Planning to transfer your Qatar domain to Unitech? The transfer itself is free of charge. A mandatory one-year renewal applies at QAR 60, extending your domain’s registration by one year while retaining its remaining validity.
The updated Qatar Domains Registry (QDR) transfer policy also introduces requirements covering transfer approval, authorisation and the period during which a recently registered or transferred domain cannot be transferred again.
Here is what you need to know before submitting your request.
Free Transfer, Mandatory Renewal
Under Clause 5.8.2, the gaining registrar cannot charge a separate fee for the transfer itself. However, a one-year renewal is mandatory as part of the transfer process.
At Unitech, the charges are:
| Item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Domain transfer | Free — QAR 0 |
| Mandatory one-year renewal | QAR 60 |
| Total for transfer with the mandatory one-year renewal | QAR 60 |
The QAR 60 payment covers the mandatory renewal. It is not a separate transfer fee.
Example: If your domain expires on 15 March 2027, transferring it with the mandatory one-year renewal extends its expiry to 15 March 2028. You retain the registration time you have already paid for.
Under Clause 5.8.1, your current registrar also cannot impose a transfer fee or another charge that could reasonably be considered a transfer fee.
Can You Add More Than One Year?
Yes. The transfer includes a mandatory one-year renewal, and you may purchase additional renewal years.
Under Clause 5.8.3, additional renewal years are optional and can only be processed after the transfer has successfully completed.
QDR supports registration periods of up to 10 years, subject to the applicable registry rules and maximum remaining registration term. Unitech currently offers registration and renewal options of up to five years. For transfers, the mandatory one-year renewal is processed first, followed by any additional renewal years within the supported limits.
We plan to increase the available registration and renewal periods in the coming days. The extended options will be announced once available.
Transfers Now Take Up to Five Calendar Days
Customers familiar with the previous 48-hour transfer timeframe should allow for the updated five-calendar-day process.
Under Clause 5.6.5, a properly authorised transfer proceeds automatically five calendar days after the gaining registrar initiates it, unless the current registrar accepts it earlier.
This period starts when the transfer request is submitted to the registry, following completion of the required checks. Placing an order or submitting documents does not by itself start the registry transfer period.
A 60-Day Transfer Restriction Applies
Under Clause 5.5.2, a domain cannot be transferred to another registrar during the first 60 calendar days after:
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Its initial registration; or
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Its most recent registrar transfer.
For example, if you have just transferred your domain to a registrar, you must wait until the applicable 60-day restriction has ended before transferring it again.
Written Authorisation and a Valid Transfer Code Are Required
Under Clause 5.6.1.1, the gaining registrar must receive a written transfer request from the registrant containing a valid Domain Name Password, commonly called an EPP code, Auth Code or transfer authorisation code.
The request must be submitted through:
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An online form;
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Email; or
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A letter. / On a support ticket is also valid.
A verbal request made by telephone or in person is not sufficient.
Under Clauses 5.6.1.3 and 5.6.1.4, the gaining registrar must also send the required transfer confirmation message and receive an affirmative response from the registrant before proceeding.
Eligibility Documents Are Required, Including for .qa Domains
Unitech will open an eligibility verification support ticket for Qatar domain requests, including .qa domains, so customers can submit the supporting documents required for their selected eligibility category.
Documents must be submitted to Unitech as your registrar for verification. Depending on the applicant and eligibility category, these may include:
| Applicant or eligibility basis | Supporting documents |
|---|---|
| Individual registering for personal use | Valid Qatar ID or Residency Permit |
| Commercial entity | Relevant Qatar Commercial Registration or trade licence |
| Qatar-registered trademark holder | Relevant Qatar trademark registration certificate |
| Other eligible organisation | Documents supporting the applicable organisational category |
A trade licence is not required from every applicant. The documents requested depend on the eligibility category selected and the applicable registry requirements.
Please respond to your Unitech support ticket and provide the requested documents promptly. The transfer request can be submitted to the registry once the required eligibility and authorisation checks are complete.
Updates to Unitech’s Website and Policy Pages
We are updating Unitech’s domain information, terms and policy pages to reflect the revised QDR requirements. These updates will be published in the coming days.
During this transition, some pages may still display earlier information. Please refer to this notice for the transfer arrangements described above and contact Unitech support if you need clarification before placing an order.
Your domain transfer is free. The minimum payment is QAR 60 for the mandatory one-year renewal, with additional renewal years available after the transfer completes.
