Qatar · Legislation
Legislation and primary sources
Where to find the authoritative text of the law in Qatar, and how to confirm it is still in force.
Sources of law, ranked
- The 2004 Permanent Constitution
- As amended in 2024; Sharia is a principal source of legislation.
- Emiri decrees and laws
- The principal legislative instruments.
- Civil Code 2004 and Commercial Code 2006
- Egyptian-model codifications of obligations and commerce.
- Sharia
- Governs personal status, family and succession for Muslims.
- QFC regulations
- Separate civil and commercial regime applying within the Qatar Financial Centre.
The legislative process
The Council of Ministers prepares draft legislation, which goes to the Shura Council for review and then to the Emir for ratification and publication in the Official Gazette. The Emir may return a bill to the Council, and may legislate by decree when the Shura Council is not in session, subject to later submission. Following the 2024 amendment the Council is entirely appointed, so there is no elected legislative check.
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