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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.
Here is our detailed guide on how to renew Qatar ID
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 Renew Your Qatar ID
- How To Cancel Your Qatar ID and Residence Permit
- 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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What’s passport validity period to apply or renew QID? Is it 3 or 6 months?
Hi Good morning
I applied for my wife QID through metrash 2 but their was no option came to upload picture and Signature… and the status of QID is under process.. kindly guide me about this
Hi Zain, Usually there would be an option to upload photo and signature (QID cannot be issued without that). Either it is technical issue or you missed something during application. You can reapply after the existing application is processed or you can call the Metrash helpline on 109.
I’ve a problem and I hope you can help as it has major consequences on my self and family.
I used to live in lovely Qatar between 2001 and 2012 and my birth date was mentioned wrong in QID, my date of birth is 2nd March 1974 while QID shows 1st March 1974
I made police clearance certificate (copy is attached) through Qatar embassy in Lisbon, Portugal and it shows the wrong date of birth date so, it was rejected by the Portuguese authorities.
I have copies of my two passports I used during my stay in Qatar
I also have copy of residence visas in Qatar
I also have stamps of entry and exit
I really appreciate if you please rectify this or guide me how to rectify.
Hi Ashraf, Since you are not a Qatar resident now there is no option to change your DOB online. You will have to seek assistance from the Qatar Embassy in Lisbon. They may be able to help you after verifying your documents.
I came to qatar on the 7th of November 2023, the following day my sponsor asked me to pay him 1600 riyal Qatar money for my ID, medical and fingers printing, of which I paid him. I did my medical and fingers printing fortunately my medical result was good (fit). up till now my sponsor haven’t apply for my ID and if called him he doesn’t pick my calls.please I want the qatar government should intervail for my case.meanwhile I had reported my issue to Qatar ministry of labour (MOL) for over a week now they haven’t response.my sponsor phone number is +974 77996793 while my phone number is ±974 33103143 thanks.
Hi Dominic, If you want the authorities to interfere, you have to file a labour complaint. Here are some of the ways: https://www.dohaguides.com/labour-complaint-in-qatar/ Or else you have to contact your country’s Embassy in Qatar.
Hello,
I would like to ask if I could transfer to other company even if my current employer is not renewing my qid yet since its expiry last january 13.
if i could get NOC, will the new employer be able to transfer my sponsorship?
Thanks, I hope you could enlighten me.
Hi Mylene, Yes, you can apply. Try to do it soon because there is only a grace period of 90 days after the QID expiry.
Hi Team,
I’ve applied QID printing through metrash2 but the problem is I’ve uploaded a picture of my wife with white background. Can you please guide me what is the procedure to change it. Will QID of my wife printed or got rejected. What if it rejected.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Salman, Wait for the approval or rejection of your application. Sometimes it gets approved. If rejected you will see the option to upload a new one.
Do I need to pay to sponsor if I resign or exit from qatar before QID expires?
Hi Minhas, There is no such rule. However, if you resign during the probation period and want to switch to another employer immediately your new employer will be required to share the visa and hiring cost. Sometimes this will be collected from the employee.
Good work
please what is the procedures to file a complain with if my sponsor refuse to give me my Qid after 3 months in Qatar?
and does is it right to pay money to sponsor for first issue of Qid?.
thanks for your help/time.
Hi Taiwo, You can file a labour complaint. Please check this: https://www.dohaguides.com/labour-complaint-in-qatar/
Hi,
I just receive QID and the holders signature is empty what should i do?
Hi Alan, Sometimes this happens due to a system error. You can visit any MOI Service Center and they can reprint the new QID.
HI, i received QID for my Wife with Blank signature, i visited MOI and Paid additional 100QR for Reprinting, the signature part was still blank, i met Captain, he advised for Family resident its not a issue, but on the other Hand we need signature on QID to issue a Sim card and update Metrash please advise.
Hi Mohamed, Many others have reported the same issue about missing signatures on QID. This seems like a technical issue. Usually, this signature is only needed while you are applying for a SIM card. Since you already paid QR 100, you should have told the Captain you can’t take a SIM card without a signature. Only the MOI officials can do something about this.
My wife has just been issued her QID. Can she sponsor me to visit Qatar?
Hi Iwiliban, If your wife meets the eligibility requirements (QR 10,000 salary or QR 6000 salary + family accommodation), she can apply to sponsor her family. However, for Family RP she should have at least a few months of salary transfer (a minimum of 3 months is recommended for the private sector). She can try after one month’s salary is credited, but sometimes it won’t be approved.
Good day, Sir
Thank you for the valuable work you do.
My sponsored adult child has a QID that’s valud for 1 year. He will be out of Qatar for a period of 10 months. Will this be an issue when he returns to Qatar. I am not sure if he has to be in Qatar every six months for his QID to be vaild. Thank you in advance for any advice or suggestions.
Hi Alvin, After six months you have to apply for a return permit by paying QR 500. This permit can be applied anytime before 12 months of leaving Qatar (assuming the QID is still valid). So if he is coming on the 10th month, apply for the permit on Metrash on the 10th month.
hi
my name is Usman sani Mohammed I did my medicals, finger print,My id number out, only id plastic left for me,my sponsor is not picking my calls,His office closed.what should I do to get my plastic id card please?
Hi Usman, Please try to find your sponsor. Only your sponsor can pick up your QID.
Hi DG
My wife’s QID has a black strip where the signature should be.
yesterday I went to Ooredoo to transfer her number from passport to QID and the clerk suggested me to have it corrected otherwise I may experience problems later on.
why is this black strip present? I uploaded the signature as instructed. Also, what problems can their be?
what do you suggest?
Hi Jon, This is a system error when you apply QID on Metrash. You can visit any MOI Service Center with your signature and get this corrected. Usually, this is not a problem, but some offices (like banks) may check this.
Hello please but dose Qatar government should come in and see about I’d issue because most of the sponsors are over charging employee for renewal of IDs 3000 to 6000 and if you fail to pay the give someone else to use your ID alot of innocencet people have been arrested and deported because of this mistake
Hi Kadmala, As per the law, employers should not charge employee for QID renewal. Employees have the option of filing labour complaint in such cases.
hello Doha guide.
I did my medical and biometric same day of 16th October, while waiting for my Qid to issue, I learnt that my sponsor had absconded with my money and he is nowhere to be found, please where should I start from, how can I personally pay for another money for the completion and issuance of my card, please help me clerify this.
Hi Taiwo, Sorry to hear that. Unfortunately the visa system in Qatar is based on sponsorship. Only your sponsor can get your Qatar ID printed. Please try to find the sponsor or file a complaint with police (if nothing works).
hi admin,
want to know how many times we can change profession on QID. one time last year i change my proffession from technician to supervisor. Again i want to change from supervisor to general supervisor. while applying online it is not taking showing applications already process…what yo do now. any suggestions
Hi Waseem, The system will not allow back to back profession changes. However this is possible by making a special application. Please check with a typing center.
Hello
thank you for the information.
i just want to ask if it is possible for my current employer to renew my QID even though i’m on the process of changing sponsorship. is it possible to renew it while under employer notification period?
thanks in advance.
Hi David, Yes, this is possible.
Dear Sir
I am Syed
I would like to submit a family permanent visa application Online. but I have a supervisor position in my Qatar ID &
and salary above 10000-QR
I feel maybe, I am not eligible for a family resistance visa as per the Qatar ID position.
please clarify before teak dissection.
Hi Syed, Sorry we are not sure about this because we have seen that sometimes supervisor gets rejected (while it gets approved in some cases). Please check with a typing center.
hello
in my Metrash the I’d has the smart card chip … while the one I was sent does not… could there be an issue with the printing or should I apply for another one please?
Hi Mitch, For smart card (with chip) you need to make a special request and the fee is also higher. If you still need smart card please visit any MOI Service Center.
hi everyone I live Qatar in three months . I have one problem that in fingerprint can’t receive in my fingers five times again please help me my visa failed in 14 Nov
Hi Hanad, You need to check what is the reason for fingerprint fail. If it is a medical issue, you should discuss with officials and try to solve.
Hi I am checking fingerprint 2 Time but not clear any alternative solutions available oar not pls guide
Dear Sir
Actually just 2 days ago my Qatar id renewd Still i couldn’t get hard copy can u travel through metrash it’s already renewed on metrash
Hi Murad, You can leave Qatar without a printed QID. However, while coming back, you may be asked for a printed ID. Qatar authorities can verify the QID status on their system, but some airlines insist on seeing the original QID (during check-in).
If your Sponsor or PRO visits the MOI Service Center they can get it printed the same day. Another option is that someone else collects your QID and gives it to you before your return travel.
Hi. I finish my fingerprint Sunday they said wait 2 days msg metrash but i did not reciv any. So i follow up in cid salwa Wednesday then it said my fingerprint not clear. I need to go back next week then need submit copy of passport visa etc. Any idea why need to submit again?
Hi Den, The issue is with fingerprint, not documents. Just take all the documents you took with you last time (passport, visa, medical receipt).