If you’re a Qatari resident who has lived outside the country for six months or more and wants to go back, you have to obtain a return permit. This step-by-step guide contains all the information for getting a Qatar return permit, including application requirements and necessary documents. 

A Qatar return permit, also known as a re-entry permit, is a document provided by Qatari authorities allowing people with a valid Qatari residency to return to Qatar after being abroad for over six months. The document can also be issued to residents who have lost or misplaced their passports or residency cards while abroad. Applying for and obtaining a Qatar return permit can vary depending on your specific situation.

The following categories are allowed to apply for a return permit:

• Residents, employees, and foreign nationals with a valid Qatar ID applying for themselves

• Employers with a valid Qatar ID applying for their sponsored employees

• Qatar residents applying for their family members

If you are planning to leave Qatar for an extended period, a return permit is required to ensure you won’t lose your residency status upon re-entry.

To obtain it, you must be a legal resident of Qatar with a valid Qatar ID and residence permit to apply. You should submit your request at least two weeks prior to your planned travel date. 

Step 1: Gather the required documents

You'll need:

• Passport with a minimum of six months of validity

• Qatar ID

Certain categories, such as expatriates applying through their families, employees applying through their companies, or housemaids applying through their employers, can only apply for the re-entry permit via their sponsor. In these cases, additional documents such as an application form filled out by the sponsor, the sponsor's passport copy, and the sponsor's ID copy/Establishment ID will be required. 

Step 2: Submit your application

The Ministry of Interior (MOI) in Qatar offers multiple ways to apply for a Qatar return permit. The easiest and most convenient way to apply is through the Metrash app. If this option is not available to you, you can simply apply through the MOI website.

Here are the steps for applying through Metrash:

1. Log in to the app and choose Travel.

2. Tap on Return Permit.

3. Choose Return Permit again from the list of options.

4. Enter your QID.

If you prefer to use the MOI’s Portal, follow these steps:

1. Visit the website

2. Use your QID or e-Gate credentials to log in

3. Navigate to Services, then Residency to find the Return Permit section.

4. Click on Issue Return Permit and fill out the application.

Step 3: Pay the fees

Submitting your Qatar return permit application requires a processing fee, which is paid online through the Metrash app or the MOI Website. The cost can vary depending on your status and the type of permit you are applying for. They are classified as follows:

• Personal sponsorship of a Qatari citizen: QAR 200

• Personal sponsorship of a resident expatriate: QAR 500

• Company or corporate sponsorship: QAR 500

• Lost passport: QAR 200

It's a good idea to check the most current information for fees directly on the MOI, as these charges may change.

Step 4: Wait for approval

You'll need to wait around one to two working days for the Ministry of Interior to process your application. Since these times can vary, you can always check your application status online or through the Metrash app. 

You should receive an update on your status via the app once your permit has been approved. If there are any issues or missing documents, the app will notify you, so you can resolve them before traveling.

Step 5: Get the permit

Once your application has been approved, your re-entry permit will be issued. The permit is a temporary document that is valid for up to 30 days, during which you can return to the country. If you do not return to Qatar during the permit’s validity period, you will need to apply for a replacement.

Make sure to have a printed copy of your permit when exiting and re-entering Qatar, as authorities may ask to see it upon your return.