Qatar Family Residence Visa – Official Requirements

The Qatar Family Residence Visa is a legal permit that allows foreign residents to bring their immediate family members, such as a spouse and children, to live with them in Qatar. This visa is essential for expatriates who want to maintain family life while working abroad.

It supports family unity and offers access to Qatar’s modern lifestyle, cultural diversity, and excellent healthcare and education systems. For many expats, it’s the first step toward building a stable and fulfilling life in Qatar with their loved ones.

Qatar Family Residence Visa Latest News (June 2025)

Recently, Qatar has imposed temporary restrictions on family residence and visit visas for certain nationalities. While some applications are being processed, many remain pending, causing delays. Due to heavy demand, access to the Duhail Immigration Office is often limited.

To prevent complications, applicants are advised to submit their requests through the Metrash app. These restrictions are expected to be temporary, with normal processing likely to resume soon.

Eligibility Criteria for a Qatar Family Residence Visa

• The sponsor must have a valid Qatar Residence Permit.
• The sponsor’s profession and monthly salary are key factors in visa eligibility.
• Generally, professionals in technical or specialized roles are eligible, while workers in labor or low-skill positions may face limitations.
• The sponsor must meet a minimum salary requirement, which can vary depending on the job sector and the number of dependents.
• Eligible family members include the sponsor’s spouse, children, and, in some cases, parents.
• Sons must be under 18 years old, and daughters must be unmarried to qualify.
• All key documents, such as marriage and birth certificates, must be officially attested by the relevant authorities before applying for the visa.

Important Note: In December 2023, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior introduced revised eligibility criteria for family residence visas. Government sector employees must now earn a minimum salary of QR 10,000. For those in the private sector, the requirement is a minimum salary of QR 6,000 with employer-provided accommodation or QR 10,000 without housing benefits.

Documents Required for Qatar Family Visa 

• Copies of spouse’s and children’s passports (both front and back pages)
• Attested marriage certificate for the spouse
• Attested birth certificates for all children
• Employment contract approved by the Ministry of Labour
• Declaration of non-marriage for daughters over 18 years of age

Attestation and Translation of Documents

Documents that require attestation must be certified by one of the following:

• The Qatar Embassy in your home country, or
• Your home country’s Embassy in Qatar
• Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Doha

Note: If your documents are in a language other than English or Arabic, they must be translated and uploaded under the “Other Documents” section in Metrash.

Document Upload Guidelines

• Ensure all scanned documents are clear and easy to read.
• Only JPG image files are accepted (PDFs are not allowed).
• For multi-page documents, combine pages into a single side-by-side JPG image.
• Each file must not exceed 500 KB in size.
• Organize your files by creating a dedicated folder on your phone.

Qatar Family Residence Visa Application Process Through Metrash App

• Step 1: Install the “Metrash” app from the Play Store and App Store.
• Step 2: Enter your “Login ID” and “Password” and click on the “Login” button.
• Step 3: Click on “Visa.”
• Step 4: Click on the “Request Application” option.
• Step 5: Click on “Family Resident Visa.”
• Step 6: Read all the conditions carefully, accept them, and click on the “Next” button.
• Step 7: Scan or upload the “Passport main page.”
• Step 8: Enter visitor details such as name, relationship, place of birth, and email
• Step 9: Upload the required documents.
  • Marriage certificate (both sides)
  • Employment contract
  • Passport copies
  • Birth certificates (for children)
• Step 10: Review and verify all entered information
• Step 11: Submit the application
• Step 12: If approved, pay the visa fee.

Qatar Family Residence Visa Application Form

Qatar Family Residence Visa By Video Guide

Offline Application Process for Qatar Family Residence Visa

If you prefer to apply for your Qatar Family Residence Visa offline, follow these simple steps. Ensure that all required documents are complete to avoid delays and ensure smooth processing of your family visa in Qatar.

Step 1: Visit a Ministry of Interior (MOI) Service Center

• Choose the nearest MOI service center, such as Al Gharrafa or Madinat Khalifa.

Step 2: Collect and Complete the Application Form

• Please obtain the Family Residence Visa Application Form and ensure it is completed accurately with the sponsor’s and family members’ details.

Step 3: Submit the Required Documents

• Please attach all the necessary documents and submit them at the designated family visa counter.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Fee

• Pay the applicable visa fee at the counter and keep the receipt as proof of payment.

step 5: Get an Acknowledgment Receipt

• After submission, you’ll receive a reference number to track your application status.

Qatar Family Residence Visa Cost

The cost of a Qatar Family Visit Visa is QAR 200 (around USD 55) for a 30-day stay. For Family Residence Visas, the initial application fee is QAR 200, followed by QAR 100 for the medical examination and QAR 500 for a one-year residence permit.

Processing time of Qatar Family Residence Visa

The processing time for a Qatar Family Residence Visa usually ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, though the duration may vary based on individual application circumstances. The process includes an initial assessment (approximately 1–3 weeks), followed by medical tests and fingerprinting (about 1 week), and finally, the issuance of the Qatar ID, which typically takes 1–2 weeks. 

Qatar Family Residence Visa Validity 

In most cases, visa holders are allowed to enter Qatar within 180 days from the date of visa approval. However, some recent visas have shown a validity of 90 days, while others were valid for up to one year. The visa clearly mentions the last date of entry, and it’s important to note that the validity period starts from the date the visa number is issued, not from the date it is printed.

Qatar Family Residence Visa Status Check

You can check your Qatar Family Residence Visa status using the following methods.

Method 1: Metrash App

• Step 1: Download and log in to the Metrash app.
• Step 2: Navigate to the Visa section.
• Step 3: Then select Visa Status to check the current status of your visa.

Method 2: Ministry of Interior Website

• Step 1: Visit the official MOI Qatar website.
• Step 2: Navigate to “MOI Services” and click on “Inquiries.”

• Step 3: Click on “Visa Services.”

• Step 4: Click on “Visa Approval Tracking.”

• Step 4: Enter your “Application Number.”
• Step 5: Enter “Application Date” or “QID Sponsor.”
• Step 6: Enter the CAPTCHA number.
• Step 7: Click on “Submit” to check the current status of your visa.

Method 3: Qatar Visa Center

• Locate the nearest Qatar Visa Center.
• Visit the center with your passport and all required documents.
• You can inquire about your visa status in person or call the center for updates.

“Null” Status on Family Visa Application Confirmation

Several applicants have reported receiving receipts showing “null” in most fields after submitting their family visa applications. This is a common occurrence and part of the standard process. The receipt simply serves as confirmation that your application has been received and is now recorded in the system.

Qatar Family Visa (Residence) Under Process & Under Review

The application status for a family residence visa can sometimes be confusing due to multiple status changes. Typically, the process begins with “Under Process,” moves to “Under Review,” and then returns to “Under Process” before the visa is finally approved.

What to Do If Your Qatar Family Residence Visa Gets Rejected?

Occasionally, your Qatar family visa may get rejected even if you meet all the requirements. Here are the steps to reapply for the Qatar visa:

• Check the Reason for Rejection: Visit the immigration office to find out why your Qatar visa was rejected. The information helps you understand the issue and make necessary corrections.
• Reapply for Your Visa: If you believe your Qatar family visa was unfairly rejected, you have the option to reapply for it.
• Get Legal Help: If you’re facing challenges with your visa application process, consider reaching out to the immigration office or consulting a professional visa advisor for support. 
• Schedule an Appointment: Once your visa issue is resolved, you’ll receive a meeting date. During the appointment, you’ll be asked some general questions. If everything is in order, your residence visa for family members in Qatar will be issued within two working days.

How to Get a Residence Permit in Qatar

To obtain a residence permit in Qatar, follow these key steps:

Step 1: Enter Qatar

Once your family residence visa for Qatar is issued, you must use it within the validity period, typically 180 days. If you don’t enter Qatar within this timeframe, you can extend the visa for another 180 days by paying QAR 200.

Step 2: Complete Medical Test for Residence Permit

After arrival, your first step is to visit the Medical Commission in Mesaimeer, the main center for visa-related medical exams. This test ensures the applicant is medically fit, promoting a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

Medical Test Procedure:

• Location: Medical Commission, Mesaimeer
• Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Fee: QR 100 (payable at the center)

Documents Required:

• Passport copy of each family member (applicant)
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Sponsor’s QID copy
• Visa approval printout
• Debit or credit card for fee payment

Medical Tests Performed:

• Chest X-ray (to check for tuberculosis)
• Blood test (to screen for infectious diseases)

Processing Time: Results are usually available within 1 to 2 days.

Step 3: Complete Fingerprint Registration

After completing the medical test, the next step in obtaining your residence permit is to go through the fingerprint verification process.

Fingerprint Center Locations:

• If it’s your first time in Qatar, fingerprinting is usually done at the Criminal Evidence and Investigation Department (CEID), located on Salwa Road. The center operates from Sunday to Thursday, 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
• Recently, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) has also begun conducting fingerprint registrations.

Documents Required:

• Applicant’s passport
• Sponsor’s QID copy
• Medical test approval printout
• Appointment confirmation letter
• Visa copy

Processing Time: Fingerprint results are generally updated within 2 to 3 days.

Step 4: Submit Residence Permit (RP) Application Through Metrash App

Once the fingerprinting and medical examination are complete, the next step is to obtain the residence permit. The sponsor can apply for the RP through the Metrash app.

• Step 1: Open the Metrash app.
• Step 2: Go to Residency and select Issue Residence Permit.
• Step 3: Choose the family member you wish to sponsor.
• Step 4: Upload all necessary documents.
• Step 5: Pay the residence permit fee: QR 500 per year.

Note: Typically takes 1–5 working days. Upon approval, the applicant receives an official residence permit in Qatar.

Step 5: Collect Your Qatar ID (QID)

The final step after issuing the residence permit is to collect the Qatar ID (QID), the official identification card for residents. Follow these steps to collect your Qatar ID.

Documents Required:

• Residence Permit approval copy
• Fully and accurately completed application form
• RP fee payment receipt
• Passport copy
• Recent passport-size photographs

Collection Centers:

• MOI Service Centers, including Al Gharafa, Al Wakrah, Mesaimeer, and others.

Note: Once received, the family member is officially recognized as a resident of Qatar.

National Address Registration Process for New Qatar ID Holders

Once the QID is issued, please ensure the national address for the new holder is registered. This can be done at any MOI service center or via the Metrash app.

Children’s National Addresses can be registered through their sponsor’s Metrash account. For a wife to register on Metrash, she must first get a SIM card linked to her own QID and then complete the National Address registration.

Keep in mind that a resident’s Qatar ID will not be eligible for renewal unless their national address is registered.

Work permit for Children and Spouse

Dependent spouses and children over 18 who want to work while on family sponsorship must obtain a special work permit. You can apply for this permit through the Metrash app.

Privileges and Responsibilities of Family Residence Visa Holders

Holding a family residence visa in Qatar grants certain rights and carries specific responsibilities that all newcomers should understand.

• These provisions help both the sponsor and their dependents settle into Qatari life while complying with local laws.
• Visa holders have the right to live and work in Qatar under family sponsorship. Children can enroll in public or private schools, and family members can access the national healthcare system and other social services, supporting a stable and comfortable lifestyle.
• However, responsibilities are just as important. Residents must keep their visa status valid through timely renewals and compliance with all conditions.
• Sponsors are accountable for the behavior of their dependents and must ensure they follow Qatari laws and respect cultural values.

Advantages of a Qatar Family Residence Visa

The Qatar Family Residence Visa allows expatriates to bring their immediate family members to live and stay in Qatar, offering several key benefits and opportunities for a stable family life.

• Educational Access: Children can enroll in Qatari schools and universities, benefiting from the country’s high-quality education system.
• Healthcare Access: Visa holders can access both public and private healthcare services, known for their advanced medical facilities.
• Legal Residency Status: Family members are recognized as legal residents, granting them various rights and benefits in Qatar.
• Long-Term Residency: Family members can stay in Qatar as long as the sponsor’s residence permit is valid, ensuring long-term stability.
• Family Reunification: Enables expats to bring their spouse and children to live together in Qatar, strengthening family bonds and emotional support.
• Easy Travel In and Out: With a residence permit, family members can travel in and out of Qatar freely without needing additional visas.
• Stability and Security: Living together as a family provides emotional well-being, stability, and a safe environment for children.
• Work Opportunities for Spouses: Spouses may apply for a work permit and legally work in Qatar once approved.
• Cultural and Recreational Life: Families can enjoy Qatar’s rich cultural heritage, modern lifestyle, and family-friendly entertainment options.

FAQs About Qatar Family Residence Visa

Conclusion

The Qatar Family Residence Visa facilitates family unity by enabling expatriates to bring their spouses and children to live, work, and access Qatar’s healthcare, education, and lifestyle. Despite temporary restrictions, it remains essential for building a stable, fulfilling life in Qatar.