Qatar has recently announced that it will allow foreign companies and individuals to own real estate in more areas in the country to make real estate more attractive to expatriate residents and foreign investors.

The new law will add to the number of locations where foreigners can buy real estate. The statement also added that Qataris and non-Qatari citizens, residents and non-residents can now have the right to ownership of residential units or commercial units inside residential complexes and malls.

The nine areas covered by freehold ownership are the West Bay area (Legtaifiya), The Pearl Qatar, Al Khor Resort, Dafna (Admin District No. 60), Dafna (Admin District No. 61), Onaiza (Administrative District), Lusail, Al Kharaij, and Jabal Thuaileb.

The 16 areas where non-Qataris can lease real estate for a period of 99 years are: Mushaireb, Fareej Abdul Aziz, Doha Jadeeda, Al-Ghanim Al-Ateeq, Al-Riffa and Al-Hitmi Al-Ateeq, Aslata, Fereej Bin Mahmoud 22, Fereej Bin Mahmoud 23, Rawdat Al Khail, Mansoura, Fareej Bin Dirham, and Najma, Umm Ghuwailina, Al Khalaifat, Al Sadd, Al Mirqab Al Jadeed, Fareej Al Nasr and the Doha International Airport area.

Foreign companies can also own properties in nine areas, an increase from the past when they were only allowed access to real estate ownership within the confines of The Pearl Qatar.

“Such decision would contribute to the advancement of the Qatari real estate market, the acceleration of the economic development, and the stimulation of the real estate sector,” the Ministry of Justice statement said.

The country will also implement a two-tiered residency program that rewards large investors with government-provided services. Buyers of a property worth 3.65 million Qatari riyals ($1 million) or more will be eligible for permanent residency, with benefits including health care, education, and investment in some commercial activities. Meanwhile, buyers of real estate worth at least 730,000 riyals, will be able to obtain renewable residency permits for themselves and their families without employer sponsorship.

“By allocating these areas as eligible for foreign ownership and investment, Qatar has created attractive opportunities that will benefit both domestic and international investors,” said Minister of Commerce and Industry, Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, in a separate statement.