Yes, a medical certificate is a legal requirement before a marriage contract can be completed in Qatar. Under Article 18 of Qatar Family Law, both parties must submit a medical certificate issued by a competent medical authority. This certificate must confirm that both individuals are free from genetic diseases and any other conditions that could be transmitted between the parties or to their children.
This requirement applies to all marriages formalized in Qatar, including those involving expats. The purpose is to ensure transparency and informed consent between both parties regarding health matters that could affect their future family life. The marriage attestator (notary) will not proceed with authenticating the contract without this documentation.
For expats, you should obtain your medical certificate from a recognized Qatari government health facility or an approved private medical center. It is worth checking in advance with the relevant authority — such as the Ministry of Justice or your local marriage attestation office — which facilities are accepted and how long the certificate remains valid. Allow sufficient time before your planned marriage date to complete any required health screenings.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Qatar.