How long does it take to get citizenship in Qatar?

The naturalization process in Qatar takes 16–60 months on average (31 months typical). You need 25 years continuous (children of Qatari mothers: 10 years) before applying.

What are the steps to get Qatar citizenship?

1. Application submission (0.5–2 months). 2. Ministry of Interior review (12–48 months). 3. Emiri Decree (3–12 months)

What is the residency requirement for Qatar citizenship?

You need 25 years continuous (children of Qatari mothers: 10 years) to be eligible for naturalization in Qatar. One of the most restrictive in the world.

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Immigration Tracker

Qatar — Citizenship Timeline

25 years continuous (children of Qatari mothers: 10 years) → 3 processing steps → passport

Average Total

31mo

Range

16–60mo

Speed Rank

#20 of 20

Residency Req.

25 years continuous (children of Qatari mothers: 10 years)

Processing Steps

1Application submission1mo avg (0.5–2 months)

2Ministry of Interior review24mo avg (12–48 months)

3Emiri Decree6mo avg (3–12 months)

Total processing time

Slow31 months average

Important Notes

One of the most restrictive in the world. Limited to 50 naturalizations per year. Must renounce previous nationality. Arabic proficiency required. Exit permits abolished (Law 13/2018). Job changes without NOC since 2020.

How Qatar compares

Average naturalization processing time, all 20 countries. Qatar highlighted.

Source: Qatar Ministry of Interior · Last updated: 2026-09

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