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 9 November 2025.
What is Qatar Family Visit Visa?
Qatar Family Visit Visa is a type of short-term visa that enables expatriate residents to bring their spouse, children, father, mother, or other relatives of the first and second degrees to Qatar for a short visit. The visa is issued for one month and can be extended for another five months (in some cases). This article explains the requirements, documents, application process, visa cost, and other details of the Qatar Family Visit Visa.
Please note: This is a short-term visa for visiting purposes only. Foreign employees who wish to sponsor their families to live long-term in Qatar should refer to the Family Residence Visa Procedure.
- What is Qatar Family Visit Visa?
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Current Status (November 2025)
- Family Visit Visa Recent Updates
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Requirements
- Documents Required for Qatar Family Visit Visa
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Fee
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Validity
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Application
- Family Visit Visa Rejected: What To Do
- How To Cancel Visa Application In Metrash
- Document Checklist for Family Visit Visa Travellers
- How To Extend Family Visit Visa
- Other Points To Note
- FAQ on Qatar Family Visit Visa
Qatar Family Visit Visa Current Status (November 2025)
- Family residence and family visit visas have been temporarily restricted over the past few months, particularly for certain nationalities. Some applicants have recently received approvals; however, there may still be a significant backlog, which could result in delays.
- During periods of high demand, follow-up visits to the Duhail Immigration office are typically not permitted due to crowd control measures. Applicants are advised to apply through Metrash.
- Based on our experience, these restrictions are temporary, and things should return to normal soon.
Family Visit Visa Recent Updates
- Currently, the Family Visit Visa also requires CEID verification for adults. This stage comes after the visa number is issued. The application status on Metrash will be “Under Process” with the visa number.
- Family Visit Visa applications are accepted for visitors aged 60 and above. Many recent applicants have already received their visa numbers.
- Additionally, visit visa extensions of up to 6 months are now permitted for spouses and children.
- Applications for family visit visas can be submitted online using the Metrash app.
- The new Immigration office at Al Duhail is now allowing entry for expatriates who want to make changes to their Visit Visa or Family RP applications or resubmit documents. However, they may not allow follow-up visits. You can park your car in the basement and proceed to the first floor.
Please note that the information provided above is not based on any official announcement but rather on the recent experiences of applicants who visited MOI Centres. Individual outcomes may vary depending on various factors.
Family Visit Visa Eligibility Criteria
In December 2023, the Ministry of Interior clarified the eligibility criteria for the Family Visit Visa as follows:
- The applicant should have a minimum salary of QR 5,000.
- The profession should be a non-labour category.
- The applicant should have family accommodation duly accredited by the relevant authorities.
- The visitor must have health insurance.
- The visitor must be a relative of the applying resident within the allowed degrees of relation.
Health Insurance For Family Visit Visa
Health insurance is now mandatory for a Family Visit Visa. Once your visa is approved, you will receive an SMS with a link to purchase the health insurance online. Applicants can buy health insurance for QAR 50 per month from any of the registered insurance companies listed on the MOPH website. More details about visitors’ insurance are available here.
Attestation For Marriage Certificate
Until recently, most visit visa applications for spouses were approved without an attested marriage certificate. However, nowadays attestation is compulsory for marriage certificates. For a Family Visit Visa, attestation is not mandatory for children’s birth certificates. It is mandatory for a Family Residence Visa.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Requirements
Expatriate residents in Qatar can apply for a family visit visa, subject to meeting minimum salary and professional requirements.
Minimum Salary For Family Visit Visa in Qatar
The minimum salary required to apply for a Family Visit Visa in Qatar for spouses and children is QR 5,000 per month.
A minimum monthly salary of QR 10,000 is required to apply for Family Visit Visas for other relatives.
| Visa Type | Minimum Salary Required |
|---|---|
| Family Visit Visa – Spouse and Children | QR 5,000 |
| Family Visit Visa – Other Relatives | QR 10,000 |
Profession Requirement for Family Visit Visa in Qatar
Most expatriates with the required minimum salary are eligible to apply for a family visit visa. However, some applications may be rejected if the applicant’s profession on the Qatar ID is labour-type. Even if an application is rejected due to an ineligible profession, the Captain at the MOI Service Centre has the power to change the decision.
Family Members That Can Be Hosted
- First Degree: Wife, Children, Father, Mother
- Second Degree: Brother, Sister, Grandfather, Grandmother, Grandchildren
- Third Degree: Children of brother or sister, Paternal uncle or aunt (brother or sister of father), Maternal uncle or aunt (Brother or sister of mother)
Documents Required for Qatar Family Visit Visa
If applying for a visit visa for wife and children
While applying through Metrash, the following documents should be uploaded:
- Visitor’s passport copy (minimum validity of 6 months)
- Proof of relationship (Wife: Marriage Certificate / Children: Birth Certificate)
- Round-trip flight tickets
Employment details are not required when applying through the Metrash app, as currently, labour contracts are linked with the Metrash system.
If applying for a visit visa for other relatives
Only married expatriates with family in Qatar can apply to sponsor other relatives.
While applying through Metrash, the following documents should be uploaded:
- Visitor’s passport copy (minimum validity of 6 months)
- Proof of relationship (Birth Certificate, Passport, etc.)
- Round-trip flight tickets
Qatar Family Visit Visa Fee
- The Qatar Family Visit Visa fee is QAR 200 for 30 days. The entry visa can be extended by paying QAR 200 per month.
- Medical check-up: A medical check-up for a visa extension costs QAR 100.
- Fine for overstaying: The fine for overstaying beyond the allowed period is QR 200 per day.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Validity
Qatar Family Visit Visas are initially issued for one month (30 days). After the visitor enters Qatar and undergoes a medical test, the visa can be further extended for another five months for spouses and children (a total of 180 days) and two more months for other relatives (a total of 90 days). Health insurance needs to be taken for an additional period.
As the rules may change from time to time, an extension beyond a 90-day stay is not guaranteed. If you are planning to extend for 5 more months (after one month), please confirm with the Immigration Department before purchasing additional insurance.
Number of Days To Enter Qatar After Visa Approval
Once the visa is approved, it will have the “visa valid till” date printed on the top. This is the last date for entry to Qatar (not the last date of stay in Qatar). Currently, it is 90 days from the date of visa approval. Visitors cannot use this visa after this date.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Application
Traditionally, applying for a family visit visa was to visit any Ministry of Interior (MoI) Service Centre and submit copies of the documents along with the printed application form. In 2018, Qatar introduced an online system where residents can apply for family visit visas through the Metrash mobile app. Through this service, you can upload all the required documents in the specified fields. You can also track the application status and pay the fees electronically once approved.
How To Apply For Qatar Family Visit Visa on Metrash
Qatar MOI has simplified the application process by enabling applicants to submit their documents through the Metrash mobile app. This article has been updated with the how-to instructions for the new Metrash app. If you haven’t registered for the Metrash app yet, please refer to our comprehensive Metrash User Guide.
Here are the steps to apply for a Family Visit Visa on the new Metrash mobile app:
1. After logging into Metrash, click on the “Visa” icon. You will see the same icon in the top right corner or under “Frequently Used Services” below.
2. You will be directed to a page with four options. Select the “Family Visit Visa” option. Then, click “Continue.”
3. Read and accept the conditions, then click “Next.”
4. On the next screen, select “Request Application”.
5. Scan or upload the front page of the visitor’s passport. You can take a photo using the Metrash app (phone camera) or upload from your phone’s gallery. If uploading a file from your phone, the image size should be less than 500KB. There is no size restriction if you take a new photo using the app. Ensure the passport image is clear and readable. If it is approved by the system, you will see “Passport upload is successful.” Then, you can proceed to the next page.
6. Repeat the same steps for the back page of the passport. Click “Next.”
7. Upload the visitor’s personal picture (passport-size photo). The size should be less than 50KB. If it is approved by the system, click “Next.”
8. Carefully fill in the form with the visitor’s details. The name and passport number will be automatically extracted from the image. However, you will also need to type the name in Arabic. Select the relationship, and enter the place of birth and email. Click “Next.”
Make sure to review the data before confirming, as any mistakes in the application may prevent the visitor from entering the country.
9. 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 Column | What To Upload |
|---|---|
| Marriage certificate | Front page of the marriage certificate. |
| Marriage certificate (others) | Attested back side of the marriage certificate. |
| Copy of employment contract | Private 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 copy | Visitor’s passport front. |
| Passport copy (other) | Visitor’s passport back. |
| Birth certificate (for children only) | An attested birth certificate of the child. Attestation is not needed if the child is born in Qatar. |
After uploading all the documents, click “Next”.
10. On the next screen, verify your submitted data and click “Submit.”
11. You will receive an update after a few days. If there are any missing or mismatched documents, you will be notified to make the required changes.
12. Pay the required fee: Once the visa is approved, you have to pay the visa fee (QR 200) online via Metrash.
13. Buy health insurance: From April 2023, health insurance needs to be taken after the visit visa is approved (not during application). Once your visa is approved, you will receive a message to buy the insurance. While buying the insurance, enter the visa number and it will be updated in the Metrash system. The visa can be printed only after insurance has been purchased.
After this, you can download the visa copy and send it to the visitor for travel.
Applying Family Visit Visa Offline
The Ministry of Interior (MOI) no longer entertains offline applications for family visit visas. You are required to apply via the Metrash mobile app.
How To Check the Status of a Family Visit Visa
You can see the status on your Metrash app itself. You can also check the family visit visa status on the Ministry of Interior website under Visa Services.
Enter the application number and application date or the sponsor’s QID number. Make sure all the required details are filled in correctly, and you’ll be able to check your visa status.
Family Visit Visa Rejected: What To Do
There may be several reasons why your family visit visa application is rejected. Often, it is due to submitting the wrong or insufficient documents.
If the document photo is not clear or not attested (in the case of a marriage certificate), you can do the attestation and resubmit again. However, it is imperative to understand the reason and fix it before applying again.
Applications can also be rejected if the applicant (a Qatar resident) does not comply with the required conditions (salary or profession). If the application is rejected due to the applicant not meeting the salary requirement, it would be difficult to get approved again.
However, in case of rejection due to profession, you can try to meet the Captain at the Immigration Office in Duhail and request reconsideration. Sometimes he would approve if the profession is acceptable.
How To Cancel Visa Application In Metrash
If your application is still under review or process, you can cancel it by clicking on the right arrow on the status page. If this option is not available, you will have to visit any MOI Service Centre.
Document Checklist for Family Visit Visa Travellers
- Passport (minimum validity of 6 months)
- Visa printout
- Two-way flight tickets
- Health insurance
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How To Extend Family Visit Visa
As the initial visa is issued for one month only, the sponsor has to extend it within the first month to avoid any penalties. Relatives wishing to stay beyond one month must undergo a medical test within a few days. Here is the detailed process of the medical test for a visit visa extension.
Once the medical examination is passed, the visit visa can be extended online using the Metrash mobile app (Visa –> Visa Services –> Extend Visa) or by visiting any MOI service centre.
Other Points To Note
If the return ticket is after 30 days, some airlines may not allow visitors to board the flight since the initial visa is only for 30 days. So make sure to book a flight ticket that can be modified with a minimum change fee. In this way, once the visitor reaches Qatar, the ticket dates can be modified.
As this is an online visa, some airlines may require an “OK to Board” status in their system before departure. You can get this status by showing the visa copy to the airline’s Doha office.
“Null” Status on Visit 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.
Visit the Visa Application “Under Process” and “Under Review” Status
Applicants often get confused about changes to their visit visa application status. It is normal that each visit visa application moves through “Under Process” and “Under Review” statuses multiple times before approval.
If your application status changes between these two, you do not have to do anything. In most cases, the application will be approved within days of a status change.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Approval Time
As of 2025, the average approval time for a Family Visit Visa is 1-4 weeks. Please note that applications are processed in batches and may not be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Here is a video explaining the Family Visit Visa application process:
You can also watch the same video with Malayalam and Hindi audio. Please subscribe to the Doha Guides YouTube channel for more videos.
READ NEXT: How To Convert Family Visit Visa To Residence Visa
FAQ on Qatar Family Visit Visa
What is the salary requirement for a family visit visa in Qatar?
To apply for a family visit visa for your spouse and children, a minimum salary of QR 5,000 is required; for other relatives, a minimum salary of QR 10,000 is required.
What is the cost of a family visit visa in Qatar?
A Qatar family visit visa costs QAR 200 (USD 55) per month.
How can I apply for a family visit visa in Qatar via Metrash?
You can apply for a family visit visa online by filling in the visitor details and uploading document scans or photos. Step-by-step instructions can be found on this page.
How can I extend my Qatar family visit visa?
You can extend the one-month visit visa after a medical check-up. There is a renewal fee of QAR 200 per month for each additional month.
Can I convert my family visit visa to a residence visa in Qatar?
Yes, if you are eligible to sponsor your spouse and children, you can convert your family visit visa to a residence visa.
Is the Qatar Family Visit Visa multiple-entry?
No, the Qatar Family Visit Visa is a single-entry visa.
I cannot find the option to upload health insurance in Metrash. What to do?
From April 2023, health insurance need not be uploaded on Metrash. You have to buy the insurance after the visa has been approved. While buying insurance, add your visa number, and it will be automatically updated in the system.
READ NEXT: Visa Changing Process via Abu Samra Land Border
Related Guides:
- Qatar Family Residence Visa Procedure and Requirements
- How Can A Wife Sponsor a Husband in Qatar
- Medical Test For Family Visit Visa Extension
- Qatar Visa On Arrival: Complete Guide
- Qatar Visit Visa Types, Requirements, and Procedure
- Medical Test For Family Residence Permit in Qatar
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Aneesh, the Founder & Editor of DohaGuides holds a Master’s Degree in Communication & Journalism, and has two decades of experience living in the Middle East. Since 2014, he and his team have been sharing helpful content on travel, visa rules, and expatriate affairs.
Dear Team,
I applied for a family visit visa for my mother-in-law in Metrash with all documents in place on 2nd Jan, but it got rejected today, mentioning a note “not to approve the visa”. How do we get to know the reason behind the rejection?
Thanks
Hi Naren,
Go to immigration office and known what is the reason behind rejection.
Am planning to bring my spouse next month who left qatar on 08 Nov 2022.
My friends were telling that no visit visa application can be process without completing 180 days. Is this True ?
Hi Jishnu, Yes, there is a waiting period of 180 days between family visit visas.
I haven’t applied yet for another Visit Visa.
However, There are no previous applications shown in the metrash2.
Hi Jishnu, You can try applying and it would show pop-up if there is any restriction.
Hello Doha guide,
The interval of 180 days for re entry to qatar as family visit can be waived For emergency/urgent reason?
Thanks
Hi Aya, You need to speak directly with the Captain at MOI Service Center. If he is convinced it is urgent, he may approve.
Hi Naren, Is your mother-in-law above 60 years? If yes, that may be the reason. If not, you will need to visit Gharaffa Immigration and check directly. However, they are not allowing follow-up visitors to enter in recent days.
Hi,
My Brother have UAE resident visa with director profession, can he visit me in Qatar on “On arrival visa” ? does he need to show hotel booking from discover Qatar?
Hi Syed, If the profession of National ID is Director, he should be eligible for GCC Resident Visa. DQ hotel booking is not required in this case. However, please call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 to reconfirm this.
Hi. Is it possible to apply for a family visit visa for sister-in-law (sister of wife). they both have same mother but different father. thanks
Hi Mac, It is possible if you have documents to prove the relation and salary above QR 10k.
Are they still requiring 180 days gap before applying again for family visit?
Hi Joann, Yes, 180 days gap is still required.
if I am working on multi entry work visa chow can I bring family or 3 month?
Hi Vivek, Sorry, we cannot confirm as this depends on several factors. It is better to check with your company PRO.
Hi…I wanna bring my Mother in law of 64years from India…Can u pls help me
Hi Ann, Currently there is an age limit of 60 years for a family visit visa. Visa on arrival is possible for Indian nationals above 60 but requires Discover Qatar hotel booking. You need to wait for some changes to either of these policies.
for visit visa, can we take travel insurance from india ?
what is the valid health insurance from india acceptable in qatar
Hi Misbah, It is possible, but the health coverage should be valid in Qatar.
Hi DGT,
When they will start processing of family visas?
Hi Noshad, It is already started.
Today (22-01-2023), i went to mesaimeer Emigration..but from the officer on the Gate said come after Hayya…or after 2 days..its not opened yet…why like that….and to bring mother..my mother don’t have Birth certificate…What can i submit instead..and whose passport should be Main or mother..please give me a good reply…
thank u
Hi Ersh, The birth certificate should be yours (so that they can verify your relationship with your mother). If you don’t have a birth certificate, you can show the passport page with your mother’s name.
Hello, my question is that, I have applied 5 days ago for family visit visa the status is still under process. Have they started approving family visit visas? If yes, then how long does it usually take to get approved?
Hi, did you get a reply about your visa. Did it get approved?
Hi Maaz, As per the available information, some applicants have already received approvals this month. There may be some delay due to a large number of pending applications.
Hi DGT,
But today early morning I have visited IMMIGRATION OFFICE GHARAFFA, but they says the family visa process still not open, after 23 Jan they were going to open.
Were you checking about Residence Visa or Visit Visa?
Hi I am checking about family visit visa.
That is strange. We have seen that some visit visa applicants (online) were approved this week. For Residence Visa, they are asking private employees to come back after 23 January or wait for an official announcement.
No….Its happened to me..also ..they said come after 23
Hi DGT,
I just want to ask is it ok if my husband get my daugther even he is not the biological father. He will get my daugther under his sponsorship . Hope to hear from you. ????
Hi Rose, It is possible if he has the proper documents to show the relationship.
I saw on social media that people started receiving family visit visa!! Those who applied after December 25,2022!!
@faris can you please share the links of social media, from where you saw these updates,
https://instagram.com/stories/safartravelsqa/3006932979510512720?igshid=NTU1Mzc3ZGM=
Hi Faris, Yes, this is correct.
Hello Team,
My husband has applied for my Family Visit Visa 6 days back, i.e 28th of December and the visit status still says “Under Process”. Any Idea when will they start approving the visas??
Did you have any update?
Hi Bia, As per the available information, some applicants have already received approvals this month. There may be some delay due to a large number of pending applications.
Hi For FAMILY VISIT VISA we need to show 5000 QR Basic or all allowances will be OK? i.e. HRA + JOB Allowance + Vehicle allowance (More than 5000 QR)
Hi Shifaz, It can be the total salary including monthly allowances. Variables like commission and overtime are not considered.
Hi,
May I know when this requirement for mandatory hotel booking for full duration of stay ( for india) will be lifted? Why is it still needed now?
family visit visa process is taking long and they are not accepting application quickly!
Hi Neha, (1) There is no update on when the hotel requirement will be changed. (2) Family visit visas are being approved now. There may be some delay due to a large number of pending applications.
Hi,
I have applied visit visa for my wife and son on October ’22 and still it is showing under process. the insurance is valid till 17th Jan (3 Months) and the flight ticket is no more valid. will that be rejected or I have to go to immigration with the revised ticket and Insurance?
Hi Mohamed, Normally, applicants will receive a notification for submitting updated documents. If you want, you can submit new documents before receiving the notification. But we are not sure if they would let you enter this week as it is too busy now.
Hi I just wanna ask if the marriage certificate required to be Attested by Qatar embassy here in the PH?
Hi Bianca, Yes, for the family residence visa, it should be attested by Qatar Embassy.
Hi DGT,
When family visit visa process will start?
Hi Shoaib, The process is open now.
Hello Team,
I have applied for a visit visa for my wife through Metrash 2, but the ticket that I have uploaded is for 3 months matching the health insurance duration. Is there going to be an issue getting approvals from the MOI side or are they going to ask me to re-apply again?
Many Thanks
Hi Mohamed, It should be OK. But once the visa is approved, check with your airline before travelling as some airlines may refuse to board.
Hi
Did you got approval?
Whether travel insurance is required for infants?
Required
Hi Shilpa, Yes it is required for all ages.
How to change Hayya card visa to family visit visa??
Hi Ameer, In December, it was required that the Hayya visa holder should exit the country and come back on a new visa. Once the family visit visa is approved, you can check this with MOI as there may be changes to procedures.
Hi DGT,
My husband changed his employer and he got his QID with the new Company. He changed the job position too. Before it was receptionist and now he works as an accountant.
So before changing the job role on the QID can he apply for family visit visa??
Hi Shilpa, For a family visit visa, his profession will not be an issue. The requirement is that salary should be QR 5000.