How to Get a Family Residence Visa in Qatar: Step-by-Step Guide

With its knowledge-based economy, ultra-low tax regime, and dynamic business culture, Qatar is a top destination for talent migration. If you are fortunate enough to secure a job in the country, you can bring your family with you! While a family visit visa is sufficient for a short-term stay, your relatives will need a Qatar family residence visa to stay with you permanently.

A family residence visa in Qatar allows you to sponsor your spouse, children, and parents for a long-term stay. However, each family member, including infants, must obtain an individual visa. This guide will help you and your family to get through this process as swiftly as possible.

To obtain a family residence visa, one must meet certain eligibility criteria. The process is easier if your family is already on a Qatar visit visa. Anyways, here are the requirements:

1. Residency Status: The sponsor must have a valid Qatar ID.

2. Profession: Your job title should be eligible for sponsoring dependents. This usually means having a technical or specialized, non-labor profession. 

3. Salary Requirement: The minimum salary requirement for a family residence visa in Qatar is at least QAR 6,000 per month for a public-sector position (with accommodation provided by the company) and QAR 10,000 per month for a private-sector job.

To apply for a family residence permit, the following documents are required and attested by the relevant authorities: 

1. Completed Application Form: You can begin by filling out the application form, available through the METRASH app or at the Ministry of Interior (MOI) service centers.

2. Documents required for family members:

• Passport copies front and back for a spouse and children

• Attested Marriage Certificate for a spouse

• Attested Birth Certificates for children

Marriage and birth certificates must be attested by the Qatar Embassy in your home country or your country’s embassy in Qatar, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Non-Arabic or English birth and Marriage Certificates must be translated into Arabic and uploaded under other documents in METRASH.

3. Bank Statement for Financial Proof: 

Submit a bank statement stamped for the last six months to verify financial stability.

4. Employment Contract and No Objection Certificate (NOC):

Provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer confirming your position and salary and a valid Employment Contract showing your job details and salary. According to the latest update, education certificates are no longer needed.

5. Tenancy Contract for Accommodation Proof: 

Submit a tenancy contract, attested by the Municipality, to confirm suitable family accommodation. In some cases, your employer can provide it.

6. Eligibility and Documentation for Adult Children:

Unmarried daughters over 18 may need an Affidavit of Dependency or Declaration of Financial Support to confirm financial dependence for sponsorship. Adult children, i.e., married daughters and sons 25 and above, are not eligible for parental sponsorship and must obtain a work permit.

Additional documentation is required to verify the relationship with adopted or stepchildren.

We recommend you apply for a Qatar family residence visa online via the METRASH app to avoid the queues at the Immigration Office and service centers. Please note that the applicant’s labor contract should be uploaded to the app to activate the family visa option. In most cases, the employer does this.

1. Download & Login the METRASH app.
2. Select Visa Option: Click on the «Visa» tab > Tap «Issue Visa.»
3. Choose Visa Type: Select «Family Visit.»
4. Apply for Residency: Click «Family Resident Application» >  «New Application.»
5. Fill out the Form: Enter family member details > Click «Validate.»
6. Verify Details: Check the information, agree to the terms, and click «Next.»
7. Upload Documents (JPEG only, max 500 KB).
8. Confirm Submission: Click «YES» to submit.
9. Application Number: A unique application number will be generated so you can check the status of your application. 

You can pay the Visa Fee of QAR 200 via METRASH or at the immigration office.

After submission, monitor the status of your application via the METRASH app. The status will update from «Under Process» to «Under Review.» If approved, you’ll receive a notification.

Qatar family residence visa processing time typically takes around 2 to 4 weeks.

Once the family entry visa is approved, family members can travel to Qatar. The visa holder must enter within 90 to 180 days, which can be extended for another 180 days for 200 QAR. The visa’s validity starts from the issue date.

Required documents while traveling:

• Passport;

• One-way ticket;

• RP visa (entry visa) copy.

After moving to Qatar, expatriates must complete the residence permit process within one month: 

1. Medical Examination. The medical examination, conducted by the Medical Commission from (7 AM — 7 PM), screens for infections through blood tests (HIV, hepatitis) and a tuberculosis X-ray. Required documents: passport (original and copy), residence visa copy, sponsor’s Qatar ID copy, funds to pay a 100 QAR fee. Medical test results are sent via SMS and Metrash within 3 days. Children under 15 are usually exempt from medical tests.

2. Fingerprinting: After the medical test, adults must complete digital fingerprinting with the Ministry of Interior. The main center is SEID on Salwa Road, open from 7 AM to 1 PM. Once the fingerprint process is complete, you will receive an update on the Metrash app within 3 days.

3. Obtain Qatar ID Cards: After completing the above steps, apply for your family members' Qatar ID cards through METRASH or at the MOI service center. 

Documents required for Qatar ID:

• Completed application form
• Family member’s original passport
• Sponsor’s Qatar ID
• Passport-size photo (35x45mm, blue background)
• Signature or name (for children) on the form
• Fee: QR 500 for one year. 

The QID is printed within 5 minutes after payment.

The final step is registering your family’s national address through the METRASH app or at an MOI service center.

For children: Use the sponsor’s METRASH app.

Spouse: Needs a SIM card with their QID for METRASH registration.

By completing these steps and meeting all requirements, you can obtain a Family Residence Visa in Qatar, allowing your family to live with you and enjoy Qatar’s top-tier amenities, including world-class healthcare, quality education (public or private), and job opportunities.