How to Get Residency in Qatar by Buying Property (Steps & Costs)

If you buy property in one of Qatar’s designated zones for at least QR 730,000 (about USD 200,000), you can get a real estate residence permit without needing a sponsor.

If your property is worth QR 3.65 million (about USD 1 million) or more, your permit comes with additional benefits such as public healthcare, education, and access to certain investment opportunities.

The permit is valid for 5 years, automatically renews as long as you own the property, and allows you to sponsor your spouse, children, and parents.

This guide shows you how the program works, what it costs, and how to apply.

The two thresholds

Qatar’s real estate residency program has two levels, set by Cabinet Decision No. 28 of 2020:

Tier 1: If your property is worth QR 730,000 or more, you can obtain a residence permit without a sponsor. Your property serves as your sponsor rather than your employer, and you keep the permit even if you change jobs or stop working, as long as you own the qualifying property and pay the renewal fees.

Tier 2: If your property is worth QR 3,650,000 or more, you get the same permit plus additional benefits that permanent residency cardholders receive. These include public healthcare, your children’s education, and the right to invest in certain business activities.

Both tiers have one condition: you must spend at least 90 days in Qatar each year. You can do this in one trip or over several visits.

Many articles get this wrong. The QR 3.65 million tier grants you permanent residency, but it is not the same as Qatar’s official Permanent Residency Card under Law No. 10 of 2018. That card requires about 20 years of residence and is limited to 100 people per year. The property route gives you most of the benefits right away, but the legal status is different.

What the permit gives you

• The permit is valid for 5 years and automatically renews when you pay the fees, as long as you own the property or have the usufruct right.
• You can sponsor your spouse, children, and parents for residence permits. Tier 2 benefits, including healthcare and education, are meant for the owner and their dependents. Check with the Ministry of Interior to confirm exactly who is covered in your case.
• You can work for any employer in Qatar once you have a work permit. The residency permit alone does not let you work, but unlike regular residents, your legal status is not tied to a specific employer.

Which properties qualify

The property must be in a designated freehold or usufruct zone or be a qualifying standalone unit in a residential compound or commercial complex. Qatar has 10 freehold zones, including The Pearl Island, Lusail, West Bay (Legtaifiya), and the Simaisma Resort and Beach Project (added in June 2026), as well as 16 usufruct districts. You can find current listings for each zone on the Arady property portal by searching for the zone number or location name.

Three points on valuation:

• The value that counts is the official amount on your title deed, not the asking price or a market estimate.
• You can meet the required amount with one property or by combining several properties.
• As long as you keep the property, you keep the residency. If you sell or your holdings drop below the required amount, you will no longer qualify for the permit.

How to apply, step by step

There are two steps in the process. First, register the property. Then, apply for residency.

Stage 1: Property registration. The Real Estate Registration Department at the Ministry of Justice will register your ownership and issue your title deed. You can do this at the non-Qatari ownership offices at The Pearl (Al Mahara building) or Lusail (with Qatari Diar). Title deeds are usually issued within a day.

Stage 2: Residency approval. Apply for real estate residency online through the government services portal. You will need three documents:

1. Your passport, or Qatari ID if you are a resident
2. A copy of the official title deed
3. A good conduct certificate

The service fee is QR 500 per transaction, plus QR 200 for printing the title deed and an optional QR 100 for a property map.

After this, the Ministry of Interior issues the residence permit. Many brokers recommend having your documents attested and translated into Arabic before you start, as this saves the most time, especially for the good conduct certificate if you are a non-resident.

The fast-track: title deed and residency within days

In October 2025, Aqarat, Qatar’s Real Estate Regulatory Authority, introduced a fast-track system. Now, buyers of qualifying property priced from about USD 200,000 can get both the title deed and real estate residency within a few days of payment.

Aqarat’s chairman also confirmed that all projects licensed by the authority in 2025 are free of legal and regulatory issues. This is important if you are buying off-plan and need to qualify.