To ensure a stable and encouraging environment, the Qatar Family Residence Visa permits foreign workers to bring their families to live with them while they are employed in Qatar. Long-term stays made possible by this visa provide access to essentials including healthcare, education, and legal residency. Qatar encourages family togetherness and offers expatriates a comfortable living environment by simplifying the sponsorship procedure. A smooth approval process can be ensured by being familiar with the eligibility requirements, necessary paperwork, and application procedures.
What is Qatar family residence visa?
Foreigners who work in Qatar are able to sponsor their spouse, kids, and, in some cases, their parents to live with them in the country by obtaining a Qatar Family Residence Visa. This visa can be renewed based on the sponsor’s resident status and is normally issued for longer stays. It demonstrates Qatar’s dedication to helping foreign employees and providing a secure home for their families.
Latest update of Qatar family residence visa 2025
For the past few months, Qatar has maintained temporary limitations on family residence and family visit visas for specific nationalities. Many visa applications are still waiting, which causes delays even though some are being processed.
During busy periods, access to the Duhail Immigration Office is often restricted to manage crowds. To avoid potential issues, it is strongly advised to submit your visa application via the Metrash2 app.
It is anticipated that these limitations would be short-lived, and regular visa procedures will soon resume.
Benefits of Qatar Family residence visa:
Expats can bring their immediate family members to live and work in Qatar with the help of the Qatar Family Residence Visa, which has many advantages
1-Family Reunification.
- Allows family members to live in Qatar, strengthening relationships and providing support.
2-Long-Term Stay.
- Family members are usually allowed to remain in Qatar for a long time as long as the sponsor’s residency visa is still in effect.
3-Access to Education.
- With a family residence visa, children can attend Qatari schools or universities and take advantage of the top-notch educational system there.
4-Healthcare Benefits.
- Family members have access to both public and private hospitals in Qatar, which offer top-notch healthcare services.
5-Legal Residency.
- Family members in Qatar are granted numerous rights and advantages because they are officially recognized residents..
6-Ease of Travel.
- Family members can enter and leave Qatar without requiring additional visas if they have a resident visa.
7-Work Authorization for Spouses.
- If they are granted a work permit, spouses may be allowed to work in Qatar.
8-Stability and Security.
- For children and dependents, living together as a family offers emotional stability and a safe atmosphere.
9-Cultural and Recreational Opportunities.
- Families may enjoy Qatar’s modern attractions, rich cultural legacy, and suitable for children recreational activities.
Eligibility criteria of Qatar family residence visa:
1-Sponsorship Eligibility.
- The sponsor needs to have a valid residency visa and be a resident of Qatar.
- The sponsor must be employed by a reputable company in Qatar.
2-Valid Qatar ID and Residency Permit.
As evidence of their legal residency and work in Qatar, the sponsor must possess a valid Qatar ID.
3-Minimum Salary Requirement.
The following is the minimum wage needed to sponsor a family residence visa in Qatar as of 2025.
- Government Sector Employees: A minimum monthly salary of QR 10,000 is required.
- Private Sector Employees:
- If the employer provides accommodation: A minimum monthly salary of QR 6,000 to 7,000.
- If the employer does not provide accommodation: A minimum monthly salary of QR 10,000.
These requirements ensure that sponsors have the financial capacity to support their families in Qatar. Depending on governmental regulations, the amount might change.
4-Employment Status.
- Some low-skilled positions may not be eligible for family sponsorship, thus the sponsor must be employed in a profession that allows it.
- The sponsor must possess a current employment agreement in Qatar or a permanent job contract.
5-Accommodation.
- Proof of suitable housing for the family, such as a rental agreement or housing given by the company, must be presented by the sponsor.
6-Relationship Proof.
- Proper documentation proving the link with family members must be provided by the sponsor:
- Marriage certificate for a spouse.
- Birth certificates for children.
- Every document needs to be attested by the appropriate authorities in both Qatar and the home nation.
Who can be sponsor in family residence visa?
- Spouse: Without required additional permissions, You can sponsored only one spouse.
- Children:
- Male children under the age of 25 (must be unmarried).
- Female children (must be unmarried, no specific age limit).
- Parents: Parental sponsorship is allowed in certain circumstances and needs permission.
Documents required for Qatar family residence visa:
Here is the list of required documents for family visa Qatar.
1-Documents from the Sponsor.
- Qatar ID (QID): A valid QID is must required.
- Passport Copy: your valid passport with a decent validity period.
- Salary Certificate or Job Contract: Must provide proof of your job and salary that confirm your finically status.
- Contract of Rental: Must provide Proof of residence such as rental agreement or company-provided accommodation.
- No Objection Letter (NOC): If necessary, a NOC letter from your employer authorizing you to sponsor your family.
2-Documents for Family Members.
- Passport Copies: A valid passport with good validity period for spouse and children.
- Passport-Sized Photos: Fresh passport size photo with white background.
- Marriage Certificate: In case of your spouse your marriage certificate must be attested.
- Birth Certificates: For your children birth certificate is also must be attested.
3-Attestation Requirements.
- Your marriage and birth certificate is
- Attested by the right authorities in your country of residence.
- stamped by your country’s Qatari embassy.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Qatar also attested to this.
4-Medical Test Results.
- In Qatar, family members are required to undergo medical testing, including tests for HIV, TB, and other illnesses..
5-Supporting documents.
- Education Certificates: The sponsor may be required to provide confirmed educational certifications for specific professions.
- Bank Statements (if needed): To show financial stability (sometimes asked for).
Essential Steps to Prepare & Upload Documents for Qatar Family Residence Visa
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| File Format | Upload documents in JPG format with a maximum size of 500 KB. Larger files won’t be accepted. |
| Image Clarity | Scans or photos must be clear, readable, and easy to understand to avoid rejection. |
| Multi-Page Documents | If a document has two pages, merge them into one JPG file (side-by-side) with both pages clearly visible. |
| File Size Limit | Ensure the JPG file is under 500 KB, or it won’t upload successfully. |
| Bank Statement | Request a one-page bank statement from your bank showing salary credits for the RP application. |
Application process of Qatar family residence visa:
Here is the simple following step by step guide for smooth processing of family visa Qatar.
1-Log into Metrash2:
- Download the Metrash2 app in your mobile.
- Use your QID and PIN to login this app.
2-Select Visa Options:
- Tap on the “Visa” icon.
- Select “Issue Visa” and then choose “Family Visit.”
3-Choose Family Residence Visa Application:
- Select the Family visit.
- Choose the “Family Residence Visa Application” ,
- start a “New Application.”
4-Fill in Visitor Details:
- Enter all necessary details about the visitor, including
- Relationship with the applicant.
- Nationality.
- and passport information.
5-Upload Documents:
- Upload clear and readable copies of the required documents, such as:
- Marriage certificate.
- Birth certificate (if required)
- Passport copy of the visitor.
6-Validate and Submit:
- Review and validate all the entered information.
- Submit the application for review.
7-Pay Visa Fee:
- Once the application is approved, pay the visa fee online through the Metrash2 app.
Offline process of applying Qatar family residence visa:
If you are easy to apply your Qatar family residence visa application offline here is the simple steps. make sure you have to complete all your required documents for smooth processing of your family visa Qatar.
1. Visit an MOI Service Center.
- Select the MOI service center that is closest to you in Qatar. Usually, service centers are found in places like Al Gharrafa or Madinat Khalifa.
2. Collect and Fill Out the Application Form
- At the service center, request for the Family Residence Visa Application Form.
- Fill out the form with the sponsor’s and family members’ correct information.
3. Submit Required Documents.
- Once the application form is filled out, attach any necessary documents that are discussed above.
- Give these to the officer at the desk where family visa applications are processed.
4. Pay the Application Fee
- At the counter, pay the necessary visa fee.
- Save the receipt as proof of your payments.
5. Receive Application Acknowledgment
- You will receive a reference number or confirmation upon submission, which you can use to track the progress of your application.
What is the cost of Qatar family residence visa?
Here is the breakdown of cost of family visa Qatar.
- Family Entry Visa Application: QR 200 per dependent.
- Medical Examination: QR 100 per person.
- Residence Permit (RP) Issuance: QR 500 per year for each dependent.
What is the processing time of family visa Qatar?
A Qatar Family Residence Visa normally takes 3 to 6 weeks to process, but i can vary on type of your application and nationality and depend of your documentation. Here is the simple breakdown of this.
- Initial Approval (1-3 Weeks): It takes 1 to 3 weeks to assess your eligibility and supporting documentation after you submit your application.
- Medical Examination & Fingerprinting (1 Week): Typically, family members completed the necessary fingerprinting and medical exams in a week.
- Qatar ID (QID) Issuance (1-2 Weeks): Your Qatar ID is processed and provided within 7 to 14 days after you pass the fingerprinting and medical exams.
Qatar Family Residence Visa Application Status Explained:
Since applications go through several steps before being approved, it might be difficult to keep track of your Qatar Family Residence Visa status in Metrash2. Below is a simplified explanation of each step and what it means for you.
🔹 Understanding the Status Updates:
| Stage | Status | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ Initial Submission | Under Process | Your application for a visa has been successfully submitted and is currently being reviewed. |
| 2️⃣ Review in Progress | Under Review | Your file has been opened for evaluation by the immigration department, but this does not yet imply approval. |
| 3️⃣ Captain’s Check | Under Process | The Captain has reviewed the application for authenticity. |
| 4️⃣ CID Clearance Phase | Under Process (Visa Number Issued) | Gharaffa Immigration has authorized your visa and forwarded it for CID clearance. 🔹 If the applicant is less than 15 years old and does not require CID clearance 🔹 Children’s visas cannot be issued until the mother’s visa has been approved. |
| 5️⃣ Final Approval | Visa Approval – Ready to Print | ✅ Congratulations! An SMS confirming acceptance will be sent to you. Print your visa after paying QR 200. |
How i can check my Qatar visa status:
Metrash2 App
- Install the Metrash2 app and sign in.
- Proceed to the Visa section.
- To find out the status of your visa, select Visa Status.
2. Ministry of Interior (MOI) Website
- Go to the website of MOI Qatar.
- Put in your Visa or QID number.
- To check the status of your Qatar visa, click Submit.
3. Qatar Visa Center (QVC)
- Find the closest Visa Center for Qatar.
- Bring your passport and all necessary paperwork.
- Request the center about your visa status or you can give them a call for updates.
How to obtain residence permit in Qatar?
Here is the simple breakdown of obtaining residence permit.
Step-1 Arrive in Qatar:
After issue of Qatar family residence Visa you must be used this visa within the time frame specified on the document, which can be anything from 90 days to a year (usually 180 days from the date of issuance). If you are not enter Qatar in your validity time period you can pay extra QAR 200 for extension of further 180 days.
Step-2 Undergo Medical Test for Residence Permit:
After arriving, the very first thing you can do is go to the Medical Commission in Mesaimeer (main medical center for visa related medical examination).This test confirm the health of applicant to provide a safe and healthy environment for all.
Medical Test Process.
- Location: Medical Commission, Mesaimeer etc.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
- Fee: The fee is QR 100 (Paid at the center)
Required Documents.
- Copy of passport (applicant) of family members.
- passport size fresh pics.
- Copy of QID (sponsor)
- Printout of visa approval
- Debit or credit card for paying of fee.
Tests Conducted.
- Blood Test (for infectious diseases)
- Chest X-ray (for tuberculosis)
Processing Time: Results are normally updated within 1-2 days .
Step-3 Complete Fingerprint Registration:
After done medical test the next step for obtaining your residence permit is to undergoes a fingerprint verification process.
- Location:
- Normally if its your first time in Qatar your fingerprints may held the Criminal Evidence and Investigation Department (CEID) that is located on Salwa Road (7 am – 12 noon, Sunday to Thursday).
- Recently Ministry of Interior (MOI) also start taking fingerprints.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Required Documents.
- Passport (applicant)
- QID copy (sponsor)
- Medical test approval printout
- Appointment confirmation letter.
- your visa copy.
Processing Time: Generally in 2 to 3 days your fingerprint results are updated
Step-4 Apply for Residence Permit (RP) via Metrash2:
After following the completion of the fingerprinting and medical examination the next step is obtaining Residence permit, the sponsor can use Metrash2 to apply for the Residence Permit (RP).
Steps to Apply for RP.
- Open the Metrash2 App
- Select Residency and then Issue Residence Permit
- Choose the family member to sponsor
- Upload the required documents
- Pay the RP Fee: QR 500 per year
Processing Time: Usually 1–5 working days (Once approved, the applicant officially holds a Residence Permit in Qatar).
Key Benefits of RP.
- Qatari legal residency
- Work eligibility (if applicable)
- Healthcare and education accessibility
- Ability to sponsor dependents (for professions that qualify)
Step-5 Collect the Qatar ID (QID).
Once the RP is issued, the final step is to obtain the Qatar ID (QID), which serves as an official identification card for residents.
Benefits of Qatar ID (QID).
It is essential for:
- Opening bank accounts
- Renting a house
- Getting a driving license
- Applying for a SIM card
How to Collect the QID?
Collection Centers: MOI Service Centers (Al Gharafa, Al Wakrah, Mesaimeer, etc.)
Required Documents.
- Copy of Residence Permit Approval
- Completely and carefully filled Application form.
- Payment receipt for RP fee
- Passport copy
- Passport size fresh photographs.
Processing Time: Same day or next day
Once received, the family member officially becomes a Qatar resident. You can check your QID by QATAR ID CHECK.
National Address Registration for New Qatar ID Holders:
1. Registration Methods:
- Metrash Application: Once the QID has been printed, register the National Address using the Metrash2 app.
- MOI Service Centre: You can also register at the Ministry of Interior (MOI) service center.
2. Specific Guidelines for Different Individuals:
- Spouse’s National Address: To register the National Address with the Metrash2 app, the sponsor’s spouse must have a SIM card connected to the QID
- Children’s National Address: Registering is possible via the Sponsor’s Metrash2 app.
Why it is important?
- Legal Requirement for Qatar ID Renewal: To maintain legal residency and renew your Qatar ID, you must register your national address.
- Government Tracking: In order to provide services like emergency response and urban planning, it assists the government in tracking the locations of residents.
- Service Accessibility: Access to government services, such as social services and immigration, is made easier with an updated national address.
- Identification and Verification: It acts as identification and proof of address for formal procedures or proceedings legal issues.
Can a Spouse Work in Qatar on a Family Residence Visa?
Yes, a spouse with a Family Residence Visa is permitted to work in Qatar as long as they have a work permit (NOC) from their sponsor, which might be either their husband or wife.
How Can a Spouse Work?
- Find a Job: The spouse needs to have a work offer from a Qatari employer
- Get Employer Approval: The spouse’s work visa must be applied for by the employer.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): In order for their spouse to work, the sponsoring spouse either the husband or the wife must give a NOC.
- Labor Contract & Work Permit: The Ministry of Labor receives the required paperwork from the employer and approves it.
- Start Working Legally: The spouse can work under their Family Residence Visa without switching to a work visa after it has been approved.
Can children allowed to work in family residence visa?
For a children above 18 allowed to work in Qatar. For this they need a work permit along with more paper work.
Common reason of rejection of your residence visa:
- Low Salary: If your salary is below QAR 10,000 (or QAR 7,000 with company housing).
- Ineligible Job Title: Some low-level occupations are prohibited from sponsoring family members.
- Unattested Documents: Documents like Marriage/birth certificates not attested by the embassy & MOFA.
- Incomplete or Incorrect Documents: missing pages, unclear scans, or mismatched names cause rejection.
- No NOC from Employer: If your companies do not provide No Objection Certificates.
- Company Policy Restrictions: Some companies don’t allow Employer for family sponsorship.
- Previous Visa Violations: Any previous immigration troubles or an overstayed visiting visa
- Pending Fines or Legal Cases: Legal problems or unpaid penalties in Qatar.
- MOI Security Concerns: problems with background checks or records that have been identified.
- Quota Limitations: The company’s visa quota has been reached.
Final checklist for smooth processing of family visa Qatar:
✔ Confirm profession eligibility before applying.
✔ Check minimum salary requirement for the residence visa..
✔ Make sure all documents like marriage certificates or birth certificates are attested from the embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
✔ Submit clear scanned copies of your passport and all other necessary documents to avoid rejection.
✔ Check Metrash2 regularly for updates.
✔ Book medical and fingerprinting appointments immediately after approval for getting residence permit and your final Qatar id.
Conclusion:
Long-term stability, access to high-quality healthcare and education, and family reunification are among the many advantages of the Qatar Family Residence Visa. Expatriates can successfully sponsor their loved ones by fulfilling the eligibility requirements, submitting the required paperwork, and completing the application procedure via Metrash2 or a MOI service center. Families can have a smooth and hassle-free living experience in Qatar by keeping up with regulations and making sure that residency restrictions are followed.
