Are you considering an extended stay in Qatar for your family? Getting a family visa in Qatar can seem daunting at first. This comprehensive guide will ensure your loved ones have a smooth transition by walking them through every step of the process.
What is a Qatar Residence Family Visa?
A Qatar Residence Family Visa enables foreign workers to sponsor their immediate families for long-term stays in Qatar, such as their wives and children. To reside in Qatar, each family member, including infants, needs a Residence Visa.
Expatriate residents must meet specific eligibility criteria, such as their professional career, salary, and housing, in order to sponsor their family members. A number of documents must also be submitted, including attested marriage certificates and birth certificates for children.
Qatar Family Residence Visa eligibility requirements, required documents, visa fees, and step-by-step procedures are outlined in this article.
Qatar Family Visa Requirments
Here are the major requirements for an expatriate to sponsor his family:
1) Residence Permit
A valid residence permit is the first requirement for the applicant (sponsor). The Qatar ID / Residence Card should be ready before you apply for a family residence visa.
2) Profession Requirement
A Qatar ID sponsor’s profession should be technical or specialized (non-labor). Drivers, delivery boys, cleaners, etc., who work in the labor category may not be eligible to sponsor their families.
3) Minimum Salary For Family Visa in Qatar
Qatar’s minimum salary requirement for a Family Residence Visa is QR 10,000 for private sector employees.
A salary of at least QR 6,000 plus family housing provided by the employer are also eligible, according to the December 2023 announcement. The policy appears to have changed as applicants with salaries below QR 10,000 now face rejection (even with family accommodations). This has not been officially announced.
A minimum salary of QR 15,000 was required for approval until July 2023. Starting in August 2023, this requirement appears to have been relaxed.
This salary requirement ensures that the sponsor can support their family’s expenses, including groceries and accommodations.
Qatar Family Visa Process
If your employer can assist you in applying for a Family Residence Visa, check with them first. The process of securing Family Residence Visas is not mandated by employers, but some handle this process through their human resources departments
The Qatar Family Residence Visa process can be summarized as follows:
- Step 1: Apply for a Family RP Entry Visa
- Step 2: Family members enter Qatar
- Step 3: Undergo Medical Test
- Step 4: Undergo the Fingerprints Process
- Step 5: Apply for a Qatar ID
Here are the steps in detail:
Step 1: Apply for a Family RP Entry Visa
To enter Qatar, your family must first submit all the necessary documents to obtain a family residence visa. Please note, however, that other formalities, such as medical testing and fingerprinting, must be completed upon arrival.
You can change the Family Residence Visa type without leaving the country by paying QR 500 once the Family Residence Visa has been approved.
Documents Required for Qatar Family Visa Application
You will need the following documents to apply for a Family Residence Visa through Metrash:
- Passports for spouses and children (front and back pages).
- Marriage Certificate for spouse (Attested).
- Birth certificates for children (attested).
- NOC (No-Objection Certificate): Your employer should provide you with a letter in Arabic that includes your position and salary. The document must be dated within the last three months. In the event that there is no placeholder for this on the application form, you can upload your NOC along with your employment contract. Take a clear photo of both documents side by side.
Declaration of non-marriage for daughters: The applicant must be over 18 years of age and unmarried. The sponsorship of married daughters under their parents is not available.
Additional documents are required if you have adopted children.
In the case of stepchildren, you must submit documents proving the relationship between the sponsor and the child.
Attestation and Translation of Documents
Qatar’ Embassy in your country or your country’s Embassy in Qatar should attest documents that require attestation. It should also be attested by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Doha.
Marriage certificates or birth certificates that are not in English or Arabic will need to be translated. The “Other documents” section of Metrash is where translations should be uploaded.
In Qatar, you can find attestation services and typing centers that can help you with translation and attestation.
Important Information About Documents
- The scans/photos of documents must be clear and readable.
- Metrash accepts only JPG images. The PDF file format is not accepted.
- If your document has multiple pages, combine them into a single JPG file (side by side). This can be accomplished by keeping both pages side-by-side and taking a single photo. It is important to ensure that the text is legible and clear. You can use any software to scan two pages and place them side-by-side before saving them as a JPG. Merging documents online is easy with this tool.
- There should be a maximum size of 500 KB for the merged JPG document. A document with a size over 500 KB cannot be uploaded and needs to be resized.
- If your bank is required to print a bank statement (if needed), inform them that you are applying for a salary credit.
- If you are uploading files from your mobile phone, create a folder titled “Family RP” and keep only the final files in it.
How To Apply for a Family Residence Visa through Metrash
The Qatar Ministry of Interior has simplified the application process by enabling applicants to submit their documents via the Metrash2 app. Please register for Metrash2 if you have not already done so.
A family visa can be activated only if the applicant’s labor contract is uploaded online and linked to Metrash. This will most likely have already been done by the employer.
Please contact your employer if you receive an error message on Metrash.
Here are the steps to apply for a Family Residence Visa on the Metrash2 mobile app:
Step 1: After logging into Metrash, click on the “Visa” icon.
Step 2: Next, click the “Issue Visa” button.
Step 3: On the next screen, click “Family Visit“.
Step 4: On the next screen, select “Family Resident Application.”.
NOTE: In this case, it will be selected as a Family Visa Application (which is for applicants for Family Visit Visas). This selection needs to be changed for Residence Visas as shown below:
Step 5: Select “New Application” (bottom right of the screen).
Step 6: Complete the form with the details of your family member. Click on “Validate”.
Step 7: On the next screen, verify the details. Select “I agree with the validity of the data“. Click “Next”.
You can edit it if there is a mistake by clicking the “Back” button. Before confirming, make sure the data is accurate, as any mistake can prevent the visitor from entering the country.
Step 8: There will be placeholders for uploading documents on the next screen. Upload scanned copies or photos of the documents following the instructions on the screen.
| Metrash | What To Upload |
|---|---|
| Marriage certificate | Front page of the marriage certificate. |
| Marriage certificate (others) | Attested back side of the marriage certificate. |
| Salary certificate (if you see this option) | Company NOC (in Arabic with salary and profession). |
| Other documents (if you see this option) | Upload the same Company NOC once again. |
| Copy of employment contract | Private Sector: Upload the Ministry of Labour Contract (instructions to download the labor contract). Public Sector: Upload your Company Computer Card. QFC or Free Zone Company: Upload your Company Computer Card. |
| Passport copy | Visitor’s passport front page. |
| Passport copy (other) | Visitor’s passport back page. |
| Birth certificate (for children only) | Attested birth certificate of the child (no attestation needed if child was born in Qatar). |
Step 9: After uploading all documents, click “Next ”.
Step 10: Ensure you confirm your submission by clicking “Yes ”.
Step 11: You will receive your application number after completing this step. To check the status, click on the arrow sign on the right. Once submitted, it will be marked as “Under Process”. The status will later change to “Under Review”.
You can pay the visa fees (QR 200) online via Metrash or at the Immigration Office if the visa has been approved. The visa can be downloaded from this link.
Missing Documents Error
You may receive an error message stating “missing documents” if any of the documents are not submitted or are not clear. If this is the case, upload the missing document.
NOTE: A “Missing Documents” message received in the third stage will be resolved if the required documents have been submitted. The application status will then change to “Under Review.”
The female officers at Duhail Immigration can assist you if you are in the third stage and need assistance. Your application can be updated and moved back to the final stages.
“Null” Status on Family Visa Application Receipt
We have received complaints from readers who have received receipts with “null” values in most fields after applying. The process is the same for all applicants. This document is only an acknowledgment that your application has been received. There will be a record of your application in the system.
How To Check Qatar Family Visa Status
Your Qatar Family Residence Visa application can be checked on the Metrash mobile app.
Then select “Visa Follow Up” from the home screen. You will now see all your visa applications. If you wish to check the status of your application, you can click the arrow icon on the right.
Family Visa Application Status (Under Process & Under Review)
A family visa applicant’s application status can be confusing when it changes. Every application goes through an “Under Process”, an “Under Review”, and then an “Under Process” status before it is approved.
Typical visa application status and what each stage means can be seen below:
| Stage | Metrash Status | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Stage | Under Process | The application is submitted and is being processed. |
| 2nd Stage | Under Review | The file is under review by a junior officer. This may take several days or weeks. If the sponsor fails to meet eligibility conditions, the application may be rejected. Missing documents will result in a notification to the sponsor. Once eligibility and documents are verified, the file proceeds to the next stage. |
| 3rd Stage | Under Process | The file is with a senior officer (usually the Captain) for final approval. Rejection at this stage is rare. |
| 4th Stage | Under Process (Visa Number Issued) | The file is approved by Duhail Immigration and is under CID clearance, which typically takes about a week. Visiting Duhail at this point will not expedite the process. CID clearance is not required for children under 15, and the status will change to “Ready To Print.” However, the visa can only be printed after the mother’s application is approved. |
| 5th Stage | Visa Approval / Ready To Print | After CID clearance, the sponsor will receive an approval SMS. At this point, the visa is fully approved, and you can pay QR 200 to print the visa. |
NOTES:
- The term “Under Review to Under Process” means that the application has almost been approved.
- Under Review to Under Process can only be done by the Captain (senior officer) at Duhail Immigration. It is possible for the Captain to move your application directly to Stage 4 even if it is in Stage 1.
- After the third stage, direct approval will be granted to children below 15 years of age (since they do not require CID clearance). After the mother’s application is approved, the visa can be printed.
- You do not need to do anything if your application status changes from Under Process to Under Review. After a change in status, most applications are approved within a few days.
- There may be a difference in the status we see on our Metrash and the status on their system.
Time Required For Family RP Approval
There is no exact timeline for the process. Some people may have their changes processed in a matter of days or weeks, whereas others may have to wait several months.
If it’s in the 4th stage (Under Process with a visa number), then CID clearance is usually completed within a week for full approval if it’s in the 4th stage.
If your Metrash does not show any movement after several weeks, you can consider visiting the Duhail Immigration office. If you are applying within 1-2 weeks, we suggest you do not visit Immigration.
Mistake In Family RP Visa
When you receive your approved entry visa, make sure the name, passport number, and other information are accurate. A wife profession will be listed as “Housewife”, and a child’s profession will be listed as “Student/Child”.
Please visit any MOI office and meet with a Captain, providing a copy of your passport and the printed RP visa. CID clearance will be required again for those older than 15 years of age. Corrections for individuals below 15 years of age will be made on the spot.
“Missing Documents” Error For Family RP
Follow these steps if you receive a “Missing Documents” message:
- Open the Metrash mobile application.
- Select the “Issue Visa” option.
- Choose “Family Visit.”
- Tick the box for “Family Resident Application.”
- Click on “RP Application.”
- Tap “Upload Documents.”
- A box will appear indicating the required document. Make sure to upload only that specific document.
- If the prompt shows “Other Document,” it usually refers to the Company NOC in Arabic.
- If you keep receiving the “Missing Documents” notification regarding “Other Documents,” it’s important to double-check the Company NOC’s details with a typing center. Ensure all the information is correct and update it as necessary.
- Many users encounter an “X” error when submitting missing documents.
- To resolve this, try compressing the images to a size below 100KB. You can use online image compression tools or attempt to use a different phone, such as an iPhone.
- Another solution is to take direct photos using the Metrash app’s camera feature, instead of uploading pre-saved files.
Note: After successfully submitting the documents, the Metrash status will change to “Under Process”.
Family Visa Rejected Qatar
Even if you meet the requirements, your visa application may be rejected. You can request a meeting with the visa approval committee at the Immigration Office in such cases.
Take a copy of the visa application receipt since the original will be kept by them. You will receive a copy mentioning the date of the meeting.
You will be given an appointment date with the visa approval committee if there are no serious problems with your submitted documents.
You will be asked simple questions about your credentials and profession during the meeting. All documents you submitted, including your education certificates, should be in original form in case they ask for them. Within two days, you will receive approval if everything is fine.
Step 2: Family Members enter Qatar
Family members can travel to Qatar once the Family Entry Visa has been approved.
Documents Required For Travel
The following requirements must be met when traveling to Qatar under Family RP (for the first time):
- Passport
- One-way flight ticket
- Copy of RP visa (Entry visa)
A return flight ticket is not needed for those entering on a Family RP visa. Health insurance is also not required for individuals arriving on a Family RP visa.
Family Residence Visa Validity
In most cases, visa holders can enter within 180 days of visa approval (some recent cases had 90-day validity, while others had one-year validity). The visa will specify the last date of entry. Validity begins on the date the visa number is issued (not on the date the visa is printed).
How To Renew Visa If Not Able To Travel
In the event that you cannot travel within this period, you can extend your entry visa for QR 200, which will extend the validity by 180 days.
To renew the entry visa before entering Qatar:
- Open the Metrash mobile app.
- Navigate to the “Visa Services” section.
- Choose the option to “Renew Visa.”
- Select “Personal.”
- Choose the visa you wish to renew and complete the payment of QR 200.
- The visa will then be extended for an additional 180 days.
Note: The entry visa must be renewed before it expires.
Period To Complete RP Process After Entry
The QID should be printed within 30 days of entering Qatar on a Family RP visa. Medical examinations and fingerprinting should also be completed within 30 days from entry.
It is important to note that the same duration applies to anyone who converts from a Family Visit Visa to a Family RP Visa by paying QR 500 (everyone requires conversion regardless of age).
Therefore, the medical fee payment and fingerprinting must be completed within 30 days of the conversion date, and the QID must be printed.
Step 3: Undergo the Medical Test
A medical examination must be completed by the visa holder before he or she may apply for a Residence Permit (RP). The purpose of this test is to protect the health of the population by preventing infectious diseases from spreading to newcomers.
Medical exams related to visas are conducted in Qatar by the Medical Commission. You can find the Medical Commission Department on Al Muntazah Street, off the E-Ring Road (Google map). Sunday through Thursday, the Medical Commission is open from 7:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Your medical examination may include a blood test for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, as well as a physician’s examination and chest X-ray for tuberculosis screening.
Documents Required
For the medical test, the following documents are required:
- Original passport of the family member
- Copy of the passport
- Copy of the residence visa with the sponsor’s mobile number mentioned
- Copy of the sponsor’s Qatar ID
- Debit or credit card for payment
The medical test fee is QR 100 per person.
The officer must be informed if you wish to convert a visit visa into a residence visa. They may not do the medical test again if you have already done it for a visit visa extension.
At the Ministry of Interior, the residency system receives the results of the medical examination electronically. Two or three days after the medical test, you will receive the results via your Metrash mobile app or SMS. The results are also available online at the MoPH website.
The average time required to update medical results is 3 days.
The MOPH helpline 16000 or the Medical Commission office can be contacted if you do not receive an SMS within three days.
Medical Tests For Children
Normally, children under 15 years old do not have to undergo a medical examination. You can check the sponsor’s Metrash app when the child arrives in Qatar to see if the “Issue Residence Permit” option is available.
If the option is not available, you will have to pay QR 100 at the Medical Commission (show your original passport and visa copy). The system will be updated with the new status.
Step 4: Undergo the Fingerprints Process
The Ministry of Interior requires adults to register their fingerprints digitally after completing a medical test. For children under 15 years of age, fingerprinting is not required.
This service is mainly offered at the CEID office on Salwa Road. Some MOI Service Centres also offer this option (except Gharaffa and Souq Waqif). Females are advised to go to the CEID office at Salwa by MOI Service Centers like Mesaimeer.
Documents Required
Fingerprinting requires the following documents:
Fingerprint Application Form: You can have this completed at a typing center if needed. (Note: Some MOI Service Centers may not require this.)
- Original passport of the family member
- Copy of the passport
- Copy of the residence visa
- Sponsor’s Qatar ID copy
- Medical receipt
The Metrash app or SMS will notify you once the fingerprint process is complete.
For fingerprint results to be updated in the system, it usually takes three days. If you don’t receive any SMS within 3 days, you may have to check again.
The application form for Qatar ID (needed in the next step) can also be typed simultaneously.
Step 5: Apply for a Qatar ID Card
Finally, a Qatar ID (Residence Permit Card) must be obtained. This can be done at the MOI Service Center or online through Metrash.
Option 1: Applying for Qatar ID at MOI Service Centre
You can apply for Qatar ID directly at any Ministry of Interior (MOI) Service Center.
Documents Required
MOI Service Center requires the following documents to process Qatar ID applications:
- Application form completed (download link). This can be filled out at a typing center.
Passport of a family member - Sponsor’s Qatar ID
- A passport-size photo of a family member (35 x 45 mm with a blue background)
Nowadays, blood group certificates are not required.
Family members will be asked to sign the form near the photo by MOI officials. Instead of their signature, you can write their name.
A completed application form may be required by some MOI Service Centers, whereas others will give applicants a paper to sign.
Qatar ID Fee
For the first year, the Residence Permit costs QR 500.
Qatar IDs will be printed within five minutes of payment of the fee.
Option 2: Applying for Qatar ID through Metrash
Please choose this option only if you do not wish to visit the MOI Service Centre. Follow these steps once you receive a message that your fingerprint is OK:
- Launch the Metrash2 app.
- Navigate to the “Residency” section.
- Choose the “Issue Residence Permit” option.
- Fill in the necessary information.
- Upload a passport-sized photo with a blue background.
- Capture and upload a family member’s signature. For minors, write their name on paper and upload it as their signature.
- Make a payment of QR 500, plus an additional QR 20 for QPost delivery.
Your QID delivery can be tracked on MOI’s website. A sponsor’s QID number can be used for tracking.
Qatar Family Visa Price
An overview of all family residence visa costs is provided below:
| Service | Fee (per dependent) |
|---|---|
| Qatar Family Visa | QR 200 |
| Qatar Medical Commission Test | QR 100 |
| Qatar Residence Permit (1 year) | QR 500 |
The fees for document attestation and typing centers (if needed) will be extra. You will be charged QR 500 per person if you transfer a visit visa to a residence visa without leaving the country.
Qatar Family Visa Family Residence Visa Processing Time
The normal visa processing time is 2 weeks, while the fast-track service takes about five to six days.
Qatar Family Visa Family Residence Visa for Parents
Qatar Family Residence Visa allows foreign workers to sponsor their immediate family members for long-term residence. Parents, spouses, and children can be included in this category.
FAQs About Qatar Family Visa
Q1) What is the minimum salary for a family visa in Qatar?
Ans:- The minimum salary required for sponsoring your family in Qatar in 2024 is QR 10,000. A QR 6000 salary plus family accommodation provided by the employer is also eligible, according to the MOI
Q2) What to do if my family visa application is rejected?
Ans:- The visa approval committee can be contacted if your family visa application is rejected by the Duhail Immigration Office.
Q3) How can I renew the Residence Permit for my family?
Ans:- With the Metrash2 application, you can renew the Residence Permit (QID) for family members. Payment can be made online, and delivery will be by QPost.
Conclusion
Qatar Family Visa (Residence) involves meeting specific eligibility criteria, such as having the necessary profession, salary, and housing. Through this process and submitting required documents through Metrash, expatriates can successfully sponsor their family members for long-term stays in Qatar.