How to Get Qatar Return Permit (2024 Guide)

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 16 January 2024.

What Is Qatar Return Permit?

A Return Permit (also called a re-entry permit) is a temporary document granted for those who have stayed out of the country for more than six (6) months, and his/her residency is still valid and has the prior approval of entry.

This document can also be used if the resident loses their passport or Residence Card while outside Qatar.

This article explains how residents can apply for Qatar Return Permit if they overstay outside Qatar (staying out for more than six months) or lose their Qatar ID while abroad.

How Many Days Can I Stay Outside Qatar?

You can stay up to 180 days (6 months) out of Qatar with a valid Residence Permit. To return after six months, you will need a Return Permit (re-entry permit) processed by the sponsor.

Return Permit For Residents Outside Qatar

If you, a member of your family, or a member of your staff, have stayed out of the country for more than six (6) months and the residency is still valid, and you have prior approval of entry, you can apply for a Return Permit.

Different document requirements depend on who the sponsor is. The fee varies from QR 200 to QR 500 again, depending on the sponsorship type. Here are the details:

1. For those on sponsorship of companies and establishments

This permit is granted to an expatriate on the sponsorship of an establishment who has stayed out of the country for more than 6 months, and his residence permit is still valid.

The sponsor can apply online (Metrash 2) or through MoI Service Center.

On Metrash2, this option is available under: “Leave Notification” – “Return Permit”.

Below are the requirements to apply through MoI Service Center:

Requirements:

  • Submission of the application from the sponsor
  • Copy of the establishment card of the company
  • Passport copy of the sponsored person
  • In case of passport loss, a copy of a Lost Passport Certificate and copies of the old and new passports is required.
  • Fee: QR 500 (Pay by credit/debit card)

2. For those on personal sponsorship of an expatriate

This permit is granted to family members of residents who have stayed out of the country for more than 6 months and whose residence permit is still valid.

The sponsor can apply on Metrash2 or through MoI Service Center.

On Metrash2, this option is available under: “Leave Notification” – “Return Permit”.

Below are the requirements to apply through MoI Service Center:

Requirements:

  • Submission of the application from the sponsor
  • Passport copy or the ID card copy of the sponsor
  • Passport copy of the sponsored person
  • In case of passport loss, a copy of a Lost Passport Certificate and copies of the old and new passports is required.
  • Fee: QR 500 (Pay by credit/debit card)

3. For those on personal sponsorship of a Qatari national

This permit is granted for housemaids and those on their status who are on the personal sponsorship of a Qatari national and have stayed outside the country for more than 6 months.

The sponsor can apply on Metrash2 or through MoI Service Center.

On Metrash2, this option is available under: “Leave Notification” – “Return Permit”.

Below are the requirements to apply through MoI Service Center:

Requirements:

  • Submission of an application from the sponsor
  • Copy of the ID Card of the sponsor
  • Passport copy of the sponsored person
  • In case of passport loss, a copy of a Lost Passport Certificate and copies of the old and new passports are required.
  • Fee: QR 200 (Pay by credit/debit card)

Important Notes

If you lose your passport and get a return permit, your lost passport becomes invalid/blacklisted. You cannot use that passport in case you get it back.

The return permit has a validity period which will be mentioned on the permit. The sponsored person has to return to Qatar within the validity period.


FAQ on Qatar Return Permit


When is a Return Permit needed in Qatar?

If you, a member of your family, or a member of your staff, have stayed out of the country for more than 6 months and the residency is still valid, you can apply for a Return Permit.

How can I apply for Return Permit to Qatar?

The sponsor has to apply for Return Permit online via Metrash2 or by visiting any Ministry of Interior Service Centre.

How much does Qatar Return Permit cost?

A Qatar Return Permit can cost QR 500 (for company / personal sponsorship) or QR 200 (for housemaids).

How long is Qatar Return Permit valid?

The validity will be mentioned on the permit.

How long can I stay out of Qatar with Residence Permit?

You can stay up to six months out of Qatar with a valid Residence Permit. After six months, you can stay up to one year and return using a Return Permit. The QID should be valid during this period.

Can I go back to Qatar after 6 months?

A resident can go back to Qatar even after six months but will need a Return Permit processed by the sponsor. The Residence Permit should also be valid.


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  1. HI
    Could you please tell us. how many months passport should validity for entering Qatar for QID Holders. as my family is staying out side qatar and exceed more than 6 months but her passport validity remain only 3 months. shall i renew passport out-site Qatar then apply for re entry permit or can she travel to Qatar with 3 months validity passport?

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Sana, Minimum passport validity is a requirement only for visitors. She can travel with 3 months valid passport.

  2. Just adding some details.

    When I said valid QID it means its not yet expired and will expire in 3 months time.

    Although it’s not expired it has been cancelled due to long stay outside Qatar.
    Thanks

  3. Hi there,
    My sons (6year old) is outside Qatar but has a valid QID. Since he was outside Qatar for more than 365 days his QID shows as cancelled. When I tried exit rentry permit as well am getting an error.

    How can I reactivate his QID now. All other members QIDs are valid except his.

    Is there any way I can apply for his RP again on Metrash for him as he’s still outside Qatar.
    Please help me out…

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Rashid, You can reapply for his RP again through Metrash. However, before reapplying you can visit MOI Service Center and check if there is any option to reactivate old QID (Chances are less, but if you are lucky, it would save you time and money).

      1. Hello there, I come Qatar through the company visa for 2 years contract, before 2 years finish my company told to go vacation but I resign and I said I want to go cancel on July 8th 2023 Company give me ticket on July 10th 2023 But My company did not cancel my visa and ID yet and new employer cannot give me visa for coming qatar again. My Id expire on 28th Nov 2023.
        I tell to our manager to cancel my ID he Said he want my Qatar ID for cancel manually.
        should I give my Qatar ID for cancellation what if he didn’t cancel it than
        How can I go to qatar again or what should I do please guide me

        1. Doha Guides Team

          Hi Puja, It is true that your Qatar ID should be cancelled before you can apply for a new visa. However a physical QID card is not required for cancellation as the sponsor can do it online. Either your manager doesn’t know the procedure or he is trying to delay the process. Now your only option is to request for cancellation or wait till end of your contract.
          (Note for others: Before leaving Qatar you should ensure that your employer cancels the QID or should submit Leave Country Notification Form to Ministry of Labour).

  4. Hi DG my Wife has RP with Validity expiring on 03-09-2023, she left to India on 01-11-2022 now she cannot come again as she is pregnant, now it is more than 180days since she is outside, now my question is
    1. If she want to return before exipry of RP that is 03.09.2023 do i need any permit as she is outside more than 180days. if so how to appply?
    2. If she not return before 03.09.2023 will my wife RP will be cancelled or can i renew or extent. If so what is the procedure??

    Thanks for reply in advance.

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Mohammed, If she is coming before the expiry of QID, you will have to take return permit by paying QR 500 (as 6 months have passed). You can do this on Metrash.
      We don’t think you can renew her QID if she is outside Qatar (it was not possible earlier). Kindly check with Immigration.

  5. Hi, I just want to ask, because my husband’s PR is approved and was supposed to here by September but unfortunately he got a message from his agency that by August he will be deploy in Europe, he is a Seaman and his contract will be 6 to 9 months. I’m just wondering if they will void his PR visa if not use, but will use after his 9 months..Can he still go outside Qatar and come back after his contract? What is a better option for this situation. Thank you very much.

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Andy, We assume this is for family residence visa. Please check the visa for the last date of entry. If he cannot enter before the expiry date, visit Immigration and request for an extension by paying QR 200.

  6. Hey There, I had left Qatar on 29 July 2022, i could not come back within 6 months and still there is a chance that I can not come back before 29 July 2023, while my QID is valid up-to 23 November 2023,
    Could you please guide me if there is an option to come back even spending after one year outside if QID is still valid?
    Many thanks in advance.

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Abaas, After six months of leaving Qatar you will need Return Permit (processed by your sponsor). After one year of leaving Qatar, you will not get Return Permit. In that case your visa will be void and sponsor has to start new visa process.

  7. I was working in qatar but left in May and might come back with the same company should we repeat all the process or the QID can be reactivated ?

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Nathalie, If the QID and labour contract are already cancelled you may be required to repeat the process again. QID reactivation works only if the ID expired (not cancelled).

      1. Dear Team,
        If a person on employment visa is outside qatar for 9 months and QID expired, is it possible to get entry permit? If possible, what’s the maximum period he can stay outside and come back with entry permit??

        1. Doha Guides Team

          Hi Sherin, If QID is expired, it needs to be renewed. Maximum is one year from exit.

  8. My son has been issued a return permit ( online) with a validity till the date of his QID expiry which is calculated to around 11 months. I applied online on 30.5.23 and the permit expiry date shown is 30.04.24.
    If I avail this duration then he would have stayed outside the country for more than 1.5 years. The prevailing rule is to renter Qatar maximum within 1 year after obtaining a return permit when stay outside Qatar has been beyond 6 months.
    Have rules changed?
    Are these dates generated by mistake?

  9. Hello!

    If me and my kids were to return to Qatar after 6 months then stay only for a month then go out again, would that be okay? Or is there a minimum required time to stay in Qatar? Thank you!

  10. Hi,

    My daugher who left the country on 1st Feb 2023 and due to some personal reason she may not come back before 6 month ends. Her QID is valid till June 2025. by end of July she will be completing Her 6 month out of the country. So when I can start applying her return permit? Now I cant see that option in metrash2. Do I have to wait untill her 6 month of oit station to be completed? That mean i can apply only after 6 month and before end a year? Please clarify.

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Fazla, You can apply after 6 months only. Note that usually return permit is issued for 15 or 30 days only. So it is better to apply within 15 days of travel. It should be within 1 year of leaving Qatar.

  11. Good Afternoon,
    How can I renew my family’s QID if they are outside Qatar at the moment. Their QID will expire on 09 June 2023 but they are currently in the Philippines. I was told that I could not renew their QID if their are not in Qatar. Kindly advise please as to the best way for me to renew my family’s QID and they really need to return to Qatar, as my eldest daughter needs to complete her therapy at Hamad Medican Hospital. Thank you

  12. My Son Left on Sept. 2, 2022, what is the last day that he can enter (with the return permit) to Qatar, knowing that he has valid QID till 2025 and he is university student.

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Roma, You can apply for Return Permit within one year of leaving. In your case you have to apply before September 2023. The permit will be valid for 15 or 30 days. So he has to come back in September.

      1. Dear Team
        Now days they are issuing Return permit for whole RP period and not only for 30 days.
        It mean, the expiry date is same as the expiry of Residents permit only.

        Thank u

        1. Doha Guides Team

          Hi SA, Good to know that. Thanks for the information. How many months did you get?

  13. Hi, My spouse’s QID will expire on 18-10-2023, but due to some family commitments, she cannot fly in 2023. But she can fly before 15th Jan 2024 when her QID expiry grace period of 90 days will still be valid.
    So my question is, Is a Return Permit issued to expired QID holders & if issued, can they fly out of their home country with an expired QID but a valid return permit?
    Kindly contact me at +974-66919296 for suggestions.
    Lastly, Is there any way her QID can be renewed whilst she is outside Qatar?

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Minhaj, The grace period for extension normally applies when the resident is inside country. We don’t think there is any way to renew QID from outside country. You can check with the Qatar Government Helpline at 109. If this is due to some health issues, you can visit MOI Service Center and request to the Captain.

  14. Rolando Torres Vitug

    I have applied return permit for my kids last March this year (exceeding 6 mos. Outside Qatar) expecting that they can enter qatar by April but failed due to school year end extended up to end of May. Then i tried to apply for return permit again as per the validity mentioned above was only 30 days. It did not allow me but when i checked on the MOI portal, entry permit status it shows that “entry permit for the QID is still valid” and permit validity is up to the residence permit expiration. By the way their Residence Permit is valid up to April 2024.
    Is this possible? Please advise as i already them this June.

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Roland, If the validity date shown on return permit has expired, your airline may not allow them to board. If you cannot get new return permit on Metrash, it is better that you visit an MOI Service Center and get a new permit.

  15. Hi, is there a limit to the number of times a person can apply for such permits… For example if I stay outside the country in 2021 for more than six and I apply for and get a return permit. I then returned to the country then left. will there be consequences if I should stay for another 7 months outside the country again then apply again?

  16. I have a doubt I’m Pregnant so I want to go back to my country for delivery.It takes more than 6 months to return back to Qatar.What all are the procedures to return back to Qatar and for the new born baby?

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Diya, If the baby is less than 3 months and both parents have Qatar ID, baby can get visa on arrival. If more than 3 months, parent can apply for residence permit through Metrash.

  17. What if the resident stayed our of Qatar for more than a year, like 1 year and 6 months with still valid visa. Can a Return Permit be applied? This case is common for students studying in other country. I hope there will be consideration.

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Anne, Normally there is a 12 month period for this. You can try on Metrash if it works or else you need to visit MOI Service Center and check..

  18. How many days it takes to generate return permit. I applied yesterday and still i did not receive the email.

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Younus, You should receive it same day. Please check your spam folder. If not received, call 109.

  19. Since return permit is valid for 14 to 30 days ,What are the consequences if not able to reach Qatar within 30 days and the return permit validity is expired .

  20. Hi Team
    My wife and kids are away from the country for more than six months. I am aware that I need to apply for return permit via Metrash.
    But due to some situations their Passport have been renewed during their stay in home country for some reasons, however they have both passports in hand.
    Can they be able to travel with the return permit which have the Valid QID and the Old Passport number.

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