Introduction
The British Embassy provides a limited number of notarial and documentary services for British nationals in Qatar.
Where there is no specific requirement for notarial services or documents to be provided by the British Embassy, consular staff will not provide them. Local lawyers can sometimes provide these services more conveniently, quickly and cheaply. You should also note that even where another authority has requested a document from the British Embassy, this does not guarantee that consular staff will be able to provide it.
Book an appointment
There are no walk-in appointments for notarial services. You are required to make an appointment for all services using the links below.
Before booking an appointment, make sure you have selected the correct service. You must also ensure that the requesting authority will accept the document provided either in Qatar, the UK or a third country. Only the requesting authority can confirm the acceptability of the document.
Fees
Fees for consular services are payable on the day of the appointment. Payment is accepted by credit/debit card or cash. Refunds will not be given for certificates or notarial services that are not accepted by the requesting authority.
For current fees in Qatar, please see our consular fees information.
Services provided by the British Embassy
Please note that the British Embassy can only provide the specific services listed below. Appointments will not be accepted for any service not mentioned here (please see Services provided elsewhere).
If you are in any doubt, please send send us an enquiry using our web form and a member of consular staff will advise.
All documents will be provided in English only.
Marital Status Document
British nationals wishing to get married in Qatar may be required to provide evidence of their freedom to marry. This marital status document is known as an affidavit/affirmation and is sworn before a consular officer.
In order to obtain a Marital Status Document, you must book an appointment at the British Embassy in Doha and present the following:
- your valid British passport
- copy of your partner’s passport
- evidence of termination of any previous marriages (e.g. divorce decree or death certificate)
To find out more about what is required and to book an appointment use our getting married abroad tool.
Please note that if you are getting married in the UK or a third country you should contact the registrar in the country where the marriage will take place. It is not possible for the British Embassy in Doha to process any paperwork for a marriage outside Qatar.
No Objection Certificate for Adoption
The British Embassy is unable to advise on the legalities or procedures for inter-country adoption. Further information can be found on the adoption pages and on the website of the Inter-country Adoption Centre.
The British Embassy will only become involved when the government of the country from which the child is being adopted requests a letter of no objection from the British authorities.
The British Embassy can only issue such a letter if at least one of the parents is not habitually resident in the UK. It is the responsibility of the prospective adoptive parents to check with a lawyer that they have not retained habitual residence in the UK and to provide evidence of this to consular staff. The British Embassy will require a sworn declaration, witnessed by a lawyer, confirming that the prospective adopted parents have received independent legal advice and that they are not habitually resident in the UK.
An example of the acceptable form of wording is
I (name) confirm that I have received independent legal advice and with reference to all the circumstances of my particular case and in light of existing UK law I can confirm that I am not habitually resident in the UK.
Please ensure you bring this document to the appointment.
Other documents required:
- your valid British passport
- your Qatar Residence Permit
- your marriage certificate
- your partner’s passport
The British Embassy cannot give guarantees that children adopted abroad will be eligible for British citizenship or be granted entry clearance for the UK. These are both granted at the discretion of the Home Secretary and decisions cannot be prejudged. Consular staff can only give a factual statement outlining the normal approach and procedures.
Book an appointment for this service
Informative notes
Recognition of marriage for visa application of non-EU national spouse
The British Embassy does not provide standard wording to comment on the validity of a foreign marriage under UK law for the purpose of a visa application of a non-EU national spouse of a British person. The following informative note may be provided to visa issuing authorities if requested.
Download this informative note here:
Visa recommendation letters
The British Embassy does not issue Visa Recommendation Letters to British nationals applying for visas to travel to any country. Visa officers are requested to accept a British passport as evidence of a person’s identity and nationality.
Download this informative note here:
Channel Islands and Isle of Man driving licences
The British Embassy has provided the following note for the benefit of British national holders of Channel Islands or Isle of Man driving licences who wish to obtain a local Qatari driving licence. Please note that the British Embassy is not able to comment on driving licences issued by the authorities of UK Overseas Territories.
Download this informative note here:
No Objection Letter to Transfer Residency
The British Embassy does not provide named No Objection Letters for dual nationals who wish to transfer their Qatari residency to or from their British passport. The following informative note may be provided to the relevant authorities if requested.
Download this informative note here:
Change of Name
The British Embassy has provided the following note for the benefit of British nationals who have recently changed their name following marriage.
The following informative note may be provided to the relevant authorities if requested.
Download this informative note here:
Services provided elsewhere
The following list includes services not provided by the British Embassy and for which appointments will not be accepted:
- witnessing signatures or administering declarations/oaths (e.g. powers of attorney, wills, deed polls, etc.)
- certified photocopies (e.g. of British passports, driving licences, educational certificates, etc.)
- certifying your identity, proof of address/residence or tax status (e.g. for British banks, building societies or other institutions)
Please note that this list is non-exhaustive and consular staff reserve the right to decline requests for any other service not mentioned above.
We have provided a list of local lawyers who may be able to provide these services.
Legalisation services
The British Embassy is unable to provide legalisation services. Follow our guidance on how to get your UK documents legalised for use in Qatar.
Police clearance certificates
The British Embassy does not issue Police Clearance Certificates. Follow our guidance on how to obtain a certificate from the UK.
Copies of birth, death and marriage certificates
For copies of British birth, death and marriage certificates, visit the General Register Office.
Register a birth abroad
For information on how to register a birth abroad, please follow the UK Government’s guidance.
Data Protection
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office holds and uses data for purposes notified to the Information Commissioner under the Data Protection Act 1998 (which may be viewed at www.ico.gov.uk. Such personal data may be disclosed to other UK government departments and public authorities.
Disclaimer
This information is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the British Embassy by the relevant local authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. Accordingly, the FCDO and the British Embassy will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. British nationals wishing to obtain any further information must contact the relevant local authority.
