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.
Hi DG,
Thanks for the updates. Any info if 180-day rule is removed?
Hi you can check by applying, if it is not removed you will get pop up message saying 180 days not completed outside Qatar from last exit.
Hi, No update on that yet.
Hello DGT,
On 22nd January my visa application started showing Visa number and date of issue and visa expiry date, However the visa is still under process. How many days does it take to show the printing option?
Hi BIA, Normally it would be approved within a few days.
Hi I’m from India
My husband is working in Qatar
May I know how many times in a year i can enter Qatar in family visit visa ??
Hi Bubi, Currently there is a restriction that if you come to Qatar on a family visit visa, you can apply for the next family visit visa only after 180 days of leaving Qatar.
Hi DG,
If my wife & daughters got visit visa approvals so how many days they have to travel mean within how many days,
Some say within 30/- and some say within 90 please confirm
Thanks You
Hi Muhammed, Nowadays it is 90 days. You can see the validity on the visa itself.
Hi Asalamualaikum DG,
I have plan to get a family visit visa for my wife but i want to know if my profession is eligible to sponsor a family visit visa. My qatar ID profession is ASSISTANT and my salary is above 5000.
Thank you. DG
Hi Mohammad, Most non-labour professions are eligible with salaries above QR 5000.
hi DG,
today i applied for family visit for my wife and daughter on metrash i received application number email from MOI. the application form has all fields null in that for both application of my wife and daughter. Just want to know is it normal to receive all fields null in the application form or is there any problem with application. your response will be highly appriciated.
Hi Shahid,
Yes, It’s normal.
I also same applied but may application issue date one year validity and all write with under process before may daughter
status show under review but may wife application did not show in Metrash I again apply new application and then both show under process what is the meaning of this
Hi Anil, Each application goes through the Under Review and Under Process status before getting approved. Hopefully, yours would be approved soon.
Hi Shahid, This is normal for all applicants. This is just a receipt of your application.
When will open visit visa
It’s taking very long time
We’re applied January 2nd
But still not response
what is your metrash showing ?
what is your profession in ID card.???
Hi Everyone,
Can anyone say the average time to get the approval for the Visit Visa. I have applied on 10th January but still under process. One of my work mate went to gharafa immigration today, but was turned away to come after 2 weeks. I am worried that my documents will get expired by that time.
Hi Mohamed, No one can answer that now as the processing time is different for each application. Hopefully, your application will be processed soon.
Hi Ramziya, Visit visa applications are already being approved. Hope yours will be approved soon.
I have my relatives in Qatar but they are not by name can they apply for a family visit visa to me and if not how can I get a visit visa to qatar
Hi Waad, It depends on what is the relation. If they are direct relatives (parents, siblings, brother-in-law or sister-in-law etc.) they can apply even if the names are different. There should be some document that proves the relation.
My son and his family are staying in Qatar and have residency permit, we the mom and dad of applicant plan to visit soon
Dad is 65+ years old, is he eligible to visit if so what are requirements
Thanks in advance to all
Hi Kirnalli, Currently there is an age limit of 60 years for a family visit visa. If your nationality is eligible for a visa on arrival, there is no age limit. However please note that Discover Qatar hotel booking is mandatory for Indians using Visa on Arrival service.
Hello DG,
Greetings!
Thank you for this. It’s very informative!
By any chance, do have any idea how can I apply family visit visa for my mom who is 63 years old? Tried to apply her on my Metrash but she’s not eligible due to her age. Btw, she’s philippine passport holder. Can you also recommend travel agency who can assist me with the application?
Thank you so much in advance!
Regards!
Thanks Leen! Currently, there is an age limit of 60 years for a family visit visa. We are not sure if they would approve a direct application due to this age limit. Anyways, if you want to try, you can get the application form filled out from any typing centre or travel agency near you. It is better to check with any MOI Service Center before buying the ticket and insurance.
Hello everyone,
Firstly, DG team thanks a ton for uploading much needed information and for taking efforts to keep them updated
I wanted to check if anyone has got an approval for visit visa (second degree relative) for a candidate whose age is above 60 if they went to MOI centres as Metrash will not accept such an application
Thank you! We are not aware of any approval for those above 60 years. If anyone else has done that they may reply to this comment.
Hello everyone,
I want to apply for a visit visa this week while waiting for the residence visa.
May I know an address where I can get an insurance?
I want to ask also from your experience in getting an insurance and a ticket.
a. How many months of insurance should I get?
b. Can I get a booking ticket only without confirmation just to put it in Metrash? or
c. If I have to confirm it, can the return ticket be refunded if the residence visa approve, for them not to exit?
Your input are really valuable for me.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Isnaira,
you can purchase insurance online from QIC, it is better to put the original ticket, Qatar Airways ticket usually is changeable free of cost
Got it. Did you also have the same situation with me. Family visa is still under process?
currently I’m waiting for approval of family visit visa
Have you got visa
If u have Any information please tell me
Hi Doha Guides Team,
You are really doing a great Job ! Very Helpful for most of the people out there.
I have 2 queries –
First, Is the 180 days period cancelled now ? Or do I have to wait for the 180 days gap to complete in order to apply for Family Visit Visa for Spouse.
Second, I might be travelling to my home country, so when I am out of Qatar, can I still apply for Family Visit Visa through Metrash, will I get approval.
Also, please anyone who is reading my queries, anyone who knows the fact, please reply.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Arshad, Thanks for the kind words. (1) The 180 days period is still showing for most applicants. You can try that by applying through Metrash. (2) It is better to apply before you leave. There is no problem if you exit after the application.
Dear Mohamed,
Please do guide me if how you applied a visit visa. I am in same boat in which almost 3 weeks my application of residence visa is under process. If applying visit visa is much easier, then the waiting period for converting an RP visa maybe will be easy if they are already here.
Please for your reply.
Hi Mohamed,
It means there’s no problem in applying a visit via while you already applied residence visa?
Regards
Hi Isnaira, You can apply for a visit visa at the same time.
Thank you so much Doha Guide Team for your always guide…
You are welcome Isnaira!
Hi,
While my application for a family resident visa is still being processed, my application for a family visit visa was approved last week. Insha’Allah, my family will be arriving on February 4th, 2023, and I want to apply for RP for my family.
My previous replication is still “under process.” Please provide the steps. How can I convert my family’s visit visa to a residence permit after they have arrived?
Family Residence visa applications will be processed from 23-01-2023.
Hi Mohamed, Once the previous application is approved, you can change the visa status by paying QR 500 at any MOI Service Center. Until then wait for it to be processed. If there is a long delay (several weeks), you can visit MOI Service Center and follow up.
Hello DohaGuides Team,
It is tremendous generosity work you people are committing for residents of Qatar. Really appreciated.
I have applied for my family visit visa on 12-01-2023 and now I see the status of my Son’s visa got approved, but when I open my wife status, visa number and visa issue date is showing but the status is UNDER PROCESS…
How to overcome this scenario.. please help
same is the case with me. Don’t know what to do
Hi,
When did you applied?
14-Jan
When your son visa approved ? Today?
Yes my son’s visa got approved today…
Hi Jawad, did you get approval ?
You will get approval for your wife within 3 working days. I got same.
You will get your wife’s approval within 3 working days. I faced the same thing and got approval.
Hi Jawad Khan, Thanks for your kind words. It is normal to see that children’s visa is approved before mothers. Your wife’s visa will be approved soon.
hi DG,
today i tried applying for my wife visit visa through metrash when i entered all details after validation it went to applicant document upload page in that it shows only two option to upload document that is only only for marriage certificate . no option to upload passport, travel insurance and air ticket. what to do??? did anyone faced same issue. please reply to my query?
Hi Raj,
Yes you are correct, for the wife first they will ask to upload two documents, Marriage certificate, and Marriage certificate(OTHERS)…
You have to upload the front page on Marriage Certificate section and the back attested page of Marriage certificate on “Marriage certificate (others)” section..
Hope that helped…
Jawad bhai is it mandatory for marriage certificate to be attested for visit visa purpose. Mine attestation is not done.
Yes, simple attestation by gazette officer in India.
Is there any information of changing this 180 days between family visits ? Is there anyone who can help to remove this??
hi,
my salary on agreement paper is 2500+500, but I getting the actual salary 5000. can I apply for visit visa for my wife.
Its better to get it documented.
Hi Nayem, You should update the contract with QR 5000 salary. MOI only considers what is on paper.