Yes — registration is absolutely essential. Under Article 6 of Law No. 17 of 2004, a usufruct right in Qatar does not legally exist and cannot be legally recognized unless it is properly registered in accordance with Law No. 14 of 1964 (Qatar's property registration law). An unregistered usufruct agreement is essentially unenforceable under Qatari law.
This is a critical protection that many expats overlook. Without registration, you have no legal standing to claim the rights granted under Articles 5, 7, 8, 9, or 10 — including compensation in the event of expropriation, the right to use common facilities, or membership in the owners' federation. You would effectively be in the same position as an ordinary tenant.
To register, you will need to work through the Real Estate Registration Department in Qatar. It is strongly advisable to engage a qualified Qatari lawyer or a licensed real estate professional to guide you through the registration process and ensure all documentation is correctly filed. Do not make any payments or take possession of a unit before confirming that registration is in progress or complete.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Qatar.