Foreigners can buy property in Qatar under clear legal frameworks that protect investment and grant residency rights.
Current laws in 2025 support foreign property ownership in specific zones, enabling expats buying property in Qatar to own residential and commercial real estate.
These regulations create a strong real estate investment pathway, backed by long-term ownership rights, residency benefits, and government oversight.
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Buying Property in Qatar for Foreigners
Foreigners can legally own property in Qatar under Law No. 16 of 2018 and Cabinet Resolution No. 28 of 2020.
Non-Qataris can fully own property—land, apartments, villas, offices, and shops—in 9 designated freehold zones:
- The Pearl.
- West Bay.
- Lusail.
- Onaiza.
- Al Dafna (Zone 60)
- Al Dafna (Zone 61)
- Al Kharaej.
- Al Khor Resort.
- Jabal Thuaileb.
Freehold owners can sell, lease, mortgage, and transfer their property without restrictions.
Foreigners may also acquire long-term rights through a 99-Year Leasehold to use real estate in 16 designated usufruct areas, which are the following:
- Mushaireb.
- Freej Abdul Aziz.
- Al Doha Al Jadeeda.
- Old Al Ghanim.
- Al Rufaa, Old Al Hitmi.
- Al Salata.
- Freej Bin Mahmoud.
- Freej Bin Mahmoud.
- Rawdat Al Khail.
- Al Mansoura, Freej Bin Durham.
- Najma.
- Umm Ghuwailina.
- Al Khulaifat.
- Al Sadd.
- Al Mirqab Al Jadeed, Freej Al Nasr.
- Doha International Airport Area.
Usufruct ownership grants the right to use, rent out, or inherit the property for 99 years, renewable under Qatari law.
Residency Benefits for Property Owners are as follows:
- QAR 730,000 ($200,000) or more: residency permit for owner and family (no sponsor required).
- QAR 3.65 million ($1 million) or more: permanent residency-like benefits, including access to healthcare, education, and commercial activities.
Residency is linked to property ownership and remains valid as long as the property is held. Legal residency is processed through the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Justice.
Our law firm’s legal services for buying property in Qatar include:
- Zone eligibility verification.
- Sale agreement review and drafting.
- Property title due diligence.
- Residency permit application processing.
- Legal compliance with Law No. 16 and Cabinet Resolution No. 28.
- Representation for individual and corporate buyers.
Find more services from Top Lawyers Specializing in Real Estate Law in Qatar.
Property for Sale in Qatar for Foreigners
Foreigners can buy various types of real estate in Qatar’s approved areas, including both residential and commercial properties.
The market allows full or long-term ownership depending on the property’s location.
Eligible property types for foreigners include:
- Apartments in Residential Complexes
Fully ownable in freehold zones. Units may be resold, rented, or mortgaged. - Commercial Units in Malls
Foreigners may purchase shops and office spaces in malls across all areas, provided unit design and use remain unchanged. - Detached Villas and Homes
Available in freehold areas. Ownership includes land and buildings. - Real Estate Investment Funds
Open to middle- and low-income individuals. Offers indirect access to property markets through regulated investment vehicles.
Legal requirements are as follows:
- Buyers must ensure the property is in a legally approved zone.
- The property value must meet residency thresholds if residency is sought.
- Foreign-owned companies may also purchase property in designated areas.
- Foreigners are encouraged to consult a legal advisor to navigate documentation, zoning laws, and Ministry approvals to avoid errors in the registration process.
Our lawyer in Qatar offers a range of legal services, including:
- Legal zoning verification before purchase.
- Transactional support and contract management.
- Commercial property purchase legal guidance.
- Legal support for real estate fund investments.
- Company structuring for foreign corporate buyers.
- Representation with government agencies.
FAQs about Buying Properties in Qatar for Expats
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Our expert real estate lawyers offer comprehensive legal services tailored to foreign investors and expats.
We handle every step of the property acquisition process to ensure full legal protection and compliance.
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