How to Get a Qatar Return Permit in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a Qatari resident who has lived outside the country for 6 months or more and wants to go back, obtaining a return permit is a must, according to Immigration Law in Qatar. A return permit is a required document from Qatari authorities to ensure hassle-free re-entry into the country. This step-by-step guide will explain the process of obtaining it, including application requirements and essential details.

A Qatar return permit, also known as a re-entry permit or an Exceptional Entry Permit (EEP), is a document provided by Qatari authorities allowing individuals with a valid Qatari residency to return to Qatar after being abroad for over 6 months. The document can also be issued to residents who have lost or misplaced their passports or residency cards while abroad. Applying and obtaining a Qatar return permit can vary depending on your specific situation.

Understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial when applying for a re-entry permit in Qatar. Those allowed to apply for a return permit are:

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

2. Employers with a valid Qatar ID applying for their sponsored employees.

3. Qatar residents applying for their family members.

It’s also important to note the basic requirements for applying, which include:

1. Residency Status: You must be a legal resident of Qatar with a valid Qatar ID and residence permit.

2. Application Timing: You should apply for the re-entry permit at least two weeks prior to your planned travel date. This will ensure you have enough time to receive approval.

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

After ensuring your eligibility, applying for a return visa in Qatar is a fairly straightforward process. Nonetheless, it’s important to follow these steps below correctly in order to avoid any issues.

1. Gather the Required Documents

In order to begin your application for a Qatar return permit, you’ll need to prepare some important documents, including:

• Valid Passport:  A current passport with a minimum of six months of validity. In the case of a lost passport, a copy of a Lost Passport Certificate is required

• Qatar ID: Your valid Qatar ID, proving your residency status

Note: 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 are required. These include:

• Application form filled by the sponsor

• A passport copy of the sponsor and the sponsored person

• A copy of the sponsor’s QID or Establishment ID

2. Visit the Metrash App or MOI Website to 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’s official website.

If you are applying through the Metrash App, simply:

• Download the app: Which is available for both IOS and Android

• Log In: Open the app and follow the instructions to log in using your Qatar ID

• Navigate to Visa Services: Go to the «Visa Services» section in the app and select «Return Permit Qatar»

• Complete the Form: Fill in the required details following the on-screen instructions and upload your documents

• Submit: Review your information and submit the application for processing

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

• Visit the website

• Log In: Use your QID or e-Gate credentials to log in

• Find «Return Permit»: Navigate to «Services» -> «Residency» -> «Return Permit»

• Fill the Application: Fill in the required details and upload your documents

• Submit: Review, confirm, and submit the application

3. Pay the Required 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.

4. Wait for Approval

After completing all the above steps, you will need to wait around 1 to 2 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. Usually, you will 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.

5. Receive Your Qatar Return 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.