Qatar announces conditions to obtain permanent residency

The Qatari Interior Ministry announced on Monday the conditions to obtain permanent residence in Qatar as well as privileges associated with the new status.

The Director of Legal Affairs at the Interior Ministry, Brigadier Salim Saqr Al-Muraikhi said during a press conference on Monday that eligible applicants include those who spent at least 20 years in Qatar if he/ she was born outside the state, and ten years if he was born in Qatar and has sufficient income with clean record”.

Al-Muraikhi explained that children and spouses of Qatari citizens and those who have performed great services to the state can immediately obtain the residency.

Read: Qatar lifts exit visa system for most workers 

Al-Muraikhi added that those granted permanent residency will receive treatment and education in government institutions free of charge, invest without a local partner, own property and move freely without the need for permission.

Al-Muraikhi explained that “the ministry has formed a working team to implement this law, and held meetings with the competent authorities namely the departments of administrative development, labour and social affairs, health and education.

However, the new decree stipulates that if a permanent resident leaves Qatar for more than six months, the interior minister could withdraw from the residency.