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 05 February 2024.
If you are someone living long-term in Qatar, you should have your own Qatar ID card. It’s the most important official identification document that you need for various purposes.
However, like many official documents, it needs to be renewed periodically. Whether you’re an expatriate living in Qatar or a Qatari citizen, renewing your MOI Qatar ID Card (Iqama) is essential.
In this article, we will delve into the details of Qatar ID renewal. We will explore three convenient methods for QID renewal and answer all your questions, such as QID renewal fees, the time required, and how to check renewal status.
- What Is A Qatar ID Card?
- Who Can Apply For A Qatar ID?
- Qatar ID Renewal New Rules 2023
- Grace Period For Qatar ID Renewal
- Who Can Renew Qatar ID
- How To Check Qatar ID Validity
- How To Renew Qatar ID (Online and Offline)
- Collecting Qatar ID After Renewal
- Qatar ID Renewal Fees
- How to Track QID Renewal Status
- Automatic Residence Permit Renewal
- Can I Travel to Qatar Without a Qatar ID Card?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Qatar ID Card?
A Qatar ID is a national identity card issued by the Qatar Government to its citizens and expatriate residents. A Qatar ID card, also called the Residence Permit, is issued by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior. It is required for various official transactions such as obtaining a driving license, health card, and more.
The MOI Qatar ID card features the cardholder’s photo, name, Qatar ID number, birthdate, nationality, signature, and sponsor information. If you want to learn more, please refer to our detailed guide on Qatar ID.
Who Can Apply For A Qatar ID?
If you are an expatriate resident in Qatar, you will be a part of the sponsorship system. This means that you will either be sponsored by your employer or by an eligible family member, usually a spouse or parent.
Due to Qatar’s sponsorship system, an expatriate is not eligible to apply for Qatar ID on his own. Only the sponsor can apply for an expatriate’s Qatar ID card.
Qatar ID Renewal New Rules 2023
Following are some of the important rules you need to know about your Qatar ID:
- A Qatar ID card can only be renewed when the cardholder is inside Qatar.
- If your Qatar ID has expired, you will not be allowed to travel to Qatar. Therefore, it is essential to check your QID validity before traveling. If you anticipate that you may not return before its expiry, make sure to renew it before leaving Qatar.
- You can view an image of your Qatar ID on your Metrash mobile app using the e-wallet feature.
Grace Period For Qatar ID Renewal
- You have a 90-day (three-month) grace period to renew your Qatar ID after it expires.
- After this 90-day period, there is a penalty (fine) of QR 10 per day.
- The maximum ceiling of this penalty is QR 6,000.
- It is the responsibility of the sponsor to ensure that their dependents’ QIDs remain valid.
Who Can Renew Qatar ID
As explained earlier, Qatar’s sponsorship system mandates that only the sponsor has the right to apply, renew, or cancel the Qatar ID. This means that a Qatar resident cannot renew their Qatar ID on their own.
- If you are on a family visa, only your family sponsor (spouse or parent) can renew your QID.
- If you are on an employment visa, your QID can only be renewed by your employer or the employer’s authorized representative (PRO).
How To Check Qatar ID Validity
The expiry date of your Qatar ID card will be printed on the card itself. You can see this on the front side of the card (as shown in the below image).
Alternatively, you can check the validity of your Qatar ID card on the Ministry of Interior’s online portal.
Here, you can either enter your QID number or passport number along with your nationality to view your QID status. Please refer to our article for a detailed step-by-step guide on MOI Qatar ID validity check.
If your Qatar ID is approaching its expiry date, you can remind your sponsor to renew it.
How To Renew Qatar ID (Online and Offline)
A sponsor can renew their dependent’s Qatar ID through online or offline methods. The easiest method is through the Metrash mobile app. Let’s discuss that first:
1. How To Renew Qatar ID Online Through Metrash
Follow the steps below to renew your dependent’s Qatar ID online using the Metrash mobile app:
- Log in to your Metrash account on your phone.
- Select “Residency Services.”
- Click on “Renew Residency.”
- Select either Personal or Company Residency Renewal. For the renewal of a family member’s QID, you have to select Personal. For the renewal of an employee whom you have sponsored, select Company Residency Renewal.
- Select the QID number to be renewed.
- Choose the renewal period (number of years).
- Select the delivery option for the new QID. You can either collect it directly from the MOI Service Center or have it delivered by Q-Post, which will cost you QR 20 extra.
- If you are selecting Q-Post, fill in the address and confirm.
- Pay the renewal fee using a debit or credit card.
2. How To Renew Qatar ID Online Through MOI Website
If you have access to the Ministry of Interior’s e-services portal (using a smart card), you can renew your dependent’s QID as follows:
- Log in to the MOI e-services portal using your smart card.
- Select “Residency Services.”
- Click on “Renew Residency.”
- Select either Personal or Company Residency Renewal.
- Select the QID number to be renewed.
- Choose the renewal period (number of years).
- Select the delivery option.
- Pay the renewal fee using a debit or credit card.
3. How To Renew Qatar ID Through MOI Service Center
To renew Qatar ID directly at any MOI Service Center (Unified Service Center), follow these steps:
- Download the Residency Renewal application form from the MOI website.
- Fill out the form in Arabic (you can get this done at a typing center).
- Sponsor has to visit any MOI Service Center (We suggest not to visit the Main Immigration as it would be busy).
- Submit the form along with a copy of your (sponsor) QID.
- If you are representing a business and renewing your employee’s QID, you must submit a copy of your Establishment ID.
Collecting Qatar ID After Renewal
During renewal, the sponsor can select the mode of delivery. If you choose Q-Post delivery, it will be delivered to the given address within a few days, usually less than a week.
If you select collection at the MOI Service Center, you can visit any MOI Service Center and request printing. You don’t have to fill out any form or pay any fee if you have already renewed it online. In this case, you can get the QID printed within minutes.
If you need your QID urgently (for example, for travel) it is better to select collection at the MOI Service Center.
Qatar ID Renewal Fees
The following are the fees for renewing Qatar ID cards:
| QID Cardholder Category | QID Renewal Fee |
|---|---|
| Spouse, children, etc. under family sponsorship | QR 500 per year |
| Employees under company sponsorship | QR 1000 per year |
| Employees under personal sponsorship | QR 300 per year |
For personal sponsorship, there is a 20% discount if renewing for three years. If you are opting for Q-Post delivery, there will be an additional fee of QR 20.
How to Track QID Renewal Status
In normal cases, the QID will be instantly renewed. The printing and delivery may take a few days, usually less than a week. You can track the status of the QID renewal on this link:
Automatic Residence Permit Renewal
Metrash offers a subscription service for companies that allows for the automatic renewal of employees’ residence permits. The automated residence permit renewal, called “Residency Subscription,” helps save time and effort for company representatives and can avoid fines for delays in renewal.
Once subscribed to this service, the system will automatically notify the list of individuals whose residence permits need to be renewed soon. It also allows for the removal or exemption of anyone who has terminated their job in the company or for any other reason.
Can I Travel to Qatar Without a Qatar ID Card?
The legal solution is that your sponsor apples for a re-entry permit and sends it to you. For detailed information please refer to our comprehensive guide on what to do if QID is lost.
However sometimes you will be allowed to board even without a return permit. During check-in the airline staff can check the validity of your Qatar ID on the MOI website. You can also try to convince them by showing the Qatar ID image available in your Metrash app (e-wallet option). However there is no guarantee that airline will allow you to travel based on this.
Some airlines are very strict about this, while Qatar authorities are often more relaxed in such cases, as they can easily verify the status in their system.
It is advisable to always keep copies of your Qatar ID with you, especially during travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Qatar ID in Qatar?
Expatriate residents in Qatar cannot renew their own Qatar ID cards. The card can only be renewed by their sponsor. In the case of an employment visa, this will be the employer or an authorized representative.
Can I renew my QID with an expired passport?
No, your passport should be valid for at least 6 months before your Qatar ID can be renewed. If your passport validity is less than 6 months, get your passport renewed through your country’s Embassy in Qatar.
How early can a QID be renewed?
A Qatar ID can be renewed up to three months before its expiry. However, employers usually wait until closer to the expiry date.
How many years can a Qatar ID be renewed for?
If you are renewing a Qatar ID online, you have the option to renew it for either 1, 2, or 3 years.
How many days it will take to renew Qatar ID?
Qatar ID can be instantly renewed online. However, if you are opting for Q-Post delivery, it may take 3-5 working days to receive the new card. If you opt for collection at the MOI Service Center, you can get it printed immediately.
Can residents come back to Qatar with an expired Qatar ID?
No, even if you were a Qatar resident earlier, you will not be allowed to enter with an expired QID.
Related Articles:
- How To Apply Qatar ID For A Baby Born in Qatar
- How To Get On Arrival Visa for Baby Born Outside Qatar
- How Can Mother Sponsor Children In Qatar
- Pregnancy And Baby Delivery in Qatar: Full Guide
- Qatar Family Residence Visa Guide
- How To Transfer Wife To Husband Sponsorship
Copyright © DohaGuides.com – Full or partial reproduction of this article in any language is prohibited.
I have applied residency renewal for my spouse and kid via metrash , since a week ago. it’s still under process . (delivery mode by Qpost). how long will it take ?
Hello, when i renew my husbands QID can i add his middle name? Because there is no middle name on his QID now. Thank you