Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 16 January 2024.
Qatar, a thriving and diverse country in the Arabian Gulf, has become an attractive destination for individuals seeking opportunities for growth and a higher standard of living. As the country progresses, it has opened its doors to welcome expatriates who wish to make Qatar their permanent home.
Although it is not common for non-Qataris to obtain Permanent Resident (PR) status in Qatar, there is a program in place that allows this.
This article serves as a comprehensive guide, outlining the benefits, qualifications, exceptions, and application process for obtaining Qatar Permanent Residency.
The State of Qatar has a Permanent Residency program to attract skilled individuals who wish to make Qatar their permanent home. After consulting the Shura Council, the government has established specific conditions and criteria for granting Permanent Residency to non-Qataris.
Benefits of Qatar Permanent Residency
1. Indefinite Residence: Permanent Residency provides the privilege to reside in Qatar indefinitely, offering stability and security to the individual and their dependents.
2. Unrestricted Travel: Holders of the Permanent Residency Card can enter and exit the country without requiring additional permissions or authorizations during the card’s validity period.
3. Education and Healthcare: Permanent Residency Cardholders and their eligible dependents can access education and healthcare services at governmental institutions in Qatar.
4. Investment Opportunities: Permanent Residency enables individuals to invest in various sectors of Qatar’s national economy without the need for a Qatari partner.
5. Property Ownership: Cardholders can own real estate for both residential and investment purposes, subject to specified zones and regulations.
The Permanent Residency Card holder’s spouse and his/her children up to the age of eighteen shall enjoy the privileges granted to the cardholder in residence, health, and education, in accordance with the provisions of this Law.
The Minister of Interior may exempt the Permanent Residency Card holder’s male children who have not completed their university studies until they reach the age of twenty-five, and his/her unmarried daughters, from the age stipulation provided for in the preceding paragraph.
Qualifications for Qatar Permanent Residency
According to Law No. 10 of 2018 on Permanent Residency, following are the conditions obtaining Permanent Residency in Qatar.
1. Residency Duration:
To be eligible for Permanent Residency, non-Qataris must have legally resided in Qatar for a minimum period of:
- 20 years (if born outside Qatar)
- 10 years (if born inside Qatar)
The residency must be continuous and prior to the date of applying for the Permanent Residency Permit. Short exits (not exceeding sixty days per year) do not break the continuity of residency, but longer exits may impact eligibility.
If the applicant for the Permanent Residency Permit leaves the country after submitting his/her application for obtaining it, for a period exceeding six consecutive months, the Minister of Interior may not take into account the period of his/her previous residence in the country.
2. Sufficient Income:
Applicants must demonstrate a stable income to support themselves and their dependents. The minimum income and exceptions are specified by a decision of the Council of Ministers.
Currently this is set as QR 20,000 per month for government employees and QR 30,000 per month for private sector employees.
3. Good Conduct:
Applicants should have an exemplary reputation and not have any convictions for crimes against honor or honesty, unless they have been rehabilitated.
4. Language Proficiency:
Applicants must have a satisfactory level of familiarity with the Arabic language.
Exceptions to the Residency Requirements
As an exception to the standard residency duration, Permanent Residency may be granted to certain categories, including:
- Children of Qatari women married to non-Qataris.
- Non-Qatari husbands of Qatari women.
- Non-Qatari wives of Qatari men.
- Children of naturalized Qataris.
- Individuals who have rendered exceptional services to the State.
- People possessing special competencies required by the State.
The marriage as regards the items (1), (2) and (3) must be in accordance with the law.
How To Check If You Are Eligible
Qatar residents can check their eligibility for Qatar Permanent Residency on the Ministry of Interior website. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Go to Permanent Residency Eligibility Inquiry page
Step 2: Enter QID number and QID expiry date
Step 3: Enter the verification code available in the picture or audio
Step 4: Click on “Submit”
Application Process
- Submission: Applicants must submit their Permanent Residency applications to the “Committee for Granting the Permanent Residency Card” established in the Ministry of Interior.
Those who meet the required terms and conditions and exempted categories by the law can submit their application through their Metrash2 account.
The applicant will receive text messages via Metrash2 and will be requested to attach the required documents to the application. - Review and Recommendations: The Committee reviews the applications and raises its recommendations to the Minister of Interior.
- Decision: The Minister of Interior issues the appropriate decision on each application.
- Annual Limit: The number of Permanent Residency Permits granted in a year does not exceed one hundred individuals. However, the Amir, upon the proposal of the Minister of Interior, may increase this number for each year separately.
Qatar Permanent Residency Fees
The fee is QR 3000/- (not refundable). It includes all members of the family. The fees should be paid by debit or credit cards.
Qatar Permanent Residency Card
The Permanent Residency Card is issued to eligible individuals as per the provisions of Law No. 10 of 2018, following specific regulations based on their qualifications and that of their family members under the age of 18 years.
The Permanent Residency Card offers various privileges to its holders, as outlined in Articles 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the law:
- Freedom of Movement: The cardholder can enter and exit the State during the card’s validity without the need for additional permissions or authorizations.
- Access to Education and Healthcare: Holders can access education and healthcare services at governmental institutions within the State, subject to conditions and controls specified by a decision of the Council of Ministers.
- Family Benefits: The spouse of the cardholder and their children up to the age of 18 can also enjoy the same privileges in residence, health, and education.
- Investment Opportunities: Cardholders are permitted to invest in sectors of the national economy, as determined by a decision of the Council of Ministers, without requiring a Qatari partner. The establishment of the company must comply with the provisions of the law governing commercial companies.
- Real Estate Ownership: Permanent Residency Cardholders can own residential and investment properties in specified areas, subject to conditions and controls set by a decision of the Council of Ministers.
Loss of Permanent Residency
The Minister of Interior has the authority to revoke the Permanent Residency Permit and withdraw the Permanent Residency Card from individuals to whom it was granted in case the licensee no longer fulfills the condition stated in Article 1- Item 3 (Good Conduct) of this Law or when it is deemed necessary for the public interest.
Conclusion
The Permanent Residency program in Qatar offers a unique opportunity for non-Qataris to secure their future and contribute to the nation’s growth. By meeting the specified conditions and undergoing the application process, eligible individuals can avail the numerous benefits of Permanent Residency in the State of Qatar.
As this program is subject to the government’s policies and regulations, it is essential to keep abreast of any updates and consult official sources for the most current information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get permanent residency in Qatar?
Non-Qataris who meet the required eligibility criteria (residency duration, income, good conduct, and language proficiency) can apply for permanent residency in Qatar. However approval is at the discretion of the committee and there is a limit of maximum 100 approvals per year.
How can I get PR in Qatar?
You can apply for PR in Qatar if you meet the eligibility conditions (residency duration, income, good conduct, and language proficiency).
I am a Qatari man married a non-Qatari woman without prior permission. Can I apply for permanent residence for my wife?
No, you must get prior authorization for the marriage from Committee for the Regulation of Marriage of foreigners
How can an applicant track the permanent residence application?
The applicant can track his application online via the Ministry of Interior website, by clicking on the option of “inquiries”, then “residence services”, then “permanent residence” and then “application tracking”.
Related Articles:
- Qatar Family Residence Visa Requirements and Process
- Qatar Residence Permit: Requirements and How To Apply
- How To Check Qatar ID Status Online
- How To Change Passport Number in Qatar ID
- What Your Qatar ID Number Means
Copyright © DohaGuides.com – Full or partial reproduction of this article in any language is prohibited.
