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 16 August 2024.
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 2024
- 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 2024
AUGUST 2024 STATUS
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. On average this is taking 1-2 weeks.
Since September 2023, 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.
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.
04 December 2023 Update
The Ministry of Interior has clarified the eligibility criteria for Family Visit Visa as follows:
1. Applicant should have a minimum salary of QR 5000.
2. The profession should be a non-labour category.
3 The applicant should have family accommodation duly accredited by relevant authorities.
4. The visitor must have health insurance.
5. The visitor must be a relative of the applying resident within the allowed degrees of relation.
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.
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
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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 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 2024, 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 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 team
Will u plz help me know will there be CID clearance process for family visit visa for adults.. n how long does it take my visa shows ‘under process’again though my kids got the approval
Hi AF, Only basic security clearance is needed in case of family visit visa. Usually it doesn’t take long as the Family RP.
Note that it is normal that one application takes longer than the other.
Hi DG team
My husband has applied for family visit visa on 19th sept..it’s been 10 days now n it still shows “under review ” by when can we expect the approval n what must b done further
Kindly reply
Hi AF, Unfortunately there is no standard time frame for approval. Average time is 1-2 weeks. Perhaps your husband can follow-up with Duhail immigration next week.
Hello DG,
I Need to Bring My Wife & Child on a Visit Visa but my Current Salary is below Qr. 5,000/- What Should I do & How can i bring My wife & Son to Qatar ?
Hi Rihan, In that case you can consider Tourist Visa: https://www.dohaguides.com/how-to-apply-qatar-tourist-visa-online/
You can get 30 days visa + 30 days extenion,
It took us two weeks and 2 days to get the approval, my daughter was approved today, mine is still under process but with visa number already.
Congratulations! Thanks for updating here.
Hi
Can u help me know in how many days did you get approved after your kids got the approval..actually I’m also in the same situation as yours
Thank you
Hi DG,
i applied family visit visa in metrash2 for my daughter last sept.01, i got the message “missing docs” sept.4 and i uploaded the passport again. For the 2nd time i got the message “missing docs”, i uploaded again the passport. After one week my request was rejected in metrash2, the notes showing is “not to approved the visa”. I am planning to visit the captain in the immigration to request for approval. Where do i need to go, in Gharaffa or in the new locationin Ad Duhail?
And the docs I need to bring is ticket, attested birth cert., daughter copy of passport. Anything else?
thank you.
Hi Mina, You have to go to Al Duhai (Hall 11). Take all the original documents you have.
Hi DG,
I have applied Family visit for my Mother in law on 10th Sept. Since then it is showing under process. Nationality- Indian. Could you please advise on the possible delay reasons.
Hi Naveen, 1-2 weeks is normal. Hopefully it would be approved soon.
Hi Doha Guides
Is the Metrash App accepting applications for family visit visa for individuals aged above 60?
thanks
yes please I would also like to know whether Metrash is accepting applications for people aged above 60.
Hi Pl, Yes, 60+ are getting approvals now.
Hi DG Team,
I applied for Visit Visa today. At the end of confirmation to send application I received X status. I reviewed the application again and there is a note to upload the documents again. I tried uploading again and the same error received. I followed the requirement to 1) combine photos in one file, 2) files on jpeg only and 3) the documnet is not more that 500kb. What could be the problem here?
I also have applied for Family Resident Visa but 17 days have passed and still have the Under Process status.
Help!
Hi CD, If you have reduced the file size, change their file names also. Sometimes it happens with app’s cache memory. If that doesn’t work retry later or call 109.
Hi DG Team,
I uploaded the documents again but this time using my iPhone. This time it went thru with no problem. Just updating this comment in case someone in future will have the same issue.
Hi CD, That’s great! Thanks for updating here.
Hi dg
On wednesday we recieved a visa number but still status show under process what should i do??
Hi Ft, It would be fully approved this week.
Hi
My family visit visa medical is completed.
Now I am having the option to extend the visa.
I wanted to know that extension is allowed only one time or I can use it multiple times within the time frame.
Hi Alam, You can do multiple times (until total stay of 6 months). However if you plan to 6 months it is better to do now because we never know when they will change policies, especially with Expo 2023 coming. MOI had reduced the family visit stay period to 3 months during World Cup.
Salam ,
My family Left qatar on may 21 -2023 .after visiting on family visit visa . I tried to apply online again for visit visa for october entry . but Metrash not accepting application saying 180 days not completed since the exit from country .Is it possible for me to try offline .or pleas advice.
Thank yopu very much
Hi Adam, There is a mandatory waiting period of 180 days between two family visit visas. Chances of offline approval are very less. You can try if you want.
I am trying to apply family visit visa through Metrash2 after filing first page details when I press validate its showing a message written in Arabic and cannot open the next page.
please advise.
Hi Nafees, Sorry, We cannot advise without knowing what that error message is. Please show to someone who can read Arabic.
I came Qatar on 4th September. Now I have QID. I applied visit visa for my kids through metrash on 13th September. still that system shows as Under process. How many days, will it take for the appvoral?
Hi Ruvini, It has been only two days since you applied. Please wait for some more days. Average approval time is 1-3 weeks.
My husband applied family visit visa now it is in stage 4 under process with visa number.. what it it mean?? How much time it will take more??
Hi Ft, It is under CID approval. Will be fully approved in less than a week.
Hi DG Team,
I got job offer from Doha, Qatar. I need to travel in October 1st or 2nd week as employer is offering me work visa. I have 2 kids – 9yr old daughter and 4 yr old son. I want to travel to Doha with my spouse and kids. My 4 yr old son won’t be able to stay with spouse.
Do I need to come 1st and get the QID then family residence visa to my spouse and kids.
Could you please help me how can I travel with family.
Kindly request you to understand the situation and help me in this.
Thanks,
Iram
Hi Iram, Congratulations on your job! To apply for a Family RP, first you have to complete your own RP process and get your Qatar ID. Your salary should be above QR 10,000 and your salary should be credited for a few months. This means you cannot apply Family RP immediately. If you want to bring your family during your first entry, you have to get Tourist Visa or Visa On Arrival (if your nationality is eligible). You can also apply for Family Visit Visa after 1-2 months. Our website has detailed guides on all these visas. Read them carefully before deciding. You can also see this: https://www.dohaguides.com/wife-sponsor-husband-in-qatar/
Hi DG and Everyone,
I received the approval of the Family Visit Visa for my wife yesterday (11-Sept-2023). The Family Visit Visa took 7 weeks before receiving the approval. I want to share our experience to someone who might be in similar situations:
1. Applied Family Visit Visa through Metrash on last week of July 2023.
2. After a week, an SMS for missing documents is received but required me to upload the same documents (Marriage Certificate, Passport and Round-Trip Tickets).
3. The status changed from “Under Process” to “Under Review” after 3 days from uploading the documents.
4. I went to the immigration office in Gharaffa when the application was around 3 weeks. The first time I went was in the afternoon and I was told to come in the morning as the afternoon is for companies. The next day I went again but my application was not checked in the system. I was only told by the officer at the reception to wait for the SMS. This was around the time when the office was moving to the new location in Duhail.
5. End of August 2023, we had to change the flight date as the approval for the visa had been delayed for around 5 weeks during this time and there is about a week remaining before the flight that we booked originally.
6. On 10-Sept-2023, I went to the new immigration office at Duhail after the MOI announcement. I was directed to Office No. 06 and was given a queue number. When I was called, I informed the officer that I am following up my application. The officer checked the system and told me to check metrash as the application is now approved. The status in metrash had changed from “Under Review” to “Under Process” with a Visa Number and issue date of 10-Sept-2023.
7. On 11-Sept-2023, I received SMS for the approval of the Family Visit Visa. Also included in the SMS is a link to purchase the mandatory insurance. The visa payment and printing will only be possible if you had purchased the insurance. A visa number is required when purchasing the insurance and this will automatically be updated in metrash.
I have also applied for a Family RP for my wife mid of August and the status is currently “Under Review” (Stage 2).
I hope this can help someone who are in similar situations.
Hi RR, Thank you very much for the detailed explanation. This will be really helpful for others.
Thanks for this wonderful help
Hi DG Team,
I have applied for family residence visa but it’s been almost 3 weeks and no movement on the status, still under process. I am thinking of applying for family visit visa. Is it required a confirmed return tickets or dummy ticket is enough? Also, if in event that Family Residence Visa is approved and they have not yet travelled to Qatar, can the visit visa be cancelled?
Thank you for replying.
Hi CD, You can apply for family visit visa. Dummy ticket is enough. You can cancel visit visa if RP is approved before travel.
Hi DG team,
I just want to clarify if the Family visit visa approved now is extendable to 06 months from the start or it will be 03 months and then need to visit immigration for further 03 months extension?
Hi Ali, You can check what option is available on Metrash (for renewal). Sometimes it shows only 2 more months. Sometimes 5 more months is available.
I have applied for Resident visa for wife and daughter. It is has been approved for wife and rejected for kid. It is mentioned that Sponsor does not meet the conditions.
However, I do meet all the requirements whatever is available in the public domain.
Please can you advise what to do in this case.
Hi Amit, How old is your child?
Hi Team,
I want to clarify if the Family Visit Visa is now extendable to 6 months (previously only 3 months)?
and also, the Visa fee for wife is 200qar but for the baby is it 50 (dependent)?
Hi Syed, Yes, recently those who applied for 6 months extension were given 6 months (total). Regarding the visa fee for baby, we hope someone else who applied recently will answer.
Even for baby they charge 200 QAR
Thanks Pradeep.