In Qatar, the Qatar ID (QID) is not merely a form of ID—it unlocks access to essential services and simplifies daily life. Whether you’re opening a bank account, accessing healthcare, or signing a rental contract, the QID unlocks countless opportunities that make life smoother. It’s the key to your residency, driving license, and even your online transactions. Without it, navigating daily life in Qatar becomes a challenge. With your QID in hand, you’re empowered to explore, work, and thrive in this dynamic country! So in this article, we will discuss the different methods of Qatar ID renewal.
What Is A Qatar ID Card?
As a person is known by his name, an ID card is the official identity of any person as it secures his personal and confidential information.
A Qatar ID card, called a residency permit, is an official requirement to be fulfilled by each resident of Qatar, whether he is a Qatari citizen or expatriate, for residency in Qatar and proof of identity. It is required for various purposes, such as banking transactions and govt facilities. Qatar’s Ministry of Interior issues it.
It contains important information about the cardholder, such as name, photo, date of birth, and QID number.
Can expats apply for a Qatar ID on their own?
Expats are unable to apply for a Qatar ID on their own. A sponsor must handle the application.
Employer: For work-related residency, the employer applies for the QID.
Family Sponsor: A family member who already lives in Qatar can sponsor and apply for the QID.
Sponsors manage the entire application procedure.
Who Can Renew Qatar ID:
As you know, a Qatar visa is a dependent visa. It is the only sponsor who has the discretion to apply, renew, or cancel anyone’s ID at any time. Dependents cannot apply for Renewal of ID independently.
ON Family Visa:
on a family visa, your sponsor(family member who sponsors you) can renew your ID.
On employment Visa:
When you are on an employment visa or a job contract, YOU QID can only be renewed by your employer.
MOI Qatar ID Renewal
Every Qatar ID card holder, whether he is a citizen or expatriate, is required to renew his card after the expiry period has passed. The procedure is usually repeated after two years. This is a very important requirement, as an ID card is your legal identity for residency in Qatar. The Renewal process is very convenient, but you have to comply with certain requirements, which are as follows:
How to Renew QID through the MOI portal
MOI website enables you to renew your Qatar ID card/residency permit online without appearing physically at the office. This online facility saves a lot of time because the process is quick and hassle-free
Here are the few steps to follow for Renewal
- Login to the portal: The first step is to log in to the MOI portal or use the MOI e-service portal. It would be best if you had your old QID for Renewal. If you have not created your account before, then first register your account using QID NUMBER.
- E-service tab: Once you log in, then go to the e-service tab and click on it
- After clicking the e-service tab, you will see a different tab. Now click on the “Residency services” tab and then the New Residency tab.
- Renew your QID number: This can be done by selecting QID numbers and then clicking “ADD” BUTTON.
For individual
an Individual can renew five digits at a time
For company
For a company, the limit is up to 20 digits at a time
Choose the renewal period: Select the renewal period. It ranges from one to three years.
Delivery option: After Renewal, your ID card will be collected from any designated MOI center.
Payment: Payment varies depending on the renewal period. You can make your payment online through a debit/credit card.
QID renewal tracking: You can track your QID renewal by clicking the following link.
https://portal.moi.gov.qa/wps/portal/MOIInternet/services/inquiries/residencypermits
Following successful submission, MOI will give you a tracking link so that you may monitor the status of your application.
How To Renew Qatar ID Through MOI Service Center(0ffline)
You can renew your Qatar ID not only online but also offline. Many people still prefer the conventional technique of going to the service center in person to submit their Qatar ID renewal application.
You can renew your Qatar ID through the MOI service center (unified service center).
Prepared the required documents:
Prepared all the required documents for Renewal, such as current QID, passport-size photos, and contract letter, as well as additional documents as needed.
Residency application form:
Download the residency application form from this link from the MOI website online.
Fill out this form in Arabic. You may seek the help of a typewriter in this regard.
Visit an MOI service center:
A sponsor needs to visit an MOI service center. It is suggested that the operational hours be checked beforehand to avoid any hassles.
Wait for your turn:
After arriving, You have to wait for your turn.
Submission:
Here, the sponsor submits the residency form along with QID
photos. If you are over the age of 65, please include two recent passport-sized pictures with your application.
Pay a renewal fee:
Now pay your renewal fee. It is usually paid by debit/credit card
Receive a receipt:
After the payment of your renewal fee, you receive a receipt as proof of your transaction
Time for processing:
It may take from a few days to a few weeks, depending upon factors such as workload. The usual time is about 3 to 5 days.
Business representatives who apply for their employees’ QID renewal need to submit a copy of their ESTABLISHMENT ID.
Expatriates affairs department:
The renewal application for foreigners is filed with the expat affairs department.
Collecting QID after Renewal:
There are two delivery options available to applicants.
Collect QID from MOI service center:
You can collect the QID from the same MOI service center where you applied.
Delivery through postal service to registered address:
During the renewal application, you can choose the post-delivery service. In this mode, The QID will be delivered to your registered postal address at a given time. This may usually take less than a week.
How can you renew your Qatar ID through the Metrash app?
If you are a busy person and don’t have enough time to go to the office and wait for your turn, then you have a better option to do it online. Through the Metrash app, you can easily renew your QID at home. Please follow these steps to renew QID.
Download the app: First of all, download the Metrash app from the Google Play Store/Apple App Store on your mobile device.
Step 1: Log in to Metrash2:If you are already registered, log in to the app through a smart QID number and password. If you are a new user, then register yourself first.
Step 2: Select “Residency.” After login to the app, Click on the “residency option” on the home screen
Step 3: Go to “Residency Renewal.” Start your application by selecting the “residency renewal Icon.” Enter the QID number in a dialogue box and then click.
Step 4: Choose the Residency Renewal Type. Choose the residency renewal type. Select between personal or company residency.
Step 5: Renewal of QIDs: Select the number of QIDs to be renewed. Individuals can choose up to 5 numbers, while companies can choose up to 20 QID numbers at once then click “ADD”.
Step 6: Select your Qatar ID(s) renewal period: Now choose the QID renewal period. The fee is calculated according to the renewal period.
Step 7: opt for the Sending Method: select the delivery option. This may be your home address or office address.
Step 9: Pay fees: You can pay the renewal charge online with a debit or credit card.
Collect your card after Renewal.
There are two methods to collect the Qatar ID card. When the sponsor is applying for the Qatar ID card renewal, they can choose between by-post delivery or collecting it themselves at the center. The by-post delivery, also known as Q-Post, will have the card delivered to you within a few days after Renewal. However, If you’re in a rush, you can visit the service center and pick it up yourself. If you have already paid the fees and filled out the form online, your Qatar ID will be printed and given to you immediately upon arrival.
How to check Qatar ID validity Status?
The QID expiry date is displayed on the front side of the card, allowing you to know the term of validity. The QID validity status can also be tracked through Moi’s web portal. On the portal, you may check validity by entering the QID number or passport number along with nationality.
Printing of QID
The printing of QIDs is handled at the Nationality and Travel Documents department’s main headquarters, open from Sunday to Thursday, 7 am to 12:30 pm and 1 pm to 6 pm. According to the Ministry of Interior, the Nationality and Travel Documents Department has relocated to its new premises.
This department was established earlier in Al Gharafa, but now it has shifted to the new building in Wadi Al Banat. Apart from this, printing is also done at service centers at Al Khor, Al Wakra, Al Rayyan, and Mesaimeer only from 7 am – 12.30 pm.
How to Track QID Renewal Status?
In order to track your QID renewal status, you need to visit the MOI website. Here, we provide the link. By clicking on it, you will be redirected to the RP renewal tracking section.
Qatar ID Renewal Fees
Renewal type | Renewal fee |
---|---|
Family sponsorship(children, family member, spouse etc.) | The fee is QR 500 per year |
Company sponsorship | QR 1000 per year |
An employee under person sponsorship | QR 300 per year |
Q POST | QR 20 |
Personal sponsors can get a discount of 20% if they renew their employee QID for three years. Furthermore, there is a QR 20 fee if you choose Q post delivery.
Smart QID fees
Smart card | QR 100 |
E-gate service | QR 100 for one year |
E-gate(2 years) | QR 150 for two years |
E-gate(3 years) | QR 200 for three years |
Necessary documents required for ID renewal
For Qatari Residents:
- Application form–Obtained from the MOI website or relevant authorities
- Residency permit
- Marriage certificate(if married)
- Childbirth certificates(if there are any children)
- Medical certificate(sometimes required)
For Expatriates:
The expatriates or foreigners who reside in Qatar for any reason, such as on a work permit, are also required to have a Qatar ID card for their main purpose of residency. If their ID card expires, it needs to be renewed. The following documents are required for Renewal:
- ID renewal application form
- Passport
- Recent passport-size photographs
- A sponsorship letter issued by your sponsor or employer as proof of your sponsorship
- Your proof of residence, such as a copy of your rental agreement
- Cash or credit card to pay fees.
- Additional documents as required
Importance of Qatar ID Renewal:
Legal compliance:
Residents are legally required to hold a Qatar ID card. Renewing the ID card after the expiry period has passed ensures legal compliance with the country’s laws and regulations regarding residency.
Proof of identity:
ID cards serve as proof of identity for a resident of a country. This is the main purpose of issuing this card.
Access to services:
You can avail yourself of many services from the government sector as well as the private sector through QID, such as banking, education, employment, etc. So always ensures the Renewal on time.
Employment verification:
Employers can check and track the legal status of employees in Qatar. So, employment verification can be easily done through QID.
Traveling:
A valid QID is required for residents to travel to GCC countries without any other documentation and also for re-entry into Qatar.
Avoiding penalties:
As this is a residency requirement to have a valid QID, Renewing the QID before expiration benefits you by avoiding several penalties, such as late fees or legal complications.
Housing and accommodation
If you need a house to live in Qatar, the first step you have to take is to make a lease or rent agreement. For these agreements, QID is required for registration.
Licensing
QID is necessary for different licenses, such as a driving license.SO Keep your card up to date to avoid any delay in the process.
Authentication:
QID is required for authentication. When you apply for a job or ask for a govt service, you are required to provide your ID card. It is used to verify you.
Security:
You can maintain your security and avoid the risk of identity theft by renewing your ID card and keeping it up to date.
Documents Needed to Apply for a Qatar ID
To apply for a Qatar ID, You are required to provide certain documents, which are necessary application attachments. These requirements may vary depending on different variables, such as your residency status. Here, we share the checklist where you will see the documents
- Completed Application form: An application form that you can download from MOI’s website
- Passport: You are required to provide a valid passport as proof of your official identity.
- Passport-size photographs: You have to submit passport-size photographs to meet MOI requirements
- Residence permit: Residents of Qatar are required to provide their residence permit(also known as RP) as proof of their residency
- Medical examination certificate: If authorities ask you to take a specific medical exam, you must produce a current medical certificate from a recognized medical facility in Qatar.
- An employment contract or job offer letter: You need to provide a copy of the employment contract if you are on the employer’s sponsor visa
- Biometric data: The applicant provides fingerprints and biometric data during the application process
- Sponsorship letter: If you go to Qatar on a sponsored visa issued by your employer or any sponsor in Qatar, you may be required to submit a sponsorship letter
- NOC: Due to the sponsorship system in Qatar, authorities no longer need the NOC. Sponsorship from a former employer to a new employer is regulated by the Ministry of Labour(MOL) in Qatar.
- Education certificates(for certain professions): For certain educational professions, authorities may require education certificates
- Fee payment receipt: A fee payment receipt showing payment of application fee
- Other required documents: You may be asked to furnish additional documents required by the authorities, such as marriage certificates, Childbirth certificates, etc.
Qatar ID Renewal New Rules 2023
In August 2023, new rules were introduced by the Ministry of Interior, and every resident should be aware of these rules.
- If we look at the previous rules and procedures, we could have renewed our existing ID even outside Qatar, but after the introduction of new regulations, we cannot do so. If we want to renew our ID, we must be physically present in Qatar at the time of application.
- You will not be allowed to enter Qatar if your ID has expired while you are outside the country. You will only be able to travel to Qatar if you renew your ID. So, you should check your card validity on time, and if its expiration date has expired, renew it immediately.
- Renewal of the Residence Permit (RP) can be done up to three months before its expiration date.
If you plan a trip and have a short time left before your ID card expires, first renew it and then start your journey to avoid any inconvenience.
Your ID card image can be viewed on the Metrash mobile app through the wallet feature
- Your ID card image can be viewed on the Metrash mobile app through the e-wallet feature.
- Notify authorities of any changes in personal details such as name, nationality, or marital status.
So, keep in mind the above-stated rules. You must check the validity of your QID whenever you plan to travel from Qatar.
Grace Period for Renewing a Qatar ID
- Every QID holder has a grace period of three months for Renewal after the expiry period
- After passing these 90 days, Late renewals will incur a penalty of QR 10 per day.
- The maximum penalty limit is QR 6000
- Sponsor is responsible for their Dependents QID’s Renewal
So, to avoid any legal repercussions and fines, keep your QID up to date and make it renewed before the expiry period.
Renewal of Residence Permits Automatically
Metrash2 offers a service called Residence Subscription. If any company avails of this service, they can automatically renew their employees’ residence permits through it. Whenever an employee’s residence permit needs to be renewed, Metrash2 will automatically notify the list of those employees who require it. This way, the company can save a lot of time and effort.
Qatar ID expiry date
The expiry date is printed on the front side of the QID. You can check it on the face of the card.
You can further check the validity of your ID card by visiting the MOI’s website online. On the MOI website, by entering your passport number or your QID number, you can easily check your QID validity. Please read our article to understand how to check the validity of your QID.
Can I re-enter Qatar without a Qatar ID card?
No, if you are a Qatar resident, you will normally be unable to re-enter the country without your Qatar ID card (QID), which serves as your residency permission. The QID is a mandatory document for inhabitants returning to the nation after vacationing outside.
In this situation, inform your employer or sponsor as soon as possible. They will often reapply for your resident permit, allowing you to return to Qatar.
Conclusion
In summary, the Qatar ID (QID) is an essential document for residents, granting access to key services and legal compliance in Qatar. Whether for employment, family sponsorship, or personal residency, the QID must be renewed periodically to maintain its validity. The renewal process can be done easily online through the MOI portal or Metrash2 app, and in person at service centers, ensuring flexibility for residents. Timely renewal helps avoid penalties, maintains access to services, and ensures smooth re-entry into Qatar after travel. Keeping your QID updated is vital for a hassle-free experience in the country.
How do I check my QID renewal status?
In order to track your QID renewal status, you need to visit the MOI website. Here, we provide the link. By clicking on it, you will be redirected to the RP renewal tracking section.
How many years is a Qatar ID valid?
Qatar IDs are valid for one to five years, and it’s crucial to renew them before they expire to avoid penalties. The renewal process is straightforward and can be completed online through the Ministry of Interior’s website or Hukoomi, which is Qatar’s e-Government portal.
How much is the fee for residency renewal?
Family sponsorship(children, family member, spouse etc.) | The fee is QR 500 per year |
Company sponsorship | QR 1000 per year |
An employee under person sponsorship | QR 300 per year |
Q POST | QR 20 |
How do I know my ID number?
This 11 digit number is printed on the front side of QID.