Inheritance Rules in Qatar
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Qatari national laws, Emiri decrees, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Inheritance in Qatar follows Islamic Sharia rules as codified in the Family Law:
- Fixed shares (faraid): The law prescribes specific shares for each heir. For example, a surviving wife receives 1/8 if there are children, 1/4 if there are no children.
- Male heirs generally receive double the share of female heirs of the same degree (sons receive double the share of daughters).
- A person can make a wasiyya (will) for up to 1/3 of their estate to non-heirs or charitable purposes. The remaining 2/3 is distributed according to the fixed Sharia shares.
- Debts and funeral expenses are paid first from the estate, then the will, then the fixed shares are distributed.
- Non-Muslims may request that their home country's inheritance law be applied — this is an important option that many expatriates overlook.
When does it apply?
- A family member has passed away and you need to settle their estate in Qatar.
- You want to write a will (wasiyya) to distribute part of your estate.
- You are a non-Muslim and want to ensure your home country's law applies rather than Sharia default rules.
What to Do If You Are a Non-Muslim Who Needs to Plan Inheritance in Qatar
- Obtain a death certificate and register it with the relevant authorities.
- Apply to the Sharia Court for a succession certificate (hujjat hashr al-waratha) that identifies all heirs and their shares.
- If you want to make a will, have it notarized and registered with the court or notary public while you are alive.
- Non-Muslims should register a will in Qatar specifying their national law — without a registered will, Sharia rules may apply by default regardless of religion.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not distribute the estate without a court-issued succession certificate. Unauthorized distribution has no legal standing.
- Do not will more than 1/3 of your estate to non-heirs. The court will not enforce bequests beyond that limit under Sharia law.
- Do not hide assets from the inheritance process. All heirs have the right to their legal share and can petition the court to investigate.
Common Questions
When does it apply — inheritance rules?
A family member has passed away and you need to settle their estate in Qatar.You want to write a will (wasiyya) to distribute part of your estate.You are a non-Muslim and want to ensure your home country's law applies rather than Sharia default rules.
What should I do to protect my assets in Qatar as a non-Muslim expatriate without a will?
Obtain a death certificate and register it with the relevant authorities.Apply to the Sharia Court for a succession certificate (hujjat hashr al-waratha) that identifies all heirs and their shares.If you want to make a will, have it notarized and registered with the court or notary public while you are alive.Non-Muslims should register a will in Qatar specifying their national law — without a registered will, Sharia rules may apply by default regardless of religion.
What should you NOT do — inheritance rules?
Do not distribute the estate without a court-issued succession certificate. Unauthorized distribution has no legal standing.Do not will more than 1/3 of your estate to non-heirs. The court will not enforce bequests beyond that limit under Sharia law.Do not hide assets from the inheritance process. All heirs have the right to their legal share and can petition the court to investigate.