According to InterNations, Qatar has been ranked in the top 10 countries in the world for expats to live in in 2021, with Doha ranking as the second safest city in the world globally. With their healthcare system ranked at 17th on a list of 59, With events like FIFA 2022 and the Qatar National Vision 2030, Qatar has been seen as the hub of prosperous activities, with the government being more inclusive of expats in the country as well.
With more than 88% percentage of expats adding to their population of Qatar, and the government passing regulations for allowing ownership and investment, we decided to look into factors that determine foreigners ' buying property in Qatar. According to decision No. 28 in 2020, Non-Qataris are now allowed to own properties in 25 strategic areas in the country.
99 Years of Ownership vs Freehold
The 99 years of ownership refers to the owner’s right to dispose of their property and rent whereas Freehold refers to owning the property in Qatar as specified by the government rules. Foreigners will have the right to sell or rent property without restrictions and those who are interested in residing or investing in Qatar must request the Office of Non-Qatari-Real Esrare Ownership
Advantages of Ownership
If you invest in a property with the value of QR 730, 000, you get granted residency in the country without the need of having a recruiter/sponsor in the country. This property is transferred to the heir and the offer for permanent residency does not expire if the owner passes away. As an owner of the Freehold system, you will need to be in Qatar for no less than 90 days per year (can be continuous or intermittent). You and your family will be eligible for the residency permits through this.
Privileges the come with investing in QR 3,650 000 worth of property include getting the same benefits as permanent residence cardholders and getting perks such as free health care, and education. You will still need to be in Qatar for no less than 90 days per year (can be continuous or intermittent).
Areas to Invest
Freehold Ownership:
West Bay (Legtaifiya) - Zone 66
The Pearl – Zone 66
Al Khor Resort – Zone 74
Al Dafna (administrative area)- Zone 60
Al Dafna (administrative area) – Zone 61
Onaiza (administrative area) – Zone No 63
Lusail – Zone 69
Al Kharaij – Zone 69
Fox Hills – Zone 69
Lease holding (for up to 99 years)
Msheireb
Fereej Abdel Aaziz
Al Doha Al Jadeeda
Al Ghanim Al Ateeq
Al Rufaa & Al Hitmi Al Ateeq
Al Salatah
Freej Bin Mahmoud 22
Freej Bin Mahmoud 23
Rawdat Al Khail
Al – Mansoura, Freej Bin Dirham
Najma
Umm Ghuwalina
Al Khulaifat
Al Sadd
Al Mirqab Al Jadeed
Doha International Airport Area
Requirements
All services, including deed issuance, purchasing, obtaining privileges, etc should be conducted through a single point of contact with a 0.25% registration (property transfer) fee of the total value of the property with be calculated by the Real Estate Registration Department.
Steps to Obtain Property
- Choose your property and get in touch with the real estate agent if applicable to the area
- Submit your application online through the Ministry of Justice portal and wait for its approval
- Receive your deed from the headquarters of the real estate office for non-Qataris after you conclude the buying process
- Receive the Residency Permit, if requested, from the Ministry of Interior
Building Your Property
If you have bought land for yourself in Qatar, you must build on it within four years from the date that the land is registered under your name. However, if you are unable to do so, you can even make a complaint to the Minister of Justice within a notice period of 30 days from the time the Committee passes the decision of disposing of your property after 4 years.
The laws have made it easier for foreigners to not just reside but also invest in Qatar. With options of either owning a detached unit in a residential complex or owning an office/shop in commercial zones opens endless opportunities for expats here, further aiding the country reach its diversification goals for the Qatar National Vision 2020.
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Cover Image Credit: Sven Hansche
Inline Image Credit: 1: Juana Nunez, 2: Hasan Zaidi
