Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 9 November 2025.
What is Qatar Family Visit Visa?
Qatar Family Visit Visa is a type of short-term visa that enables expatriate residents to bring their spouse, children, father, mother, or other relatives of the first and second degrees to Qatar for a short visit. The visa is issued for one month and can be extended for another five months (in some cases). This article explains the requirements, documents, application process, visa cost, and other details of the Qatar Family Visit Visa.
Please note: This is a short-term visa for visiting purposes only. Foreign employees who wish to sponsor their families to live long-term in Qatar should refer to the Family Residence Visa Procedure.
- What is Qatar Family Visit Visa?
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Current Status (November 2025)
- Family Visit Visa Recent Updates
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Requirements
- Documents Required for Qatar Family Visit Visa
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Fee
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Validity
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Application
- Family Visit Visa Rejected: What To Do
- How To Cancel Visa Application In Metrash
- Document Checklist for Family Visit Visa Travellers
- How To Extend Family Visit Visa
- Other Points To Note
- FAQ on Qatar Family Visit Visa
Qatar Family Visit Visa Current Status (November 2025)
- Family residence and family visit visas have been temporarily restricted over the past few months, particularly for certain nationalities. Some applicants have recently received approvals; however, there may still be a significant backlog, which could result in delays.
- During periods of high demand, follow-up visits to the Duhail Immigration office are typically not permitted due to crowd control measures. Applicants are advised to apply through Metrash.
- Based on our experience, these restrictions are temporary, and things should return to normal soon.
Family Visit Visa Recent Updates
- Currently, the Family Visit Visa also requires CEID verification for adults. This stage comes after the visa number is issued. The application status on Metrash will be “Under Process” with the visa number.
- Family Visit Visa applications are accepted for visitors aged 60 and above. Many recent applicants have already received their visa numbers.
- Additionally, visit visa extensions of up to 6 months are now permitted for spouses and children.
- Applications for family visit visas can be submitted online using the Metrash app.
- The new Immigration office at Al Duhail is now allowing entry for expatriates who want to make changes to their Visit Visa or Family RP applications or resubmit documents. However, they may not allow follow-up visits. You can park your car in the basement and proceed to the first floor.
Please note that the information provided above is not based on any official announcement but rather on the recent experiences of applicants who visited MOI Centres. Individual outcomes may vary depending on various factors.
Family Visit Visa Eligibility Criteria
In December 2023, the Ministry of Interior clarified the eligibility criteria for the Family Visit Visa as follows:
- The applicant should have a minimum salary of QR 5,000.
- The profession should be a non-labour category.
- The applicant should have family accommodation duly accredited by the relevant authorities.
- The visitor must have health insurance.
- The visitor must be a relative of the applying resident within the allowed degrees of relation.
Health Insurance For Family Visit Visa
Health insurance is now mandatory for a Family Visit Visa. Once your visa is approved, you will receive an SMS with a link to purchase the health insurance online. Applicants can buy health insurance for QAR 50 per month from any of the registered insurance companies listed on the MOPH website. More details about visitors’ insurance are available here.
Attestation For Marriage Certificate
Until recently, most visit visa applications for spouses were approved without an attested marriage certificate. However, nowadays attestation is compulsory for marriage certificates. For a Family Visit Visa, attestation is not mandatory for children’s birth certificates. It is mandatory for a Family Residence Visa.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Requirements
Expatriate residents in Qatar can apply for a family visit visa, subject to meeting minimum salary and professional requirements.
Minimum Salary For Family Visit Visa in Qatar
The minimum salary required to apply for a Family Visit Visa in Qatar for spouses and children is QR 5,000 per month.
A minimum monthly salary of QR 10,000 is required to apply for Family Visit Visas for other relatives.
| Visa Type | Minimum Salary Required |
|---|---|
| Family Visit Visa – Spouse and Children | QR 5,000 |
| Family Visit Visa – Other Relatives | QR 10,000 |
Profession Requirement for Family Visit Visa in Qatar
Most expatriates with the required minimum salary are eligible to apply for a family visit visa. However, some applications may be rejected if the applicant’s profession on the Qatar ID is labour-type. Even if an application is rejected due to an ineligible profession, the Captain at the MOI Service Centre has the power to change the decision.
Family Members That Can Be Hosted
- First Degree: Wife, Children, Father, Mother
- Second Degree: Brother, Sister, Grandfather, Grandmother, Grandchildren
- Third Degree: Children of brother or sister, Paternal uncle or aunt (brother or sister of father), Maternal uncle or aunt (Brother or sister of mother)
Documents Required for Qatar Family Visit Visa
If applying for a visit visa for wife and children
While applying through Metrash, the following documents should be uploaded:
- Visitor’s passport copy (minimum validity of 6 months)
- Proof of relationship (Wife: Marriage Certificate / Children: Birth Certificate)
- Round-trip flight tickets
Employment details are not required when applying through the Metrash app, as currently, labour contracts are linked with the Metrash system.
If applying for a visit visa for other relatives
Only married expatriates with family in Qatar can apply to sponsor other relatives.
While applying through Metrash, the following documents should be uploaded:
- Visitor’s passport copy (minimum validity of 6 months)
- Proof of relationship (Birth Certificate, Passport, etc.)
- Round-trip flight tickets
Qatar Family Visit Visa Fee
- The Qatar Family Visit Visa fee is QAR 200 for 30 days. The entry visa can be extended by paying QAR 200 per month.
- Medical check-up: A medical check-up for a visa extension costs QAR 100.
- Fine for overstaying: The fine for overstaying beyond the allowed period is QR 200 per day.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Validity
Qatar Family Visit Visas are initially issued for one month (30 days). After the visitor enters Qatar and undergoes a medical test, the visa can be further extended for another five months for spouses and children (a total of 180 days) and two more months for other relatives (a total of 90 days). Health insurance needs to be taken for an additional period.
As the rules may change from time to time, an extension beyond a 90-day stay is not guaranteed. If you are planning to extend for 5 more months (after one month), please confirm with the Immigration Department before purchasing additional insurance.
Number of Days To Enter Qatar After Visa Approval
Once the visa is approved, it will have the “visa valid till” date printed on the top. This is the last date for entry to Qatar (not the last date of stay in Qatar). Currently, it is 90 days from the date of visa approval. Visitors cannot use this visa after this date.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Application
Traditionally, applying for a family visit visa was to visit any Ministry of Interior (MoI) Service Centre and submit copies of the documents along with the printed application form. In 2018, Qatar introduced an online system where residents can apply for family visit visas through the Metrash mobile app. Through this service, you can upload all the required documents in the specified fields. You can also track the application status and pay the fees electronically once approved.
How To Apply For Qatar Family Visit Visa on Metrash
Qatar MOI has simplified the application process by enabling applicants to submit their documents through the Metrash mobile app. This article has been updated with the how-to instructions for the new Metrash app. If you haven’t registered for the Metrash app yet, please refer to our comprehensive Metrash User Guide.
Here are the steps to apply for a Family Visit Visa on the new Metrash mobile app:
1. After logging into Metrash, click on the “Visa” icon. You will see the same icon in the top right corner or under “Frequently Used Services” below.
2. You will be directed to a page with four options. Select the “Family Visit Visa” option. Then, click “Continue.”
3. Read and accept the conditions, then click “Next.”
4. On the next screen, select “Request Application”.
5. Scan or upload the front page of the visitor’s passport. You can take a photo using the Metrash app (phone camera) or upload from your phone’s gallery. If uploading a file from your phone, the image size should be less than 500KB. There is no size restriction if you take a new photo using the app. Ensure the passport image is clear and readable. If it is approved by the system, you will see “Passport upload is successful.” Then, you can proceed to the next page.
6. Repeat the same steps for the back page of the passport. Click “Next.”
7. Upload the visitor’s personal picture (passport-size photo). The size should be less than 50KB. If it is approved by the system, click “Next.”
8. Carefully fill in the form with the visitor’s details. The name and passport number will be automatically extracted from the image. However, you will also need to type the name in Arabic. Select the relationship, and enter the place of birth and email. Click “Next.”
Make sure to review the data before confirming, as any mistakes in the application may prevent the visitor from entering the country.
9. The next screen will have placeholders for uploading documents. Follow the instructions on the screen, and upload scanned copies or photos of the documents.
| Metrash Column | What To Upload |
|---|---|
| Marriage certificate | Front page of the marriage certificate. |
| Marriage certificate (others) | Attested back side of the marriage certificate. |
| Copy of employment contract | Private Sector: Upload the Ministry of Labour Contract (how to download the labour contract). Public Sector: Upload your Company Computer Card. QFC or other Free Zone Company: Upload your Company Computer Card. |
| Passport copy | Visitor’s passport front. |
| Passport copy (other) | Visitor’s passport back. |
| Birth certificate (for children only) | An attested birth certificate of the child. Attestation is not needed if the child is born in Qatar. |
After uploading all the documents, click “Next”.
10. On the next screen, verify your submitted data and click “Submit.”
11. You will receive an update after a few days. If there are any missing or mismatched documents, you will be notified to make the required changes.
12. Pay the required fee: Once the visa is approved, you have to pay the visa fee (QR 200) online via Metrash.
13. Buy health insurance: From April 2023, health insurance needs to be taken after the visit visa is approved (not during application). Once your visa is approved, you will receive a message to buy the insurance. While buying the insurance, enter the visa number and it will be updated in the Metrash system. The visa can be printed only after insurance has been purchased.
After this, you can download the visa copy and send it to the visitor for travel.
Applying Family Visit Visa Offline
The Ministry of Interior (MOI) no longer entertains offline applications for family visit visas. You are required to apply via the Metrash mobile app.
How To Check the Status of a Family Visit Visa
You can see the status on your Metrash app itself. You can also check the family visit visa status on the Ministry of Interior website under Visa Services.
Enter the application number and application date or the sponsor’s QID number. Make sure all the required details are filled in correctly, and you’ll be able to check your visa status.
Family Visit Visa Rejected: What To Do
There may be several reasons why your family visit visa application is rejected. Often, it is due to submitting the wrong or insufficient documents.
If the document photo is not clear or not attested (in the case of a marriage certificate), you can do the attestation and resubmit again. However, it is imperative to understand the reason and fix it before applying again.
Applications can also be rejected if the applicant (a Qatar resident) does not comply with the required conditions (salary or profession). If the application is rejected due to the applicant not meeting the salary requirement, it would be difficult to get approved again.
However, in case of rejection due to profession, you can try to meet the Captain at the Immigration Office in Duhail and request reconsideration. Sometimes he would approve if the profession is acceptable.
How To Cancel Visa Application In Metrash
If your application is still under review or process, you can cancel it by clicking on the right arrow on the status page. If this option is not available, you will have to visit any MOI Service Centre.
Document Checklist for Family Visit Visa Travellers
- Passport (minimum validity of 6 months)
- Visa printout
- Two-way flight tickets
- Health insurance
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How To Extend Family Visit Visa
As the initial visa is issued for one month only, the sponsor has to extend it within the first month to avoid any penalties. Relatives wishing to stay beyond one month must undergo a medical test within a few days. Here is the detailed process of the medical test for a visit visa extension.
Once the medical examination is passed, the visit visa can be extended online using the Metrash mobile app (Visa –> Visa Services –> Extend Visa) or by visiting any MOI service centre.
Other Points To Note
If the return ticket is after 30 days, some airlines may not allow visitors to board the flight since the initial visa is only for 30 days. So make sure to book a flight ticket that can be modified with a minimum change fee. In this way, once the visitor reaches Qatar, the ticket dates can be modified.
As this is an online visa, some airlines may require an “OK to Board” status in their system before departure. You can get this status by showing the visa copy to the airline’s Doha office.
“Null” Status on Visit Visa Application Receipt
Some of our readers have raised concerns that the receipt they received after application submission shows “null” in most fields. Please note that this is normal for all applicants. This document is only an acknowledgement that they received your application. Your application details will be in the system.
Visit the Visa Application “Under Process” and “Under Review” Status
Applicants often get confused about changes to their visit visa application status. It is normal that each visit visa application moves through “Under Process” and “Under Review” statuses multiple times before approval.
If your application status changes between these two, you do not have to do anything. In most cases, the application will be approved within days of a status change.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Approval Time
As of 2025, the average approval time for a Family Visit Visa is 1-4 weeks. Please note that applications are processed in batches and may not be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Here is a video explaining the Family Visit Visa application process:
You can also watch the same video with Malayalam and Hindi audio. Please subscribe to the Doha Guides YouTube channel for more videos.
READ NEXT: How To Convert Family Visit Visa To Residence Visa
FAQ on Qatar Family Visit Visa
What is the salary requirement for a family visit visa in Qatar?
To apply for a family visit visa for your spouse and children, a minimum salary of QR 5,000 is required; for other relatives, a minimum salary of QR 10,000 is required.
What is the cost of a family visit visa in Qatar?
A Qatar family visit visa costs QAR 200 (USD 55) per month.
How can I apply for a family visit visa in Qatar via Metrash?
You can apply for a family visit visa online by filling in the visitor details and uploading document scans or photos. Step-by-step instructions can be found on this page.
How can I extend my Qatar family visit visa?
You can extend the one-month visit visa after a medical check-up. There is a renewal fee of QAR 200 per month for each additional month.
Can I convert my family visit visa to a residence visa in Qatar?
Yes, if you are eligible to sponsor your spouse and children, you can convert your family visit visa to a residence visa.
Is the Qatar Family Visit Visa multiple-entry?
No, the Qatar Family Visit Visa is a single-entry visa.
I cannot find the option to upload health insurance in Metrash. What to do?
From April 2023, health insurance need not be uploaded on Metrash. You have to buy the insurance after the visa has been approved. While buying insurance, add your visa number, and it will be automatically updated in the system.
READ NEXT: Visa Changing Process via Abu Samra Land Border
Related Guides:
- Qatar Family Residence Visa Procedure and Requirements
- How Can A Wife Sponsor a Husband in Qatar
- Medical Test For Family Visit Visa Extension
- Qatar Visa On Arrival: Complete Guide
- Qatar Visit Visa Types, Requirements, and Procedure
- Medical Test For Family Residence Permit in Qatar
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Aneesh, the Founder & Editor of DohaGuides holds a Master’s Degree in Communication & Journalism, and has two decades of experience living in the Middle East. Since 2014, he and his team have been sharing helpful content on travel, visa rules, and expatriate affairs.
Hi DG! What if the Family Visit Visa is unused. Can I renew it thru Metrash? My family is planning to travel in Qatar 1 month after the visa validity of approved visa. I.E End Date Validity April 20, 2024. and travelling in June 2, 2024.
Hi Nena, We are not sure if you can do that on Metrash (you can check if there is an option on the app or call 109). We have seen others getting entry extension by visiting MOI Service Center. There may be a fee for this service. Please do that before the visa expires.
is the plane ticket need to be uploaded also in metrash?
thank you very much
Hi Adam, Yes, for the Family Visit Visa, the return flight ticket needs to be uploaded.
Hi. I am planning to apply family visit visa for my Uncle wife.
1. Do I need to get embassy stamp and MOFA for Birth Certificate and Marriage Certificate to be uploaded?
2. Need to upload accommodation contract with Baladiya stamp?
Hi Beth, Embassy stamp and MOFA attestation are not required for a Family Visit Visa. If the accommodation contract is uploaded it should have Baladiya stamp. We suggest that first you call 109 and check if you can sponsor your uncle’s wife. Since this is a distant relationship, we are not sure if it would be approved. The easiest option is applying Hayya A1 Tourist visa (but the stay will be for 1 or 2 months only).
Assalamu Alaikkum,
Brother,
I’m holding my family with Haya Visa is there any opportunities to change my Visa to A1 Category
Hi Hibbathul, Unfortunately, there is no option to change to A1 within the country. If they are on Hayya With Me, they have to exit the country, apply for a new A1 visa and come back after it is approved.
Good morning,
Dear Supportive Team,
l book my flight in PIA from 10 March and return flight is 7 April as I didn’t find the another flight at 8 April to return. so it is total 29 day’s. Is it okay or we should must need to books the flight for 30 Days ( round trip).
Hi Sheraz, This is alright. For a Family Visit Visa, you can book the flight for any number of days (30 or less than 30).
i have a problem in applying my application, please which center can i visit to fix the issue?
Hi Zoubi, You can contact the Government Helpline on 109 or visit any MOI Service Center (for visit visa). If it is Family Resident Visa, only Duhail Immigration can help.
Hi Good Morning,
My question is about health insurance policy. let supposed i buy insurance policy from 10 March and the flight which I book for visitor is 10 March and that flight is delay or cancel due to some reason then what to do . The insurance date will effect or it should need to change on that flight Date . Is it important or no need to change the insurance date as the visitor will in insurance from 10 March. either If it’s required to change then how. if visitor Spenser is in another country. please clarify. thanks
Hi ImiiKhan, The rule only says insurance should be valid at the time of entry and during the stay. If the person is staying for less than 30 days and comes a few days later than planned, this shouldn’t be a problem. If the person is staying for 30 days and enters late, you can contact your insurance company to re-issue the policy (so that it remains valid on the last days of stay). For some insurance companies, the policy will start from the date of entry only (you need to check this on the policy document).
Hi Team,
If I am planning to bring my parents by mid of March 2024, how early can I apply for family Visit Visa?
also after Visa is approved , within how many days they should travel to qatar
regards
Hi Istan, Nowadays most people are getting visit visas valid for 90 days. So you can apply now or in February.
Dear Team,
Can I apply hayya A1 visa instead of visit visa for bring parents by mid of march.
Will Hayya be available till March end?
Which is bet option please advise.
Hi Istan, Yes, A1 will continue (only Hayya With Me will end in Feb). If you want a visa for only 1-2 months, A1 is the better option as there are not many requirements.
Hi,
Family Visit Visa – For the child which document can use instead Birth Certificate. If birth Certificate not available.
Hi Sachin, You can try with the passport (front and bio page).
hi,
i have a few question..
1. can someone please expound how to correctly upload the documents? i just don’t quite get it. should all the documents (passport & marriage certificate) be combined in one page?
2. and also what does it mean “photo & bio pages” in passport?
3. how long is the maximum stay for family visit? some site says 3 mos, while some says 3 mos..
Hi Adam, (1) There are different fields for each document. In rare cases where more than one page is needed, keep them side by side and take a single photo. Nowadays it is better to take photos from the Metrash app using a mobile camera (uploading saved files is creating errors for many applicants).
(2) The photo page is the front page (with photo). The bio page is the last or second page with the address, parents’ names etc.
(3) An initial visa is issued for one month. Since the last few months, you can get 5 more months for your spouse, children, and parents (total 6 months). In the case of other relatives, usually you get only 2 more months (total 3 months). Note that these rules change from time to time, and sometimes they give only a 2-month extension for all visas.
Is 60 yeard old above for the age of parents can be approved?
Hi Ramz, Yes, family visit visa is getting approved for those above 60.
Hi DG,
my wife is under hayya, if I want to apply for family visit visa, I’ll not have round trip tickets right. in this case what to do.
Also now travelling insurance not required?
Further if visa get approved is it possible to reenter from Saudi border
Hi Mohamed, a round-trip flight ticket is a mandatory requirement for a Family Visit Visa. You can take dummy tickets from a travel agent. You will get the link to purchase insurance once the visa is approved.
Please note that nowadays most people are getting rejection when applying for a Family Visit Visa while inside the country (they are getting a message: traveller is inside the country). You can try your luck if you want. If it gets approved you can exit to Saudi and re-enter.
Hi,
please note I had applied for my mother visit visa on 15 Dec 2023 thorough metrash 2 status is showing under process even I went to Al duhail,umm Al Salal and messaimer immigration offices but they didnot allow me to meet captain to sort out this issue.
please help me to know how to approved the visa . I had fullfill all the requirements for visit visa.
waiting for your quick response
Hi Zeeshan, Family Visit Visa is not processed at Duhail. It can be approved by other MOI Centres. The period from mid December to Jan first week was very slow for all approvals due to holidays and government officials being on vacation. Things are back on track this week and hopefully you will get approval soon.
Hi DG,
Currently, my kids are under my wife’s sponsor, how can i change it under my sponsor pls clarify. and my salary is 8k + Accommodation provided by the company.
Hi Ahmed, As per the law, if both parents are working under different sponsors, the children have to be under the mother’s sponsorship. If you are sponsoring your wife you can sponsor children also.
Hi DG,
I brought my Wife & kid on Family visit visa last month and already taken the medical too. Now can i extend this visa for 60 days now and extend again after this 60 days period since it’a showing 150 days in Metrash2.
Also do i need to renew their insurance policy before extending ?
Hi Arun, Yes, you can renew multiple times with one medical. Insurance should be renewed each time (should be valid for the extension period).
May I know that approved family accommodation contract by authorities is compulsory to apply for family visit visa for 2 months. If it is compulsory, kindly advice the procedure to get the same for two months. I want to apply for family visit visa for my wife and kids for 2 months.
Hi Najeeb, An accommodation contract is not required for a visit visa. The application process is the same for all durations. If the visa is approved for one month you have to do the medical test (after entry) and apply for renewal.
hi
Is birth certificate necessary to upload while applying visit visa for my inlaws who are above 60years old .?
Hi Farha, You can upload other documents that prove the relationship (such as a passport).
Can we convert hayya entry to family visa?
Hi Dakota, There is no conversion option. You can apply for a Family Visa. If the visa gets approved you have to exit and re-enter on a new visa.
My mother was here in Qatar on family visit visa and left the country on 29th November 2023, however her visa was extended till 5th Feburary 2024.
I am planning to bring her again on visit visa to Qatar, but I heared that you can not apply for visit visa for her for the next 6 month. pls confirm it…
Hi Azmat, That is correct. You can only apply after 180 days of leaving the country. You can try applying on Metrash and you will see this error when you validate after giving visitor details.
Hi DG,
I am planning to apply family visit visa for my mother-in-law,
my wife, and my daughter in Qatar under my sponsorship (with RP),
what are the procedures and documents needed to apply through Metrash?
how long will take for approval?
Hi Muhammed, If your wife is already in Qatar under your sponsorship, upload your wife’s QID and passport copy (with her mother’s name) to prove the relation. Usually, it takes 1-2 weeks (depending on how busy they are). The regular application process has been explained in the article. It is the same, except for the relationship part.
Thanks DQ
I applied as you said and i got approval on next day…thank you very much
Hi Muhammed, That’s great! Thanks for updating.