Yes, registration is a legal requirement. Article 3 of Qatar's Property Leasing Law (Law No. 4 of 2008, as amended by Law No. 20 of 2009) states that all leases governed by this law must be drawn up in writing, contain the essential elements of the contract, and be registered with the appropriate authority. This applies to residential, commercial, and industrial leases covered under Article 2.
Registration is handled through the Real Estate Lease Registration Office, established under Article 20 and overseen by the Ministry. In practice, many expats register their leases through the Ejari or Hukoomi online systems linked to the Ministry of Justice. Registration protects both parties: it gives your tenancy legal standing, is often required for residency permit processes, and helps resolve any future disputes.
If you take over a property from a previous tenant or buy a property that already has tenants, Article 13 requires the new owner to notify the tenant and the Registration Office within 30 days of the title transfer. As a tenant, if your landlord is reluctant to register the lease, be aware that an unregistered lease may weaken your legal protections. It is strongly advisable to insist on registration before paying any significant sums or moving in.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Qatar.