Qatar's Justice Ministry Reduces Fees and Introduces More Exemptions

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Doha updates justice fees and expands exemptions under Decision No. 5 of 2026 to simplify services and support citizens, residents and investors.

Qatar’s Ministry of Justice has announced widespread reductions in service fees and expanded exemptions for a broad range of transactions, marking a significant move to make judicial services more accessible and to strengthen the country’s business environment.

The changes come under Ministerial Decision No. 5 of 2026, issued by His Excellency Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi, Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, reaffirming the government’s commitment to easing access to essential services and supporting both citizens and investors.

Expanded Exemptions

Under the updated provisions, a number of key transactions are now exempt from paying fees, including notarisation services for:

  • Ministries and government agencies
  • Public bodies and institutions
  • Donations and wills for charitable purposes
  • Contracts and documents for establishing companies and private institutions for the first time

Additionally, the reforms extend exemptions to real estate registration transactions involving state-allotted properties, charitable endowments, and inheritance-related processes such as estate distribution and settlements issued by the Family Court.

Reduced Service Fees

The decision also lowers fees across several services to reduce financial burdens:

  • Notarising a special real estate power of attorney cut from QR300 to QR100
  • Fees for farm and marine land transfers reduced from 1% of market value to 0.25% of assessed value
  • Replacement or issuance of title deeds and registration plans reduced to QR100
  • Mortgage and lien registration fees adjusted to a rate of 0.025% of the secured debt value
  • Ownership transfers relating to company restructurings fixed at QR500
  • Fees for issuing ownership statements and certificates have been halved to QR50

In addition, mobile services that involve ministry staff visiting applicants are now more affordable, with fees for senior citizens (60+) reduced from QR1,000 to QR200, while persons with disabilities and social security beneficiaries are fully exempt.

The Ministry emphasised that the reforms aim to simplify judicial processes, improve service quality, and boost confidence in Qatar’s legal and economic systems. Ongoing efforts to advance digital services and align with international best practices are also underway as part of broader national development goals.

Officials say these changes will not only ease everyday transactions for citizens and residents but also promote a competitive investment climate by reducing barriers and improving transparency in legal procedures.