Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update was on 04 June 2023.
What is Family Residence Visa in Qatar?
A Family Residence Visa is a visa using which a foreign worker can sponsor his immediate family members, like his wife and children, for a long-term stay in Qatar. Every family member, including infants, must have an individual Residence Visa to stay in Qatar.
To sponsor his family members, an expatriate resident must meet eligibility requirements like profession, salary, and accommodation.
Applicants must also submit several documents, including an attested marriage certificate, birth certificate, education certificate, and bank statements. This article explains eligibility requirements, documents, visa fees, and step-by-step procedures to apply for a Qatar Family Residence Visa.
- What is Family Residence Visa in Qatar?
- Qatar Residence Family Visa Latest News And Updates
- Qatar Family Visa Requirements
- 1) The sponsor should have a Residence Permit
- 2) Profession requirement
- 3) Minimum salary for Family Visa in Qatar
- 4) Housing requirement
- Qatar Family Visa Process
- Step 1: Apply for Family RP Entry Visa
- Documents Required for Qatar Family Visa Application
- Option 1: Applying for Family Residence Visa through Metrash
- Option 2: Applying for Family Residence Visa Directly
- "Null" Status on Family Visa Application Receipt
- Family Visa Application Status (Under Process & Under Review)
- What to do if family visa application is rejected?
- Step 2: Family Members enter Qatar
- Step 3: Undergo the Medical Test
- Step 4: Undergo Fingerprints Process
- Step 5: Apply for Qatar ID Card
- Option 1: Applying for Qatar ID at MOI Service Centre
- Documents Required
- Qatar ID Fee
- Option 2: Applying for Qatar ID through Metrash
- Qatar Family Visa Fees
- Registering For National Address
- Rules For Sponsoring Adult Children
- Work Permit for Spouse and Children
- FAQ on Qatar Family Residence Visa
Qatar Residence Family Visa Latest News And Updates
04 JUNE 2023 STATUS
(1) Family Residence Visa (RP): Private sector employees with salaries above QR 15,000 have started receiving Family RP approvals in April. Several applicants were asked to resubmit updated bank statements. Applications can be submitted online using the Metrash app. However follow-up visits are not being allowed for private sector employees (since May). Those who visited recently were asked to come after few weeks.
(2) Family Visit Visa processing is now back to normal. Applications can be submitted online using the Metrash app. The average time for processing a family visit visa is now 1-2 weeks. Visa extension beyond 3 months is not given now (except in rare cases).
Note that the above information is not based on any official announcement, but on the experience of recent applicants who visited MOI Centres. Individual experiences may vary depending on several factors.
Qatar Family Visa Requirements
Here are the major requirements for an expatriate to sponsor his family:
1) The sponsor should have a Residence Permit
The first requirement is that the applicant (the sponsor) has a valid Residence Permit. Your Qatar ID / Residence Card should be ready before you apply for a residence visa for your family.
2) Profession requirement
The sponsor’s profession on the Qatar ID should be technical or specialised (non-labour). Those in the labour category like drivers, delivery boys, cleaners etc. may not be eligible to sponsor their families irrespective of their salary.
3) Minimum salary for Family Visa in Qatar
Currently the minimum salary for Family Residence Visa in Qatar is QR 15,000 for private sector employees. Some public sector employees have reportedly received approvals with salaries between QR 10,000 and QR 15,000.
Before 2022, those with a minimum salary of QR 10,000 were eligible to sponsor their family. Those with a minimum salary of QR 7,000 + free family accommodation were also eligible (if family accommodation is provided by the employer).
The salary requirements are in place to ensure that the sponsor can support his family’s expenses like accommodation and groceries.
4) Housing requirement
If you have rented a house/apartment on your own, a tenancy contract attested by the Municipality may be required. A tenancy contract is not required if you apply through Metrash.
If your family accommodation is provided by the employer, you have to produce an employment contract that specifically mentions family housing will be provided in addition to your salary.
Qatar Family Visa Process
Before you begin the application process for Family Residence Visas, check with your employer to see if they can help you. Employers are not obliged to process or pay for Family Residence Visas, but some companies take care of this process as part of their employment policy.
Qatar Family Residence Visa Process can be summarised as follows:
- Step 1: Apply for Family RP Entry Visa (through Metrash or offline)
- Step 2: Family members enter Qatar
- Step 3: Undergo Medical Test
- Step 4: Undergo Fingerprints Process
- Step 5: Apply for Qatar ID

Let’s examine the above steps in detail:
Step 1: Apply for Family RP Entry Visa
The first step is to submit all the necessary documents to get a family residence visa approved. This entry visa will allow your family to enter Qatar. However, other formalities like medical tests and fingerprints must be done after arrival.
Another way is to bring the family on a Family Visit Visa which will have a simpler process. A visit visa can be converted to a Family Residence Visa after submitting the same documents. You must pay an additional QR 500 to change your visa type without leaving the country.
Here is our detailed guide on how to convert family visit visa to RP visa.
Documents Required for Qatar Family Visa Application
For applying through Metrash
When applying for a Family Residence Visa through Metrash, you will need the following documents:
- Passports of spouse + children (front + back pages)
- Marriage Certificate for spouse (Attested*)
- Birth Certificates for children (Attested*)
- Bank Statement for the last six months to prove your salary credit. Make sure this is stamped by your bank. You can inform the bank that this statement is for uploading on Metrash. They can prepare it in such a way that all salary credits are shown on one page, making it easier to upload.
- Your Education Certificate (Attested*)
- NOC (No-Objection Certificate) from the employer with position and salary (dated within the last 3 months) – This should be uploaded to the “Other Documents” placeholder.
*Documents that need attestation should be attested by the Qatar embassy in your country OR your country’s embassy in Qatar, as well as Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Many private attestation companies in Qatar can assist with attestation and translation work.
If documents like Marriage Certificates, Birth Certificates or Education Certificates are not in English or Arabic, you will have to translate them. Translations should be uploaded to the “Other documents” section of Metrash.
If there is more than one page in one document, you have to merge both pages into one JPG file as Metrash only allows JPG files. You can keep both pages together (side-by-side) and take one photo. Make sure the text is readable. For better clarity, you can scan two pages and place them side-by-side using any software.
For applying through MOI Service Centre
When applying for a Family Residence Visa directly through MOI Service Centre, you may also need the following documents (in addition to the above):
- A completed application form (link) – You can get this typed in Arabic from any typing centre.
- Copy of your Passport (photo page + bio page)
- Copy of your Qatar ID card (both sides)
- Copy of your Employer’s QID / Company Registration Card (May not be required for the public sector).
- Copy of the Tenancy Contract attested by the Municipality or a letter from your employer stating that family accommodation will be provided. A Tenancy Contract is not required for Metrash applications, but it may be required if you apply directly (in some cases).
Declaration of non-marriage for daughter is required if the daughter you are sponsoring is above 18 years of age and not married. Note that married daughters are not eligible for parents’ sponsorship.
If you have adopted children, statements of adoption and reasons for adoption will be required. Legal documents proving relationship will be needed if you are sponsoring step-children.
Option 1: Applying for Family Residence Visa through Metrash
Qatar MOI has made the application process easier by allowing applicants to submit their documents via the Metrash2 mobile app. If you haven’t registered for Metrash2, see our comprehensive Metrash2 User Guide.
For the visa option to be active, the applicant’s labour contract should be uploaded online and linked to the Metrash system. For most expatriates, this will have already been done by their employer. If you receive a notification on Metrash, please speak with your employer to resolve this.
Here are the steps to apply for Family Residence Visa on the Metrash2 mobile app:
- After logging into Metrash, click on the “Visa” icon.

2. Click on the “Issue Visa” icon on the next screen.

3. Click on the “Family Visit” icon on the next screen.

4. Select “Family Resident Application” on the next screen.
IMPORTANT NOTE: By default, this will be selected as Family Visa Application (which is for Family Visit Visa applicants). For Residence Visas, you have to change this selection as shown below:

5. Click on “New Application” (bottom right of the screen).
6. Carefully fill in the form with the details of your family member. Click on “Validate”.

7. Verify the details on the next screen. Select “I agree on the validity of data”. Click “Next”.

If there is any mistake you can click “Back” and edit it. Make sure to review the data before confirming as any mistake in the application can prevent the visitor from entering the country.
8. The next screen will have placeholders for uploading documents. Follow the instructions on the screen, and upload scanned copies or photos of the documents.
- Document scans/photos must be clear and readable.
- Metrash only accepts JPG images. PDF files are not accepted.
- For documents with multiple pages, combine both pages into one JPG file (side to side).
- Maximum size of the merged JPG document should be less than 500 KB. Any document with size above 500 KB will not be uploaded and you need to resize it.
- For the bank statement, inform your bank that it is for the RP application so that they will print one or two pages with minimal details.
The documents required on the first screen are: Education Certificate, Bank Salary Statement, and Other Documents. Upload NOC and translations (if any) to “Other Document”.
The documents required on the second screen are a Marriage / Birth Certificate and the Visitor’s Passport (front and back). After uploading all documents, click “Next”.
9. On the next screen, confirm your submission by clicking on “Yes”.
10. Your application number will be generated after this step. You can click on the arrow sign on the right to check the status. Once submitted it will be “Under Process”. Later it will change to “Under Review”.
If the application is rejected, the reason will be given as notes on this page.
If the visa is approved, you can pay the visa fees (QR 200) online via Metrash2 or pay at the Immigration Office. The visa can be downloaded from this link.
Option 2: Applying for Family Residence Visa Directly
For the offline application, you need a completed application form (Download Form) and the other documents mentioned above. You may also get this application form filled in from any typing centre.

Take the required documents to the Immigration Department in Al Gharafa (Location Map). It is better to go early morning, between 6 and 9 am.
Take a token number from reception, and wait for your turn. When your number is displayed on the screen, go to the counter and submit the documents. If the documents are satisfactory, they will accept the application, and you will be notified in a few days.
If the visa is approved, you can pay the visa fees (QR 200) online via Metrash2 or pay at the Immigration Office. Note that you would need a debit or credit card for payment.
“Null” Status on Family Visa Application Receipt
Some of our readers have raised concerns that the acknowledgement receipt they received after application submission has only “null” in most fields. Please note that this is normal for all applicants. This document is only an acknowledgement that they received your application. Your application details will be in the system.
Family Visa Application Status (Under Process & Under Review)
Applicants often get confused about changes to their family visa application status. It is normal that each application goes through “Under Process” and “Under Review” statuses multiple times before getting approved.
Below is a typical flow of status for visa applications and what each stage means:
Stage | Metrash Status | What This Means |
---|---|---|
1st stage | Under Process | Application is submitted. |
2nd stage | Under Review | File is open for review. This is not approval. |
3rd stage | Under Process | File has been checked by Captain. |
4th stage | Under Process with visa number issued | File is approved from Gharaffa immigration. Now the file is under CID clearance. Usually it would be approved within one week. Visiting Gharaffa will not help. For children below 15 years, CID clearance is not required. The status will be “Ready To Print”. However, the visa can be only printed after mother’s application is approved. |
5th stage | Visa Approval / Ready To Print | After CID clearance, sponsor will get approval SMS. Now the visa is fully approved. You can pay QR 200 and print the visa. |
NOTES
Under Review to Under Process means almost approved.
Under Review to Under Process can be done only by the Captain (superior officers) at Gharaffa Immigration. Even if your application is in Stage 1, the Captain has the authority to move it directly to Stage 4.
For children below 15 years, it will be direct approval, after the 3rd stage (as they don’t need CID clearance). However, the visa can be only printed after mother’s application is approved.
If your application status changes between Under Process and Under Review, you do not have to do anything. In most cases, the application will be approved within a few days of a change in status.
The status we see on our Metrash and the status on their system may vary.
What to do if family visa application is rejected?
Sometimes, your visa application can be rejected even if you meet the requirements. In such cases, you can visit the Gharaffa Immigration Office and request a meeting with the visa approval committee.
Take a copy of the visa application receipt as they will keep the original receipt with them. They will give you a copy mentioning the meeting date.
If there is no serious problem with your submitted documents after their scrutiny, you will be given an appointment date with the visa approval committee.
During the meeting, the committee will ask you simple questions such as your qualifications and profession. Take the originals of all documents you submitted, including your education certificates, in case they ask for them. If everything is OK, you will get approval in two days.
Step 2: Family Members enter Qatar
Once the Family Entry Visa is approved, family members can travel to Qatar. Usually, visa holders can enter within 180 days of visa approval. The last entry date will be given on the visa.
The entry visa is valid for 90 days from the entry date, within which the next steps, like medical tests and fingerprints, should be done.
If the family members are already in Qatar on a visit visa, you can pay the visa fee and proceed to the next steps.
Step 3: Undergo the Medical Test
The visa holder shall start the Residence Permit (RP) procedure by completing a medical examination. This test aims to protect population health and prevent infectious diseases spread from newcomers.
The Medical Commission is responsible for conducting the visa-related medical exam in Qatar. The Medical Commission Department is located on Al Muntazah Street, off the E-Ring Road (Google map). The Medical Commission’s working hours are Sunday to Thursday, 07:00 am to 07:00 pm.
The medical examination may include a blood test for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. You will also undergo a physician’s check-up and chest X-ray for screening of Tuberculosis,
Documents Required
The following documents are required for the medical test:
- Family member’s original passport
- Passport copy
- Residence Visa copy with sponsor’s mobile number written on it
- Sponsor’s Qatar ID copy
- Debit/Credit card for payment of fees
The fee for Medical Test is QR 100 per person.
Here is our detailed guide to Medical Test for Family RP in Qatar.
If you are converting a visit visa to a residence visa, you must inform the officer about converting the visit visa into a residence visa. If you have already done the medical for visit visa extension, they may not do the test again.
The medical examination results are electronically sent to the residency system at the Ministry of Interior. You will receive the result on your Metrash mobile app or as an SMS two or three days after medical test. You can also check the results online on the MoPH website.

Medical Tests For Children
Normally children under 15 years do not have to go for a medical test. When the child arrives in Qatar, check the sponsor’s Metrash app to see if the “Issue Residence Permit” option is available to them.
If the option is not showing, you have to pay QR 100 at the Medical Commission (show original passport and visa copy). They will update the status in the system.
Step 4: Undergo Fingerprints Process
After completing the medical test, adults must register their fingerprints digitally with the Ministry of Interior.
Nowadays, you can do fingerprints at any Ministry of Interior (MOI) Service Centre (except Gharaffa).
Documents Required
The following documents are required for the fingerprinting:
- Fingerprint Application Form. You can get this filled from a typing centre*. (This may not be required at some MOI Service Centres)
- Family member’s original passport
- Passport copy
- Residence Visa copy
- Sponsor’s Qatar ID copy
- Medical Receipt
Once the fingerprint process is complete, you will receive an update on the Metrash2 app or SMS.
*You can also get the Qatar ID application form (needed in the next step) typed at the same time.
Step 5: Apply for Qatar ID Card
The final step is to apply for a Residence Permit Card (Qatar ID). You can do this at MOI Service Centre or online through Metrash.
Option 1: Applying for Qatar ID at MOI Service Centre
If you are applying for Qatar ID directly, you can apply at any Ministry of Interior (MOI) Service Centre.
Documents Required
The following documents are required to apply for Qatar ID at MOI Service Centre:
- Completed application form (download link). You can get this filled up from a typing centre**.
Family member’s original passport - Sponsor’s Qatar ID
- Family member’s passport-size photo (35 x 45 mm with a blue background)
MOI officials will ask the family member to sign on the form near the photo. For children you can write their name instead of signature.

**Some MOI Service Centres require applicants to bring the completed application form, while some MOI centres will give a paper to sign.
Qatar ID Fee
The Residence Permit costs QR 500 for the first year.
Once the fee is paid, the Qatar ID will be printed within 5 minutes.
Option 2: Applying for Qatar ID through Metrash
This option is required only if you do not want to visit MOI Service Centre. Once you receive a message that the fingerprint is OK, follow the below steps:
- Open the Metrash2 app
- Go to the “Residency” section
- Select “Issue Residence Permit”
- Enter the required details
- Upload a passport size photo (blue background)
- Take a picture of a family member’s signature and upload it. (For children, write their names on a piece of paper and upload it as their signature).
- Pay QR 500 + QR 20 as QPost delivery charge
You can track your QID delivery on the MOI website. The sponsor’s QID number can be used for tracking.

Qatar Family Visa Fees
Below is a breakdown of all costs associated with a family residence visa:
Qatar Family Visa Fee (per dependent) | QR 200 |
Medical Commission Test Fee (per dependent) | QR 100 |
Residence Permit Fee (for one year) | QR 500 |
Document attestation and typing centre fees (if required) will be extra. There will be an additional charge of QR 500 per person if you transfer a visit visa to a residence visa without exiting the country.

Registering For National Address
Once the QID is printed, ensure the National Address is registered for the new QID holder. You can do this at any MOI service centre or through the Metrash mobile app.
Children’s National Addresses can be registered from their sponsor’s Metrash app. For the wife to register on Metrash, she has to get a sim with her own QID, and then register a National Address.
Note that a resident’s Qatar ID cannot be renewed without registering National Address.
Rules For Sponsoring Adult Children
One of the things to know when applying for visas is that male children aged 25 years and over are not eligible to be on either parent’s visa. There is no age restriction for daughters, as long as they are not married.
Children with existing QID exceeding the legal age may be granted a Residence Permit under their parents’ sponsorship for one more year to find an employer the following year.
Work Permit for Spouse and Children
Dependent spouses and children above 18 who wish to work require a special work permit to work while in family sponsorship. This work permit can also be applied using the Metrash app.
Here is a detailed video explaining the residence visa steps:
READ NEXT: How To Convert Family Visit Visa To Residence Visa
FAQ on Qatar Family Residence Visa
What is the minimum salary for family visa in Qatar?
As of 2023, you should have a minimum salary of QR 15,000 to be eligible for sponsoring your family in Qatar.
What to do if my family visa application is rejected?
If the family visa application is rejected, you can visit the Gharafa Immigration Office and request a meeting with the visa approval committee.
How can I renew the Residence Permit for my family?
You can renew the Residence Permit (QID) for family members using the Metrash2 application. The payment can be made online, and delivery will be by QPost.
Can I get a residence visa for extended family members?
In Qatar, family residence visas are generally issued only to immediate family members like spouses and children. Parents can be sponsored in exceptional cases.
How much does a family visa cost in Qatar?
The cost of an initial entry visa is QR 200 and Qatar ID is QR 500 per year. There are other expenses like Medical Test fees (QR 100) and miscellaneous expenses like attestation charges.
What to do if application is “Under Process” for Family Visa in Qatar?
If the application status of your family visa is still “Under Process” after submission, there is nothing much to do except wait. Note that as of 2023, there is a delay in most applications.
What is the meaning of Family Visa “Under Review”?
If the family visa status is under review, it means the file is being processed by an officer. This is normally a good sign.
Is health insurance required for Family Residence Visa?
No, health insurance is not required for Family Residence Visa. It is only needed for visit visas.
READ NEXT: Visa Changing Process via Abu Samra Land Border
Related Articles:
- Medical Test For Family Residence Visa in Qatar
- Hayya With Me: How To Bring Family On Hayya Visa
- Qatar Family Visit Visa: Requirements and Application Guide
- Doha Metro Map, Stations, Timings, Ticket Prices: Guide
- How To Get On Arrival Visa for Baby Born Outside Qatar
- Procedure To Change Job in Qatar
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Special thanks to Mr. Faris Ahmed for sharing with us his recent experience in detail.
Hello Doha Guide Team,
I apply for my brother “family visit visa” on Metrash 2, I follow the steps given there and I attached photos of the requirements; birth certificate of him & me, passport, return ticket. After 3 days I received message from MOI, telling that the status is “Missing Documents”. Although I attached all the documents needed on my first try, I attached it all again. But unfortunately the status was not change, still showing the “missing documents”. Can you help me for this, what is the right thing to do at this moment?
Thanks and best regards,
Melvin
Hi Melvin, Only married expats with family in Qatar can sponsor other relatives. Is your wife in Qatar (under your sponsorship)?
Hello, Doha guides team,
My family came on hayya card in May 2023, I applied for a residence visa for my family on 8th July 2022, and now on 8th July 2023 will the application be automatically canceled? And if so, will I be able to apply again since they are on Hayya Visa? Will I be able to apply again if they leave the country? and they again enter with Hayya after I have submitted the residence visa application?
Please help, I have been struggling for the past 1 year. My salary is also above 15K but still not getting the approval. It’s currently under review for the past 1 month.
Thanks in advance
Hi, I have faced the same issue, I have applied in 08th May 2022 and after 15days Status shown “rejected” and it got cleared automatically on 08th May 2023. Now I have applied for new Visa it is showing “Under Review” form last one month.
Thanks for sharing Ali.
Hi B, Since it has been almost one year, you can update your bank statements by visiting Gharaffa (It is better to go after 1:30 pm, but we are not sure if they would allow entry as we hear nowadays they don’t work in the afternoon).
Hi DG,
I had completed medical for me for RP and for my son who is 3 years old they said no need for medical test and I haven’t paid for my son. I have a doubt, where can I go for fingerprint process and may I know what are the procedures for my son
Hi Safrin, Fingerprint for adults can be done from MOI Service Center like Mesaimeer. Fingerprint is not required for your son.
Hi can you mention how can i apply for work permit in RP ? is it is done through my hussband or my employer? can u mention the steps
Hi Nika, It should be done by your employer. They would also need an NOC from your husband. They will advise you how to do that.
Hi DG!
I got my RP approvals. Now I’m in Qatar on a Hayya card. I would like to take an exit from Saudi Arabia. But I heard news that nowadays hayya holders are not allowed to enter Saudi Arabia. Is this true? Please help me.
Hi DG!
I got my RP approvals. Now I’m in Qatar on a Hayya card. I would like to take an exit from Saudi Arabia. But I heard news that nowadays hayya holders are not allowed to enter Saudi Arabia. Is this true? Please help me.
Hi al
When visited gharaffa they said after eid only approval
Hi Ann, Sorry to hear that and thanks for the update.
Hi,
I already applied for RP for my wife and kids and it’s under review status. don’t know how long I have to wait to get it approved. So I thought of bringing them on July ( next month). Which one is better( untill RP approval), Haya visa or Family visit visa? Your reply will be appreciated and it will be very helpful. If I take haya visa is there any barrier for RP approval? Once it approved will they have to exit and enter again? Is there any other options pls do suggest
Thanks
Hi Raaf, Hayya With Me will give longer stay (till January 2024), but they will have to exit and re-enter after RP is approved. Family Visit Visa can be converted to RP without exit, but sometimes you won’t get extension beyond 90 days. Note that children cannot get school admission on Hayya or Visit.
Thankyou team Doha Guide for the reply
And one more doubt is if they come in haya , once we get RP approval ,do we need to cancel the haya to get RP visa?? Or just need to exit and re enter??
Hi Raaf, They can exit and re-enter. Just inform the immigration official that they want to enter on RP.
Hi DG,
My Rp application was in 3rd stage (under process)
I had also applied for visit visa and it got approved.
Now today my rp application is showing ’deferred’.
Reason: already have valid unused visa
Is there any solution to this ? Or my family must enter qatar and then the process will continue??
Hi All, I got RP visa for my wife recently. I wanted to share my experience so that it might help others. I work in public sector my salary is 10k now, after my wife arrives, company will provide allowance with that it will reach 15k, however i provided 10k as salary proof requirement. Metrash status changes as follows
1st May: Under process
2nd May : Under review
Status got stuck for almost 20 days. I was afraid it will be delayed for months after reading comments here. With the intervention of my PRO
22 May : Under process
23 rd May: Under process with visa no.
28 th May : Approved received SMS
I believe if your PRO is strong he can make things done.
Hi Sohail, Thanks a lot for sharing your experience. Best wishes.