Qatar Implements New Rules for Foreign Real Estate Residency

Qatar has set two specific conditions for non-Qatari real estate owners or users to qualify for permanent residency privileges, as outlined in Decision of the Council of Ministers No. (28) of 2020. The first condition requires the foreigner to spend at least 90 days per year in Qatar, whether consecutively or spread throughout the year.

The second condition pertains to the monetary value of the property; it must be worth at least 730,000 Qatari Riyals to qualify for a standard residency permit. To access full privileges, including healthcare and investment benefits, the property value must reach 3,650,000 Qatari Riyals or more.

Property values are assessed by the Department of Real Estate Registration at the Ministry of Justice. Non-Qataris are permitted to own real estate in designated areas, including West Bay, The Pearl, Lusail, and Al Khor Resort, while other areas allow usufruct use only.

Foreigners must complete construction on vacant land within four years of registration, or the Committee for Regulation of Non-Qatari Ownership and Use of Real Estate may dispose of the undeveloped land.