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 (also sometimes referred to as Qatar’s Golden Visa) 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 and education, and access to certain investment opportunities.

The permit is valid for 5 years and automatically renews as long as you own the property. The permit also 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.
• Once you have a work permit, you are free to work for any employer in Qatar. A residency permit alone does not allow you to work, but unlike other residents, your legal status is not bound to a particular employer.

Qualifying properties

This includes a freehold or usufruct property located in one of the designated zones, or a qualifying standalone property in a residential compound or commercial complex.

There are currently 10 freehold zones, including The Pearl Island, Lusail, West Bay (Legtaifiya), and Simaisma Resort and Beach Project (announced in June 2026), along with 16 usufruct districts.

You can see which properties for sale in each zone are eligible here on Arady Property Portal by searching for the zone number or location name.

Three things to note about valuation:

• It is the value that appears on your title deed, not what it is being sold for or what an agent tells you it is worth.
• You can fulfill the requirement through one property, or multiple properties added together.
• As long as you retain the property, you maintain the right to residency. If you sell it or the value drops below the required threshold, you lose eligibility.

Application process, step by step

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

Step 1: Registering the property. The Real Estate Registration Department at the Ministry of Justice will register your ownership and issue your title deed. This is done at the non-Qatari ownership offices at The Pearl (Al Mahara building) or at Lusail (Qatari Diar). Title deeds are generally issued within 24 hours.

Step 2: Applying for residency. You apply for real estate residency via the government services website. You must upload the following documents:

• Your passport, or Qatari ID if you are already a resident
• A copy of the title deed
• A good conduct certificate

The processing fee is QR 500 per transaction. You must also pay QR 200 to print the title deed and QR 100 for a property map, which is optional.

Then, the Ministry of Interior issues the residence permit. Brokers advise getting your documents attested and translated into Arabic before you begin the process. This will save the most time, particularly if you are a non-resident needing a good conduct certificate.

Fast-tracking the title deed and residency

In October 2025, Qatar’s Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Aqarat) announced a fast-track system where buyers of qualifying property valued at around $200,000 (QR 730,000) and above can receive their title deed and real estate residency in just a few days after payment.

Also in October, the chairman of Aqarat said that all projects licensed by the authority in 2025 are clear of legal and regulatory issues, which is especially relevant if you are buying an off-plan project and need to qualify.