Foreigners make up a big part of Qatar's population, living for decades and renewing their residence permits yearly. However, the question is, Can a foreigner get Qatar citizenship?
It is the Most Frequent for an Expat.
Getting a Qatari citizen is not easy and is extremely limited. In 2018, Carter introduced a new law to allow permanent residents, for the first time, two foreign nationals living and working in the country for at least 20 years. However, becoming a permanent resident is easier than becoming a citizen.
By Birth
Children born in Qatar to anonymous parents are Qatari citizens by birth.
By Descent
- The persons who indicate Qatari descent may apply to be a citizen of Qatar, relying on specific conditions.
- People born to a Qatari father are Qatari citizens, regardless of their place of birth.
- Persons born to a Qatari mother but a foreign father will not be granted citizenship by descent.
By Naturalization
Foreigners may be given citizenship if they qualify by decree of the Emir, providing the following conditions.
- Legal continuous residence in Qatar for 25 years, with less than two months of absence approval made per calendar year.
- Legal income and means of living.
- Good reputation and character, and no beliefs relating to virtue or honor of the someone.
- Practical knowledge of the Arabic language.
Some Other Facts Regarding Qatari Citizenship
- Even though Qatari law permits the naturalization of foreigners, Qatar seldom grants them citizenship, even if they have a Qatari mother.
- Qatar has offered a quick citizenship process for citizens of GCC member state Bahrain.
- In September 2019, Qatar announced that it would grant residency to foreign investors investing an unspecified amount of "non-Qatari capital" in the country's economy.
- Under the new law, foreign investors, including property developers active in the Qatar real estate market, will be eligible for a renewable five-year residency permit.
- In October 2021, Qatar introduced "equal Qatari citizenship," which will offer voting rights to tribal members.
- They were previously reserved only for Qataris whose families were present before 1930.
- Legal emendations are being processed by the council for final approval.
- The residents of Qatar have been living in the country since 1930 and have maintained consistent legal residence until the imposition date of those mentioned above—Law No. 2 of 1961.
- Any person proved to be of Qatari descent, though in the absence of the conditions outlined in an article—additionally, any person in respect to whom an Emiri decree has been announced.
- The persons to whom Qatari nationality has been replaced following the law conditions.
- Any person born in Qatar or a foreign country to a Qatari father.
Any non-Qatari may obtain Qatari nationality by decree of the Emir, provided that:
- On the application for Qatari nationality, he stated that he had been living in Qatar for at least twenty-five consecutive years.
- He has a legal source of income.
- He is of good reputation and has not been convicted of any crime, doubting his honor or virtue.
- Has sound knowledge and command of the Arabic language.
- In applying the Qatari nationality rules, applicants with a Qatari mother will be given priority.
- Those born to a naturalized Qatari father in Qatar or outside Qatar shall be deemed naturalized Qatari.
- Those born in Qatar shall also be presumed to be naturalized Qataris to unknown parents. Orphans shall be considered to have been born in Qatar unless proven otherwise.
Read Also: 8 Most High Demand Jobs In Qatar
More Details about Qatari Citizenship Law
- Five years after their first residence in Qatar, the Emir grants Qatari nationality to the minor children of a naturalized person outside the country.
- In Qatar, you would have to be a legal resident for 25 years to apply for Qatari citizenship, and if you're not a Muslim, you shouldn't even bother.
- Altogether, Qatar passport holders can enter 94 destinations without a visa, through a visa on arrival, or via an eTA. As a result, Qatar's passport ranks 58th in the world.
- Qatari nationality is granted to the minor children of a naturalized person living outside the country by a decision of the Emir. After five years after the date of their first residence in Qatar, they had not reached adulthood at the time of the application.
- Qatar grants permanent residency to non-Qataris if four main terms are met: A residence period of no less than 20 years in the State of Qatar for non-Qatari born outside Qatar and 10 years for applicants born in Qatar.
- Even though Qatari law allows foreigners to naturalize, it rarely grants them citizenship, even if they have a Qatari mother. Qatar recently offered a quick citizenship process for citizens of GCC member state Bahrain.
- Qatar does not recognize dual citizenship, and holding another citizenship may revoke Qatari citizenship.
- Qatari men who want to marry non-Qatari women must receive permission from the Minister of Interior. There is no civil marriage for non-Muslims.
Requirements to Apply for Qatari Citizenship
- You lived in Qatar for at least 25 years. Qatari law requires continuous residence. You can't be out of the country for more than two months in any given year when you can leave.
- If you apply for permanent residence, you must live in the country for another five years before requesting citizenship. However, it can take many years for citizenship to be granted.
- Maintain a consistent job in Qatar while living there. Your legal status in Qatar depends on employment. To be a citizen, you must show that you can support yourself and your family and have legal employment.
- Learn to speak the Arabic language, and you must be fluent in Arabic language skills.
- Transform to Islam if you aren't already Muslim.
- Consult the citizenship process with staff at the Ministry of Interior.
- It helps if you're a reputed person who improves Qatar's reputation through your means. The Emir will likely approve your application and will be more likely to do so if he recognizes your name and knows who you are.
- Remember that Qatari law determines citizenship grants to no more than 50 per year out of the millions of foreigners living and working there.
Here are some key points to keep in mind about Qatari citizenship:
- Citizenship by birth:
- Generally, children born in Qatar to a Qatari father are considered Qatari citizens. However, children born to non-Qatari parents are not automatically granted citizenship.
- Citizenship by descent:
- Qatari citizenship can be obtained if at least one parent is a citizen. However, this does not apply to foreign nationals married to Qatari citizens.
- Citizenship by naturalization:
- Qatari citizenship can be granted through naturalization to individuals who have resided in Qatar for at least 25 years and meet other requirements, such as demonstrating proficiency in Arabic and passing a background check.
- Dual citizenship:
- Qatar generally does not allow its citizens to hold dual citizenship. Individuals who obtain Qatari citizenship through naturalization are required to renounce their previous citizenship.
- Benefits of Qatari citizenship:
- Qatari citizens enjoy several benefits, including free healthcare and education, subsidized housing, and other social services. They are also eligible to vote and run for political office.
While it may be difficult for non-Qatari nationals to obtain citizenship in Qatar, individuals who meet the requirements for naturalization or have Qatari ancestry may be eligible to apply for citizenship. However, it's important to note that the decision to grant citizenship is at the discretion of the Qatari government.
Guide to Qatari Citizenship for Foreigners
Foreigners comprise a significant part of Qatar's population, but obtaining citizenship is complex and rare. In 2018, a law allowed permanent residency for those living in Qatar for 20 years, but citizenship remains highly restricted.
- By Birth: Only children born to anonymous parents in Qatar are granted citizenship.
- By Descent: Only those with a Qatari father can apply for citizenship.
- By Naturalization: Foreigners may qualify for citizenship after 25 years of residency, good character, financial stability, Arabic proficiency, and approval from the Emir.
Dual citizenship is not allowed; very few foreigners receive Qatari citizenship annually.
Conclusion
Obtaining Qatari citizenship is not an easy task at all. However, when you qualify for all the above conditions, you can apply for it and try your luck. Another charming way to get Qatari citizenship is by investing and purchasing Qatar's real estate. Saakin Qatar lists the featured properties of Qatar. You can find a vast collection of commercial & residential properties for sale on the Saakin website.
Read More: What You Need To Know Before Relocating
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