Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 11 March 2024.
What is Qatar Family Visit Visa?
Qatar Family Visit Visa is a type of short-term visa that enables expatriate residents to bring their spouse, children, father, mother, or other relatives of the first and second degrees to Qatar for a short visit. The visa is issued for one month and can be extended for another five months (in some cases).
This article explains the requirements, documents, application process, visa cost, and other details of the Qatar Family Visit Visa.
Please Note: This is a short-term visa for visiting purposes only. Foreign employees who wish to sponsor their families to live long-term in Qatar should refer to the Family Residence Visa Procedure.
- What is Qatar Family Visit Visa?
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Latest News And Updates 2024
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Requirements
- Documents Required for Qatar Family Visit Visa
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Fee
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Validity
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Application
- How To Apply For Qatar Family Visit Visa Online
- How To Check the Status of Family Visit Visa
- Applying Family Visit Visa Offline
- Family Visit Visa Rejected: What To Do
- How To Cancel Visa Application In Metrash
- Document Checklist for Family Visit Visa Travellers
- How To Extend Family Visit Visa
- Other Points To Note
- FAQ on Qatar Family Visit Visa
Qatar Family Visit Visa Latest News And Updates 2024
Ramadan Working Hours: The Ministry of Interior has announced the official working hours of its departments during the holy month of Ramadan. The General Directorate of Passports offices will be open from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
MARCH 2024 STATUS
Currently, the Family Visit Visa also requires CEID verification for adults. This stage comes after the visa number is issued. The application status on Metrash will be “Under Process” with the visa number. On average this is taking 1-2 weeks.
Since September, Family Visit Visa applications are being accepted for visitors aged 60 and above. Many recent applicants have already received their visa numbers.
Additionally, visit visa extensions of up to 6 months are permitted for spouses and children.
Since the first week of October 2023, there has been a delay in approvals for adults. Some applications are taking 3-4 weeks.
Applications for family visit visas can be submitted online using the Metrash app.
The new Immigration office at Al Duhail is now allowing entry for expatriates who want to make changes to their Visit Visa or Family RP applications or resubmit documents. You can park your car in the basement and proceed to the first floor.
04 December 2023 Update
The Ministry of Interior has clarified the eligibility criteria for Family Visit Visa as follows:
1. Applicant should have a minimum salary of QR 5000.
2. The profession should be a non-labour category.
3 The applicant should have family accommodation duly accredited by relevant authorities.
4. The visitor must have health insurance.
5. The visitor must be a relative of the applying resident within the allowed degrees of relation.
Please note that the information provided above is not based on any official announcement but rather on the recent experiences of applicants who visited MOI Centers. Individual outcomes may vary depending on various factors.
Health Insurance For Family Visit Visa
Health insurance is now mandatory for a Family Visit Visa. Once your visa is approved, you will receive an SMS with a link to purchase the health insurance online.
Applicants can buy health insurance for QAR 50 per month from any of the registered insurance companies listed on the MOPH website. More details about visitors’ insurance are available here.
Attestation For Marriage Certificate
Until recently, most visit visa applications for spouses were approved without an attested marriage certificate. However, nowadays attestation is compulsory for marriage certificates.
For a Family Visit Visa, attestation is not mandatory for children’s birth certificates. It is mandatory for a Family Residence Visa.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Requirements
Expatriate residents in Qatar can apply for a family visit visa subject to meeting minimum salary and professional requirements.
Minimum Salary For Family Visit Visa in Qatar
The minimum salary required to apply for a Family Visit Visa in Qatar for spouses and children is QR 5,000 per month.
A minimum monthly salary of QR 10,000 is required to apply for Family Visit Visas for other relatives.
| Visa Type | Minimum Salary Required |
|---|---|
| Family Visit Visa – Spouse and Children | QR 5,000 |
| Family Visit Visa – Other Relatives | QR 10,000 |
Profession Requirement for Family Visit Visa in Qatar
Most expatriates with the required minimum salary are eligible to apply for a family visit visa. However, some applications may be rejected if the applicant’s profession on Qatar ID is labour-type.
Even if an application is rejected due to an ineligible profession, the Captain at the MOI Service Center has the power to change the decision.
Family Members That Can Be Hosted
- First Degree: Wife, Children, Father, Mother
- Second Degree: Brother, Sister, Grandfather, Grandmother, Grandchildren
- Third Degree: Children of brother or sister, Paternal uncle or aunt (brother or sister of father), Maternal uncle or aunt (Brother or sister of mother)
Documents Required for Qatar Family Visit Visa
If applying for a visit visa for wife and children
While applying through Metrash, the following documents should be uploaded:
- Visitor’s passport copy (minimum validity of 6 months)
- Proof of relationship (Wife: Marriage Certificate / Children: Birth Certificate)
- Round-trip flight tickets
Employment details are not required when applying through the Metrash app, as currently labour contracts are linked with the Metrash system.
If applying for a visit visa for other relatives
Only married expatriates with family in Qatar can apply to sponsor other relatives.
While applying through Metrash, the following documents should be uploaded:
- Visitor’s passport copy (minimum validity of 6 months)
- Proof of relationship (Birth Certificate, Passport, etc.)
- Round-trip flight tickets
Qatar Family Visit Visa Fee
Qatar Family Visit Visa fee is QAR 200 for 30 days. The entry visa can be extended by paying QAR 200 per month.
- Medical check-up: A medical check-up for a visa extension costs QAR 100.
- Fine for overstaying: The fine for overstaying beyond the allowed period is QR 200 per day.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Validity
Qatar Family Visit Visas are initially issued for one month (30 days). After the visitor enters Qatar and undergoes a medical test, the visa can be further extended for another five months for spouses and children (total 180 days) and two more months for other relatives (total 90 days).
Health insurance needs to be taken for the additional period.
As the rules may change from time to time, an extension beyond 90 90-day stay is not guaranteed. If you are planning to extend for 5 more months (after one month) please confirm with the Immigration Department before purchasing additional insurance.
Number of Days To Enter Qatar After Visa Approval
Once the visa is approved, it will have the “visa valid till” date printed on the top. This is the last date for entry to Qatar (not the last date of stay in Qatar). Currently, it is 90 days from the date of visa approval. Visitors cannot use this visa after this date.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Application
Traditionally, applying for a family visit visa was to visit any Ministry of Interior (MoI) Service Centre and submit copies of the documents along with the printed application form.
In 2018, Qatar introduced an online system where residents can apply for family visit visas through the Metrash2 mobile.
Through this service, you can upload all the required documents in the specified fields. You can also track the application status and pay the fees electronically once approved.
How To Apply For Qatar Family Visit Visa Online
Below are the steps to apply for a Qatar Family Visit Visa using the Metrash mobile app.
Step 1. Open the Metrash2 app on your mobile and log in
If you haven’t registered for Metrash2, see our comprehensive Metrash2 User Guide.
Step 2. Click on the “Visa” icon
Step 3. Click on the “Issue Visa” icon
Step 4. Click on the “Family Visit” icon
Step 5. Select “Family Visa Application”
Make sure to select “Family Visa Application”, not “Family Resident Application”.
Step 6. Click on “New Application”
Step 7. Fill up the details of the visitor
The details to fill up include Gender, Relation, Nationality, Date of Birth, Passport Details etc.
Step 8. Click on the “Validate” button
Step 9. Upload the required photos or scans of the documents
- Document scans/photos must be clear and readable.
- For documents with multiple pages, you must combine both photos/scans to create one JPG file.
- When uploading passports, photo and bio pages should be on the same side.
- For “Marriage Certificate (Others)”, you can upload the attested backside of the marriage certificate.
- Often a birth certificate is asked to prove your relationship with the visitor. If this is unavailable, you can also use any other document proving the relationship.
Step 10. You will receive an update after a few days
If there are any missing or mismatched documents, you will be notified to make the required changes. After verifying and approving the application, you will receive an application number.
The application status will change to “Under Process”, “Under Review” and again to “Under Process” before getting approved.
Step 11. Pay the required fee
Once the visa is approved, you have to pay the visa fee (QR 200) online via Metrash. To make the payment, go to the “Visa Fees Payment” icon on the “Visa Operation” page.
Step 12. Buy health insurance
From April 2023, health insurance needs to be taken after the visit visa is approved (not during application).
Once your visa is approved, you will receive a message to buy the insurance. While buying the insurance, enter the visa number and it will be updated in the Metrash system. The visa can be printed only after insurance has been purchased.
After this, you can download the visa copy and send it to the visitor for travel.
How To Check the Status of Family Visit Visa
You can see the status on your Metrash app itself.
You can also check the family visit visa status on the Ministry of Interior website under Inquiries >> Visa Services >> Visa Approval Tracking (link).
Enter the application number and application date or sponsor’s QID number. Make sure all the required details are filled in correctly, and you’ll be able to check your visa status.
Applying Family Visit Visa Offline
The Ministry of Interior (MOI) no longer entertains offline applications for family visit visas. You are required to apply via the Metrash mobile app.
Family Visit Visa Rejected: What To Do
There may be several reasons why your family visit visa application is rejected. Often it is due to submitting wrong or insufficient documents.
If the document photo is not clear or not attested (in the case of a marriage certificate), you can do the attestation and resubmit again. However, it is imperative to understand the reason and fix it before applying again.
Applications can also be rejected if the applicant (a Qatar resident) does not comply with the required conditions (salary or profession). If the application is rejected due to the applicant not meeting the salary requirement, it would be difficult to get approved again.
However, in case of rejection due to profession, you can try to meet the Captain at the Immigration Office in Duhail, and request for reconsideration. Sometimes he would approve if the profession is acceptable.
How To Cancel Visa Application In Metrash
If your application is still under review or process, you can cancel it by clicking on the right arrow on the status page. If this option is not available, you will have to visit any MOI Service Center.
Document Checklist for Family Visit Visa Travellers
- Passport (minimum validity of 6 months)
- Visa printout
- Two-way flight tickets
- Health insurance
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How To Extend Family Visit Visa
As the initial visa is issued for one month only, the sponsor has to extend it within the first month to avoid any penalties.
Relatives wishing to stay beyond one month must undergo a medical test within a few days. Here is the detailed process of the medical test for a visit visa extension.
Once the medical examination is passed, the visit visa can be extended online using the Metrash mobile app (Visa –> Visa Services –> Extend Visa) or by visiting any MOI service centre.
Other Points To Note
If the return ticket is after 30 days, some airlines may not allow visitors to board the flight since the initial visa is only for 30 days. So make sure to book a flight ticket that can be modified with a minimum change fee. In this way, once the visitor reaches Qatar, the ticket dates can be modified.
As this is an online visa, some airlines may require an “OK to Board” status in their system before departure. You can get this status by showing the visa copy to the airline’s Doha office.
“Null” Status on Visit Visa Application Receipt
Some of our readers have raised concerns that the receipt they received after application submission shows “null” in most fields.
Please note that this is normal for all applicants. This document is only an acknowledgement that they received your application. Your application details will be in the system.
Visit Visa Application “Under Process” and “Under Review” Status
Applicants often get confused about changes to their visit visa application status. It is normal that each visit visa application moves through “Under Process” and “Under Review” statuses multiple times before approval.
If your application status changes between these two, you do not have to do anything. In most cases, the application will be approved within days of a status change.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Approval Time
As of 2024, the average approval time for a Family Visit Visa is 1-4 weeks. Please note that applications are processed in batches and may not be on a first-come first-serve basis.
Here is a video explaining the Family Visit Visa application process:
You can also watch the same video with Malayalam and Hindi audio. Please subscribe to the Doha Guides YouTube channel for more videos.
READ NEXT: How To Convert Family Visit Visa To Residence Visa
FAQ on Qatar Family Visit Visa
What is the salary requirement for a family visit visa in Qatar?
To apply for a family visit visa for your spouse and children, a minimum salary of QR 5,000 is required; for other relatives, a minimum salary of QR 10,000 is required.
What is the cost of a family visit visa in Qatar?
A Qatar family visit visa costs QAR 200 (USD 55) per month.
How can I apply for a family visit visa in Qatar via Metrash?
You can apply for a family visit visa online by filling in the visitor details and uploading document scans or photos. Step-by-step instructions can be found on this page.
How can I extend my Qatar family visit visa?
You can extend the one-month visit visa after a medical check-up. There is a renewal fee of QAR 200 per month for each additional month.
Can I convert my family visit visa to a residence visa in Qatar?
Yes, if you are eligible to sponsor your spouse and children, you can convert your family visit visa to a residence visa.
Is Qatar Family Visit Visa multiple entry?
No, the Qatar Family Visit Visa is a single-entry visa.
I cannot find the option to upload health insurance in Metrash. What to do?
From April 2023, health insurance need not be uploaded on Metrash. You have to buy the insurance after the visa has been approved. While buying insurance, add your visa number and it will be automatically updated in the system.
READ NEXT: Visa Changing Process via Abu Samra Land Border
Related Guides:
- Qatar Family Residence Visa Procedure and Requirements
- How Can A Wife Sponsor Husband in Qatar
- Medical Test For Family Visit Visa Extension
- Qatar Visa On Arrival: Complete Guide
- Qatar Visit Visa Types, Requirements, and Procedure
- Medical Test For Family Residence Permit in Qatar
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Aneesh, the Founder & Editor of DG Pixels, holds a Master’s Degree in Communication & Journalism, and has two decades of experience living in the Middle East. Since 2014, he and his team have been sharing helpful content on travel, visa rules, and expatriate affairs.
Hi there,
Would like to ask if Qatar has opened up for family visit visa. With restrictions in global travel families have been apart for months. Was sincerely hoping that qatar expands arrivals for family visit visa in phase 4 for easing of restrictions.
Hi. Please let me know when the visa restrictions will be lifted for India. I am waiting to travel to Qatar to join my family but India is not appearing on the Metrash drop down menu.
When will start to give family visit visa @ qatar. Due to corona i think its stoped now. I wish to reach my family to here at qatar from india. (Visiting up to 6 months). Home quarantine or hotel quarantine which are required when they will arrive here?
Hi,
I am not able to find “Indian” nationality on the Metrash 2 visa application page. IS this something being observed by others too?
Dear Faraz, If you still can’t find this option on your mobile application please call Mtetrash Customer Care on 23420000.
Yes I am also can not find Sri Lankan nationality, Faraz did you find anything related to it?
Thanks for the detailed explanation. Really helpful.
Thanks Rohan!
hi.
For applying visit visa for wife, does we require house contract under my name and 6months bank transaction ?
Hi Adnan, Tenancy contract attested by Municipality is being asked for recent applications. Bank statement is not needed.
Hi !
I really need your help since im traveling under Family visit visa on December 24th till Decemer 27th im staying in uae right now and i want to spend my holidays in doha with my wife.
I just want to make an inquiry because I will be again coming back on December 31st till january 2nd to celebrate new years day with my wife. What happens to my family visit visa during my first journey??? Do i need to apply again for my 2nd journey??? is there any way that I can just extend it and come back with the same visa???
If I need to apply again again how many days does it take to get a new family visit visa status???
Thank you
Hi Kenneth, The family visit visa is valid for one entry only. Multiple entry visas are allowed on some cases, but need special permissions.
However, if you have a valid Residence Visa in UAE, you don’t need to apply for family visit visa as you can get visa on arrival in Qatar.
Thank you for that info but i already check the requirement for visa on arrival for qatar and they some qualification to avail one. im a supervisor her in DAFZA and they will only allow specific supervisory position
anyhow thank you for the info I really appreciate it
Hi ,
I am on resident visa since 1 year in qatar and also my wife on resident visa since 8 months.
My parents and Mother in Law stay in dubai on resident visa.
Kindly please let me know if i can sponsor my MOTHER and MOTHER in LAW for family visit visa.
If yes please let me know the documents required and process.
Thanks for all your help…
You people are doing an excellent job by helping us all !!!!!!!!!
Hi Imran, Thanks for the kind words. You can definitely sponsor your parents and mother in law. Just follow the steps given in the post above (visit visa for other relatives). Since you have 3 applications, you will need 3 copy of each document. Good luck !
Hi NRIcafe,
I’m studying in my home country and haven’t been to qatar for 5months. I’m under my father’s sponsorship. Is it necessary to visit qatar within 6months for visa renewal? Or can I pay 500qr fine and visit qatar before completing a year outside doha?
Hi Nasrin, If you stay out of Qatar for more than 6 months, you can pay QR 500 and come back on Return Visa – provided that your Residence Permit is still valid and date of exit has been less than 1 year. If your RP expires while you are out of Qatar, you need to come back for renewal.
More details on Return Visa are here : http://nricafe.com/2015/08/guide-how-to-get-qatar-return-visa-in-case-of-overstay-or-lost-id/
Gents.. got visa for my parents today, father 65 and mother 59.. Great feeling.. Its a normal family visit visa procedure, nothing new… application, company letter, PP copies of parents, self PP and RP copies, Wife PP & RP copies.. that’s it.. applied through my company.. approved in the first instance..
Thanks UKM for sharing your experience.
Hi! Is contract copy required to apply for family visit visa ?
Hi, As per MoI website, tenancy contract is not given in the list of requirements for applying visit visa for wife.
However, tenancy contract is given in requirements for applying visit visa for other relatives (or else the wife needs to have Qatar residence visa).
Sorry i mean the labor contract. Bcoz i have the labor contract buy its not stamped yet.
Hi Sherlock, Labour contract is not required for visit visa. Letter from company (stating salary) is enough.
Hi NRICAFE .I applied for family visit visa .But they didn’t accept the documents because my tenancy contract is not attested by municipality,and they require the labor contract which is not stamped yet.They haven’t mentioned all these stuff in MOI website (for ex- the tenancy contract,Labor contract etc..). and you are providing information through their website.So whats your take on this ? Thank you.
Hi Sherlock, Sorry to hear about that. We usually refer to official websites, discussion forums and experienced PROs. Such a requirement is not mentioned anywhere. Guess this was implemented recently. Shall update our post accordingly. Once again apologies.
Kindly advice, in case my wife is not fit to travel, will they extend my stay period beyond six months?
Hi Mohammed, Normally they would not extend the visit visa for more than 6 months. Not sure if they can do it for medical reasons. If yes, you would need strong reasons and supporting documents to prove that.
Hi, am holding an business executive category work visa and my salary is 8.5K. I have to apply family visit for my wife. Bank statement Degree certificate is necessary to apply? Medical check up is required for wife?
Hi Mohammed, Bank statement, Degree certificate etc are needed only for family residence visa. They are not required for family visit visa. Medical checkup is required for wife if she plans to stay more than a month.
My Parents are here in Qatar with family visit visa. I need to extend their visa to another 5 months. For the medical checkup , which are all the clinics that i could go other than medical commission in Abu Hamour ?
Because i heard medical commission always have huge crowd and since my parents are aged , i would like to avoid big queue ? Any idea about the fee on those clinics.
Hi Wafaa, Al Ahli Hospital, Doha Clinic Hospital and Al Emadi Hospital have this facility. You can check the rates by phone.
HELLO SIR,
I WANT TO TAKE VISIT VISA FOR MY WIFE. MY PROFESSION IS PLUMBER IN MY RP.
I HAVE 7000 QR SALARY. IS IT ELIGIBLE TO GET FAMILY VISIT VISA.
Hi Shemeer, 7000 QR is usually accepted for wife’s visit visa. However there is no guarantee, because of your visa profession. It will depend on the officers’ judgement. Good luck.
Thanks! Anyway, let me try to apply visa and will see what happens.. will keep you all posted on developments…
Hi.. I am holding Qatar resident visa and staying with my family (wife & 2 kids). I am planning to bring my parents, father (65 years) and mother (57 years). I was told that visit visa for parents of above 65 years are being rejected by MOI in most of the cases. Please advise if I can go ahead and apply visit visa for my parents and let me know what are the procedures incase if it get rejected
Hi, It is a bit difficult to get visit visa for people above 65. However you can try applying at Gharaffa Immigration – as it is the main office. If they reject, try to meet the officer in charge and may be he would approve as your father is not very old. If nothing works, you can try to get tourist visa through any hotel or Qatar Airways.
Hi, My wife came here on visit visa in qatar her medical is not completed and she has to go back. is there will be any issue when she will come again as her medical is initiated first time but not completed. Pl advice asap. Thanks in advance.
Hi Ajay, Please confirm with Ministry of Interior office at Hamad International Airport. They can check in the system and tell if there is any issue.
Hi, Please advise if the 3 months banned for family visit visa has been removed and changed?
Thanks.
Yes the 3months ban for family visit visa has been removed!!! You can apply the very next day!!!
I Kiran Kumar , citizen of India, I recently shifted to Doha and working as a Engineer in a trading company from 25 January 2015, i want to be sponsor er for my family(Wife) visit visa,
For applying family visit visa the documents that i have
1) Qatar ID
2) Engineer visa
3) Passport copy of myself
4) Passport copy of family (Wife)
5) Attested and Arabic Translated Marriage Certificate
6) NOC Letter from my company stating my position and salary(8000 QAR)
7) My educational certificate (Attested and Arabic translated)
8) Filled Application by Myself(sponsor er) for family visit visa.
Note:
1) Opening of my bank account is on process but i have NO 6 months of Bank statement.
2) I have 1BHK flat on rental basis but NO rental agreement.
Based on above documents can i apply for family visit visa ?, If not, please give me the information of remaining documents that has to be attached.
Your help is appreciated
Thanks and Regards
KIRAN KUMAR
+974 50498639
Dear Kiran,
The above listed documents should be sufficient. Good luck!