Qatar Family Visa (Residence): Requirements and Guide 2024

Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 11 March 2024.

What is Family Residence Visa in Qatar?

A Family Residence Visa is a visa that allows a foreign worker to sponsor their immediate family members, such as their 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 their family members, an expatriate resident must meet eligibility requirements such as profession, salary, and accommodation.

Applicants must also submit several documents, including attested marriage certificates, children’s birth certificates, etc. This article explains eligibility requirements, required documents, visa fees, and step-by-step procedures to apply for a Qatar Family Residence Visa.

Qatar Residence Family Visa Latest News And Updates

Ramadan Working Hours: The Ministry of Interior has announced the official working hours of its departments during the holy month of Ramadan. The General Directorate of Passports offices will be open from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

March 2024 Family RP Status

Family Residence Visa (RP): Processing of Family RPs for private sector employees is normal from August 2023. Numerous applicants with salaries above QR 10,000 received approvals. However, applications with salaries less than QR 10,000 (even QR 9,900) were reportedly rejected.

The hold on Family RP for children seems to be removed now. Children are now getting approval.

The Metrash system is now showing the option to apply Family RP for parents (father and mother). However, almost everyone who applied received an error message “Your Request Has Been Converted To Committee”.

The new Immigration office at Al Duhail is NOT allowing follow-up visits regarding Family RP applications.

Family RP applications can be submitted online using the Metrash app.

06 February 2024 Update

The Ministry of Interior has announced that both employers and expatriates are required to complete residence permit procedures within 30 days of entering the country, in accordance with the law. Failure to do so may lead to a fine of QR 10,000. 

04 December 2023 Update

The Ministry of Interior has clarified the eligibility criteria for Family Residence Permit as follows:
Government & Semi-government Employees: Family housing by employer [or] QR 10,000 salary, duly accredited with an employment contract.
Private Sector Employees: QR 10,000 salary [or] QR 6000 salary + Family housing by the employer. The profession should be technical or specialized (non-labour) duly accredited with an employment contract.
Children within 6-18 years of age must be enrolled in schooling inside or outside the country.
Health insurance is required during the duration of the stay, starting from the date of entry.

Below are the updates based on available information derived from the experiences of other applicants. Please note that the information provided is not based on any official announcement. Individual outcomes may vary depending on various factors:

Earlier Updates (Aug – Nov 2023)

Starting in October 2023, the Metrash application form requires the submission of additional documents such as a Salary Certificate, and a copy of the Employment Contract. We have updated the below content with what to upload in each column.

Since the first week of August 2023, there has been no need to upload bank statements and education certificates on the Metrash mobile app.

Salary credit is now verified through your employer’s Wage Protection System (WPS) transfer. Before applying for a Family RP, please confirm with your employer that your salary is credited through WPS.

Education is now verified through the labour contract. Here is how you can check labour contracts online. If you cannot find your contract, please contact your employer’s PRO to update it before proceeding with the application.

Applicants whose WPS and labour contracts were not in order received a “missing documents” status, while some applications were cancelled.

Qatar Family Visa Requirements

Here are the major requirements for an expatriate to sponsor his family:

1) Residence Permit

The first requirement is that the applicant (the sponsor) must have 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, such as 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 (official requirement) for a Family Residence Visa in Qatar is QR 10,000 for private-sector employees. Those with a minimum salary of QR 6,000 + free family accommodation are also eligible (if family accommodation is provided by the employer).

Until July 2023, approvals were given only to those with a minimum salary of QR 15,000. This requirement seems to have been relaxed from August 2023.

The salary requirements are in place to ensure that the sponsor can support their family’s expenses, including accommodation and groceries.


Qatar Family Visa Process

Before you begin the application process for Family Residence Visas, check with your employer to see if they can assist you. Employers are not obliged to process or pay for Family Residence Visas, but some companies handle this process as part of their employment policy.

The Qatar Family Residence Visa process can be summarised as follows:

  • Step 1: Apply for a Family RP Entry Visa
  • Step 2: Family members enter Qatar
  • Step 3: Undergo Medical Test
  • Step 4: Undergo the Fingerprints Process
  • Step 5: Apply for Qatar ID
Qatar Family Residence Visa Process
Qatar Family Residence Visa Process

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 obtain approval for a family residence visa, allowing your family to enter Qatar. However, please note that other formalities such as medical tests and fingerprinting must be completed after their arrival.

Alternatively, you can bring your family on a Family Visit Visa, which involves a simpler process.

A visit visa can be converted into a Family Residence Visa after submitting the same documents. To change your visa type without leaving the country, you will need to pay an additional QR 500.

Here is our comprehensive guide on how to convert a Family Visit Visa to a Family RP Visa.

Documents Required for Qatar Family Visa Application

When applying for a Family Residence Visa through Metrash, you will need the following documents:

  1. Passports of spouse and children (front and back pages).
  2. Marriage Certificate for spouse (Attested*).
  3. Birth Certificates for children (Attested*).
  4. NOC (No-Objection Certificate) in Arabic from the employer with position and salary (dated within the last 3 months). Please upload this document to the “Other Documents” placeholder.

Declaration of non-marriage for daughters is required if they are above 18 years of age and unmarried. Please note that married daughters are not eligible for sponsorship under their parents.

If you have adopted children, additional documents are required.

For stepchildren, you need to submit documents proving the relationship between the sponsor and the stepchild.

If your QID is expiring soon, you should renew it before proceeding with the application.

Attestation and Translation of Documents

*Documents that require attestation should be attested by the Qatar Embassy in your country OR your country’s Embassy in Qatar. You should also get it attested from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Doha.

If documents such as Marriage Certificates or Birth Certificates are not in English or Arabic, you will need to have them translated. Translations should be uploaded to the “Other documents” section of Metrash.

There are many attestation service providers and typing centres in Qatar, that can help you with translation and attestation.

Important Information About 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). You can achieve this by keeping both pages together side-by-side and taking a single photo. Ensure that the text is clear and legible. For improved clarity, you can use any software to scan two pages and place them side-by-side before saving them as a JPG file. Here is a helpful online tool for merging documents.
  • The maximum size of the merged JPG document should be less than 500 KB. Any document with a size above 500 KB will not be uploaded and you need to resize it.
  • For the bank statement (if required), inform your bank that it is for the RP application so that they will print a one-page statement with salary credit only.
  • To avoid mistakes while uploading files from your mobile phone, create a new folder on your phone, name it “Family RP”, and keep only the final files there.

How To Apply Family Residence Visa through Metrash

Qatar MOI has simplified the application process by enabling applicants to submit their documents through the Metrash2 mobile app. If you haven’t registered for Metrash2 yet, please refer to our comprehensive Metrash2 User Guide.

For the family visa option to be active, the applicant’s labour contract should be uploaded online and linked to the Metrash system. In most cases, this will have already been done by the employer.

If you receive an error message on Metrash, please contact your employer to resolve this matter.

Here are the steps to apply for a Family Residence Visa on the Metrash2 mobile app:

  1. After logging into Metrash, click on the “Visa” icon.
Qatar Family Residence Visa Metrash Step 1

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

Qatar Family Residence Visa Metrash Step 2

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

Qatar Family Residence Visa Metrash Step 3

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:

Metrash Family Resident Visa Selection

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”.

Qatar Family Residence Visa Metrash Fill Details

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

Validate Data Qatar Family Residence Visa Metrash

If there is any mistake, you can click the “Back” button 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.

Metrash ColumnWhat To Upload
Marriage certificateFront page of the marriage certificate.
Marriage certificate (others)Attested back side of the marriage certificate.
Salary certificateCompany NOC (in Arabic with salary and profession).
Other documentsUpload the same Company NOC once again.
Copy of employment contractPrivate Sector: Upload the Ministry of Labour Contract (how to download the labour contract).

Public Sector: Upload your Company Computer Card.

QFC or other Free Zone Company: Upload your Company Computer Card.
Passport copyVisitor’s passport front.
Passport copy (other)Visitor’s passport back.
Birth certificate (for children only)Attested birth certificate of the child. Attestation is not needed if child is born in Qatar.

After uploading all the 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 Metrash or pay at the Immigration Office. The visa can be downloaded from this link.

Missing Documents Error

If any of the documents are not submitted or submitted documents are not clear, you may receive a “missing documents” error. In such a case, check what document is missing and upload that.

NOTE: For those who received a “Missing Documents” message in the third stage and have submitted the required documents, their application status will revert to “Under Review.”

If you are in the third stage and need assistance, you can visit Duhail Immigration and request assistance from the female officers. They can update your application and move it back to the final stages.

“Null” Status on Family Visa Application Receipt

Some of our readers have raised concerns that the receipt they received after application submission shows “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.

How To Check Qatar Family Visa Status

You can check the status of your Qatar Family Residence Visa application on the Metrash mobile app.

From the home screen, click on “Visa,” and then select “Visa Follow Up.” Now, you can see all your applications. Click on the arrow icon on the right to check the status of your application.

Family Visa Application Status (Under Process & Under Review)

Applicants often get confused about changes to their family visa application status. Normally each application goes through “Under Process”, “Under Review”, and once again to “Under Process” status before getting approved.

Below is a typical flow of status for visa applications and what each stage means:

StageMetrash StatusWhat This Means
1st stageUnder ProcessApplication is submitted.
2nd stageUnder ReviewThe file is currently under review by a junior officer. This stage may take several days or even weeks.

If the sponsor fails to meet eligibility conditions, the application may be rejected. If any document is missing or doesn’t meet the requirements, the sponsor will receive a notification. Once eligibility is confirmed, and the documents are in order, the file will proceed to the next stage
3rd stageUnder ProcessThe file is with a senior officer (usually the Captain) for final approval. Rejection at this stage is very rare.
4th stageUnder Process with the visa number issuedThe file is approved by Duhail Immigration. Now the file is under CID clearance. Usually, it would be approved within one week. Visiting Duhail 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 the mother’s application is approved.
5th stageVisa Approval / Ready To PrintAfter CID clearance, the 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 (senior officer) at Duhail 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 the 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.

Time Required For Family RP Approval

Unfortunately, there is no exact timeframe for the process. It varies from person to person; some may have their changes processed in several days or weeks, while for others, it may take months.

The only consistent timeframe we have seen is that if it’s in the 4th stage (Under Process with a visa number), then CID clearance is usually completed within a week for full approval.

Keep checking your Metrash for updates and if you don’t see much movement in your file even after several weeks, you can consider visiting the Duhail Immigration office. However, we do not suggest that you visit Immigration within 1-2 weeks of application.

Mistake In Family RP Visa: What To Do

Once you receive the approved entry visa, ensure that the visa contains accurate information such as the name, passport number, etc. For the wife, the profession will be mentioned as “Housewife”, and for children, it will be mentioned as “Student/Child”.

If the information is incorrect, visit any MOI office and meet with a Captain, providing a printed RP visa and a copy of the passport. Corrections for individuals below 15 years of age will be made on the spot, while those above 15 will need to undergo CID clearance once again.

“Missing Documents” Error For Family RP

If you receive a “Missing Documents” message on Metrash, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Metrash mobile app.
  2. Click on “Issue Visa”.
  3. Select “Family Visit”.
  4. Check the box for “Family Resident Application”.
  5. Click on “RP Application”.
  6. Click on “Upload Documents”.
  7. You will find a box indicating the required document. Upload that specific document only.
  8. If it shows “Other Document” normally it would be the Company NOC in Arabic.
    • If you receive the “Missing Documents” notification multiple times for “Other Documents,” verify the accuracy of the content in the Company NOC with a typing centre. Make sure everything is correct and add any necessary information.
  • Many individuals see the “X” error after submitting the missing documents.
  • Try compressing images to a size under 100KB. You can use online tools for “Compress Image” or try using a different phone or an iPhone.
  • Another option is to take direct photos from the Metrash app using the phone camera (instead of uploading stored files).
  • Note: If the documents are successfully submitted, the Metrash status will usually change from “Missing Documents” to “Under Process”.

What to do if the 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 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.

Documents Required For Travel

The following are required when travelling to Qatar under Family RP (for the first time):

  1. Passport
  2. One-way flight ticket
  3. RP visa (Entry visa) copy
  • A return flight ticket is not required when coming on a Family RP visa.
  • Health insurance is not required when coming on a Family RP visa.

Family Residence Visa Validity

Usually, visa holders can enter within 180 days of visa approval (note that in some recent cases, the validity was only 90 days, while some others got one year). The last entry date will be given on the visa. The validity is counted from the date the visa number is issued (not the date of printing the visa).

How To Renew Visa If Not Able To Travel

If you can’t travel within this period, there is an option to extend the entry visa by paying QR 200, which will further extend the validity by 180 days.

To renew the entry visa before entering Qatar:

  • Open Metrash mobile app.
  • Go to “Visa Services”.
  • Select “Renew Visa”.
  • Click on “Personal”.
  • Select the visa and pay the visa fee (QR 200).
  • The visa will be further extended for 180 days.

Note: This renewal has to be done before expiry of the entry visa.

Period To Complete RP Process After Entry

Once a person enters Qatar on a Family RP visa, medical examinations and fingerprinting should be completed within 30 days from the entry date, and the QID should be printed.

Note that the same duration applies to someone whose entry is converted by paying QR 500 (everyone requires conversion regardless of age) from a Family Visit Visa to a Family RP Visa. In other words, medical fee payment and fingerprinting must be completed within 30 days from the conversion date, and the QID should be printed.

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 by newcomers.

The Medical Commission is responsible for conducting visa-related medical exams 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 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.

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 for 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 the Medical Test is QR 100 per person.

Here is our detailed guide to Medical Tests 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 a 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 the medical test. You can also check the results online on the MoPH website.

The average time required for updating the medical results in the system is 3 days.

If you don’t receive any SMS within 3 days, you can call the MOPH helpline 16000 or visit the Medical Commission office.

Check Qatar Medical Test Result Online
Screenshot from 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 the Fingerprints Process

After completing the medical test, adults must register their fingerprints digitally with the Ministry of Interior. Fingerprinting is not required for children under 15 years.

The CEID office on Salwa Road is the main center for this service. This option is also available at some MOI Service Centres (except Gharaffa and Souq Waqif). For females, MOI Service Centres like Mesaimeer are asking to go to the CEID office at Salwa.

Documents Required

The following documents are required for the fingerprinting:

  • Fingerprint Application Form. You can get this filled out 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 Metrash app or SMS.

The average time required for updating the fingerprint results in the system is 3 days. If you don’t receive any SMS within 3 days, you may have to go back and check.

*You can also get the Qatar ID application form (needed in the next step) typed at the same time.

Step 5: Apply for a Qatar ID Card

The final step is to apply for a Residence Permit Card (Qatar ID). You can do this at the 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 the 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)

A blood group certificate is NOT needed nowadays.

MOI officials will ask the family members to sign on the form near the photo. For children, you can write their name instead of their signature.

Screenshot of the Application Form for Qatar ID
Screenshot of the Application Form for Qatar ID

**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 the 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 a QPost delivery charge.

You can track your QID delivery on the MOI website. The sponsor’s QID number can be used for tracking.

QPost Request Tracking On MOI Website
QPost Request Tracking on the MOI website

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.

Travelling To Qatar

Make your family’s trip to Qatar unforgettable! Check the latest offers from Qatar Airways, Qatar’s 5-star airline, rated as one of the best in the world. With its reputation for luxury, comfort, and a wide-reaching global network, booking with Qatar Airways ensures an extraordinary travel experience.


Registering For National Address

Once the QID is printed, ensure that 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 using their sponsor’s Metrash app. For the wife to register on Metrash, she needs to obtain a SIM card with her own QID and then proceed to register a National Address.

Please note that a resident’s Qatar ID cannot be renewed without registering his/her National Address.

Rules For Sponsoring Adult Children

When applying for visas, it’s important to know 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 QIDs 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 under family sponsorship. This work permit can also be applied for using the Metrash app.

Here is a detailed video explaining the residence visa steps:


FAQ on Qatar Family Residence Visa


What is the minimum salary for a family visa in Qatar?

As of December 2023, you should have a minimum salary of QR 10,000 to be eligible for sponsoring your family in Qatar. Those with a salary of QR 6000 + family accommodation by employer, are also eligible.

What to do if my family visa application is rejected?

If the family visa application is rejected, you can visit the Duhail 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 the application is “Under Process” for a 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 a Family Residence Visa?

No, health insurance is not required for a Family Residence Visa. It is only needed for visit visas.

Reader Experiences
We are compiling the recent successful experiences of some of our readers so that it will help others. You can read Family RP Reader Experiences here.


Related Articles:

  1. How To Convert Family Visit Visa To Residence Visa
  2. How To Apply Qatar ID For A Baby Born In Qatar
  3. Visa Changing Process via Air Arabia or Abu Samra Land Border
  4. How To Transfer Wife To Husband Sponsorship
  5. How Can A Mother Sponsor Children In Qatar
  6. How Can A Wife Sponsor Husband in Qatar
  7. How To Cancel Hayya Card Visa
  8. Pregnancy And Baby Delivery in Qatar: Full Guide
  9. Medical Test For Family Residence Visa in Qatar
  10. Qatar Family Visit Visa: Requirements and Application Guide
  11. How To Get Visa On Arrival for Baby Born Outside Qatar

Copyright © DohaGuides.com – Full or partial reproduction of this article in any language is prohibited.


Special thanks to Mr. Faris Ahmed & Mr. Siraj for sharing their knowledge and experience.

Share This With Someone Who Needs It

4,225 thoughts on “Qatar Family Visa (Residence): Requirements and Guide 2024”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Hi! My husband sponsored me to have a resident’s permit in Qatar. If I want to work and help my husband, is it possible? How can I apply for work? I’m a licensed physiotherapist in the Philippines, can I work here as a Physiotherapist? Thank you!

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Dorothy, Yes, it is possible to work with a work permit (even while under husband’s sponsorship). If you get a job your employer can apply for your work permit.

  2. Hello,
    My husband is here in Qatar on a family visit visa.
    I want to apply to convert it to a family residence visa.
    Can I do this online via MeTrash?
    Or do I have to go to Gate 3 of Gharaffa immigration?
    Also – does my husband need a police clearance certificate, pls?
    Thank you!

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Bella, PCC is not required in normal cases. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply through the Metrash app. However, nowadays there is a delay in processing applications due to the World Cup. That is why going directly to Gharaffa is better. But most people who went recently were asked to return after World Cup. You can still try your luck.

  3. Hi Doha Guide Team,
    My family is in Qatar on Visit Visa and now I need to apply for their residency Permit. Currently I am staying on a villa partition, so the rent agreement is in another name and I cannot change it to my name. Also my degree certificates (UAE attested) are not attested in Qatar yet. The salary & profession satisfy the criteria. Is there any chance for getting RP for my family if I apply for residency permit?

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Sherbin, As far as we know, the rental agreement is compulsory. We have seen that in almost all cases they will ask for it. Some applicants get approved without degree certificate attestation also.

  4. Hi Doha Guides,
    Good morning.
    Is it possible to transfer my son’s working visa to a family visit visa or Hayya visa once he resigned his job during FIFA? He has a Hayya card.
    His job contract will finish on November 2.
    Please advice.

    Thank you

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Maryam, If he has a Hayya Card, visit any MOI service centre after 1 November. They can change his visa status to Hayya.

  5. Hello dohaguide
    Qatar gov have announced that only hayya card holders, qatari citizens and residence with qid are only allowed to enter qatar after 1 november 2022.
    Does government announce anything about new family residence visa allowance to enter qatar after 1 nov 2022 ?
    Or is it restricted the entry to such visa same as family visit visa?

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Shana, As per the announcement: “Exempted from this decision: Qatari citizens, residents and GCC citizens holding a Qatari ID card. Also exempted from this decision are holders of personal recruitment visas, and work entry permits.”
      So those with approved family visas will be allowed entry.

  6. Hello dohaguide.
    Qatar gov have announced that entry to qatar after 1 november 2022 is allowed only to hayya card holders,qatar resident with qid and qatari citizens.
    Does they announce anything about the entry for new family resident visa?
    Is there any restrictions for such new family visa.it is also restricted like family visit visa

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Ayman, As per the announcement: “Exempted from this decision: Qatari citizens, residents and GCC citizens holding a Qatari ID card. Also exempted from this decision are holders of personal recruitment visas, and work entry permits.”
      So those with approved family visas will be allowed entry.

  7. Hi
    I am Avanthi from Sri Lanka.My husband is in a work visa in Qatar. He joined in this October 2022.His salary is QR 7500.We have one daughter & she is 7 years old.Please advice me to how to settle we three in Qatar.How do we organized to settle in Qatar? Is he can sponser to my daughter and me?Please advice to us.
    Thank you.

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Avanthi, Unfortunately, the minimum salary requirement for a family visa is now QR 15,000. Another option is that the wife gets a job with an employment visa. If both parents have jobs with decent salaries, they can sponsor the child.

  8. Hello Doha Guide Team,
    Is it possible to transfer my daughter’s current working visa under my sponsorship (Family Visa)?
    I’m a solo parent working in Doha (husband in home country), and salary is within the required bracket.
    Appreciate you guidance.

    Thank you.

  9. Assalamualaikum Doha Guide Teams,

    I was working in doha started on Dec. 2019, and after three month working I applied for family residence permit for my wife. Unfortunately, due to outbreak of covid19 on April2020 visa was not issue and then 15 months later i was terminated from my job because there was no project.

    Now, i am returning back to doha for working through different sponsor/employer. My question is if I want to apply family residence visa for my wife, is it mandatory to have 6 (six) months salary bank statement from new sponsor/employer? or is it acceptable to submit salary bank statement from previous employer as my qatar bank account is still active? please advise. Thanks.

    Wassalamualaikum

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Susanto, Salary statements from the previous employer will not count if there is a gap in employment. If you were immediately hired and the salary is similar, it may be considered (depending on the officer). In either case, you would need at least a few months’ salary statement from your new employer.

  10. Hi!

    Im under my mother’s sponsorship and am planning to get married, By my husband to be, is not legible to provide an RP for me. What can I do in this case?

    Thanks

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Rierie, Either your husband should become eligible to sponsor, or you should get an employer who can offer you an employment visa. There is no other legal way to stay permanently.

  11. Hi Doha Guides,

    I wanted to begin by saying this guide is extremely helpful and good on you for making one.

    I want to know if my family can enter Qatar on a tourist visa before it gets converted to a family residence permit? My prospective employer is of the view that this cannot be done, but I have seen people who have done it.

    By the time of the application, I will have my work visa and presumably my QID.

    Secondly, my employer wants me to start working in Dubai before moving to Doha to avoid accommodation problems caused by the World Cup in November. They are of the view that I do not need a visa to Qatari work in Dubai. I am wondering if you can shed any light on this as I think I need a Qatari work visa first before working remotely from Dubai?

    Thanks

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Ash, Thanks for your kind words.
      1) It is possible to convert a visit visa to a family visa. Once the family residence visa is approved, go to MOI Service Center and pay QR 500 per person. However, please note that visit visas may be restricted during the World Cup.
      2) It’s not clear under what visa you will be working in Dubai. If you are working online while visiting Dubai (for the short term), you are not breaking any law.

  12. Zhenishbek Tashkenbaev

    Hi, good evening.
    I’m from Kyrgyzstan and I’d love to call my wife upon family visa. But when I fill the form on Metrash2 there’s no option for Kyrgyzstan. Am I eligible to get visa for her?

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Zhenishbek, It may be an issue with the app. If you meet other criteria like QR 15,000 salary and six months’ statements, you can apply in person. Check with any typing centre for the form and documents. Better to try after the World Cup.

  13. Hi, i just want to ask if how long does it take for the approval of family visit visa? I tried to apply for family visit visa for my husband. Is it possible for me to be approved?

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi WXRB, Nowadays, there is a long delay in visa approvals (even if you are eligible). Most applicants who went to Gharaffa Immigration to follow up were asked to come back after World Cup. You can try going there, but not sure if they would allow you in.

  14. hi, every one good day, i want to ask about the my family they are enter in qatar family visit visa.then when the pandemic coming i did not sent home
    then there is some one tell me that there company they can help to make ah
    resident w/ QID .after that time already expired the visa and this Pakistani
    never show and take my 12k qr.now its already my metrash show the penalty.my question is its possible i cant apply for the QID under my sponsorship enough my salary..to covered them..but they are expired 2 years already..its possible???

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Airic, It seems like you have a hefty fine to pay. Your sponsorship application won’t be approved unless you settle the fines. You can try requesting for some discount.

  15. Hi, admin
    I have applied my wife visa and its already expired on 9 september 22
    In MOI I check visa is falid to use, but already expired
    Or better I make new application for family visa again ?
    Can my wife visit qatar with expired visa ?
    My wife in Indonesia

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Eko, your wife cannot visit with an expired visa. You can reapply for a new visa or visit Gharaffa Immigration and see if they can extend your current visa. Not sure if they would allow that now.

  16. Hi Dohaguide !!!
    If both parents are having QIDs, but the child who is less than 3 years does not possess QID, if the child visits Qatar through tourist VISA, can the child obtain a QID?

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Madura, If the mother is under the father’s sponsorship, the child can get QID. If both parents are under company sponsorship, it would depend on factors like salary, profession etc. In this case try applying with company NOC and salary details of both parents. Normally the officers are lenient if a mother wants to sponsor small child.

      1. Thanks for the response. If the son comes under tourist visa (if parents are with QIDs), in this case it is possible to convert tourist VISA to resident as this is special case?

        1. Doha Guides Team

          Hi Madura, If the residence visa is approved, you can convert a tourist visa to a residence visa without leaving the country. You may be required to pay QR 500 extra.

  17. Hello.
    My family visa has been approved. They are coming to visit me to Doha just for 5 days which is not enough time to do all the procedures(medical, fingerprint, qid)
    Can they still enter with the tourist visa and leave with tourist visa and when next time they come they will enter with the approved resident visa?
    Or can they enter with the approved visa now but we dont do the qid process?(so they dont take the passport away)?
    Thank you?

  18. Assalamu Alaikum Warahmathullahi Wabarakatuhu……
    I have one doubt, I got family visit visa for my wife the Visa validity is 2023 Feb 15th but I will bring my wife After world cup because that time I have Vacation leave so I will bring after world cup, If my Wife Visa expire before enter the Qatar that time can I renewal visa and will I bring my wife?

    1. Wa Alaikum Salam Abubakkar, if the visa validity is till 15 Feb, try to bring your wife before that. Rules keep changing frequently and may be you will asked to apply again.

error: Content is protected !!