Many people travel abroad for work with the aim of achieving financial stability, growing their careers, and supporting their families. Their purpose is to provide a better quality of life for their family, fund their education, and create a secure future resource for their loved ones.This experience carries an emotional cost
Expatriates who live in foreign countries like Qatar without their families often suffer from homesickness and loneliness.They miss their family, celebrations, and the daily connections they share with their loved ones.
Qatar has become a popular global destination for investment and tourism, continuously enhancing its visa policies to attract people for business and employment. If you’re working in Qatar and living away from your family, the country offers a family residence visa to help you bring them to join you.
The Qatar Family Residence Visa is such class of visa that allows expatriates and foreign workers to bring their immediate family members to Qatar for a long stay.
This visa is designed for those who have valid residency permits in Qatar and who meet specific criteria, such as a minimum income requirement, housing arrangements etc.
In this article, we will explain application process, visa requirements, documents required, visa cost and related miscellaneous topics.
Qatar Family residency visa latest Updates and news
Family visit visas also now require the sponsor to have health insurance for visiting dependents, and these applications are available digitally through the Metrash2 app, streamlining the overall application process
August 2024 updates
As of July 2024, Qatar has been approving Family Residence Visa (RP) applications for private sector employees who earn a monthly salary of at least QAR 10,000. This means that more private employees, especially those meeting this income threshold, are now eligible to sponsor their families for residency
Update about eligibility criteria(earlier updates 2023)
MOI clarified eligibility criteria for qatar family residency visa in december 2023 for RP as follows:
Children’s Education Requirement:
Children under compulsory education age(6-18) must be enrolled in schooling inside or outside country
Daughter must be unmarried
Health insurance is compulsory in case of stay in qatar
Private sector employees: Private sector employees in Qatar must hold technical or specialized (non-labor) roles and earn at least QAR 10,000 monthly—or QAR 6,000 if family housing is provided by their employer.
Qatar Family Visa requirements:
Residence Permit:
Sponsor must have a valid Residence Permit(RP Qatar) and Qatar ID before applying for a family visa.
Profession Requirement:
Sponsor’s profession must be technical or specialized (non-labor).
Labor categories such as drivers, cleaners, and delivery personnel are generally ineligible to sponsor families.
Minimum Salary for Family Residence Visa in qatar:
Minimum salary requirement: QR 10,000.
Exception: QR 6,000 with employer-provided family accommodation.
Recent trends indicate a preference for salaries of QR 15,000 or more.
Accommodation Requirement
For QR 10,000 salary: Attested tenancy contract required.
For QR 6000 salary with housing allowance: Employment contract must include housing details.
Additional Considerations
Children’s Education Requirement
Children aged 6-18 must be enrolled in licensed schools in Qatar or provide proof of education enrollment outside the country for residence permit approval or renewal.
Age Limit for Children
Sons: Must be under 25 years old.
Daughters: No age limit until marriage.
Key characteristics of Family Visa
The visa is issued based on sponsorship, typically by a family member
The initial visa is generally valid for 90 days to one year, during which the holder must enter Qatar.
This visa allows dependent family members, including spouses, children, and in some cases, parents, to live in Qatar with the sponsor.
While the visa allows family members to reside in Qatar, it does not automatically grant them the right to work. Separate work permits are required
Family members on this visa have access to Qatar’s public healthcare and education systems
The Visa can be purchased for a period of 1-5 years and is stamped in each family member’s passport.
These features make the Family Residence Visa a comprehensive option for expatriates wishing to bring their families to Qatar.
Qatar FAMILY Visa process:
Ensure Eligibility:
The sponsor must ensure the eligibility before applying for a family residency visa.It includes meeting the certain conditions required to be fulfilled as discussed above
Visa process for Qatar family visa Consists of following steps:
Visa process Consists of following steps:
Apply family(RP) residency visa(through Metrash or online website)
Wait for Approval
Send the visa to family
Family arrival in Qatar
Medical examination
Fingerprinting process
Getting residence permit(RP)
Step 1: Apply for family RP entry Visa
First of all you need to submit all documents which are required to get a family residency visa and allow your family to enter Qatar. Your family medical examination, fingerprinting and other requirements will be done at a later stage.
Documents Required for family Visa application
| Passport of spouse and children |
| Your Qatar ID card copy |
| Attested Marriage certificate for spouse in Arabic translation |
| Attested Birth certificate for children in Arabic translation |
| NOC from your employer. This must be in arabic form and show your position and salary.It must be dated within last three months or certified copy of employment contract with employment detail and salary |
| Unmarried daughters: Provide details of unmarried daughters if any and above the age of 18, Otherwise not eligible |
| Stamped bank statement for last six months |
| Tenancy contract confirming the provision of family accommodation |
| Copy of educational certificates if require |
Specific details of Documents:
Here’s a brief overview of the format and specific details required for each document in the Qatar Family Visa application:
Completed Application Form
Format:
Standard form provided by Qatar’s immigration authorities, available online or at visa processing centres.
Must include personal information of the sponsor, spouse, and children, as well as details about the purpose of the visa.
Sponsor’s Documents:
Qatar ID (QID):
A clear photocopy or scanned image of the front and back of the sponsor’s QID.
Must clearly display the sponsor’s full name, ID number, nationality, and validity dates.
Passport:
Photocopy or scanned copy of the entire passport, especially the bio-data page.
Must show the sponsor’s photo, personal details, and passport validity.
Employment Contract/Salary Certificate:
Official document from the sponsor’s employer.
Should be on company letterhead, showing job title, salary, and duration of employment, stamped and signed by the employer.
Proof of Relationship:
Marriage Certificate(if required): If you are married person, you may be require to provide marriage certificate
Original or certified true copy.
Must be attested by the relevant authorities in the home country and the Qatar Embassy.
Birth Certificates:
Original or certified valid copy for each child.
Should be attested by relevant authorities in the home country and the Qatar Embassy.
Passport Copies:
Format: Clear photocopies or scanned images of the passports of the spouse and children.
Must include the bio-data page, which shows the individual’s photo, personal details, and passport validity.
Passport-Sized Photos
Standard passport-size (35mm x 45mm) on a white background.
Recent photos, typically within the last six months, showing a clear, full-face view.
No Objection Certificate (NOC)
On company letterhead, confirming that the employer has no objections to the sponsor bringing their family to reside in Qatar. It should be stamped and signed.
Tenancy Agreement:
Must include the sponsor’s name, property details, duration of lease, and landlord’s signature. Should be attested by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment if required.
Medical Examination Report
Official medical report from an accredited health facility in Qatar.
Should confirm that the spouse and children are free from contagious diseases. Typically conducted after arrival in Qatar.
Educational Certificates (if applicable):
Original or certified true copy of school certificates or proof of enrollment.
Must be attested by relevant educational authorities and the Qatar Embassy.
Bank Statements:
Official bank statements.
Typically, the last three to six months of statements showing regular salary deposits, printed and stamped by the bank.
Each document should be clear, accurate, and, where necessary, translated into Arabic by a certified translator before submission.
Attestation:
Attestation of required documents is done through Qatar’s embassy in your country or embassy of your country in Qatar and Qatar’s Ministry of foreign affairs.
MOFA Document attestation fee in qatar
Personal Documents: 100 Qatari Riyals (QR) per document. This category includes birth and death certificates, copies of passports and identity cards etc.
Translation:
You can get your documents translated into Arabic by many translation service providers in Qatar.
Translated documents should be added to the “other documents” section of metrash
How can we find out when the Qatar Family Resident Visa application process begins?
To find out the opening date for Qatar Family Resident Visa applications, you should regularly check official sources such as the Ministry of Interior (MOI) Qatar website and their social media channels, where they post updates and announcements.
Additionally, the Metrash2 app is a reliable tool that provides the latest information.You can also directly contact the MOI or visit an immigration office. Local news outlets and expatriate community forums are also helpful in reporting any changes in visa policies or service availability.
By staying connected with these resources, you’ll be informed when the Family Resident Visa application process is open.
Monthly Family Expenses in Qatar
The total monthly expenses for a family of 4 to 5 in Qatar typically range from QR 10,000 to QR 15,000, depending on the family’s lifestyle and specific needs.
Major Expenses for a family in Qatar
While Qatar’s cost of living is high compared to many countries, it is comparable to or higher than costs in major cities across the world, with housing and schooling being the most significant expenses.
Holding of Two Jobs in Qatar
In Qatar, holding two jobs simultaneously is generally not allowed under standard employment regulations. The country’s labour laws typically require that an employee work exclusively for their sponsor or employer, and holding multiple employment positions is not permissible without specific approval.
If someone wishes to take on a secondary job, they must obtain permission from the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA). This involves getting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their current employer and fulfilling specific conditions.
How to apple family residency visa through Metrash app?
Download Metrash app: Download the Metrash app in your mobile from google play store or apple store and if you are new user,get register your account. After registration, login to your app.
Now click on the Visa ICON
On next screen,click on the “visa issue” icon.
Now click on the “family visit visa” option
Now choose “family resident application” option instead of “family Visa Application
You have to select this option carefully. Other option is for ‘Family visit visa”
Now to make your application, select “new application” option
Carefully fill in the form with the details of your family member. Click on “Validate”.
The next screen will have placeholders for uploading documents. After uploading all the documents, click “Next”.
Make sure to upload all documents as required from you
9. On the next screen, confirm your submission by clicking on “Yes”.
Your application number will be generated after this step. You can click on the arrow sign on the right to check the status. Once submitted it will be “Under Process”. Later it will change to “Under Review”.
If the application is rejected, the reason will be given as notes on this page.
If the visa is approved, you can pay the visa fees (QR 200) online via Metrash or pay at the Immigration Office. The visa can be downloaded from this link.
Login Problems: Users may face difficulties logging into the Metrash2 app due to incorrect credentials, expired passwords, or issues with the app itself. Double-check your login credentials, including your password and QID number. If you forget your password, use the password recovery option
Extended Processing Times: Applications may take longer than expected due to high volumes of requests, especially during peak periods or after policy changes.
Approval Delays: Even after submission, approvals might be delayed if additional verification is required, leading to frustration and uncertainty.
How To Check Qatar Family Visa Status?
You can check your visa status on the Metrash2 app
Starting from the home screen, navigate to the “Visa” section, then choose “Visa Follow Up.” This will show you all your applications. To check the status of a specific application, simply click the arrow icon on the right side of the entry.
Stages of Residency visa application:
| 1. Application Submitted(under process) | This status indicates that your application has been successfully submitted. The system has received all required details and documents for processing. |
| 2. Application Under Review | This status shows that the Ministry of Interior (MOI) is currently reviewing your application. The review process includes checking the validity and completeness of the submitted documents. |
| 3.Additional Documents Required: | If this status appears, it means that the MOI requires more documents or information to proceed with your application. The app will specify which documents are needed. |
| 4. Application Approved: | When your application status changes to “Application Approved,” it indicates that the MOI has accepted your application, and the visa is in the process of being issued. |
| 5.Visa Issued | This status confirms that the entry visa has been successfully issued. You will receive an electronic copy of the visa through the Metrash2 app. Download and print the visa document. Send it to your family members so they can use it to enter Qatar. |
Printing fee: QR 200
Time required for residence permit approval:
The time required for Family Residence Permit (RP) approval in Qatar can vary based on several factors, such as the completeness of the application, the workload of the Ministry of Interior (MOI), and any additional verification that may be required.It may take 2 to 4 weeks to approve
What next if application is rejected:
If you see “Rejected,” it means that your application has been declined. The app may provide reasons for the rejection.Review the reason for rejection and contact the MOI if necessary. Rectify any issues and consider reapplying if applicable.
2nd step: Send Visa to Family members outside Qatar
After issuance of residence visa, you have to send visa to your family members to enable them to enter Qatar
Qatar family residence visa validity:
Visa holders must enter Qatar within the specified validity period, which typically ranges from 90 days to one year, starting from the date the visa is issued. If unable to enter within this time frame, the visa can be extended for an additional 180 days by paying a fee of QR 200. The expiry date and the last entry date are clearly mentioned on the visa.
3rd step: Entry to Qatar:
After getting a residency visa,your family can enter qatar. Other procedures such as medical examination and fingerprinting will be carried on after reaching qatar.
Documents required for Travelling
Valid Passport(not expired): With validity of at-least 6 months.
Visa(residency visa): This is the main document that allow you to travel
Flight ticket
Vaccination certificate:Vaccination certificate is also required
Health Insurance: Health insurance is compulsory for family residency visa
Customs Declaration (If Required):If bringing significant amounts of cash, valuable items, or restricted goods, be prepared to declare them at customs.
How To Renew Visa If Not Able To Travel
If you’re unable to travel to Qatar within the validity period of your Family Residence Visa, you can extend the visa through Metrash for further 180 days.
Extension Fee: The extension typically requires a payment of QR 200.
Steps to renew Visa
Open Metrash mobile app.
Navigate to the “Visa Services”
Select “Renew Visa”.
Click on “Personal”.
Select the visa and pay the visa fee (QR 200).
Confirm the Renewal
The visa will be further extended for 180 days.
Time to complete RP process after reaching Qatar:
After entering Qatar on a Family Residence Visa, you typically have 30 days to complete the Residence Permit (RP) process. This period begins from the date of entry into Qatar.
During this time, you need to:
Undergo Medical Examination
Fingerprinting
Submit Documents
Receive Qatar ID (QID)
Entry to Qatar on Visit Visa
To bring your family to Qatar on a visit visa and convert it to a family residency visa, start by arriving in Qatar with your visit visa and completing the entry procedures.After entry into qatar,the next process is same as discussed in this article such as medical examination,Fingerprinting ,health insurance etc and then finally apply for RP through MOI service centres or online by Metrash app. If you would like to learn more about the visit visa process, be sure to read our article on Qatar’s on-arrival visa.
Conversion fee from visit visa to family residence Visa
If you are in Qatar:
You have to pay QR 500 if you are in the Qatar on visit visa and apply for conversion from visit visa to family residence visa
You will be charged QR 200 if your application is processed while you are outside of qatar.
Step 4:Medical Examination
Once your family enter Qatar,all family members are required to undergo a medical examination as part of the process.The medical tests are conducted at approved medical centers under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Qatar
Fee:The fee for the medical test is approximately QR 100 per person.
The medical examination typically includes the following tests:
Blood Test: To check for infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.
Chest X-ray: To detect any signs of tuberculosis (TB).
The medical tests are conducted at approved medical centres under MoPH.
Some main centre include:
Medical Commission Center (Primary location for expats)
Qatar medical centers
Al Khor Hospital
Al Wakra Hospital
Mesaimeer Health Center
Al Khor Hospital: Located in the city of Al Khor, in the northern part of Qatar. It’s under the Hamad Medical Corporation and serves residents of Al Khor and the northern regions.
Al Wakra Hospital: Located in Al Wakra, south of Doha. It is also part of the Hamad Medical Corporation and primarily serves residents in Al Wakra and the southern areas of Qatar.
Mesaimeer Health Center: Located in the Mesaimeer area, near Abu Hamour in Doha. It is managed by the Primary Health Care Corporation and provides outpatient and emergency services for residents around Mesaimeer and nearby neighborhoods.
Results are typically available within 1 to 3 business days.
Documents Required for Medical tests:
Passport
Visa Copy
Qatar ID Application Form
Photographs
Appointment Confirmation (If Applicable)
Sponsor’s QID
Debit/credit card for payment
Children Medical test:
Children under 15 are generally exempt from medical tests required for residency visas in Qatar. Upon arrival in Qatar, you should verify on the sponsor’s Metrash2 app if the option to “Issue Residence Permit” is available for the child. If this option is not visible, you will need to visit the Medical Commission, pay a fee of QR 100, and provide the child’s original passport and visa copy. This process ensures that the child’s residency status is updated in the system.
Step 5 Fingerprinting
When you(sponsor family) complete your medical test,you need to register your fingerprints online with the MOI system.
Documents Required for Fingerprinting
Original Passport(Family member)
Passport copy
Residency Visa
Additional Identification Documents (if specified by the centre)
Receipt of Payment (if applicable, for QR 100 fee)
Application Form (if provided by the fingerprinting centre)
Sponsor’s Qatar ID copy
Medical Receipt
Processing Time:
Once your fingerprints are taken, it typically takes 1 to 3 business days for the data to be updated in the Ministry of Interior (MOI) system. The processing time can vary depending on the volume of applications and the specific centre.You may receive the update on the Metrash app.
Exception:This is not required for children under 15 years of age.
Application for QID:
The last step throughout the journey is to get QID.You can apply QID online through Metrash or Offline through MOI service centres.
Apply QID at MOI service Centre:
You can apply QID at moi service centre directly by visiting any MOI service centre
Documents Required for QID
Completed Application Form (if required)
Original Passport(family member)
Residence Permit (sponsor)
Medical Test Results (if applicable)
Fingerprinting Receipt
Passport-size Photographs (usually 2-4)(35X45 mm) with blue Background
The fee for a Residence Permit (RP) in Qatar typically ranges from QR 500 to QR 1,000. This fee is generally determined by the type of residence permit and the duration of validity.
Fee payment:Fees can usually be paid by cash or card at the MOI Service Centre or through Debit/credit card.
Apply QID through Metrash
You can apply for QID online through Metrash Mobile app.Follow these steps to apply:
- Download and install the Metrash app
- Go to residency section
- Select “Issue Residence Permit”.
- Fill in the required details
- Upload Documents(photos with blue background,your signature,children’s name as signature
- Submit Application
- Pay the applicable fee(QR 500)
- Q-post charges are QR 20
How you can track your Application:
Use the app to track the status of your Qatar ID application. The sponsor’s QID number can be used for status tracking.
Qatar Family residency Visa Fees
Residence Permit Fee: Approximately QR 500 to QR 1,000, depending on the duration and type of permit
Medical Test Fee: Generally QR 100 per person.
Visa Issuance Fee: Costs may vary based on specific visa types and conditions
Qatar Family Visa Fee (per dependent) is QR 200
Documents translation fee(translation into Arabic):This may be different from case to case.It’s advisable to check with specific translation service providers for accurate pricing and any additional charges for urgent or certified translations.
Registering National Address:
After obtaining your Qatar ID (QID), Each new holder is required to register his National Address with the Ministry of Interior (MOI).When registering the National Address in Qatar.
Each dependent must have their own National Address registered, which is typically linked to the sponsor’s address. This process can be done through the Metrash2 app or at the Ministry of Interior service centres. You will need to provide the Qatar ID (QID) of each dependent, along with their personal information and the residential address.
A resident’s Qatar ID cannot be renewed unless their National Address has been registered.
How to Apply for a qatar Family residency Visa Offline?
Download the visa application form, fill it out accurately, and submit it to the Expatriate Affairs Department or Unified Services Center.
Be sure to attach all the required documents with the application form. These documents include:
Copy of sponsor’s QID
Valid passport of applicant
Marriage certificate/certified copy
Birth certificate of children/certified copy
A valid employment contract specifying the job role and salary clearly
Police clearance certificate
Health insurance( from Here you can check the list of registered health insurance companies)
A certificate confirming that the medical examination was successfully completed abroad, in line with the guidelines set by the relevant authorities.
I want to apply for a family visa; can my kids go to school?
Yes, your children can attend school while you are applying for a family visa in Qatar. Schools may accept temporary enrollment based on your visa application, but they typically require proof of your residency status or the actual residency visa for full enrollment.
To ensure your children’s continued schooling, it’s important to secure the residency visa as soon as possible and provide necessary documents like educational records and birth certificates. Schools adhere to regulations from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, which may include having a valid residency visa for finalising enrollment.
Work Permit for Spouse and Children
To sponsor family members under the Qatar Family Residence Visa, certain conditions apply. Male children must be under 25 years of age, and daughters have no age limit unless they marry. It’s mandatory to provide health insurance that covers their entire stay in the country. Additionally, children aged 6 to 18 must be enrolled in licensed schools within Qatar or show proof of enrollment in educational programs abroad, as monitored by the Ministry of Education.
Adopted children require a valid adoption certificate, along with an explanation for the adoption. While generally, married daughters cannot be sponsored, exceptions may be made after consulting the relevant authorities. Children holding a Qatar ID who reach the legal age of majority can retain their residence permit for one additional year to allow time to secure employment.
Renewal and extensions:
Once male children reach 25 years of age, they must either transition to a work visa or another appropriate visa category. For daughters, the sponsorship can continue indefinitely as long as they remain unmarried.
Exceptions for Special Cases:
In certain circumstances, exceptions can be made for sponsoring adult children with disabilities or chronic health conditions that require the care of their parents. This typically requires medical reports and approval from the relevant authorities.
Work Permit for Spouse and Children
Yes, spouses and adult children can work in Qatar if they obtain a work permit. To do so, they must find employment, and their employer must sponsor the work permit. This involves transferring their sponsorship from the family residence visa to the employer’s sponsorship.
Opportunity For Working Women
If a woman is in Qatar on family sponsorship and her husband has given her permission, she can register to work without needing a different work permit.
Childcare facilities in Qatar
In Qatar, child care facilities, commonly referred to as nurseries or baby care centres, cater to infants and young children up to the age of four. There are over 100 such facilities across the country, providing a range of services designed to support early childhood development and care.
How is Qatar for Foreigners?
Qatar is known for its welcoming culture towards expatriates and their families, reflecting its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The country supports newcomers with streamlined residency and visa processes through tools like the Metrash2 app and provides comprehensive services including healthcare and education.
Expatriate families benefit from Qatar family residency visas, access to international schools, and various community support networks.
Foreign Expats in Qatar
As of recent estimates, foreigners constitute approximately 88-90% of the population in Qatar. This high percentage reflects the country’s significant reliance on expatriates for various sectors, including construction, hospitality, and services.
FAQs
How much salary is required to sponsor a family in Qatar?
QR 10000
Private sector employees in Qatar must hold technical or specialized (non-labor) roles and earn at least QAR 10,000 monthly—or QAR 6,000 if family housing is provided by their employer.
Is Qatar issuing family residency visa?
Yes, Qatar provides foreign workers and expatriates the opportunity to bring their families to Qatar on a family residency visa.
How to settle in Qatar with family?
To settle in Qatar with your family, secure a family residency visa, find suitable accommodation, enroll children in school, and ensure health insurance coverage. Familiarize yourself with local laws, plan finances, and explore family-friendly activities to integrate smoothly.
