shares or assets on behalf of foreign parties while complying with local ownership requirements
• Legal Counsel: Draft and review Nominee Agreements to ensure compliance with Qatari law and protect both parties' interests
• Corporate Service Providers: Help structure and manage nominee arrangements, especially for new market entrants
• Government Regulators: Monitor these agreements to ensure compliance with Qatar's foreign investment and commercial laws

• Party Details: Gather complete information about the nominee and beneficiary, including valid identification, commercial registration numbers, and contact details
• Asset Scope: Define exactly what assets or shares will be held under the nominee arrangement, including their current market value
• Control Mechanisms: Outline specific voting rights, profit distribution formulas, and decision-making protocols
• Compliance Check: Verify the arrangement meets Qatar's foreign ownership restrictions and commercial agency laws
• Documentation: Collect supporting documents like commercial registrations, power of attorney forms, and existing business licenses

• Identification Section: Full legal names and details of both nominee and beneficiary, with clear roles defined under Qatari law
• Scope of Authority: Detailed description of assets or shares covered, nominee's powers, and limitations under local regulations
• Compensation Terms: Clear statement of nominee fees, payment schedule, and profit-sharing arrangements
• Duration & Termination: Agreement period, renewal terms, and conditions for early termination
• Governing Law: Explicit reference to Qatar law jurisdiction and dispute resolution mechanisms
• Confidentiality Clause: Terms protecting sensitive business information and trade secrets

A Nominee Agreement differs significantly from an Agency Agreement in Qatar's legal framework. While both involve one party acting on behalf of another, their scope, purpose, and legal implications vary considerably. Let's explore the key differences:

• Legal Relationship: A Nominee Agreement creates a beneficial ownership structure where the nominee holds assets in their name but for the benefit of another party. An Agency Agreement establishes a direct representation relationship with more limited scope.
• Ownership Rights: Nominees actually hold legal title to assets or shares, while agents simply act on behalf of the principal without ownership claims.
• Disclosure Requirements: Nominee arrangements often maintain confidentiality of the true owner, whereas agency relationships typically require transparent disclosure to third parties.
• Regulatory Framework: Agency Agreements fall under Qatar's Commercial Agency Law with specific registration requirements, while Nominee Agreements operate under broader commercial and corporate laws.