Can foreigners or expats buy property in Qatar? The year 2020 brought about a decision from the government of Qatar which allowed non-Qataris to own property. The decision was driven by the vision to accelerate investment which opened avenues for non-Qatari individuals and commercial companies to own property in Qatar.

The property eligibility includes allowing non-Qataris to own offices, shops, units and villas in residential complexes and real estate development of lands in allocated areas.

The ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team brings you the essential information you would need to be aware of if you are looking to buy property in Qatar as a non-Qatari in-line with the regulations stipulated by the Ministry of Justice.

What are the types of property ownership for non-Qataris

Freehold

Freehold ownership allows people to buy the entire desired property by law. This ownership is not specific to a particular period of time.

Owners of freehold property in Qatar and beneficiaries will be entitled to privileges of the real estate, such as having the full right to dispose of the real estate, selling off the real estate, mortgage it, rent it and perform all actions on the real estate, and this right is transferred by inheritance.

Additionally, there is no defined period of a sale, thus, allowing the owner and beneficiary to sell the property whenever they wish.

Usufruct

The Usufruct ownership of property is limited to a specific period of time, typically to a maximum of 99 years, which can be extended to a similar period according to the agreement of the two parties, and the usufruct is transferred by inheritance.

Where in Qatar can non-Qataris own property

The Ministry of Justice has stipulated different areas around Qatar within which non-Qataris may own properties as freehold or usufruct.

Freehold

• The areas for non-Qataris to own property as Freehold will include West Bay, The Pearl, Al Khor, Al Qassar, Al Dafna, Onazia, Lusail, Al Khuraij & Jabal Thuaileb.

Usufruct

• The areas for non-Qataris to own property as Usufruct will be Msheireb, Freej Abdul Aziz, Doha Al Jadeed, Old Al Ghanim, Al Rufaa, Old Al Hitmi, Al Salata, Fereej Bin Mahmoud, Rawdat Al Khail, Al Mansoura, Freej Bin Durham, Najma, Umm Ghuwailina, Al Khulaifat, Al Sadd, Mirqab Al Jadeed, Fereej Al Nasr, Doha International Airport area.

What are the benefits of owning property in Qatar

Non-Qataris who buy property in Qatar will be eligible to obtain residency in Qatar.

In the case of property worth more than three million, six hundred and fifty thousand riyals (QR 3,650,000), the non-Qatari owner will be eligible for permanent residency (PR) in Qatar, along with health, education and investment benefits.

What are the conditions for getting real-estate residency in Qatar?

• To obtain real estate residency, the property's value must be more than (QR 730,000) seven hundred and thirty thousand Qatari riyals.
• To obtain permanent residency along with benefits, the property value must be more than (QR 3,650,000) three million, six hundred and fifty thousand Qatari riyals.
• If the intended property to purchase is less than (QR 730,000) seven hundred and thirty thousand Qatari riyals, a non-Qatari may purchase it but will not obtain residency.

How to apply for ownership of property

If a non-Qatari would like to own a property, they may submit an application via the dedicated portal on the Ministry of Justice website.

Mandatory documents required to apply for property ownership:

• Title deed
• Copy of ID/Passport
• Certificate of good conduct (for non-residents of Qatar)

How to find property available for purchase?

Non-Qataris interested in owning property in Qatar may reach out to real estate agencies in Qatar who will assist with finding suitable properties in the designated areas and provide guidance through the procedure.

Details

• Ministry of Justice platform for non-Qatari property ownership: www.moj.gov..qa
• Contact:
  • +974 4021 5555​​ (local)
  • +974 4406 9932 (hotline from outside Qatar)
  • 137 (hotline)
• Email: [email protected]

Source: Ministry of Justice

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Fareeha Imtiaz

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