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
Most of parents are above 60years and then why Qatar is not allowing family visit visa for 60plus and to avail visa on arrival requires hotel booking Which makes it economically inaccessible to bring your parents and support them .will this discrimination against senior citizens change
Is the 30 day tourist visa open?
I saw an ad on fb page of Cozmo travel.
Hi Faris, Please check directly with the travel agent as these visas are processed through hotels and tour operators.
Hi DG,
i have query regarding marriage certificate issued from Telangana state waqf board hyderabad india. is it a valid document here in qatar or do i need to get attestation on it for visit visa purpose.
Hi Mohsin,
Yes but you need attestations of TG govt,MEA and Qatar embassy.
I did this all with an agent near TG old secretariet down of Telugutalli flyover .please check with agents they will complete it in 5-10working days
Hi rehan,
Why they required attention on marriage certificate for visit visa purpose.. i understand for RP its required. They change the rule now.
Hi Mohsin, It is better to get it attested as recently many applicants were asked to attest.
HI DG,
Is there any Health Insurance (Inn addition to Travel Insurance) required to enter Qatar from 01st Feb 2023
TIA
Hi Mohamed, The travel insurance policy for visitors comes with health coverage. If you have already purchased from an authorised company in Qatar, that is enough. More details are here: https://www.dohaguides.com/health-insurance-for-visitors-to-qatar/
Insurance. Which insurance companies in Doha ? Can sponsor pay for 3 months in the beginning itself even though it’s one month family visit visa later on apply for 2 months extension ?? Please provide the contact details. What is the medical insurance coverage, any specific requirements?
Hi Vinayak, You can use any insurance provider that has health coverage in Qatar. Providers like QIC have standard packages for visitors. You can buy online from their website or using any travel agent.
Dear DGT
My family here on visit visa with the visa status single entery but i have plan to go Saudia Arabia for UMRAH, can you please advise i can go or not.
if not, any otherway to solve this issue.
your kind advise will be appreciated as usal.
Hi Alam, Normally single entry visas are not allowed re-entry. You can contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 to check this. Second option is to use Visa On Arrival while coming back (Discover Qatar Hotel booking may be required if you are from India or Pakistan). Third option is to do Umrah at the end of Qatar Visit Visa and leave to home country directly from Saudi.
I uploaded all required documents for family visit before 2 weeks. Even after uploading all the required documents now metrash shows “document missing”, and the missing document is marriage certificate as per metrash. But I uploaded my marriage certificate as well. Could you please advise or let me know what might be the reason?
Hi Mohamed, Nowadays MOI is asking for attestation if the marriage certificate is issued by a local or religious body. Marriage certificates issued by governments and having official stamps are accepted. Can you check the format of your marriage certificate?
Marriage Certificate issued by Govt but seal is of local body.
hi mohammed you are from which country and state.
Hi Sohail,
I am from India, Kerala
Hi Mohamed, This could be an issue of attestation. Recently many applicants were asked to do the attestation for spouse visit visa.
Hello,
Is hotel booking requirement needed for family visit visa for my mother in law.
She has been here twice.
Hi Bharati, Hotel booking is not required for family visit visa. It is needed for visa on arrival only.
Hello DG,
Just have an update regarding the visit visa I applied last Jan.24. The next day of Jan.25 I saw in Metrash the visa number as well as the visa validity of April 25.
My question is, If the visa validity is until April 25,it means I can get a ticket with return country like from Feb. 5 to April 23?
Not necessarily only 30days then rebook ticket if need extension?
Query also.
If the visa I applied validity already for 3 months, then maybe I can get an extension after that?
What you think?
Regards.
Hi Isnaira, The visa validity shown is the last date within which the visitor should enter. Normally it is 90 days from date of approval. The visa is issued for 30 days from the date of entry. After entry, you should do medical test and apply for further extension.
Thank you so much Doha Guides. It is clear now to me.
Best Regards
You are welcome Isnaira!
while applying for family visit visa for my wife and children on 25 jan, it did not ask for the tickets and travel insurance.
Is it normal? what is the average wait time for the approval of visit visa
Hi Ihsan,
Really? That’s new. I just applied last Jan.24, and travel insurance along with confirmed ticket showed. Did you receive an application number after that?
Yes, I did get an application number and it mentions the status as under process
Hi Ihsan,
Good to hear. Good luck..
Thanks..
Which phone you are using while applying in mretrash? android or ios? Bcoz i checked now in apple IOS its still with insurance and ticket.
Hi Ihsan, Normally you will see the place to upload ticket and travel insurance. Are you sure you selected visit visa (not residence visa)?
Good Morning!!
Dear DG, On 24-Jan-2023 Tuesday earliy Morning 6 am i was apply my family visit visa for my wife on next day 25-Jan-2023 morning 10 am i got it approved within one day.
Are you in public sector or private sector?
Hi Shoaib, That’s fantastic news! Congratulations and thanks for sharing here. It would be helpful to others.
Hi Please anybody update 180 days gap from last visit visa is still considered while applying visa. Please after 23 Jan 2023 have there removed??? Please update
Hello!
We got our Family Visit Visa – single entry ansd now already in qatar 3 days ago.
We have plans of going to georgia during the duration of our stay here in Qatar. Is that still possible with the kind of visa that we have?
Hi Tin, If the visa mentions single-entry it may not be possible. Anyways, please call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 to check.
Hi Doha Guide,
Yesterday, I have received approval for my son family visit visa. But, my wife application is showing in metrash2 “DEFERRED” message since 4th January 2023. Already I have visited Gharafa MOI office two times before and they won’t allow inside office for follow-up, said that come back after two weeks if any queries.
Hence, please advise me how to move forward and getting approval of family visit visa for my wife. Awaiting for your reply.
Hi Ameer, If it is Deferred status, you need to check directly what is the issue. Currently, direct follow-up is not entertained at Gharaffa. So you may have to wait till February. You can also try calling the Metrash helpline (2342000) to see if they have any information about this status. We are not sure if this would be helpful.
Good morning Qatar. A lot of us are hoping that everything will return to pre-pandemic policies especially having our parents (aged 60+) to stay with us and spend time with their grand children. Having them here is a great experience for us considering the peacefulness and quality way of living this country provides to everyone.
Qatar has always been a leader in building peace everywhere and having our loved ones here will definitely bring peace in our minds.
Forever so grateful for Qatar’s generous policies and still looking forward to the same policies provided in the link.
https://hukoomi.gov.qa/en/article/visas
Hi LM, Let’s hope things get better soon.
My daughter & son in law in kuwait visited the visa office with application and documents for visas for myself & my wife (Kuwait resident permit Indian Nationality). The authorities did not even entertain their application nor did they see it and rejected. We are parents and try to spend 10 days with our daughter during the Kuwait National Holidays.
Hi Subbaraman, We can understand your disappointment. Since December 2022, we have been saying that direct applications and follow-ups are not entertained at MOI Service Centers. This doesn’t mean they are not issuing visas. In Qatar, we have an online system (Metrash app) for visa applications. The visa application through Metrash is still open and we have seen several visit visa applications being approved this month. We are 100% sure about this as we work closely with several travel agents, and typing centres and speak with visa applicants on a daily basis. Your children can easily apply on Metrash instead of visiting the Service Center. Please note that some applications are approved in a few days while some may take weeks. Hopefully, yours will be approved before Kuwait National Day. All the best.
HI, DG Admin,
FYI, As of now family visit visa extension only up to two months (total 90 days), just yesterday I finished the medical for my family for visa extension.
Is there any update when it will be changed to normal 6 months, same as before.
Hi Mohamad, Thanks for sharing your experience. Since 2022, they have reduced the total duration to 3 months. No idea if they would make it 6 months again.
Hi
I applied family visit visa for my wife and children’s on 25/01/2023 usually how long will take to get approval.
Hi Shebin, No definite answer to that now. Some are lucky to be approved in a few days, while others have been waiting for weeks.
Hi DG
Any idea when they will process family visit visa for private employees?. I went to Immigration center today. They are saying us to wait and not giving any timelines.
Hi Suraj, You can apply using Metrash. They have already started approving online (Metrash) applications. But they are not allowing direct submissions or follow-ups now.
If family visit visa got rejected without any valid reason. Can I apply again or visit to MOI to reconsider?
Is there any limit on number of family visit visa?
Hi Krishna,
Did ur application got rejected due to insurance expiry or ticket expiry?
Thanks
Hi Krishna, You can apply again. Sometimes you may need to remove the old application from the system by visiting MOI Service Center. You can also ask them the reason for rejection.