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 21 November 2023.
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 Latest News And Updates 2023
- 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
- How To Apply For Qatar Family Visit Visa Online
- How To Check the Status of Family Visit Visa
- Applying Family Visit Visa Offline
- 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 Latest News And Updates 2023
21 November 2023 STATUS
Since September, Family Visit Visa applications are being 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 permitted for spouses and children.
Since the first week of October, there has been a delay in approvals for adults. Some applications are taking 3-4 weeks.
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. 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 Centers. Individual outcomes may vary depending on various factors.
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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 Qatar ID is labour-type.
Even if an application is rejected due to an ineligible profession, the Captain at the MOI Service Center 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
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 (total 180 days) and two more months for other relatives (total 90 days).
Health insurance needs to be taken for the additional period.
As the rules may change from time to time, an extension beyond 90 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 Metrash2 mobile.
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 Online
Below are the steps to apply for a Qatar Family Visit Visa using the Metrash mobile app.
Step 1. Open the Metrash2 app on your mobile and log in
If you haven’t registered for Metrash2, see our comprehensive Metrash2 User Guide.
Step 2. Click on the “Visa” icon

Step 3. Click on the “Issue Visa” icon

Step 4. Click on the “Family Visit” icon

Step 5. Select “Family Visa Application”

Make sure to select “Family Visa Application”, not “Family Resident Application”.
Step 6. Click on “New Application”

Step 7. Fill up the details of the visitor
The details to fill up include Gender, Relation, Nationality, Date of Birth, Passport Details etc.

Step 8. Click on the “Validate” button

Step 9. Upload the required photos or scans of the documents
- Document scans/photos must be clear and readable.
- For documents with multiple pages, you must combine both photos/scans to create one JPG file.
- When uploading passports, photo and bio pages should be on the same side.
- For “Marriage Certificate (Others)”, you can upload the attested backside of the marriage certificate.
- Often a birth certificate is asked to prove your relationship with the visitor. If this is unavailable, you can also use any other document proving the relationship.
Step 10. 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. After verifying and approving the application, you will receive an application number.
The application status will change to “Under Process”, “Under Review” and again to “Under Process” before getting approved.
Step 11. Pay the required fee
Once the visa is approved, you have to pay the visa fee (QR 200) online via Metrash. To make the payment, go to the “Visa Fees Payment” icon on the “Visa Operation” page.

Step 12. 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.
How To Check the Status of 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 Inquiries >> Visa Services >> Visa Approval Tracking (link).

Enter the application number and application date or sponsor’s QID number. Make sure all the required details are filled in correctly, and you’ll be able to check your visa status.
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.
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 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 for 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 Center.
Document Checklist for Family Visit Visa Travellers
- Passport (minimum validity of 6 months)
- Visa printout
- Two-way flight tickets
- Health insurance
Bring your family in style!
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 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 November 2023, 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 on a first-come first-serve 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 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 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 DG Pixels, 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.
Actually, I want to bring my father and mother, however, I do not have a salary of 10k QR, so I am trying to apply for a family visit visa under a friend’s sponsorship. Could you please let me know what documents are needed to apply for a visa?
Hi Pari, Your friend can only apply family visit visa for his relatives because proof of relation is required. You can try Hayya visa for your parents (if you can get a Hayya voucher for anyone).
Any update in your application for Family Resident Visa? (Private sector)
I want to bring my 14 year old step daughter to Qatar from the Philippines. My wife is Filipino and I am from UK. My stepdaughter was born out of wedlock.
I assume the best option is Family Visit Visa then try to transfer her to my sponsorship inside Qatar.
Also I am not sure whether to put “daughter” or “other” on the Metrash2 online application system.
Could you please advise on the situation.
Hi Sam, If you want to apply for family visit visa, you should have documents that prove your relation with the visitor. We assume your step-daughter’s birth certificate has her mother’s name In that case, if the mother is working in Qatar and has 5k salary, she can apply through Metrash account. If not, you can apply from your account, but will need more supporting documents like your marriage certificate and step-daughter’s passport or birth certificate that has mother’s name.
Dear DGT,
I recently extended my wife’s visit visa for 30 days only. If I want to extend it again, is another medical required?
Thank you.
Hi Donel, No, you need medical test only once.
How many days does it take for family visit visa approval?
Hi Sama, Nowadays it takes 1-2 weeks. It may be faster in some cases.
hi DG
can i get visa extension of more then 90 days for my wife by visiting gharafa
Hi Fawad, As far as we know 90 days is maximum nowadays. You can try if you want.
Dear Team,
Could you please explain procedures to get Resident Permit for child whose parents (mother and father) work in Qatar under different company sponsership?
Hi Titus, The mother can sponsor the baby even if salary is less than QR 15k. Apply for baby’s residence visa on the mother’s Metrash app. If the option is not showing on Metrash, you will have to apply directly. You can see more details on this link: https://www.dohaguides.com/family-visa-in-qatar-requirements-documents/
Hi DG,
My family is already in family visit visa, is it possible to change it to hayya card?
Hi Dheen, As per the available information from MOI, your family will need to exit and come back on Hayya visa.
Hi Doha Guides team,
I just want to ask regarding application of family visit visa on Metrash, marriage certificate (for my wife) and birth certificate (for my 3yr old daughter) are not needed documents to be uploaded in Metrash2. But of course I have original copies of it. Does it mean that I don’t need to attest this documents? Or it’s still needs to be attested here in Qatar? Thanks.
Hi Marc, Until recently family visit visas were approved even if marriage certificate was not attested. But nowadays some applications are getting rejected if marriage certificate is not attested. If you want you can try uploading without attestation. If it is rejected, you may have to reapply after attestation. It will depend on how authentic your certificate looks and how strict the officer is. Birth certificate attestation is not a problem so far.
For family visit visa prior to trave hotel booking is required, if require is it through Discover Qatar or any place of own choice I can book.
Hi Siddiqui, For family visit visa, hotel booking is not needed.
while applying family visit visa in metrash, i am not getting the option for applying for relatives, it shows only wife / son / daughter. What is the reason, is it related to salary criteria or any other.
Hi Sriram, For sponsoring other relatives, your salary should be QR 10,000.
Hi DG,
why is it the extension time for my family visit visa only 44 days? is it already reduced now, from 60 days previously?
Hi Abdul Hadi, So it is showing 44 days after 30 days? How much is the extension fees showing?
Hi DG,
My family will be travelling on a visit visa for which I had applied mandatory health insurance issued on 23rd Feb, now due to delay in visa approval my family will be travelling on 2nd march. please let me know whether this insurance will still be valid as it states that duration is 1 month upon arrival, or, a new health insurance to be purchased starting 2nd March.
Hi Mohsin, If the health insurance is from any provider listed on the MOPH website, you can use the same one. It will be valid for 1 months from date of entry.
Hello,
My questions are:
1- I am a Turkish and working as restaurant manager in Doha, i want to bring my family with family visit visa, can i extend it to 6 months?
2-If i can extend it to 6 months, and after it is finished ,if i want to renew again or apply another visit visa, does my wife need to go out of country ot can i apply before the first visa expires? If she goes, how long she needs to stay out of qatar to re-enter to country again?
3-Can i convert family visit visa to RP as my salary is above 10000?
Thanks in adnvance
thank you for your reply.
any chance of getting approval quickly if i go directly to the office ?
if so whom i need to meet to get the approval?
Hi Dinil, No, if it is under CID approval, direct follow-up will not help.
Thank you Doha Guides team.
You are welcome Rish.
hi,
I applied for my mother visit visa 06-02-2023. In metrash my mother visa is showing under process with visa number.
As visa number appeared i think immigration approved & only CID approval pending.How long it takes to get CID approval?
Hi Dinil, Normally you get CID approval in a week.
I applied for my family RP visa. My sons visa got approved and my wife’s visa is under process with visa number from 13/02/2023. Still its under process. How long usually it takes to get approval after issuing of visa number
Hi MER,
if you don’t mind may i know when you submitted… & when you got approval
Hi Mer, This is because adults need verification from CID Department. Usually it is approved in a week.
Hi,
When we apply for the visit visa there is a notification as ‘previous visa existing for the same person ‘.
What it means?
Hi Rish, Nowadays this message is appearing for those who applied for Hayya Card during 2022. If you have applied for Hayya earlier, you need to visit MOI office and meet the Captain. In some cases their Hayya visa is automatically approved.
Feb 20, 2023 at 10:21am
Good day,
I would like to ask if the family visa needs to stamp on the passport. secondly, the visa for my daughter was issued only using her first name is it ok? Because as per her passport, she has 2 names.
Please advise me on what to do about this matter.
Thank you so much.
Hi Evangeline, Even though family visa stamping is not required for most countries, there used to be some additional procedure for Philippines. It is better to check with a local airlines office or call the Qatar Embassy in Manila. Regarding the name, normally it is accepted if passport number is matching. However, you can check check with your airline office.
My application for a family visit visa was denied because the sponsor did not meet the requirements.
What is the exact reason
please advise me do i need to visit garafa immigration office
Hi Ahmed, Either it could be that salary is low or profession is not eligible.