In Qatar, the Qatar ID (QID) is your all-access pass to life in the country. It’s more than just an ID card—it’s proof of residency, your ticket to government services, and a requirement for almost every official task. Whether you’re handling everyday tasks like paying bills or dealing with legal matters, the QID is at the heart of it all. Without it, navigating life in Qatar would be next to impossible, making this little card one of the most important things you’ll carry as a resident.
What is a Qatar ID card?
A Qatar ID card, often called a residency permit (RP), is an official identification card. It is issued by the Ministry of Interior to residents and expatriates who reside in Qatar and is regulated under the law of residence in Qatar. This is the basic need of those who live in Qatar for whatever reasons, whether for work or other reasons.
It serves as a proof of identity and legal representation. It contains the Personal information of residents, such as name, date of birth, etc. It has a unique ID number. It enables its holders to access various services such as health care, banking utilities, etc.
Types of QIDs
Card for Citizens
Titled as “State of Qatar ID card”
Card for Expats
Titled “State of Qatar Residency Permit.”
QID format
QID contains:
- A white background with a photo of the cardholder on the left.
- The cardholder’s personal details (name, nationality, date of birth, etc.) listed in both Arabic and English.
- The unique QID number prominently displayed.
- An expiry date.
- The Qatari emblem at the top or the corner.
QID for citizens:
QID is Qatar’s national identification card. It contains personal information such as cardholder photo, name, date of birth, Nationality, ID number, Expiry, and signature.
Qatar ID card for Expats:
It contains the holder’s photo, name, date of birth, nationality, employer’s details, occupation, passport credentials, QID number, expiry date, and signature.
Card type of Citizens:
For Qatari citizens, they issue smart cards to every citizen. A smart card is enabled with smart chips that contain digital data, and this is more secure than other cards.
Card type for Expats:
- Regular plastic cards: Commonly used
- Smart cards: issued on demand and enable you to access various govt services
Regular Plastic QID vs. Smart QID
| Regular plastic QID | Smart QID |
|---|---|
| Standard plastic card, typically used by expats. | Plastic card with an embedded microchip, often used by citizens and available for expats for an extra fee. |
| Contains basic information such as name, photo, nationality, QID number, and expiration date. | Contains the same visible personal details as the regular QID, but the chip holds additional digital information |
| Basic identification card used for proof of residency. | Offers all the functions of the regular QID, plus extra digital features. |
| Basic security features with a unique QID number and expiration date. | Includes a chip that adds an additional layer of security. |
| Sufficient for most daily activities like renting, shopping, and dealing with government services. | Offers quicker access to government services, banking, and online services through digital portals. |
| Standard cost for issuance and renewal (usually QR 500 per year for expats). | For expats, a QR 100 additional fee applies for the smart card option. |
Usage of QID format
Quick identification
Authorities can easily identify you through QID
Uniqueness:
QID is unique to every cardholder.
Data management
Facilitates efficient management and retrieval of personal records across various government and private sectors.
The country codes used in the QID are specific to Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) and may not correspond to international country codes.
Qatar ID (QID) Requirements for New Residents
Smart ID cards:
Like regular cards, smart cards are made of plastic, but a chip is embedded in these cards, which stores your digital data. These cards are more secure than standard cards because they include chips, which add an extra degree of security when used with card readers. After all, these cards are encrypted.
Smart cards can be used to access various govt and private sector services such as banking, driving licenses, etc.
They are issued to all citizens by default and for an additional fee to expats. Expatriates can get smart cards by paying a QR 100 fee.
Smart QID benefits
Enhanced Security: To thwart fraud and identity theft, it incorporates a chip and biometric data.
Access to E-Government Services: Enables Metrash2 and other government portals as a means of accessing a range of online services.
Faster Processing: expedites processes such as immigration at airports and other services.
Multipurpose: May be used for financial services, health cards, residency verification, and identity.
Convenience: facilitates communications with public and private organizations and lessens the need for paper documentation.
How to apply for a Qatar ID card
Applying for QID is the immediate step taken after reaching Qatar. Every resident needs a QID for residency. An expat or foreigner must first undergo fingerprinting and a medical examination upon arrival in Qatar in order to be eligible for a QID. The sponsor will then submit an application for a QID card.
The passport, pictures, the results of the medical examination, and other paperwork are required by the sponsor in order to apply for the QID. The sponsor will pay the fee upon submission, and the QID will then be printed and distributed.
For babies or children, their QID application will be based on their birth certificate. Either the father or mother can apply on their behalf. Along with the birth certificate, they may also need to submit the parents’ passports, the child’s passport, and photos.
Who is eligible
For expats: Valid work visa, family visa, or other residency visas
For Citizens: Every citizen is entitled to QID.
To every new resident, It will be issued after completing the medical examination and fingerprinting. For employees on work/job visas, the employer has to approach the visa center with a visa, passport, and fee for issuing of QID.
The birth certificate is required for QID issuance for newborn babies from the sponsors(father, mother, etc.)along with a bay passport, photos, etc.
Medical tests
For adults, the medical examination covers some blood tests and Chest X-rays for tuberculosis.
Photo size
The required photo size is 3.5 x 4.5 cm. The background color is plain white. For expats, the background color is blue.
QID validity
It depends on the residency permit issued by MOI and the duration of the Visa. It is usually renewed for 1 to 3 years.
Renew QID
QID is only renewed by the sponsor, and expatriates cannot do it independently because Qatar’s residency policy is based on sponsorship provided by a company or an individual.
Whenever the resident visa is renewed or sponsorship is changed, QID will always be reprinted as per regulations because the Visa is dependent on sponsorship.
A job visa is sponsored by the company/employer. Visa renewal applications can be made online through electronic modes such as visiting a website or using a mobile application.
Family visa:
In the case of a family visa, the renewal process is only done through a sponsor. The sponsor may be the husband, father, etc. MOI service centers can do this both online and physically.
When you complete the process online through the Metrash app, QID will be delivered to your registered address by Q post.
Traveling With a Qatar ID Card
A valid QID IS necessary for traveling. You are required to present your QID At immigration, and this must not expire. If, for some reason, your QID expires, you will not be allowed to make an entry with that expired QID.
How Do I Check My ID Status Online in Qatar?
You can check the status of your QID online on the MOI website. You may be required to produce some documents, and you may view the checklist on the official website.
How To Know Qatar ID Number
You can find the QID number after it is issued and received. The number is printed on the front side of the QID.
What should I do if my Qatar ID is lost?
You can request a replacement by applying through Metrash. From the main menu, pick residency service, then “Replace Lost or Damaged ID Card”. Provide all relevant information, such as ID number, etc. Pay the charge, which is around 200 QR plus 20 QR for delivery.
Qatar ID Number Meaning And Format
Your Qatar ID number is more than just a string of digits—it’s a structured identifier that reveals key details about you. The number is divided into four distinct parts:
- Century of Birth: The century in which you were born is indicated by the first digit. A “2” denotes a birth year of 1900–1999; a “3″ denotes a birth year of 2000 or after.
- Year of Birth: The next two digits represent the exact year you were born. For instance, “83” would indicate a birth year of 1983.
- Nationality: The following three digits denote your nationality using an ISO country code. For example, “586” represents Pakistan.
- Unique Sequence Number: The final five digits are a unique sequence number that is generated based on your year of birth and nationality. This number ensures that each Qatar ID is exceptional, even for individuals from the same country and year.
This systematic approach makes your Qatar ID a personalized and secure identifier, crucial for accessing a wide range of services in the country. You can further read about QID numbers by visiting this article.
Example of a Qatar ID Number:
ID Number: 28358607565
586: Country code for Pakistan.
07565: Serial number assigned to the individual.
83: Last two digits, possibly indicating the year of issue (e.g., 1983)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Qatar ID (QID) is not just a piece of plastic; it’s your gateway to living and thriving in Qatar. Whether you’re a citizen or an expat, this small card holds immense value, granting access to essential services like banking, healthcare, and government portals. With its unique structure and format, the QID also reflects vital personal details, offering security and convenience for residents. So, whether you’re navigating daily life or traveling abroad, remember your QID is your key to everything in Qatar. Keep it safe, keep it updated, and always carry it with pride!
