Buying property in Qatar: can foreigners buy, where and at what cost?
Updated
Who can buy property in Qatar, where, and what does it cost?
Non-Qataris may own freehold in the areas named by Cabinet Resolution 28 of 2020 — West Bay, The Pearl, Al Khor resort, Al Dafna (areas 60, 61), Onaiza, Lusail, Al Kharaej, Jabal Thuaileb — hold 99-year usufruct in further areas, and buy units in residential complexes elsewhere. Registering the sale at the Ministry of Justice costs 0.25% of the value plus QAR 100 for the title deed, so a QAR 2,000,000 home costs QAR 5,100 to register before the down payment and any broker. A home of QAR 730,000 or more brings a residence permit without a sponsor.
| Rule | |
|---|---|
| Non-Qataris may buy | freehold in the named areas, 99-year usufruct in further areas, or units in residential complexes |
| Freehold areas | West Bay, The Pearl, Al Khor resort, Al Dafna (areas 60, 61), Onaiza, Lusail, Al Kharaej, Jabal Thuaileb |
| Registration fee | 0.25% of the value + QAR 100 title deed |
| Home finance, resident | up to 75% of a home up to QAR 6,000,000, at most 25 years |
| Residence permit | home of QAR 730,000 or more |
| Permanent residents' benefits | home of QAR 3,650,000 or more |
Official rule: Freehold areas for non-Qataris (Cabinet Resolution 28/2020): West Bay, The Pearl, Al Khor resort, Al Dafna (areas 60 and 61), Onaiza, Lusail, Al Kharaej and Jabal Thuaileb; 99-year usufruct in further areas. (source, checked 2026-10-10)
Not a valid document. Estimate for information only — not financial advice, not an offer of credit and not a bank document. Errors are possible. Only your bank's or finance company's official offer letter, contract and statements are binding.
Yes — non-Qataris may own property in Qatar in named freehold areas, hold 99-year usufruct in further areas, and buy units in residential complexes and offices or shops in malls elsewhere. A home of QAR 730,000 or more can bring a residence permit without a sponsor.
Freehold areas for non-Qataris: West Bay, The Pearl, Al Khor resort, Al Dafna (areas 60, 61), Onaiza, Lusail, Al Kharaej, Jabal Thuaileb. No limit on the number of properties. A property worth at least QAR 730,000 brings a residence permit without a sponsor; at least QAR 3,650,000 adds permanent residents' benefits. Registering the sale costs 0.25% of the value.
Where you may buy
- Freehold: the areas named by Cabinet Resolution 28 of 2020 — West Bay, The Pearl, Al Khor resort, Al Dafna (areas 60, 61), Onaiza, Lusail, Al Kharaej, Jabal Thuaileb.
- 99-year usufruct: a further set of areas is open to non-Qataris for use rights of 99 years, not ownership.
- Anywhere else: units in residential complexes, and offices or shops in commercial complexes and malls.
- How many: no limit on the number of properties a non-Qatari may own in the freehold areas.
The Ministry of Justice publishes the area list as an image, and newspapers have reported later additions that we could not confirm on an official page. Check the plot itself with the Ministry of Justice before you pay a deposit.
Residency through property
- QAR 730,000 or more: a residence permit without a sponsor.
- QAR 3,650,000 or more: the healthcare, education and investment benefits of permanent residents.
- Both need at least 90 days a year in Qatar.
Home finance for non-Qataris
Under QCB's 2023 limits a resident may finance up to 75% of a home up to QAR 6,000,000 and 70% above, over at most 25 years. If the bank relies mainly on the rent (a ready property bought to invest), a resident may finance up to 70% (65% above QAR 10,000,000) over at most 25 years. A non-resident buying a ready property as an investment may finance up to 60%. More: Qatar home finance rules.
What it costs, and tax
- Registering the sale at the Ministry of Justice: 0.25% of the value, plus QAR 100 for printing the title deed. The Ministry's page does not say who pays.
- Capital gains: individuals pay no tax on gains from selling property that is not a business asset.
- Broker: no fixed official rate. Law 22 of 2017 requires a written brokerage contract that states the fee; if none was agreed, the Ministry of Justice's committee sets it — at most 1% of the price.
GCC citizens
Citizens of the other Gulf Cooperation Council states follow their own decision (Cabinet Decision 1 of 2025): up to 3 properties in Qatar's residential areas — anywhere, not only the freehold areas — of at most 3,000 m² in total, for their own or their family's residence. Vacant land must be built on within four years. More than 3 properties needs the Prime Minister's permission.
Work it out: costs of buying a home · home finance calculator · rental yield and ROI.
Questions people ask
Can a foreigner buy a property in Qatar?
Yes — non-Qataris may own freehold in the areas named by Cabinet Resolution 28 of 2020 (West Bay, The Pearl, Al Khor resort, Al Dafna (areas 60, 61), Onaiza, Lusail, Al Kharaej, Jabal Thuaileb), hold 99-year usufruct in further areas, and buy units in residential complexes and offices or shops in malls elsewhere.
Does buying property give residency in Qatar?
A property worth at least QAR 730,000 lets a non-Qatari get a residence permit without a sponsor; at least QAR 3,650,000 adds permanent residents' healthcare, education and investment benefits. Both need at least 90 days a year in Qatar.
How many properties can a foreigner own?
There is no limit on the number of properties a non-Qatari may own in the freehold areas.
Can foreigners get home finance in Qatar?
Yes — in Qatar, a resident up to 75% of a home up to QAR 6,000,000 (70% above); a non-resident buying a ready property to invest up to 60%.
What does registering the purchase cost?
In Qatar, 0.25% of the value at the Ministry of Justice, plus QAR 100 for printing the title deed.
Is there capital gains tax on property in Qatar?
Individuals pay no tax on gains from selling property that is not a business asset, in Qatar.