Permanent Residency in Qatar

The Qatari residency permit offers its holders a number of services and benefits, such as applying for a driving license or health card, purchasing a vehicle or even traveling to some countries. Yet, the permanent residency ensures more privileges to its holders, offering them a wider range of services, such as job opportunities, real estate ownership, investment, education and health services. Certain categories of individuals can get the permanent residence permit in Qatar, but on condition that they meet the specified terms.

Conditions of Obtaining Permanent Residency

According to Article No.1 of Law No.10 of 2018 on Permanent Residency, the State of Qatar grants permanent residency to non-Qataris if four main terms are met:

• Residence period of no less than 20 years in the State of Qatar for non-Qatari born outside Qatar and 10 years for applicants born in Qatar.
• Availability of a legitimate means to earn one’s living that is sufficient to meet one’s needs and dependents, with a minimum basic salary of QR20,000 for government employees but a total salary of QR30,000 for private sector employees, and the Council of Ministers is authorized to define this minimum or exempt applicants from it.
• Good conduct and behavior, in addition to absence of previous conviction by final ruling in a crime of dishonor or mistrust, whether inside or outside Qatar.
• Good knowledge of Arabic language.

The following are exempted from the above terms:

• Children of Qatari women married to non-Qataris
• Non-Qatari husband married to Qatari woman
• Non-Qatari wife married to Qatari man
• Children of naturalized Qataris
• Those who performed great services to the State
• People with special competencies the State needs

Individuals can find out if they are from the categories that may submit a request to obtain a permanent residency in Qatar via the service titled Inquire About Eligibility for Permanent Residency without paying any fees.

Nevertheless, there is exception for real estate owners after the Cabinet has approved to grant the permanent residency in some cases to owners of real estate with value no less than $1 million.

Individuals who meet the previous terms may submit applications online to the Ministry of Interior (MOI) via the MOI e-services portal and using a smart card, and application fees are QR3000. In addition, the Committee for Granting Permanent Residency Permits at MOI is responsible for reviewing such applications then referring its recommendations on the applications to the Minister of Interior who, in turn, grants the permanent residency card to the licensed persons.

Benefits of Obtaining Permanent Residency

Permanent residency holders enjoy several services in the public health and education sectors in Qatar, according to the terms and regulations outlined by the Cabinet. They also have the right to own real estate for residential or investment purposes, as well as the right to establish companies or invest in the different national economy sectors without the need to have a Qatari partner, yet in accordance with Law No.11 of 2015 on the Promulgation of the Commercial Companies Law.