On the steps to implement the Cabinet’s decision to regulate the ownership of non-Qataris, HE Assistant Undersecretary for Real Estate Registration and Authentication Affairs at the Ministry of Justice Saeed Abdullah Al Suwaidi explained that the Ministry, commissioned by the esteemed Cabinet, supervised the implementation of Resolution No. 28 of 2020, regulating the ownership and use of real estate by non-Qataris, in coordination and cooperation with the concerned authorities, and the Ministry initiated regulatory procedures with the Ministry of Interior (MOI) represented by the General Directorate of Passports, which graciously provided all facilities related to the issuance of real estate residency and established an office in addition to two offices established by the Ministry to organize the process, which were opened in the Pearl and Lusail areas.
He revealed that there is a great demand for investment areas, whether for ownership or usufruct, and they have seen satisfaction and discipline in the progress and good organization of work in the offices of non-Qatari ownership and use of the real estate, adding that they appreciate the ease of procedures of the General Directorate of Passports at the MOI to complete the procedures for the benefit of customers with non-Qatari ownership and use of the real estate.
He also expressed his satisfaction with the level of demand for real estate ownership, especially when compared to the period in which the decision was implemented, which coincided with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying closures that lasted for about two years, and praised the role played by the flexible legislative system in attracting investment, noting the high economic value added by legislation to maximize the benefit of the citizen, as he has become an active investment partner.
He pointed out that the volumes of real estate transactions during the year 2022 are important for the national economy and investment, adding the value of real estate transactions amounted to QR 21,204,228,929 for 4184 real estate transactions, and the value of real estate transactions in the Pearl and Al Qassar reached QR 1,514,076,833, while the total value of mortgage in the same area reached QR 66,492,393,301 for 1470 transactions.
He believed that the advantages of the decision enhance the attractiveness and competitiveness of the local real estate sector at the regional and global levels, as the State of Qatar currently provides 25 areas for real estate ownership and usufruct for non-Qatari citizens, including 16 areas allowed by the right to usufruct for a period of 99 years, and 9 areas allowed freehold ownership for the owner of the property, in addition to residential units separated in residential complexes, or offices and shops in commercial complexes throughout the country.
He pointed out that in addition to investment returns for those wishing to invest, the regions provide an ideal place to reside due to their modern urban plans and their modern communications and transportation networks.
Among the advantages, the procedures for granting residency to real estate owners whose value is not less than QR730,000 (equivalent to 200,000 USD) have been facilitated so that a real estate owner of this category obtains residency for himself and his family without a sponsor for the duration of his ownership of the property. The owner of the property, whose value is not less than QR 3,650,000 (1,000,000 USD), gets permanent residence benefits that include health, education, and investment in some commercial activities.
Source: Qatar News Agency
