Qatar Family Visit Visa Requirements & How To Apply (2023)

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.

Qatar Family Visit Visa Latest News And Updates 2023

12 SEPTEMBER 2023 STATUS

Family Visit Visa applications are being accepted for visitors aged 60 and above. Many recent applicants have already received their visa numbers.

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

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.

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 TypeMinimum Salary Required
Family Visit Visa – Spouse and ChildrenQR 5,000
Family Visit Visa – Other RelativesQR 10,000
Minimum salary required for a Qatar family visit visa

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.

Family Visit

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

Apply Family Visit Visa Metrash

Step 3. Click on the “Issue Visa” icon

Apply Family Visit Visa Metrash

Step 4. Click on the “Family Visit” icon

Apply Family Visit Visa Metrash

Step 5. Select “Family Visa Application”

Apply Family Visit Visa Metrash

Make sure to select “Family Visa Application”, not “Family Resident Application”.

Step 6. Click on “New Application”

Family Visit Visa Metrash New Application Button

Step 7. Fill up the details of the visitor

The details to fill up include Gender, Relation, Nationality, Date of Birth, Passport Details etc.

Family Visit Visa Application Page on Metrash

Step 8. Click on the “Validate” button

Qatar Family Visit Visa Metrash 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.

Pay Visit Visa Fee On Metrash

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.

Qatar Family Visit Visa Application
Family Visit Visa Application Form

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.

Check Family Visit Visa Status on Metrash

You can also check the family visit visa status on the Ministry of Interior website under Inquiries >> Visa Services >> Visa Approval Tracking (link).

Qatar Visa Check Online

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

  1. Passport
  2. Visa printout
  3. Two-way flight tickets
  4. 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:

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  1. 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

    1. 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.

  2. 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 ?

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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!

    1. 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.

      1. 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.

  7. 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.

    1. 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.

  8. 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

    1. 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.

  9. 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.

    1. Hi Nafees, Sorry, We cannot advise without knowing what that error message is. Please show to someone who can read Arabic.

  10. 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?

    1. Hi Ruvini, It has been only two days since you applied. Please wait for some more days. Average approval time is 1-3 weeks.

  11. 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??

  12. 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

    1. 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/

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

    1. Hi CD, You can apply for family visit visa. Dummy ticket is enough. You can cancel visit visa if RP is approved before travel.

  15. 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?

    1. Doha Guides Team

      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.

  16. 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.

  17. 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)?

    1. Doha Guides Team

      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.

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