Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update was on 12 September 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 up to six 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
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Fee
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Validity
- Documents Required for Qatar Family Visit Visa
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Application
- How To Apply For Qatar Family Visit Visa Online?
- Applying Family Visit Visa Offline
- How To Check Status of Family Visit Visa
- 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
12 SEPTEMBER 2023 STATUS
Applications for family visit visa can be submitted online using the Metrash app.
Additionally, visit visa extensions of up to 6 months are permitted for spouses and children.
Please be aware that the information provided 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
12 SEPTEMBER 2023 UPDATE: Gharaffa Immigration Shifting
Health Insurance For Family Visit Visa
From 1 February 2023, health insurance is mandatory for all visitors to Qatar. Applicants can buy health insurance for QAR 50 per month from any of the registered insurance companies listed on the MOPH website.
Once your visa is approved, you will receive an SMS with link to purchase the health insurance online.
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 many applicants are asked to provide attested marriage certificates.
Often these certificates are handwritten, issued by local/religious bodies (mosque, church, temple etc.) or in cases where the certificate’s authenticity cannot be verified. Please check if your certificate is in a standard acceptable format with official stamps, otherwise, you will need to have it attested.
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 (USD 1,373).
A minimum salary of QR 10,000 (USD 2,747) is required to apply for a Family Visit Visa 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 |
This requirement was confirmed by a senior official of the Ministry of Interior in November 2021.
Profession Requirement for Family Visit Visa in Qatar
Most expatriates with the required minimum salary are eligible to apply for 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 ineligible profession, the Captain at the MOI Service Center has the power to change the decision.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Fee
Qatar Family Visit Visa fee is QAR 200 (USD 55) for 30 days. The initial visa can be extended by paying QAR 200 per month.
- Medical check up: Medical check-up for a visa extension costs QAR 100.
- Fine for overstay: 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 days 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.
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
- Proof of relationship (Wife: Marriage Certificate / Children: Birth Certificate)
- Round-trip flight tickets
The following documents may also be required if applying offline (directly at MOI Service Centre):
- Application form (You can get this completed through any typing center)
- Applicant’s Qatar ID copy
- No objection letter from employer, citing profession and salary
- Work contract (notarized by the Ministry of Labour)
- Photocopy of Company’s Registration Card
Employment details are not required when applying through the Metrash app, as currently labour contracts are linked with 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
- Proof of relationship (Birth Certificate, Passport, etc.)
- Round-trip flight tickets
The following documents may also be required if applying offline (directly at MOI Service Centre):
- Application Form (You can get this completed through any typing center)
- Applicant’s Qatar ID copy
- Wife’s Qatar ID copy (if resident)
- No objection letter from employer, citing profession and salary
- Work contract (notarized by the Ministry of Labour)
- Photocopy of Company’s Registration Card
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 or MOI website.
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 Qatar Family Visit Visa using 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 may change to “Under Process” and “Under Review” multiple times 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 Metrash2. To make the payment, go to “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 would 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
For the offline application, you would need a completed application form in addition to the other documents mentioned above. You can get this application form filled out from any typing centre.
Take the originals of your Passport, QID and NOC letter from the employer for verification if needed.
Take the required documents to any Ministry of Interior (MOI) Service Centre. Take a token number from Reception, and wait for your turn. When your number is displayed on the screen, go to the counter and submit the documents.
Sometimes they would write comments on your application and ask you to meet the Captain for final approval. The Captain will decide if your application can be accepted. If found satisfactory, you would be given a receipt and asked to check after 2-3 working days.
After two days, check the status online through the link on the receipt. If you have Metrash 2 installed on your phone, you will be notified of the status change.
If the visa is approved, you can pay the visa fees online via Metrash2 or the MoI Service Centre. The visa can be downloaded at this link.
How To Check Status of Family Visit Visa
If you have applied using Metrash, 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.
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 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 MOI Service Center in Gharaffa, and request for reconsidering. 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 MOI Service Center.
Document Checklist for Family Visit Visa Travellers
- Passport
- 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 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 acknowledgement 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 March 2023, the average approval time for Family Visit Visa is 1-2 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 Doha Guide 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?
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 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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Hi, my daughter, 4 years old, is in Qatar with “Hayya with me” visa. Can i change her visa status to a family visit visa when Hayya’s visa expires on 24 Jan. 2023? Without the requirement to exit Qatar?
Thank you for your answer.
Hi Rhea, As per the current rule you cannot change from Hayya With Me visa to another visa without exit. You can wait for few more months to see if there is any change in rule.
Hi Doha Guide Team,
I need you guidence.
I applied my wife visa on 12 aug 2023.
Now i receieve an offer from other company i want to switch. Can i accept the offer? I want to know if i accept what will happen with my RP. Is their any gov rule or clash on this or i can switch my job and rp process will go side by side?
Hi Asad, You can accept the new job offer. If your RP is transferred before your family visa is approved, you may be required to submit additional documents (such as NOC from new employer). You don’t have to lose a job offer because of this.
Thanks a lot for the article. Question – what are the “follow-up visits” (that are not allowed for the private sector employees)?
Hi Mikhail, when an application remains pending for many weeks or months, some applicants visit the Immigration Office to check the status of their application. However, these visits are not being entertained at the moment. Security personnel at gate will not allow them to enter.
Dear Team,
I want Know that any Long Term Family visit Visa Is There for Wife And 2 kids.
Salary Contract Is 5000
Hi Mir Hadi Ali, You can apply for family visit visa. Note that under family visit visa, the maximum stay is 6 months only. After that you have to wait another 6 months to apply again.
Still not Yet Apply. shall I apply For 6 months Visit Visa For Family is it Posiible
Hi Mir, With QR 5000 salary you can apply. When you apply first time you will get one month visit visa. After family reaches Qatar, you can extend that for five more months.
NOTE: After first six months you cannot apply for another visit visa. You have to wait 180 days for the next application.
Is it possible to get family visit visa while is on Hayya?
Hi Mohammad, If it is Hayya With Me, it may not be approved now as it is valid for another 5 months.
Hi DG and Everyone,
I applied for a Family Visit Visa for my wife last July 25 and it is still “Under Review” for over a month now. The flight is scheduled on the 1st week of September, however, if the approval will not be issued before the date of the flight, we might have to rebook the ticket to a later date. I just want to ask if there are others who are having the same experience?
Hi Rali, We have seen some more messages where Family Visit Visa processing is delayed for one month. We don’t know the reason. If you want you can visit Immigration for follow-up.
Hi Doha Guides Team,
I would like to know if it is possible to apply a family visit visa 3 to 4 months earlier to the actual travel date. I am planning to apply my wife’s visit visa this month but, the actual travel date will be in November or December this year.
Hi Edmark, Most people get entry visa valid for 90 days from approval (while some get more than that). It is safer to apply within 90 days of travel.
I applied my wife visit visa on 8th August via metrash. During the application, the system did not give me option to upload all the documents. There was only option to upload Marriage cert, marriage cert* Others, passport and 2 way Air ticket which I did and clicked send. 2 weeks later I receive the first message that there are missing documents, I have all the docs required but metrash is not giving me option to upload them.
I had read from online source that the metrash changed in the se tion of attaching other documents which there is no clear official statement. Please help me understand. I plan to visit Gharaffa immigration tomorrow
Hi Peter, Have you uploaded the attested backside of the marriage certificate on “Marriage Certificate Others” field?
I am a UK citizen and exploring applying for a teacher job (i am fully qualified). If I wish to sponsor my husband (he wouldn’t work), would his spent assault conviction in the UK be checked in the application. for a family residence visa? Many thanks
Hi Jean, You can sponsor your husband if your salary is good enough. Usually Police Clearance from home country is not needed for spousal visa application.
Dear DG,
I have applied for RP in Nov 2022 for my wife and 2 kids still the status is under process for my wife.currently i am working for private sector and matching all the criteria as per their requirements.
In month of June 2023 when i visited Garafa they said me to update bank statement and attach Attested birth certificate of my 2 kids in the Meetrash2 next day i have updated bank statement in the Meetrash2 and when i am trying to upload birth certificate of my kinds its showing error message as “Family Visit” I have uninstalled application and reinstalled Meetrash2 even though showing same error message.
I have visited Garafa again for this error message unfortunately there was NO positive response they have replied wait for your wife visa approval first and then reapply for your Kids. when I requested them to cancel visa application of my kids to reapply and the officer said they cannot cancel the application.unable to understand how to upload Doc for my kids.
If any one encountered the similar issue before please assist me how to proceed further so that i can upload Doc of my kids in Meetrash2. and wait for their visa approvals.
Hi Mohammed, Below the “Family Visit” error there will be something written in Arabic. Please show this to someone who can understand Arabic.
Hello everyone please help me my wife and children family visit visa expiring 6 of September 2023.after 1st month I extended visa for another 2 month so total 3 month will be compleat for September 6. Metras 2 not showing for extend anymore.so still can I extend family visit visa for them? And I apply for them pr visa still under process. Please help me if someone have experience
Hi Shasa, If you can’t fine the option on Metrash, you can visit MOI Service Center and request for extension. Nowadays they are giving up to 6 months (total) for wife and children.
When my husband try to apply for family visit visa it’s showing apply after 180 days
So is there any alternative to apply before 180 days please help ….
thank you
Hi Fatima, Unfortunately, 180 days gap between two family visit visas is an official requirement.
In my case, I am giving birth December 2024 and it seems my mother can’t stay here for a long time if she is under visit visa. I cannot even apply my aunt because of her age. Please consider a shorter gap. Thank you.
Hi Ava, Please send your feedback and request to: [email protected]
Dear DG,
I applied for the family visa and my wife visa apporved on 15th Aug but daughter visa is still under processing. Can you calarify the below point
1. When i am applay for visa my daughter passport validity was 8 Months but now as on today its less than 6 month. Will that affect the visa approval;
Hi Jon Honay, Passport validity should not be an issue for Family RP. It is considered for visit visa only.
Hi! My daughter and husband are planning to come here under family visit visa for a 1-month vacation. After our marriage certificate had been attested by the Philippine embassy here in Qatar, do I need to have it attested by MOFA as well? Do I also need to have my daughter’s birth certificate attested as well? Thank you!
Hi Meg, It is better to get MOFA attestation for marriage certificate (there is chance of rejection). Birth certificate need not be attested for visit visa (it should be attested if applying for Family RP).
Hello Doha Guide,
I am an Indian resident, working in government sector as a permanent employee and earning good salary.
I have applied for visit visa for my mom (age 50) and sister(age 21) around 2 weeks back via metrash2, but still the status is “under review”.
I have visited Immigration office as well but haven’t received any positive feedback.
Kindly let me know, how much time it generally takes for approval of online application as it has already passed 2 weeks.
Thanks
Hi doha guides,
I’m n my family Rp(husband sponsor), can I apply visit visa for my mom through metrash, if possible what are d documents I need
Hi Shabeena, Since you are under Family RP you cannot apply from your Metrash. But your husband can apply family visit visa for mother-in-law from his Metrash. All documents and steps are mentioned in the article.
Hi Doha Guides,
I am planning to bring my wife and kid under family visit visa. Please advise me be on the below.
* Is that a compulsion that my wife passport should have my name as spouse (husband) to apply for family visit visa.
* Do i need to get my kids birth certificate also attested (or) just marriage certificate attestation is enought to apply for both kid and wife.
Hi Pradeep, Spouse name on passport is not compulsory (if you have attested marriage certificate).
Kids birth certificate attestation is not mandatory for visit visa. It will be required if you want to apply for Family RP in the future.
I just to ask if the marriage certificate still need to be stamped by MOFA? or only Apostilled marriage certificate is enough ? My wife is coming from the philippines.. Please i need quick response. Thank you!
Hi Jefferson, In most cases they are asking for attested marriage certificate. In some cases they would approve without attestation also.
Hi There Doha Guides,
My spouse’s (husband) family visit visa is still showing “under process” status even after 3 weeks. He arrived here on tourist visa first then i tried to convert it to Family visit visa. While waiting for the family visit visa to be approved, his tourist visa (already extended) now has expired.
We are unsure what to do? Should he exit and re-enter on tourist visa again? Has he overstayed because he is waiting on his family visit visa?
Any other suggestions on how to resolve this is much appreciated.
Hi Yazmyn, Sometimes visit visa will not be approved if a person is already inside country. This will be considered overstay. Please note that overstaying on tourist visa has a fine of QR 200 per day. Since his visa is still under process, we suggest exiting and coming back after visa is approved.
Hi,
My wife is now in Qatar with family visit visa. Her visa will be expire on next month. Can I apply for Hayya visa for her without leaving from the country because I need to stay her up to December? Is that possible? Please let me know. Thank you.
Hi Daminda, We don’t think you can change to Hayya without leaving country as those who tried in the past were asked to exit. If you are Indian citizen, please note that “Hayya With Me” is not available for Indians now.
Hi doha guides,
I want to apply for visit visa for my mother in law but she is 65 years old, can I get visit visa for her bcz she’s coming for my delivery
Hi Shabeena, If you apply via Metrash most probably you would get a message that she is not eligible because her age is above 60. You can try that first. If that doesn’t work you can apply directly at any MOI service center, but chances of approval are less.
Thank you,
There is any other way can I bring hr for a month, like hayaa tourist visa is available for Indians now?
Hi Shabeena, Yes, Hayya Tourist Visa is available for 30 days. https://www.dohaguides.com/how-to-apply-qatar-tourist-visa-online/
Hi doha guides,
Thanks for ur rply, if we apply tourist visa she can stay with us or we have to book hotel booking?
Hi Shabeena, It depends on the type of accommodation you choose while applying. If the visitor is Indian national it is better to first check with Hayya helpline (800 2022) as nowadays rules keep on changing.
Hi, If I bring my mother on Hayya Card in Jan 2024 for 10 days, can I apply for her visit visa in Feb 2024 or March 2024 ? Need clarification on this that if there is any clause that she can’t re-enter the country for 6 months or she can ?
Hi Garima, So far there is no restriction in applying visit visa after exiting on Hayya. However rules are always subject to change. So you can double check with the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].