(QATAR) Qatar has unveiled a fast-track Residency-by-Property route that issues both residency visas and title deeds within days to foreign buyers who invest at least $200,000 (QAR 730,000) in licensed real estate. Announced in October 2025 and set for full rollout during the Third Real Estate Forum, officials say the initiative is designed to draw new capital into housing and commercial projects while making the ownership and residency process simpler and quicker than in past years. A higher tier offers permanent residency for property investments of $1 million (QAR 3.65 million) or more.
How the fast-track route works
Under the policy, eligible buyers receive a renewable residency permit linked to their property and an immediate title deed after purchase in projects licensed by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) during 2025. According to government briefings:
- Both documents can be issued within days.
- Related ownership records and architectural plans can be generated in as little as 24 hours.
- Officials attribute the speed to a unified, digital workflow that cuts waiting times and reduces repeat office visits.
The scope includes residential units and commercial space — such as shops and offices inside malls and mixed-use complexes — provided the development is licensed under the 2025 framework. While the program is open to Qataris and non-Qataris, the residency benefit is primarily aimed at foreign investors considering properties in Doha and other designated zones.
Residency tiers and benefits
- Renewable residency tier
- Minimum investment: $200,000 (QAR 730,000) in a 2025 RERA‑licensed project.
- Benefits: renewable residence permit linked to the property; possible inclusion of family members.
- Note: Authorities indicate a minimum annual stay (for example, 90 days a year) may apply — prospective buyers should check current terms.
- Permanent residency tier
- Minimum investment: $1 million (QAR 3.65 million) in eligible unit(s) or a portfolio.
- Benefits: permanent residency with access to public healthcare, education, and government-backed investment features; broader family benefits.
Important: The property must be kept for the residency to remain valid. Real estate must be in authorized freehold zones approved for foreign ownership and in projects licensed in 2025.
One-stop digital platform and interagency coordination
Several agencies have aligned to build a single digital platform that handles the end-to-end process. Key points:
- RERA is coordinating with the Ministries of Interior, Justice, and Labour, plus the Investment Promotion Agency.
- The platform supports:
- document uploads,
- identity checks,
- title issuance,
- residency processing — all in one place.
- Officials say agencies share data so applicants see one status timeline from purchase to title and residency, cutting errors and re-submissions.
Fees, permits and developer implications
- Registration fee is capped at 0.01% of construction costs — described as the lowest in the region.
- A fully electronic building permit system speeds developer approvals, expanding the pool of eligible properties.
- Developers report that lower fees and faster permits let them deliver inventory quicker, which in turn helps buyers secure title deeds and linked visas rapidly.
Legal basis and what’s new in 2025
- The program builds on the legal base established by Law No. 16 of 2018 and Cabinet Resolution No. 28, which opened doors to non-Qatari ownership and related residence rights.
- The 2025 update focuses on speed and lower thresholds compared with earlier rounds, aiming to make residency visas and title deeds available in days and keep paperwork fully digital.
- Analysts (e.g., VisaVerge.com) view the push as part of regional competition among Gulf states to attract cross-border capital.
Market context and early results
Authorities say the program was fully operational as of October 2025, with the first wave of files in the expedited pipeline.
- In Q2 2025, transactions reached QAR 8.9 billion, a nearly 30% year‑over‑year increase, driven by a 114% surge in residential sales, according to official figures.
- Qatar also ranks first globally for ease of real estate registration — a point officials highlight when courting international investors.
These dynamics — faster paperwork, defined costs, and clear thresholds — are positioned to make Qatar’s Residency‑by‑Property one of the Gulf’s most time‑efficient residence options tied to property ownership.
Eligibility, cautions and practical steps
Eligibility and diligence reminders:
- Properties must be in projects licensed in 2025 by RERA. The same unit bought in an older, unlicensed project will not qualify.
- Confirm that commercial units inside malls or mixed-use complexes are formally listed within the program.
- Check residency processing details and any presence requirements with the Ministry of Interior.
Practical steps for applicants:
- Select a 2025 RERA‑licensed property that meets the $200,000 or $1 million threshold.
- Complete the purchase through approved channels and keep certified payment records.
- Upload required documents on the one‑stop platform for title and residency processing.
- Receive the title deed and residency within days and maintain the property for renewals.
- For permanent residency, ensure the investment meets or exceeds $1 million in eligible property.
Tip: Advisers encourage clients to confirm a unit’s inclusion in a 2025-licensed development before placing deposits and to document every payment to speed up title issuance.
Impact on applicants and businesses
- For families: A $200,000 purchase shortens the time from closing to moving, allowing schooling and healthcare arrangements to begin quickly. Permanent residency at the $1 million tier reduces re-application burdens and opens public services.
- For small businesses: Eligible shops and offices inside approved malls and mixed‑use complexes create a path to live and work legally in the same location (subject to labour and commercial rules).
- For investors: Predictable costs (e.g., 0.01% registration cap) and fast processing help planning, especially near the $200,000 mark.
Official contacts and next steps
Authorities recommend buyers consult RERA listings for eligible projects and contact the Ministry of Interior for questions about residency, family members, renewals, or presence requirements.
For official procedures and updates, visit the Ministry of Interior at the Qatar MOI portal.
This Article in a Nutshell
In October 2025 Qatar introduced a fast-track Residency-by-Property scheme offering renewable residency permits and immediate title deeds to buyers investing at least $200,000 in projects licensed by RERA in 2025. A higher tier — $1 million — grants permanent residency with access to public healthcare, education and expanded family benefits. Authorities credit a unified digital platform, coordinated across RERA and ministries, for issuing documents within days and producing ownership records in as little as 24 hours. Registration fees are capped at 0.01% of construction costs and electronic building permits speed developer approvals. Eligibility requires properties be in 2025 RERA‑licensed freehold zones; buyers should verify project inclusion and any presence requirements with the Ministry of Interior.
