Congratulations! You've just purchased a property, and want to apply for a Qatari Residency Permit. What is the process? Who can you sponsor? What are the documents required? How long does the process take?
To help our clients, and future investors clarity on the residency permit application process, we have answered the most common questions below:
I already have a valid Qatari Residency Permit, how do I transfer the occupation on my Qatari ID from my employer to 'property owner'?
If your Qatari Residency Permit is through your employer, you will need to get a 'No Objection Letter' from your current employer allowing your residency permit to be transferred to the property you just purchased. You need to make sure there will be no changes to your employment contract with HR.
I don't have Title Deeds but I have a Sales & Purchase Agreement, is that ok?
If you have a Sales and Purchase Agreement from the Master Developer then that is ok. If however the Sales and Purchase Agreement is from a sub developer, then you will need to get a letter from the master developer confirming 'Proof of Ownership.'
My property is mortgaged, am I still eligible to receive a Qatari residency permit?
Yes, you will be eligible to receive a Qatari ID as long as the mortgage is not from an Islamic Bank. The reason being, Islamic Banks place the title deeds in their name only until the owed amount is paid.
My property is on a payment plan from a developer, and not yet handed over, am I eligible to receive a Qatari residency permit?
No, unfortunately you will not be able to apply for a Qatari residency permit until the property is handed over, and paid for in full.
My property has been handed over from the developer, and has an ongoing payment plan, am I still eligible to receive a residency permit?
No, unfortunately you will not be able to apply for a Qatari residency permit until the property is paid for in full.
Do you I need a police clearance from my country of origin and from here in Doha?
If you don't already have a Qatari residency permit, then yes, you will need to get a police clearance from your country of origin as well as here in Doha, Qatar. This is required because you will be considered a first time applicant.
When I receive the original police clearance, what do I need to do?
Once you get the original police clearance it should be translated into Arabic. It will then need to be stamped at your country's Embassy here in Doha, Qatar and then stamped at the Department of Foreign Affairs also here in Doha.
You will also need to do fingerprints at the Criminal Evidence and Information Department and a medical health check up.
Who can I sponsor under my Residency Permit?
You can sponsor your spouse, your biological parents, and your biological children who are not married.
Is there an age limit for the children under the parents sponsor?
There is no age limit for parents sponsoring their children, as long as they're not married.
What is the minimum age for Residency Permit eligibility?
18 years old and above.
Can a buyer sponsor both their parents and siblings?
They can sponsor their parents, however not their siblings.
How many years do I get the residency permit for?
You can get it for up to 5 years meaning you will need to renew it every 5 years.
If I sell my property what will happen to my residency permit?
You will have 90 days to transfer the permit to another property or employer.
The step by step application process:
1. Visit the Ministry of Justice's website: www.moj.gov.qa
2. Choose Electronic services
3. Click on Real Estate Ownership for Foreign Investors
4. Enter all the required information the attached requirements:
- Title deed copy (if you have it) otherwise Sales & Purchase Agreement copy, and Proof of Ownership from the Master Developer
- Copy of the Buyer's Qatari Residency Permit (if you have it) otherwise a copy of your passport
- No objection letter (NOC) from the employer (if required)
- Police Clearance (applicable for non-residents only)
The process usually takes 10-14 working days, and 21-30 working days if a police clearance is required.
If you have any further questions you would like answered, please do not hesitate to contact us at +974 4464 2525 or drop an email at info@25spaces.com
