National identity cards are identification documents issued by a nation’s government to its citizens and residents. Usually, they would have the holder’s photo, identification details and national identity number.
A Qatar ID card (commonly called QID) is used to prove a person’s identity and residency in Qatar. This article will discuss everything you need to know about Qatar ID cards.
There are broadly two types of Qatar IDs:
- Cards issued to Qatari Citizens – titled “State of Qatar ID Card”, and
- Cards issued to Expatriate Residents – titled “State of Qatar Residency Permit”.
Qatar ID Card Format
Qatar Citizen’s ID cards (National ID) contain the card holder’s photo, name, date of birth, nationality, ID number, expiry, and signature. Below is the design format of the ID card for Qatari citizens.
Expatriate Residents’ cards (Residency Permit) contain the card holder’s photo, name, date of birth, nationality, occupation, employer details, passport details and signature. It would also contain the QID number and expiry date of the card. Below is what the QID for expatriate residents looks like.
For expatriate residents, two types of QID cards are available:
- Regular plastic cards that are commonly used, and
- Smart cards that allow access to government services.
Smart ID Cards
Qatar’s smart ID cards are plastic cards with an embedded electronic chip that contains digital data. These are more secure and can be used for online government transactions by inserting them into card readers.
Smart ID cards are issued to all citizens by default. Expatriate residents can get smart cards at an additional fee of QR 100.
One significant advantage of the smart card was the e-gate facility at the Hamad International Airport. However, the e-gate facility is now accessible even for residents with regular cards.
How To Apply For Qatar ID Card
The Qatar ID card will be issued after a new resident completes the medical check-up and fingerprinting process. The sponsor has to approach an MOI service centre with the visa, passport, photo, and fee for issuing a QID card. Usually, the card will be printed on the same day.
For newborn babies, the sponsor (father or mother, as the case may be) can apply for Qatar ID by submitting the birth certificate, baby passport, photo, parents’ QIDs, etc.
Qatar ID Card Photo
The required photo size for the Qatar ID card is 35 x 45 mm. For expatriates, the photo should be with blue background.
Qatar ID Card Validity
The card will be renewed for a minimum of one year. It can be renewed for up to five years for some categories.
Renewing Qatar ID Card
The Qatar ID card will be reprinted each time a resident’s visa is renewed. Only the sponsor can renew the QID on dependents or workers. A worker cannot renew his own QID.
In the case of a work visa, this will be by the employer. Residence renewal applications for govt, public and private company sponsorships can be made electronically.
In the case of family residence visa dependents, this process has to be done by the husband (or wife if she is the sponsor). For family and personal sponsorship, applications can be made online or physically at MOI services centres.
When the residence permit renewal is done online through the Metrash2 app or MOI website, the card will be delivered to the applicant’s address by Q-Post.
Please note that the Qatar ID card must be reprinted each time the holder’s visa or passport is renewed, or there is a change in personal information. This can be done by the worker or dependent through the Metrash app and doesn’t require the sponsor’s permission.
Travelling With Qatar ID Card
Since 2015, Qatar ID has replaced the visa sticker in passports. Qatar residents must present a Qatar ID card during check-in and immigration for international travel.
Please note that the card must be valid during the date of travel. A resident will not be allowed to enter Qatar using an expired Qatar ID.
What to do if Qatar ID is lost?
If your Qatar ID card is lost while inside Qatar, you can request a new card using the “Replace Damaged/Lost ID” option in Metrash. This option is available under “Residency” services. You will need to pay QR 200 for replacement and an additional QR 20 if Q-Post delivery is needed.
If your Qatar ID card is lost outside Qatar, your sponsor can apply for a return permit. Please see our detailed guide on what to do if QID is lost during travel.
How To Check Qatar ID Status Online?
You can check the status of your Qatar ID by using the “Official Documents” feature on the Ministry of Interior website.
READ NEXT: Did You Know What Your QID Number Means?
FAQ On Qatar ID Card
How can I get Qatar ID card?
The Qatar ID card will be issued when a new resident completes the medical check-up and fingerprinting process. The parent should apply for the QID card for babies born in Qatar.
How much does Qatar ID renewal cost?
The annual fee for QID renewal is QR 500 for family sponsorship and QR 1000 for employees sponsored by businesses. For employees under personal sponsorship, the renewal fee is QR 300.
Should I carry the Qatar ID at all times?
Qatar residents must carry their Qatar IDs and show them to Police, CID and other security personnel when required. You can also show the QID image on your Metrash app’s E-Wallet feature.
Related Articles:
- How To Update Passport Details in Qatar ID
- How To Check Qatar ID Status: Guide With Photos
- Qatar Driving License: Step By Step Procedure
- How To Apply for Qatar Family Residence Visa
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How much is the fees to renewal the employee sponsor I’d for two or three years?
Sir I’m 9 Day waiting for qid My q.i.d. not coming only showing aunder progress
Sir it’s very emergency
Hi Sarvesh, Please check with your sponsor or PRO who has applied for your QID.
Good Afternoon,
Kindly help and advise please. My family is currently outside Qatar and their QID is due to expire by 09 June 2023 but their scheduled to return to Qatar by 14 July 2023. They could not come to Qatar earlier than July 14th due to school schedule of our 2 daughters. As it is not possible to renew their QID while they are outside Qatar, my question is: 1. Can they still enter Qatar by 15 July 2023 even if their QID already expires on 09 June 2023? 2. What is the best way for them to re-enter Qatar on 15 July 2023, as it seems an Entry Permit is not also possible as it is not been 6 months yet since they have left Qatar. Thank you and any kind of help and assistance please will be much appreciated.
Hi Edgardo, It is not possible to travel with an expired QID. Regarding QID renewal, normally the QID holder should be inside country to renew the QID. Return Permit is only possible if QID is valid. We don’t see any solution except returning to Qatar in June. Anyways, you can double check with Qatar Government Helpline at 109 or [email protected]
Hello i need your help for Qid I did my medical check up and finger print finish. Sponsor is not here am asking if I can go and pay for my Qid
Hi Babucarr, You cannot go and get your own QID. Sponsor or PRO is needed.
Hi
Can i ask if i can leave qatar while my ID was expired last april last year and still not yet renew. I want to go back home already so please let me know what can i do.
Thank you
Hi Maryjane, If your have overstayed your Qatar ID, you (or sponsor) may be required to pay the fine. Please check with the airport immigration.
Hello I’m Rebecca
Got a new offer and my transfer process has been completed but I’m yet to get my QID of my new company, can my former company still cancel my visa?
Hi Rebecca, If your transfer is completed, former company cannot do anything.
Hi
Can I apply for qatar ID my self, my sponsor is not interested in creating my ID or license and gave me noc, he called me to qatar on house driver visa, its almost 2months.If I can apply by my self, what is the process?
Hi Khaja, Sorry, only the sponsor can apply for Qatar ID.
Hi Sir, how do i change my photo in my QID. I’m a rebirth i would like my photo wearing a hijab.
Hi Juliet, Your sponsor or PRO can get this done from any MOI Service Center. There will be a fee of QR 100 for new Qatar ID. Or you can do this for free the next time your QID is being renewed.
Hi, i need to inquire about my Qatar ID Renewal as my Residence permit and the passport both are expired at the same tine..what should I do first..passport update or visa Renewal?
I want to change my son’s photo on QID
As it’s his new born pic. Pls advise the process. I don’t see it on metrash 2.
Hi Sahim, You will have to visit MOI Service Center.
freelance visa hai qatar my a gya ho..kitny din without id stay kr skty hai or new fresh id py kitna kharcha aye ga?
Hi Sheraz, There is no official visa type called freelance visa. It is illegal to pay or take money for employment visa. You can find more here: https://www.dohaguides.com/qatar-freelance-visa/
Hi sir,
How to get visa for newborn in qatar under mother’s sponsorship.The baby crossed 3 months , so cant to apply in Metrash2. What will i do? I’m
Hi Ajmal, If it is more than 3 months, you need to visit MOI Service Center with all documents and application form (get it from a typing center). There may be a fine after 2 months.
What are the documents needs ?
Hi Ajmal, If mother is under father’s sponsorship, you need: Baby’s Birth certificate, Passport, Photo with blue background, Parents’ QIDs and application form. Check with typing center if anything else is needed.
Mother and father are in same sponsorship sir.Then what will needs to submit?
What are the procedures to get QID for newborn?now he is 4 months.is have any penalty?
Hi Nisar, Apply for residence visa using your Metrash. Upload birth certificate and other documents as normal RP application.