Are you an expatriate living in Qatar, far from your loved ones? Are you missing your loved ones and tired of the challenges of being apart? Qatar gives you the perfect opportunity to reunite with your family through the Family Visit Visa. Bring them over for a short, unforgettable stay and create lasting memories together!
What is a Qatar family visit visa?
“This is a temporary visa that allows expatriate residents to bring their family members, such as a spouse, children, parents, or other close relatives, to Qatar for a short period. This visa is typically issued for one month and can be extended for an additional five months.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Requirements
1. Minimum Salary Requirements for Qatar Family Visit Visa
The salary requirement varies depending on the type of family members you wish to invite:
- Spouse and Children: A minimum salary of QAR 5,000 per month is required.
- Other Relatives (e.g., siblings, grandparents): A minimum monthly income of QAR 10,000 is necessary to apply.
| Relationship | Salary requirement |
|---|---|
| Spouse and children | QAR 5000 per month |
| Other relatives | QAR 10000 per month |
This ensures that applicants have the financial means to support their visiting family members comfortably during their stay.
2. Eligible Professions for Qatar Family Visit Visa
Not all professions are eligible for the family visit visa. Expatriates with non-labor or specialized job titles, such as engineers, doctors, or teachers, are generally eligible, while labor-based positions (e.g., drivers, delivery workers) may face rejections. However, in certain cases, the decision can be overridden by an officer at the MOI Service Center upon request.
3. Family Members Who Can Be Sponsored
Different categories of family members can be sponsored under the family visit visa:
| First-Degree Relatives | Spouse, children, mother, and father |
| Second-Degree Relatives | Siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren. |
| Third-Degree Relatives | Cousins, uncles, and aunts, though these applications may require additional approvals. |
4. Age Limit for Family Visit Visa Applicants
The current age limit for applicants is 60 years. The Metrash2 system does not accept applications for individuals above this age, although exceptions may be possible upon review.
5. Mandatory Health Insurance Requirement
As of February 2023, health insurance is required for all visitors to Qatar, costing QAR 50 per month. Visitors must purchase the insurance from approved providers listed on the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) website. If the family visit visa is extended, the insurance must be renewed accordingly.
6. Medical Test for Visa Extension
If you wish to extend the family visit visa, the sponsored family member must undergo a medical examination, screening for conditions like HIV, hepatitis B/C, and tuberculosis. If any of these conditions are found, the extension request will likely be denied.
7. Accommodation Requirements
Applicants must provide proof of adequate accommodation. If housing is employer-provided, a contract detailing the housing arrangement must be submitted. For those renting, an attested tenancy contract approved by the municipality is required. The Metrash2 app can facilitate the documentation process for this requirement.
8. Important Notes
- Only married expatriates can sponsor their other relatives.
- Salary, accommodation, and professional requirements must be strictly adhered to for approval.
- applicants can apply online through the Metrash2 app or offline through the Ministry of Interior (MoI) service center.
Latest News and Updates
The Ministry of Interior (MOI) has clarified the eligibility criteria for Qatar Family Visit Visas:
- The applicant’s minimum salary must be equal to or greater than QAR 5,000.
- The applicant must not fall under the labor category.
- The applicant can only sponsor relatives.
- Health insurance for visitors is mandatory.
- Relatives of the sponsor can apply for a family visit visa with no specific age restriction for the visitor.
- The applicant must provide proof of family accommodation.
- The procedure is still done electronically, and services are accessible via the Ministry of Interior’s website and the Metrash2 app.
- For other relatives, a minimum salary requirement is QR 10,000
- Insurance must be from approved insurance providers by Ministry of public health
Documents required for family visit visa
For spouse and children
- Copy of applicant’s qatar ID
- Spouse and children passport copy
- Proof of relationship(attested marriage and birth certificate)
- NOC from employer
- Proof of accommodation
- Return flight tickets
- Health insurance from approved insurance provider
- Bank statement (last six months)
For other relatives
- Copy of applicant’s qatar ID
- Relative passport
- Relationship with relative proof
- NOC from employer
- Return ticket
- Health insurance
Important note: When applying through the Metrash app, there is no need to provide employment details, as labor contracts are now integrated directly with the Metrash system.
Attestation for Marriage certificate
For a family visit visa, attestation of the marriage certificate is a mandatory requirement. However, attestation of a child’s birth certificate is not compulsory.You can have your documents attested at the Qatar Embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your home country.
Translation of Documents
For a Qatar Family Visit Visa, some documents, such as marriage and birth certificates, proof of relationship, may need to be translated into Arabic(if not in English).
Qatar Family Visit Visa Fee
The fee for a Qatar Family Visit Visa is QAR 200 for each family member. The visa can be extended for an additional fee of QAR 200 per month.
Medical Examination: The medical checkup fee is included in the initial visa fee, but for visit visa extensions, a medical checkup costs QAR 100.
Overstay Fine: If a visitor overstays beyond the visa expiration date, a fine of QAR 200 per day will apply.
Health Insurance: In addition to the visa fee, visitors must purchase mandatory health insurance, which costs QAR 50 per month and is available from registered providers listed by the Ministry of Public Health in Qatar.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Validity
This visa is initially issued for a period of one month. It can be extended for an additional five months for spouses and children (for a total of 6 months) and for an additional two months for other relatives (for a total of 3 months). Health insurance covering the extended period is mandatory.
A medical examination is required before applying for a visa extension.
Visit visa validity date after approval
After visa approval, the visitor has 90 days to enter Qatar, with the validity date printed at the top. If the visa holder does not enter within this period, the visa will expire, and he will need to reapply.
Qatar family visit visa application process
There are two methods to apply for visit visa
- Offline application/ Traditional method
- Online application through Metrash app
How to apply for a Qatar family visit visa online?
1. Download and Log In to Metrash2
- Download the Metrash2 app from the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android).
- Log in with your Qatar ID and registered phone number. If you’re a new user, register by following the app’s setup instructions.
Go to visa section
Click on the visa section
Select “issue visa” icon
Now choose “family visit” icon
Now you are given two options family visa application and family resident application.You have to click on family visa application.
Choose application type. Click on “family visa application”
Now click on new application at the bottom of the page
Enter Visitor Details: Fill in the visitor’s details, including name,Gender, nationality, passport information, and relationship etc.
After filling the details, click on validate button
Upload Required photos/ documents
Attach all necessary documents. These typically include:
- Copy of the visitor’s passport
- Copy of the sponsor’s Qatar ID
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificate)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer (if required)
- Attested tenancy contract (if applicable)
Tips for uploading documents
Clear Photos or Scans: Make sure your photos or scans of the documents are clear and readable. Blurry or cropped images can slow things down.
File Size Matters: Double-check that your files aren’t too big. Large files might not upload, so try to keep them within the app’s size limits.
Translate Documents: If any of your documents are in a language other than Arabic or English, make sure they’re properly translated. The app usually requires them in one of these languages.
Passport Photo and Bio Together: When uploading the passport, make sure the photo page and the bio page are on the same side of the document for easy viewing.
Wait for update
If any documents are missing or don’t match the requirements, you’ll be notified to make the necessary corrections. Once your application is verified and approved, you’ll receive an application number.
During processing, the application status will update to “Under Process,” then to “Under Review,” and back to “Under Process” before final approval.
Visa fee payment
After your visa application has been approved, you must pay the visa fee, which is QR 200, online through Metrash. To make the payment, select the “Visa Fees Payment” icon from the “Visa Operation” page.
Easy Steps to Download and Print Your Qatar Family Visit Visa
You can easily print your family visit visa from the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website by following these simple steps:
- Visit the official MOI website.
- Go to the “Visa Inquiry and Printing” page.
- Enter your visa or passport number, select your nationality from the drop-down menu, and enter the provided CAPTCHA code.
- Click the “Submit” button.
- After submission, you can check the status of your visa.
- If the visa is approved, click on the “Print” button to print your visa.
Arrange Health Insurance and Medical Exam
- Purchase health insurance for the visitor through any Ministry of Public Health-approved provider.
- For visa extensions, a medical exam is required.
Once approved, the visitor has 90 days to enter Qatar.
The visa can only be printed once insurance has been acquired.
How to check family visit visa status?
You can check the visa status online on the MOI portal by navigating to the visa approval tracking section. First, click on the Inquiries section, then select Visa Services to access the visa tracking page. Here, enter the application number, application date, and sponsor’s QID to view the visa status.
The state is shown within the Metrash app itself.
How to apply for Family visit visa offline?
Download and Complete the Form
Start by downloading the family visit visa application form and filling it out completely.
Submit at MOI Service Center
Bring the filled form along with all required documents to an MOI service center.
Counter Review
At the center, the counter staff will review your form. They may either accept it or add comments directing you to meet an officer for further approval.
Officer Interview
Attend an interview with the officer, where you’ll answer questions regarding your purpose for visiting Qatar and your relationship with the sponsor. If the officer is satisfied with your responses, you’ll receive a receipt.
Check Visa Status
Use the link provided on the receipt to check the visa status online after two working days. Alternatively, you can track the status through the Metrash2 app.
Return to MOI Center Upon Approval
Once the visa is approved, return to the MOI center with your receipt.
Pay Visa Fee
Pay the required visa fee of QAR 200, either in person at the center or online using the Metrash2 app.
Receive Visa Printout
After completing the payment, you’ll be given a printed copy of the family visit visa.
Book Tickets
With the visa printout in hand, you can now proceed to book tickets for your family members to visit Qatar.
Important note:
Currently, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) has moved the family visit visa application process online, meaning that offline applications are generally not accepted. However, if you encounter issues with the online process or need further assistance, you can visit an MOI Service Center for guidance.
Working hours of Qatar visa service centers
| The General Directorate of Passports | Working hours |
|---|---|
| Mesaimeer, Al Shahaniya, Al Rayyan | 7AM to 12:30PM |
| Umm Salal, Al Wakra, Al Khor,Umm Al Seneem, and Al Shamal centers | 7AM to 12:30PM |
| Hamad Medical Corporation center (HMC) | 7AM to 1PM |
| Lusail center | 7:30AM to 1PM |
| Qatar Airways center | 7AM to 3:30PM |
| Souq Waqif, The Pearl, and Qatar Financial Centre (QFC). | 8AM to 1PM |
Documents checklist for qatar visa travelers
- Traveler Passport with minimum validity of 195 days.
- Approved visa in printed form.
- Return flight tickets
- Health insurance covering the duration of the stay.
Why Qatar Visas Get Rejected—and How to Fix It
Understanding reasons: Your visa may be denied due to missing documentation, errors in the information, or an unsuitable sponsor profession. To start, you need to identify the grounds for rejection, which you can do by visiting the MOI center.
Provide Missing Documents or Correct Discrepancies
If the visa rejection is due to missing documents or discrepancies in the information, submit the required documents. This may include proof of relationship, income, or a tenancy agreement.
Speak with an MOI Officer: After gathering all the required documents, visit the MOI service center, meet with the visa officer, and explain your circumstances.
Verify Eligibility Requirements
The acceptance of your visa application depends largely on meeting eligibility requirements, such as the minimum salary threshold and an eligible profession.
Consider Professional Assistance
If your application faces repeated rejections, consulting a visa professional or agency can be helpful. They can assist with document preparation, attestations, and navigating the appeal process.
How to Extend a Family Visit Visa to Qatar for More Than a Month
You can apply online via the Metrash2 app or in person at a MOI service facility to extend a family visit visa in Qatar past the first one-month period.
You can also extend visa online through MOI website.
Prerequisite: A medical examination is required of anyone hoping to stay more than one month on a visit visa. The test, which is administered at a recognized health facility in Qatar, checks for infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis B/C, and tuberculosis. The cost of this medical checkup is 100 QR.
Qatar family visit visa extension beyond 6 months
Make sure the visitor is a first-degree related (spouse, parent, or kid) in order to extend a Qatar family visit visa for more than six months.Bring the visitor’s passport, sponsor’s QID copy, valid visa, proof of relationship, and a health certificate from a medical examination to the MOI Expatriates Affairs Department.Pay the QAR 200 monthly extension charge and submit the extension request and these documents in person. The visa will be renewed for a further period after it is approved.
How to Apply for a Metrash2 Visa Extension:
Open the Metrash2 app and log in.
Choose “Extend Visa” after navigating to “Visa Services.”
To finish the extension request, adhere to the instructions.
Verification of Acceptance:
Once the visa extension is approved, you will receive a notification with the updated visa status.
Family visit visa approval time
Depending on the applicant’s eligibility and the quality of the documentation, the approval period for a Qatar Family Visit Visa normally varies from a few days to four weeks. Applications submitted offline at MOI service facilities may take a little longer to process than those submitted through the Metrash2 app.
| Visa approval time | one to four weeks |
Qatar visa application status
| Under Process | The Ministry of Interior (MOI) has received your application and is presently reviewing it. |
| Under Review | A thorough review of the application is underway, which may involve eligibility checks and document verification. |
| Approved | Your visa is now available for printing or issue once your application was accepted. |
| Rejected | There were problems that prohibited your application from being approved, or it did not match the standards. At the MOI, reasons for rejection are frequently available upon request. |
What’s ‘Null’ Status on Your Visit Visa Application Receipt?
The “null” status simply indicates that your application details have not yet been updated in the system. The receipt merely serves as proof that your application was received. You can be sure that the system will process and store all of your information.
How to cancel visa application on Metrash?
If you need to cancel your visa application for any reason, you can easily do so online via the Metrash2 app. Simply click the right arrow on the Visa Status page. Alternatively, you can visit an MOI Service Center in person to submit a cancellation request.
Tips for a Smooth Family Visit Visa Application
Get Your Documents Ready: Have your Qatar ID, passport copies, relationship proof (birth or marriage certificates), and health insurance all set up beforehand to avoid delays.
Check Eligibility: Make sure your profession allows you to sponsor family members. If you’re unsure, double-check the Ministry of Interior guidelines.
Use Metrash2 App: The easiest way to apply is through the Metrash2 app. No need to visit MOI in person – just submit your application and documents through your phone.
Follow the Instructions: Fill in the forms correctly and make sure all documents are uploaded. Mistakes can lead to rejection, so be careful!
Plan for Medical & Insurance: Make sure your relative’s health insurance is valid and covers their full stay. Don’t forget about the medical exams if they’re staying longer.
Monitor Your Application: After submission, check the status on Metrash2. That way, you can quickly address any issues or missing documents.
Consult an Expert if Needed: If things get complicated, consult a visa expert who can help with paperwork and guide you through the process.
Be Patient: Visa approval can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, so stay patient and keep an eye out for updates!
The Perks of Qatar Family Visit Visa: A Gateway to Reuniting and Enjoying Quality Time
Reunite with Your Loved Ones
The Qatar Family Visit Visa is the perfect way for expats to bring their family together. Whether it’s parents, spouses, children, or elderly relatives, this visa helps strengthen family ties and creates cherished memories with your loved ones.
Stay as Long as You Need
Depending on the type of visa, family members can stay in Qatar for up to six months. This flexibility means you won’t need to worry about renewing visas every few weeks, giving you plenty of time to make the most of your visit.
A Budget-Friendly Option
Compared to other visas, the Family Visit Visa is pretty affordable. Sponsors just need to meet certain financial and accommodation requirements, making it more cost-effective than getting a work permit for each family member.
No Job Required
Unlike other visas, family members visiting on the Family Visit Visa don’t need to have a job in Qatar. It’s all about family time, not job contracts!
Cultural Experience Awaits
For family members visiting from abroad, Qatar offers a fantastic mix of modern living and rich traditions. They can explore everything from sleek skyscrapers to and fascinating museums.
Support for Elderly Relatives
Elderly parents or relatives can benefit from living with their children in Qatar, enjoying better healthcare, emotional support, and a safe, comfortable environment.
Quick Emergency Support
In case of emergencies, the Family Visit Visa lets sponsors bring their loved ones to Qatar quickly, ensuring they get the care and attention they need when it matters most.
Improved Quality of Life
Visiting family members get the chance to experience a higher standard of living, with access to world-class healthcare and a stable, secure environment—great for young kids and elderly visitors alike!
FAQs
Is the Family Visit Visa open in Qatar right now?
Yes, the Family Visit Visa is currently available! You can easily apply for it online through the Metrash2 app and bring your loved ones to experience the beauty of Qatar.
How much does a Family Visit Visa cost in Qatar?
The visa fee is just QAR 200 per applicant—an affordable way to reunite with your family and make unforgettable memories together.
Can I work in Qatar with a Family Visit Visa?
While the Family Visit Visa allows your family to stay in Qatar temporarily, it doesn’t permit them to work. For employment, a work-residence permit is required for anyone planning to live and work in Qatar long-term.
