Qatari nationality law
History and regulations of Qatari citizenship
Qatari Citizenship Act | |
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Parliament of Qatar | |
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Enacted by | Government of Qatar |
Passed | un |
Status: Current legislation |
Qatari nationality law is based mostly on jus sanguinis . Qatari citizens enjoy freedom of movement between other Gulf Cooperation Council member states.
By birth
Children born in Qatar are not granted Qatari citizenship at birth. [1]
By descent
- Any person who can demonstrate Qatari descent may apply to be a citizen of Qatar, depending on certain conditions.
- Any person born to a Qatari father irrespective of their place of birth are Qatari citizens by descent.
By naturalization
Foreigners may be granted citizenship if they fulfil the following conditions [2]
- Lawful residence in the State of Qatar for no less than 25 consecutive years before applying for citizenship.
- Availability of legitimate means to earn one's living and meet one's needs.
- Good conduct and behavior, in addition to absence of previous conviction by final ruling in a crime of dishonor or mistrust, whether inside or outside Qatar.
By marriage
The wife of a naturalized person may be, by an Emiri decision, granted Qatari nationality by virtue of her husband, provided that her stay with him in Qatar extends for a period of at least five years from the date her husband acquired Qatari nationality. The wife will not lose her citizenship in the event that the marriage contract is broken. [3]
Dual citizenship
Qatar does not recognize dual citizenship which are not permitted by Qatar Government Holding another citizenship that's not allowed may lead to the revoking of Qatari citizenship. [4]
Loss of Qatari citizenship
The person may lose Qatari citizenship in the following cases:
- the person joins the military service of a foreign country.
- the person works for a foreign government that is in war with Qatar.
- the person takes up a foreign nationality.
Citizens are allowed to voluntarily give up Qatari citizenship. [1]
Travel freedom
In 2016, Qatari citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 79 countries and territories, ranking the Qatari passport 60th in the world according to the Visa Restrictions Index .
References
- 1 2 "Qatari citizenship" . Archived from the original on 21 February 2015 . Retrieved 21 February 2015 .
- ↑ "How to Acquire Qatari Nationality?" . hukoomi.gov.qa . Retrieved 31 May 2022 .
- ↑ "Law No. 38 of 2005 on the acquisition of Qatari nationality" . almeezan.qa . Retrieved 31 May 2022 .
- ↑ "Dual citizenship 'is not allowed under Qatari law' " . Gulf News . Retrieved 21 February 2015 .