Qatar expands foreign real estate ownership

The Gulf state confirmed earlier this month that the list of areas where non-Qataris would be permitted to own or hold rights to real estate in the country has been expanded, with the Simaisma beach and resort project added as the latest designated location. Simaisma joins an existing list that already includes prominent areas such as Lusail City, The Pearl and West Bay.

Philip Corfield-Smith, a property expert with Pinsent Masons in the Middle East, said the change demonstrates the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance international investment opportunities and broaden access for foreign buyers.

“The addition of Simaisma is important as it marks another positive step in Qatar’s gradual expansion of opportunities for foreign buyers,” he added.

“By selectively opening designated areas to international investors, Qatar is following a measured policy of attracting foreign capital and international investors while supporting sustainable sector growth.”

Under the rules, non-Qatari owners or usufructuaries – non-owners who have legal rights to use and benefit from the property – may obtain a residence permit, provided they stay in the country for at least 90 days per year and the value of the property or its rights is QR 730,000 (approx. US$200,000) or more.

Where the value reaches QR 3,650,000 or higher, the owner or usufructuary will also gain privileges equivalent to those of permanent residency card holders - including access to healthcare, education and investment benefits.

Usufruct rights are capped at 99 years for non-Qataris, with the possibility of renewal subject to the applicable legal and regulatory requirements.