Qatari nationality law
| Qatari Citizenship Act | |
|---|---|
| Parliament of Qatar | |
| |
| 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[edit]
Children born in Qatar are not granted Qatari citizenship by virtue of their place of birth.[1]
By descent[edit]
- 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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
Qatar does not recognize dual citizenship. Holding another citizenship that's not allowed may lead to the revoking of Qatari citizenship.[4]
Loss of Qatari citizenship[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
- ^ Jump up to: a b "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.
