How GCC Citizens Can Own Property in Qatar: Rules and Steps

GCC citizens can own up to three properties in Qatar’s residential areas, with a combined area of no more than 3,000 square meters.

These homes must be for the owner and their family.

Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2025 sets these rules, replacing the 2006 regulations. The new resolution was issued on 15 January 2025, published on 13 February 2025, and became effective the following day.

The limits at a glance

Maximum properties	3 (more possible with the Prime Minister’s approval)
Combined area	3,000 sqm across all properties
Permitted use	Housing for the owner and their family
Vacant land	Construction completed within 4 years of registration
Built property resale	No ownership transfer for 2 years from registration
Naturalized GCC citizens	Eligible 5 years after naturalization

Who the rules apply to

The resolution applies to citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries who are buying property as individuals, not as companies.

Some buyers have a waiting period. If you became a GCC citizen through naturalization, you can only own property in Qatar after five years from when you became a citizen.

Different rules apply to GCC companies and licensed professionals. These are explained later in the guide.

How many properties, and how large

Article 2 sets two main limits: you can own up to three properties in residential areas across Qatar, and the total area must not exceed 3,000 square meters.

You can become an owner through any transaction that transfers the property to you, such as buying, receiving it as a gift, or inheriting it through a will.

There are exceptions to the three-property limit. The Prime Minister may allow a GCC citizen to own more than three properties if the Minister of Municipality recommends it, but the total area still cannot exceed square meters. These rules also take into account Cabinet Resolution No. 28 of 2020.

What counts as a property

The resolution defines real estate as vacant land, buildings, facilities, and residential units, including those within residential complexes.

So, apartments and villas inside compounds are included, not just standalone plots or houses.

What can you use the property for

Ownership is for housing purposes. The article states that the property may only be used as a home for the owner and their family, unless Qatari law permits a different use.

You cannot use it for renting or business unless another law permits it.

Bought vacant land? You have four years to build

If you buy vacant land, you must complete construction within four years from the date it is registered in your name.

If you miss this deadline, the Committee for Regulating Non-Qatari Ownership and Use of Real Estate, established under Article 3 of Law No. 16 of 2018, has certain powers:

• First, the Committee may warn you and ask you to finish building or sell the land within a set time.
• If you do not act, the Committee can take over and sell the property. You will be paid either the property’s value at the time of sale or the first purchase price, whichever is lower.

This is important. If land prices rise and the Committee sells your property, you will only receive the original purchase price, not the higher market value. Missing the four-year deadline could cost you money.

The Committee can give you extra time if you have a valid reason for the delay in building.

If you disagree with the Committee’s decision

If you disagree with the Committee’s decision to sell your property or the compensation amount, you can file a complaint with the Minister of Municipality. There are three important deadlines to remember:

• You have 30 days to file, starting from when you find out about the decision.
• The Minister then has 30 days to decide, starting from when you file your complaint.
• If you do not receive a reply within this time, your complaint will be considered rejected, and that decision is final.

Built property: a two-year hold before resale

If you own a built property, you cannot sell or transfer it until two years have passed since it was registered in your name.

The only exception is if you get approval from the Prime Minister or someone he delegates.

Inheritance and wills

Article 6 of the resolution states:

“The owner of the property shall be treated, in accordance with the provisions of this resolution, in the same manner as citizens, in the event that the property devolves to him by reason of a will or inheritance, subject to the condition of reciprocity.”

Owning premises for a profession or business

Article 8 sets different rules for GCC individuals and companies licensed to practice a profession, craft, or run a permitted business in Qatar. They can own property needed for their work if they meet three conditions:

• The property must be used only for the licensed profession, craft, or business activity.
• The property’s size must be suitable for the activity, as suggested by the Committee and approved by the Prime Minister.
• You cannot sell or transfer the property until you stop the activity it was bought for or move it elsewhere.

What the resolution replaced

Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2025 replaced Cabinet Resolution No. 5 of 2006, which set the rules for GCC citizens’ property ownership for nearly twenty years.

The new resolution is now in force and brings updated rules.