Qatar Family Visa: A Complete Guide (2025)

Applying for a family visa in Qatar involves several steps and specific requirements. This guide provides an overview of the process, including eligibility criteria, necessary documentation, application procedures, and other essential details.

Types of Family Visas in Qatar

1. Family Residence Visa: Allows expatriates to sponsor their immediate family members (spouse and children) to live in Qatar long-term.

2. Family Visit Visa: Permits family members to visit Qatar for a short duration, typically up to six months.

Eligibility Criteria

• Residency Status: The sponsor must hold a valid Qatar ID and residency permit.

• Profession: Certain professions are eligible to sponsor family members. It’s advisable to check the latest list of eligible professions with the Ministry of Interior (MOI).

• Minimum Salary: The sponsor should meet the minimum salary requirement, which typically ranges from QAR 10,000 to QAR 15,000. If company-provided family housing is available, a salary of QAR 7,000 may suffice.

Required Documents

• For the Sponsor:

  • Copy of Qatar ID (front and back).
  • Employment contract or salary certificate.
  • Six-month bank statement stamped by the bank.
  • Attested tenancy contract.
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer.

• For Family Members:

  • Copies of passports.
  • Attested marriage certificate for spouse.
  • Attested birth certificates for children.
  • Passport-sized photographs.

Application Process

1. Submission:

   • Online via Metrash2 App:

     • Log in to the Metrash2 app.
     • Navigate to “Visa Services” > “Issue Visa” > “Family Resident Application.”
     • Fill in the required details and upload scanned copies of the necessary documents.
     • Apply and note the reference number for tracking.

   • Offline at MOI Service Centers:

     • Complete the visa application form.
     • Attach all required documents.
     • Apply to the designated MOI service center.

2. Processing:

   • Applications are typically processed within 7–10 days.
   • Track the application status using the reference number via the Metrash2 app or MOI website.

3. Post-Approval:

   • Once approved, family members can enter Qatar using the issued entry visa.
   • Within one week of arrival, complete the following:
     • Medical Examination: Conducted at authorized health centers.
     • Fingerprinting: This is done at designated MOI centers.
     • Residence Permit Issuance: Apply for the Residence Permit card for each family member.

Family Visit Visa Specifics

• Validity: Initially valid for one month.
• Extension: Can be extended monthly up to six months. Extensions beyond six months may be possible under specific circumstances.
• Health Insurance: Visitors must have valid health insurance covering their stay in Qatar.

Additional Information

• Overstay Penalties: Overstaying a visa can result in fines. Ensure timely renewals to avoid penalties.
• Application Status: Check the status of your application through the Metrash2 app or MOI website using the application number.
• Latest Updates: Visa regulations can change. Always refer to official MOI communications or trusted sources for the most recent information.

Qatar Family Residence Visa Latest Updates (February 2025)

As of February 2025, Qatar has introduced several important updates to its family residence and visit visa policies, along with a major transition in its digital services platform. Here’s the latest and most comprehensive guide to help you navigate these changes:

Key Updates for Family Residence and Visit Visas (2025):

1. New Metrash App Launch:

• The old Metrash2 app will be discontinued from March 1, 2025.
• All users must download the new Metrash app, available on the Apple Store and Google Play.
• The new app features a modern interface, enhanced security, and faster processing times for visa applications and renewals.

Temporary Visa Restrictions:

• Family residence and visit visas are facing temporary restrictions for certain nationalities due to updated immigration policies.
• Applicants are advised to check the latest eligibility criteria on the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website or the new Metrash app before applying.

Streamlined Application Process:

• The new Metrash app allows for fully digital submissions of family residence and visit visa applications.
• Applicants can now track their visa status in real-time and receive push notifications for updates.

Updated Documentation Requirements:

• Additional documents, such as proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificates) and updated salary certificates, may be required for family residence visa applications.
• All documents must be digitally uploaded in the new app, with support for multiple file formats.

Visa Fee Adjustments:

• • Visa fees have been revised for 2025. Family residence visa fees now include a nominal service charge for using the new Metrash app.

How to Apply for a Family Residence or Visit Visa in 2025:

1. Download the New Metrash App:

   • Search for “Metrash” on the Apple Store or Google Play and install the latest version.

2. Create or Migrate Your Account:

• Existing users can migrate their accounts from the old Metrash2 app to the new platform.
• New users must register using their Qatar ID and mobile number.

Submit Your Application:

• Navigate to the Visa Services section and select the type of visa (family residence or visit).
• Upload all required documents and pay the applicable fees securely through the app.

Track Your Application:

• Use the real-time tracking feature to monitor the status of your application.
• Receive instant notifications for approvals, rejections, or additional document requests.

1. Collect Your Visa:

• Once approved, the visa will be digitally issued and accessible in the app.
• For visit visas, ensure the beneficiary’s passport is valid for at least 6 months.

Important Tips for Applicants:

• Check Eligibility: Verify if your nationality is affected by the temporary visa restrictions before applying.
• Prepare Documents in Advance: Ensure all required documents are scanned and ready for upload.
• Stay Updated: Regularly check the MOI website or the new Metrash app for policy changes.
• Seek Assistance: For complex cases, consider consulting an authorized immigration consultant or visiting an MOI service center.

Benefits of the New Metrash App (2025):

• User-Friendly Interface: Simplified navigation and multilingual support.
• Enhanced Security: Advanced encryption to protect your data.
• Faster Processing: Reduced waiting times for visa approvals.
• 24/7 Accessibility: Apply and track your visa anytime, anywhere.

Who Can Move to Qatar to Join Their Family?

Expatriates working in Qatar with a valid residency permit can sponsor their immediate family members to join them. Eligible family members typically include:

• Spouses
• Children (under 18 or up to 25 if studying)
• Dependent parents (in certain cases)

Who Can Join Family in Qatar Without a Visa?

Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE) do not require a visa to enter Qatar and can join their family members freely.

Who Needs a Family Visa to Join Family in Qatar?

Non-GCC nationals must apply for a family visa to join their relatives in Qatar. This includes spouses, children, and dependent parents of expatriate residents.

Family Visit Visa

Who Can Apply?

• Immediate family members of expatriates residing in Qatar.
• The sponsor must have a valid residency permit and meet minimum salary requirements (typically QAR 5,000–10,000 per month).

Visa Length

• Visit visas are usually valid for up to 6 months, with a maximum stay of 30 days per visit (extendable).

Visa Entitlements and Restrictions

• Allows family members to visit Qatar for short stays.
• Does not permit employment or access to public services.

How to Apply

1. Submit an application through the Ministry of Interior (MOI) Qatar website or the Metrash2 app.
2. Provide the required documents, including the sponsor’s residency permit, passport copies, and proof of relationship.
3. Pay the visa fee.

Visa Costs

• Approximately QAR 200–500, depending on the duration and type of visa.

Family Residence Visa

Who Can Apply?

• Expatriates with a valid residency permit and a minimum monthly salary of QAR 10,000 (or QAR 7,000 with employer-provided housing).

Visa Length

• Valid for 1–3 years, renewable as long as the sponsor’s residency permit is valid.

Visa Entitlements

• Allows family members to live, study, and access healthcare in Qatar.
• Does not permit employment unless the family member obtains a separate work permit.

How to Apply

1. Apply to the MOI Qatar website or Metrash2 app.
2. Provide the required documents, including:

• Sponsor’s residency permit and passport.
• Family members’ passports and birth/marriage certificates.
• Proof of accommodation and salary.
• Complete medical tests for family members (if applicable).

1. Pay the visa fee.

Visa Costs

• Approximately QAR 500–1,000, excluding medical test fees.

Joining Family Members with Temporary Visas

If the sponsor holds a temporary visa (e.g., a work visa under probation), family members may apply for a short-term visit visa. However, they cannot obtain a residence visa until the sponsor’s visa is permanent.

Family Visas to Join Refugees or Asylum Seekers in Qatar

Qatar does not currently have a formal refugee or asylum system. Family reunification for refugees or asylum seekers is not applicable.

When Family Members Arrive in Qatar

Upon arrival:

• Complete medical tests (if required for residence visas).
• Apply for a Qatar ID for family members.
• Register with the Ministry of Public Health for healthcare access.

In the Event of Divorce or Death of a Family Member

• Divorce: The spouse’s residency visa may be canceled unless they secure independent sponsorship (e.g., through employment).
• Death: Family members must either leave Qatar or obtain a new sponsor (e.g., another family member or employer).

Family Visa Complaints and Appeals

If a family visa application is denied, the sponsor can:

• Submit a formal appeal through the MOI Qatar.
• Provide additional documentation to support the application.
• Seek legal assistance if necessary
• Ministry of Interior (MOI) Qatar: www.moi.gov.qa
• Metrash2 App: Available on iOS and Android.
• Qatar Visa Center: www.qatarvisacenter.com
• Visit Qatar: www.visitqatar.qa