THE NEW LEGISLATION ALLOWS NON-QATARIS (EXPATS/FOREIGNERS) TO BUY / OWN PROPERTIES IN QATAR.

THE NEW LEGISLATION ALLOWS NON-QATARIS (EXPATS/FOREIGNERS) TO BUY / OWN PROPERTIES IN QATAR.

By Fawzan Rafeek MRICS MCIArb

Non-Qataris (foreigners) can have freehold ownership of property in 10 areas while 16 areas have been identified where they can use the real estate for 99 years according to Law No.16 of 2018 the regulation of non-Qatari ownership and use of real estate.

Freehold property and leasehold property differ in terms of ownership rights and length of ownership.

Freehold property

Freehold property is a piece of land that purchaser can own indefinitely. This includes owning the structure that’s built on the land.

Non-Qataris or expatriates in Qatar can purchase freehold property from 10 strategic areas or developments according to Law No.16 of 2018 such as:

1.    Qatifiya West Bay

2.    The Pearl

3.    Al Khor Resort

4.    Al Qasar (administrative area)

5.    Al Dafna (administrative area)

6.    Onaiza (administrative area)

7.    Al Wasil

8.    Khraij

9.    JabalThaileb (investment area)

10.  Rawadat Al-Jahaniyah (investment area)

Leasehold properties

Leasehold properties allow purchaser to own buildings or structures but not the land on which they stand. With leasehold property, purchaser’s ownership lasts until purchaser's lease expires or until it gets renewed.

Purchaser is allowed to lease a piece of property for a maximum of 99 years according to Law No.16 of 2018. Purchaser also have the option to renew their lease after the period ends. The areas in Qatar that are available for leasehold purchases such as:

1.    Musheireb

2.    Fareij Abdul Aziz

3.    Riffa and Old Ghanem

4.    Al Hathey Al Ateeq

5.    Doha Al Jadida

6.    Fareej Bin Mahmoud 22

7.    Fareej Bin Mahmoud 23

8.    Mansoura and Fareej Bin Dirham

9.    Al Khail

10.  Najma

11.  Al Sadd

12.  New Al Merqab

13.  Um Guilinah

14.  Al Khalifat

15.  Fareej El Nasr

16.  Airport area

Furthermore, Law No.16 of 2018 the regulation of non-Qatari ownership and use of real estate allows privileges of ownership and use of real estate such as,

Granting residence permit to property owners, without the need of an employer, for property valued not less than $200,000, which is equivalent of QR730,000.

Granting permanent residence privileges to property owners, with property with the value of not less than $1,000,000 which is the equivalent of QR3,650,000. Privileges includes, Health and education in government institutions within the state, and investment in activities of sectors of national economy.

In the case of death, of non-Qatari-beneficiary, such right would be transferred to the heirs.

The privilege of property ownership is extended to non-Qatari companies, in the same areas. In addition, the new law allows real estate investment funds. Applicable to companies established within or outside of Qatar.

- Fawzan Rafeek MRICS MCIArb