Qatar Family Visa (Residence): Requirements and Guide 2023

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 25 May 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.

Qatar Residence Family Visa Latest News And Updates

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:

1. Passports of spouse + children (front + back pages)
2. Marriage Certificate for spouse (Attested*)
3. Birth Certificates for children (Attested*)
4. 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.
5. Your Education Certificate (Attested*)
6. 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):

7. A completed application form (link) – You can get this typed in Arabic from any typing centre.
8. Copy of your Passport (photo page + bio page)
9. Copy of your Qatar ID card (both sides)
10. Copy of your Employer’s QID / Company Registration Card (May not be required for the public sector).
11. 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:

1. 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:

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, Chest X-Ray, and Screening for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

Documents Required

The following documents are required for the medical test:

• Family member’s original passport
• Passport copy
• Residence Visa copy (they will ask to write down sponsor mobile number)
• 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 Tests 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:

1. Open the Metrash2 app
2. Go to the “Residency” section
3. Select “Issue Residence Permit”
4. Enter the required details
5. Upload a passport size photo (blue background)
6. 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).
7. 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:

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:

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Special thanks to Mr. Faris Ahmed for sharing with us his recent experience in detail.