Qatar Family Visa (Residence): Requirements and Guide 2024

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 Family Residence Visa in Qatar?

A Family Residence Visa is a visa that allows a foreign worker to sponsor their immediate family members, such as their wife and children, for a long-term stay in Qatar. Every family member, including infants, must have an individual Residence Visa to stay in Qatar.

To sponsor their family members, an expatriate resident must meet eligibility requirements such as profession, salary, and accommodation.

Applicants must also submit several documents, including attested marriage certificates, children’s birth certificates, etc. This article explains eligibility requirements, required documents, visa fees, and step-by-step procedures to apply for a Qatar Family Residence Visa.

Qatar Residence Family Visa Latest News And Updates

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 Family RP Status

Family Residence Visa (RP): Processing of Family RPs for private sector employees is normal from August 2023. Numerous applicants with salaries above QR 10,000 received approvals. However, applications with salaries less than QR 10,000 (even QR 9,900) were reportedly rejected.

The hold on Family RP for children seems to be removed now. Children are now getting approval.

The Metrash system is now showing the option to apply Family RP for parents (father and mother). However, almost everyone who applied received an error message “Your Request Has Been Converted To Committee”.

The new Immigration office at Al Duhail is NOT allowing follow-up visits regarding Family RP applications.

Family RP applications can be submitted online using the Metrash app.

06 February 2024 Update

The Ministry of Interior has announced that both employers and expatriates are required to complete residence permit procedures within 30 days of entering the country, in accordance with the law. Failure to do so may lead to a fine of QR 10,000. 

04 December 2023 Update

The Ministry of Interior has clarified the eligibility criteria for Family Residence Permit as follows:
Government & Semi-government Employees: Family housing by employer [or] QR 10,000 salary, duly accredited with an employment contract.
Private Sector Employees: QR 10,000 salary [or] QR 6000 salary + Family housing by the employer. The profession should be technical or specialized (non-labour) duly accredited with an employment contract.
Children within 6-18 years of age must be enrolled in schooling inside or outside the country.
Health insurance is required during the duration of the stay, starting from the date of entry.

Below are the updates based on available information derived from the experiences of other applicants. Please note that the information provided is not based on any official announcement. Individual outcomes may vary depending on various factors:

Earlier Updates (Aug – Nov 2023)

Starting in October 2023, the Metrash application form requires the submission of additional documents such as a Salary Certificate, and a copy of the Employment Contract. We have updated the below content with what to upload in each column.

Since the first week of August 2023, there has been no need to upload bank statements and education certificates on the Metrash mobile app.

Salary credit is now verified through your employer’s Wage Protection System (WPS) transfer. Before applying for a Family RP, please confirm with your employer that your salary is credited through WPS.

Education is now verified through the labour contract. Here is how you can check labour contracts online. If you cannot find your contract, please contact your employer’s PRO to update it before proceeding with the application.

Applicants whose WPS and labour contracts were not in order received a “missing documents” status, while some applications were cancelled.

Qatar Family Visa Requirements

Here are the major requirements for an expatriate to sponsor his family:

1) Residence Permit

The first requirement is that the applicant (the sponsor) must have a valid Residence Permit. Your Qatar ID / Residence Card should be ready before you apply for a residence visa for your family.

2) Profession Requirement

The sponsor’s profession on the Qatar ID should be technical or specialised (non-labour). Those in the labour category, such as drivers, delivery boys, cleaners, etc., may not be eligible to sponsor their families irrespective of their salary.

3) Minimum Salary For Family Visa in Qatar

Currently, the minimum salary (official requirement) for a Family Residence Visa in Qatar is QR 10,000 for private-sector employees. Those with a minimum salary of QR 6,000 + free family accommodation are also eligible (if family accommodation is provided by the employer).

Until July 2023, approvals were given only to those with a minimum salary of QR 15,000. This requirement seems to have been relaxed from August 2023.

The salary requirements are in place to ensure that the sponsor can support their family’s expenses, including accommodation and groceries.


Qatar Family Visa Process

Before you begin the application process for Family Residence Visas, check with your employer to see if they can assist you. Employers are not obliged to process or pay for Family Residence Visas, but some companies handle this process as part of their employment policy.

The Qatar Family Residence Visa process can be summarised as follows:

  • Step 1: Apply for a Family RP Entry Visa
  • Step 2: Family members enter Qatar
  • Step 3: Undergo Medical Test
  • Step 4: Undergo the Fingerprints Process
  • Step 5: Apply for Qatar ID
Qatar Family Residence Visa Process
Qatar Family Residence Visa Process

Let’s examine the above steps in detail:

Step 1: Apply for Family RP Entry Visa

The first step is to submit all the necessary documents to obtain approval for a family residence visa, allowing your family to enter Qatar. However, please note that other formalities such as medical tests and fingerprinting must be completed after their arrival.

Alternatively, you can bring your family on a Family Visit Visa, which involves a simpler process.

A visit visa can be converted into a Family Residence Visa after submitting the same documents. To change your visa type without leaving the country, you will need to pay an additional QR 500.

Here is our comprehensive guide on how to convert a Family Visit Visa to a Family RP Visa.

Documents Required for Qatar Family Visa Application

When applying for a Family Residence Visa through Metrash, you will need the following documents:

  1. Passports of spouse and children (front and back pages).
  2. Marriage Certificate for spouse (Attested*).
  3. Birth Certificates for children (Attested*).
  4. NOC (No-Objection Certificate) in Arabic from the employer with position and salary (dated within the last 3 months). Please upload this document to the “Other Documents” placeholder.

Declaration of non-marriage for daughters is required if they are above 18 years of age and unmarried. Please note that married daughters are not eligible for sponsorship under their parents.

If you have adopted children, additional documents are required.

For stepchildren, you need to submit documents proving the relationship between the sponsor and the stepchild.

If your QID is expiring soon, you should renew it before proceeding with the application.

Attestation and Translation of Documents

*Documents that require attestation should be attested by the Qatar Embassy in your country OR your country’s Embassy in Qatar. You should also get it attested from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Doha.

If documents such as Marriage Certificates or Birth Certificates are not in English or Arabic, you will need to have them translated. Translations should be uploaded to the “Other documents” section of Metrash.

There are many attestation service providers and typing centres in Qatar, that can help you with translation and attestation.

Important Information About Documents

  • Document scans/photos must be clear and readable.
  • Metrash only accepts JPG images. PDF files are not accepted.
  • For documents with multiple pages, combine both pages into one JPG file (side to side). You can achieve this by keeping both pages together side-by-side and taking a single photo. Ensure that the text is clear and legible. For improved clarity, you can use any software to scan two pages and place them side-by-side before saving them as a JPG file. Here is a helpful online tool for merging documents.
  • The maximum size of the merged JPG document should be less than 500 KB. Any document with a size above 500 KB will not be uploaded and you need to resize it.
  • For the bank statement (if required), inform your bank that it is for the RP application so that they will print a one-page statement with salary credit only.
  • To avoid mistakes while uploading files from your mobile phone, create a new folder on your phone, name it “Family RP”, and keep only the final files there.

How To Apply Family Residence Visa through Metrash

Qatar MOI has simplified the application process by enabling applicants to submit their documents through the Metrash2 mobile app. If you haven’t registered for Metrash2 yet, please refer to our comprehensive Metrash2 User Guide.

For the family visa option to be active, the applicant’s labour contract should be uploaded online and linked to the Metrash system. In most cases, this will have already been done by the employer.

If you receive an error message on Metrash, please contact your employer to resolve this matter.

Here are the steps to apply for a Family Residence Visa on the Metrash2 mobile app:

  1. After logging into Metrash, click on the “Visa” icon.
Qatar Family Residence Visa Metrash Step 1

2. Click on the “Issue Visa” icon on the next screen.

Qatar Family Residence Visa Metrash Step 2

3. Click on the “Family Visit” icon on the next screen.

Qatar Family Residence Visa Metrash Step 3

4. Select “Family Resident Application” on the next screen.

IMPORTANT NOTE: By default, this will be selected as Family Visa Application (which is for Family Visit Visa applicants). For Residence Visas, you have to change this selection as shown below:

Metrash Family Resident Visa Selection

5. Click on “New Application” (bottom right of the screen).

6. Carefully fill in the form with the details of your family member. Click on “Validate”.

Qatar Family Residence Visa Metrash Fill Details

7. Verify the details on the next screen. Select “I agree on the validity of data”. Click “Next”.

Validate Data Qatar Family Residence Visa Metrash

If there is any mistake, you can click the “Back” button and edit it. Make sure to review the data before confirming, as any mistake in the application can prevent the visitor from entering the country.

8. The next screen will have placeholders for uploading documents. Follow the instructions on the screen, and upload scanned copies or photos of the documents.

Metrash ColumnWhat To Upload
Marriage certificateFront page of the marriage certificate.
Marriage certificate (others)Attested back side of the marriage certificate.
Salary certificateCompany NOC (in Arabic with salary and profession).
Other documentsUpload the same Company NOC once again.
Copy of employment contractPrivate Sector: Upload the Ministry of Labour Contract (how to download the labour contract).

Public Sector: Upload your Company Computer Card.

QFC or other Free Zone Company: Upload your Company Computer Card.
Passport copyVisitor’s passport front.
Passport copy (other)Visitor’s passport back.
Birth certificate (for children only)Attested birth certificate of the child. Attestation is not needed if child is born in Qatar.

After uploading all the documents, click “Next”.

9. On the next screen, confirm your submission by clicking on “Yes”.

10. Your application number will be generated after this step. You can click on the arrow sign on the right to check the status. Once submitted it will be “Under Process”. Later it will change to “Under Review”.

If the application is rejected, the reason will be given as notes on this page.

If the visa is approved, you can pay the visa fees (QR 200) online via Metrash or pay at the Immigration Office. The visa can be downloaded from this link.

Missing Documents Error

If any of the documents are not submitted or submitted documents are not clear, you may receive a “missing documents” error. In such a case, check what document is missing and upload that.

NOTE: For those who received a “Missing Documents” message in the third stage and have submitted the required documents, their application status will revert to “Under Review.”

If you are in the third stage and need assistance, you can visit Duhail Immigration and request assistance from the female officers. They can update your application and move it back to the final stages.

“Null” Status on Family 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.

How To Check Qatar Family Visa Status

You can check the status of your Qatar Family Residence Visa application on the Metrash mobile app.

From the home screen, click on “Visa,” and then select “Visa Follow Up.” Now, you can see all your applications. Click on the arrow icon on the right to check the status of your application.

Family Visa Application Status (Under Process & Under Review)

Applicants often get confused about changes to their family visa application status. Normally each application goes through “Under Process”, “Under Review”, and once again to “Under Process” status before getting approved.

Below is a typical flow of status for visa applications and what each stage means:

StageMetrash StatusWhat This Means
1st stageUnder ProcessApplication is submitted.
2nd stageUnder ReviewThe file is currently under review by a junior officer. This stage may take several days or even weeks.

If the sponsor fails to meet eligibility conditions, the application may be rejected. If any document is missing or doesn’t meet the requirements, the sponsor will receive a notification. Once eligibility is confirmed, and the documents are in order, the file will proceed to the next stage
3rd stageUnder ProcessThe file is with a senior officer (usually the Captain) for final approval. Rejection at this stage is very rare.
4th stageUnder Process with the visa number issuedThe file is approved by Duhail Immigration. Now the file is under CID clearance. Usually, it would be approved within one week. Visiting Duhail will not help.

For children below 15 years, CID clearance is not required. The status will be “Ready To Print”. However, the visa can be only printed after the mother’s application is approved.
5th stageVisa Approval / Ready To PrintAfter CID clearance, the sponsor will get approval SMS. Now the visa is fully approved. You can pay QR 200 and print the visa.

NOTES:

  • Under Review to Under Process means almost approved.
  • Under Review to Under Process can be done only by the Captain (senior officer) at Duhail Immigration. Even if your application is in Stage 1, the Captain has the authority to move it directly to Stage 4.
  • For children below 15 years, it will be direct approval, after the 3rd stage (as they don’t need CID clearance). However, the visa can be only printed after the mother’s application is approved.
  • If your application status changes between Under Process and Under Review, you do not have to do anything. In most cases, the application will be approved within a few days of a change in status.
  • The status we see on our Metrash and the status on their system may vary.

Time Required For Family RP Approval

Unfortunately, there is no exact timeframe for the process. It varies from person to person; some may have their changes processed in several days or weeks, while for others, it may take months.

The only consistent timeframe we have seen is that if it’s in the 4th stage (Under Process with a visa number), then CID clearance is usually completed within a week for full approval.

Keep checking your Metrash for updates and if you don’t see much movement in your file even after several weeks, you can consider visiting the Duhail Immigration office. However, we do not suggest that you visit Immigration within 1-2 weeks of application.

Mistake In Family RP Visa: What To Do

Once you receive the approved entry visa, ensure that the visa contains accurate information such as the name, passport number, etc. For the wife, the profession will be mentioned as “Housewife”, and for children, it will be mentioned as “Student/Child”.

If the information is incorrect, visit any MOI office and meet with a Captain, providing a printed RP visa and a copy of the passport. Corrections for individuals below 15 years of age will be made on the spot, while those above 15 will need to undergo CID clearance once again.

“Missing Documents” Error For Family RP

If you receive a “Missing Documents” message on Metrash, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Metrash mobile app.
  2. Click on “Issue Visa”.
  3. Select “Family Visit”.
  4. Check the box for “Family Resident Application”.
  5. Click on “RP Application”.
  6. Click on “Upload Documents”.
  7. You will find a box indicating the required document. Upload that specific document only.
  8. If it shows “Other Document” normally it would be the Company NOC in Arabic.
    • If you receive the “Missing Documents” notification multiple times for “Other Documents,” verify the accuracy of the content in the Company NOC with a typing centre. Make sure everything is correct and add any necessary information.
  • Many individuals see the “X” error after submitting the missing documents.
  • Try compressing images to a size under 100KB. You can use online tools for “Compress Image” or try using a different phone or an iPhone.
  • Another option is to take direct photos from the Metrash app using the phone camera (instead of uploading stored files).
  • Note: If the documents are successfully submitted, the Metrash status will usually change from “Missing Documents” to “Under Process”.

What to do if the family visa application is rejected?

Sometimes, your visa application can be rejected even if you meet the requirements. In such cases, you can visit the Immigration Office and request a meeting with the visa approval committee.

Take a copy of the visa application receipt as they will keep the original receipt with them. They will give you a copy mentioning the meeting date.

If there is no serious problem with your submitted documents after their scrutiny, you will be given an appointment date with the visa approval committee.

During the meeting, the committee will ask you simple questions such as your qualifications and profession. Take the originals of all documents you submitted, including your education certificates, in case they ask for them. If everything is OK, you will get approval in two days.


Step 2: Family Members enter Qatar

Once the Family Entry Visa is approved, family members can travel to Qatar.

Documents Required For Travel

The following are required when travelling to Qatar under Family RP (for the first time):

  1. Passport
  2. One-way flight ticket
  3. RP visa (Entry visa) copy
  • A return flight ticket is not required when coming on a Family RP visa.
  • Health insurance is not required when coming on a Family RP visa.

Family Residence Visa Validity

Usually, visa holders can enter within 180 days of visa approval (note that in some recent cases, the validity was only 90 days, while some others got one year). The last entry date will be given on the visa. The validity is counted from the date the visa number is issued (not the date of printing the visa).

How To Renew Visa If Not Able To Travel

If you can’t travel within this period, there is an option to extend the entry visa by paying QR 200, which will further extend the validity by 180 days.

To renew the entry visa before entering Qatar:

  • Open Metrash mobile app.
  • Go to “Visa Services”.
  • Select “Renew Visa”.
  • Click on “Personal”.
  • Select the visa and pay the visa fee (QR 200).
  • The visa will be further extended for 180 days.

Note: This renewal has to be done before expiry of the entry visa.

Period To Complete RP Process After Entry

Once a person enters Qatar on a Family RP visa, medical examinations and fingerprinting should be completed within 30 days from the entry date, and the QID should be printed.

Note that the same duration applies to someone whose entry is converted by paying QR 500 (everyone requires conversion regardless of age) from a Family Visit Visa to a Family RP Visa. In other words, medical fee payment and fingerprinting must be completed within 30 days from the conversion date, and the QID should be printed.

Step 3: Undergo the Medical Test

The visa holder shall start the Residence Permit (RP) procedure by completing a medical examination. This test aims to protect population health and prevent infectious diseases spread by newcomers.

The Medical Commission is responsible for conducting visa-related medical exams in Qatar. The Medical Commission Department is located on Al Muntazah Street, off the E-Ring Road (Google map). The Medical Commission’s working hours are Sunday to Thursday, 07:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.

The medical examination may include a blood test for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. You will also undergo a physician’s check-up and chest X-ray for screening for Tuberculosis,

Documents Required

The following documents are required for the medical test:

  • Family member’s original passport
  • Passport copy
  • Residence Visa copy with sponsor’s mobile number written on it
  • Sponsor’s Qatar ID copy
  • Debit/Credit card for payment of fees

The fee for the Medical Test is QR 100 per person.

Here is our detailed guide to Medical Tests for Family RP in Qatar.

If you are converting a visit visa to a residence visa, you must inform the officer about converting the visit visa into a residence visa. If you have already done the medical for a visit visa extension, they may not do the test again.

The medical examination results are electronically sent to the residency system at the Ministry of Interior. You will receive the result on your Metrash mobile app or as an SMS two or three days after the medical test. You can also check the results online on the MoPH website.

The average time required for updating the medical results in the system is 3 days.

If you don’t receive any SMS within 3 days, you can call the MOPH helpline 16000 or visit the Medical Commission office.

Check Qatar Medical Test Result Online
Screenshot from MOPH Website

Medical Tests For Children

Normally children under 15 years do not have to go for a medical test. When the child arrives in Qatar, check the sponsor’s Metrash app to see if the “Issue Residence Permit” option is available to them.

If the option is not showing, you have to pay QR 100 at the Medical Commission (show original passport and visa copy). They will update the status in the system.

Step 4: Undergo the Fingerprints Process

After completing the medical test, adults must register their fingerprints digitally with the Ministry of Interior. Fingerprinting is not required for children under 15 years.

The CEID office on Salwa Road is the main center for this service. This option is also available at some MOI Service Centres (except Gharaffa and Souq Waqif). For females, MOI Service Centres like Mesaimeer are asking to go to the CEID office at Salwa.

Documents Required

The following documents are required for the fingerprinting:

  • Fingerprint Application Form. You can get this filled out from a typing centre*. (This may not be required at some MOI Service Centres)
  • Family member’s original passport
  • Passport copy
  • Residence Visa copy
  • Sponsor’s Qatar ID copy
  • Medical Receipt

Once the fingerprint process is complete, you will receive an update on the Metrash app or SMS.

The average time required for updating the fingerprint results in the system is 3 days. If you don’t receive any SMS within 3 days, you may have to go back and check.

*You can also get the Qatar ID application form (needed in the next step) typed at the same time.

Step 5: Apply for a Qatar ID Card

The final step is to apply for a Residence Permit Card (Qatar ID). You can do this at the MOI Service Centre or online through Metrash.

Option 1: Applying for Qatar ID at MOI Service Centre

If you are applying for Qatar ID directly, you can apply at any Ministry of Interior (MOI) Service Centre.

Documents Required

The following documents are required to apply for Qatar ID at the MOI Service Centre:

  • Completed application form (download link). You can get this filled up from a typing centre**.
    Family member’s original passport
  • Sponsor’s Qatar ID
  • Family member’s passport-size photo (35 x 45 mm with a blue background)

A blood group certificate is NOT needed nowadays.

MOI officials will ask the family members to sign on the form near the photo. For children, you can write their name instead of their signature.

Screenshot of the Application Form for Qatar ID
Screenshot of the Application Form for Qatar ID

**Some MOI Service Centres require applicants to bring the completed application form, while some MOI centres will give a paper to sign.

Qatar ID Fee

The Residence Permit costs QR 500 for the first year.

Once the fee is paid, the Qatar ID will be printed within 5 minutes.

Option 2: Applying for Qatar ID through Metrash

This option is required only if you do not want to visit the MOI Service Centre. Once you receive a message that the fingerprint is OK, follow the below steps:

  1. Open the Metrash2 app .
  2. Go to the “Residency” section.
  3. Select “Issue Residence Permit”.
  4. Enter the required details.
  5. Upload a passport-size photo (blue background).
  6. Take a picture of a family member’s signature and upload it. For children, write their names on a piece of paper and upload it as their signature.
  7. Pay QR 500 + QR 20 as a QPost delivery charge.

You can track your QID delivery on the MOI website. The sponsor’s QID number can be used for tracking.

QPost Request Tracking On MOI Website
QPost Request Tracking on the MOI website

Qatar Family Visa Fees

Below is a breakdown of all costs associated with a family residence visa:

Qatar Family Visa Fee (per dependent)QR 200
Medical Commission Test Fee (per dependent)QR 100
Residence Permit Fee (for one year)QR 500

Document attestation and typing centre fees (if required) will be extra. There will be an additional charge of QR 500 per person if you transfer a visit visa to a residence visa without exiting the country.

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Registering For National Address

Once the QID is printed, ensure that the National Address is registered for the new QID holder. You can do this at any MOI service centre or through the Metrash mobile app.

Children’s National Addresses can be registered using their sponsor’s Metrash app. For the wife to register on Metrash, she needs to obtain a SIM card with her own QID and then proceed to register a National Address.

Please note that a resident’s Qatar ID cannot be renewed without registering his/her National Address.

Rules For Sponsoring Adult Children

When applying for visas, it’s important to know that male children aged 25 years and over are not eligible to be on either parent’s visa. There is no age restriction for daughters as long as they are not married.

Children with existing QIDs exceeding the legal age may be granted a Residence Permit under their parents’ sponsorship for one more year to find an employer the following year.

Work Permit for Spouse and Children

Dependent spouses and children above 18 who wish to work require a special work permit to work while under family sponsorship. This work permit can also be applied for using the Metrash app.

Here is a detailed video explaining the residence visa steps:


FAQ on Qatar Family Residence Visa


What is the minimum salary for a family visa in Qatar?

As of December 2023, you should have a minimum salary of QR 10,000 to be eligible for sponsoring your family in Qatar. Those with a salary of QR 6000 + family accommodation by employer, are also eligible.

What to do if my family visa application is rejected?

If the family visa application is rejected, you can visit the Duhail Immigration Office and request a meeting with the visa approval committee.

How can I renew the Residence Permit for my family?

You can renew the Residence Permit (QID) for family members using the Metrash2 application. The payment can be made online, and delivery will be by QPost.

Can I get a residence visa for extended family members?

In Qatar, family residence visas are generally issued only to immediate family members like spouses and children. Parents can be sponsored in exceptional cases.

How much does a family visa cost in Qatar?

The cost of an initial entry visa is QR 200 and Qatar ID is QR 500 per year. There are other expenses like Medical Test fees (QR 100) and miscellaneous expenses like attestation charges.

What to do if the application is “Under Process” for a Family Visa in Qatar?

If the application status of your family visa is still “Under Process” after submission, there is nothing much to do except wait. Note that as of 2023, there is a delay in most applications.

What is the meaning of Family Visa “Under Review”?

If the family visa status is under review, it means the file is being processed by an officer. This is normally a good sign.

Is health insurance required for a Family Residence Visa?

No, health insurance is not required for a Family Residence Visa. It is only needed for visit visas.

Reader Experiences
We are compiling the recent successful experiences of some of our readers so that it will help others. You can read Family RP Reader Experiences here.


Related Articles:

  1. How To Convert Family Visit Visa To Residence Visa
  2. How To Apply Qatar ID For A Baby Born In Qatar
  3. Visa Changing Process via Air Arabia or Abu Samra Land Border
  4. How To Transfer Wife To Husband Sponsorship
  5. How Can A Mother Sponsor Children In Qatar
  6. How Can A Wife Sponsor Husband in Qatar
  7. How To Cancel Hayya Card Visa
  8. Pregnancy And Baby Delivery in Qatar: Full Guide
  9. Medical Test For Family Residence Visa in Qatar
  10. Qatar Family Visit Visa: Requirements and Application Guide
  11. How To Get Visa On Arrival for Baby Born Outside Qatar

Copyright © DohaGuides.com – Full or partial reproduction of this article in any language is prohibited.


Special thanks to Mr. Faris Ahmed & Mr. Siraj for sharing their knowledge and experience.

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4,266 thoughts on “Qatar Family Visa (Residence): Requirements and Guide 2024”

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  1. Hy,
    nowadays within how many months they are issuing newborn visa and also do we need to inform them that i need newborn visa during the immigration. my wife have QID under me.

  2. Dear DG ,
    My wife and son has QID Now I am going to apply for my daughter new born baby but outside qatar.so please help me what are the documents required for Rp and on arrival it’s possible without visa.

  3. Dear All,

    I would like to share my success story.

    Mother RP

    Age 60+

    Private sector

    Salary 35k+

    Today I got Mother RP Visa approved / Visa number generated.

    I applied for an RP Visa through the Metrash app. one month back.

    Only my passport (Applicant birth certificate) and mother passport (Visitor passport) were attached during application.

    I understood that as the Labour contract was available in ADLSA, salary certificate was not asked.

    After a couple of days, I got a missing documents message showing “Birth certificate of applicant”. I uploaded my passport again as I am not having birth certificate.

    After waiting for appx. one month with the same status as “UNDER PROCESS”, I visited the Duhail Immigration office on 26.03.2024 and followed the steps as guided in the group.

    • Went with corrections form for safety. 

    • Negotiated security at basement. entered the office through gate-3. Went to hall 11 on the 1st floor. 

    • Security at the token asked for salary and gave the token for Captain.

    • Captain told me to come after Eid.

    • Again token, another captain : Under process -> Under review

    • Another captain without token : Under review-> Under process

    • Another token for the lady officer/family RP section : Under process -> Visa number generation.

    All the credit goes to the admin in the group for their valuable advice. 🙏🙏🙏

    Thank you.

  4. Private Sector- Doctor, 25k
    Finally I got RP for my parents…
    Hai all.. Goodmorning.. This is my journey of getting RP for my parents.. Little long story of my struggle.. But finally I succeeded with all your support…

    2023 November 15: I applied RP visa for my parents

    2023 November 30: I got rejected message with comment:sponsor does not meet the requirements

    2023 December 5 : I went to duhail moi – hall 11 – the security near token machine told me there is no use in seeing captain, because now only family RP is approving, and parents RP is stoped for few months, may be in January or sometimes it may take long time to open for parents RP approval, so you apply for visit visa. Then i left there

    December 10: I found my labour contract where not updated in Mol site . So I requested my company pro to update it asap

    2023 December 30: I applied for parents visit visa

    2024 January 10 : father(60+ age) got approved and mother(less than 60 age) got deferred.

    2024 January 15: I went to duhail moi, but security didn’t allow me to go inside, told me this service has stopped here,you go other moi centers

    2024 January 18: I went to messaimer moi- officer told me as ur mother is here in qatar,  she have to exit ,then u come back ( but my father was also here in qatar at the time his visa was approved)

    2024 January 30- mother and Father exit to saudi arabia for umrah

    2024 January 31- I went to messaimer moi- but security didn’t allow me to get inside,told me the service have stopped here,try other moi *i got stuck*

    2024 February 1 – I went again to mesaimeer moi, rayyan moi, industrial area moi  – All said stopped the service,try other centers

    *At that time i joined in this group,i got a point to go to souq moi*

    2024 February 4 – I went to souq moi – they scanned my ID , and do some works in system and said everything is ok, u will get it from wakra moi center .. Then i left there, but luckly After 10 minutes i got approved mesage for my mother too ..

    2024 February 5- They came back from saudi

    2024 February 23- They back to India as hayya has ended

    2024 March 10 – Parents came back to Qatar on a new visit visa .. Alhamdulillah ..

    *At the same time i was thinking about RP visa for them*

    Continuously i was reading updates in our group about lot of people getting Parents RP approval. I hope i meet all the required conditions to get reopened my rejected application.

    2024 March 19 – I went to Duhail moi – saw a big line near security, he is not allowing people to go inside . Time is 8.15 am,but it was crowded .

    I went to security and told , I am Dr, this is my parents RP visa rejected copy, i need to meet captain(i was having metrash rejected copy print out). His 3 questions was : job, private or government, whats ur salary. I replied , then he said, Ok u can go inside …  (First part over)

    Then i was looking for hall 11 … Security was waiting there(there also big number of people was waiting) .. security is not giving token to most of the people .

    I approached him in the same way.. Same his questions was also same – job,private or gov., salary.. after my reply , he gave me token for captain .

    My turn came at 8.45am , captain scanned my id , he said everything is fine, you didn’t upload some documents , that was the problem, (so he changed status to missing documents) and told me to meet a lady officer ,she will help you to upload the documents.

    Then i met lady officer, she was so kind to help me to upload my birth certificate, salary certificate . After uploading she told me my Parents name in birth certificate is in malayalam,she cant read , so u upload in english .. then i translated the certificate using google translator and uploaded it ..

    Then she said,its over u can leave, in shaa allah captain have to sign,only that is pending . It was showing under review in metrash.

    Then i contacted our group admin bro, he guided me , not to leave, go and meet other captain , then i took again captain token n met him .. he check and told me to add passport copy for both again which he changed to missing documents, then i added … but when he check, he said , something problm, i will cancel this now, you sit here and apply new for both …

    Then i applied new for them and went to security for a token to meet captain , but security denied he was watching me, he said , what is this token for captain, lady officer , captain , again n again ??

    Then i shown my metrash, it was cancelled, officer told me to apply now .. then security told, go direct to him , no need token .. then i went to him .. he said all is fine .. you wil get message within 8 days …  he directly changed stage 1 to stage 3 at the same time.

    Then our admin told me to wait 15 mints and go to lady officer.. but getting new token was difficult for me … but somehow i managed to get a token to meet lady officer , but unfortunately i was called at FO2 ( which i read last day , dont go to him) .. without knowing i went to him… he just scanned my id and told.,this is approved..wait 1 week ,you wil get message … so i left from there …. It was under process

    2024 March 25: I reached at 11.15, security was not allowing people with underprocess status… So i told yesterday i came here, captain told me to come today to upload my salary certificate.Then he said ok, u can go inside…

    Then i went to hall 11, the security told me for parents RP u come tomorrow, same i told captain told me to come today, but he said token machine is not working, u go n come tomorrow.. I said please, just i need to show this certificate only.. Then atlast he said ok, then go directly, if they say to come tomorrow, you hv to go… I said, that’s ok.. Then i went directly to lady officer and said i didn’t get visa number… she just scanned my QID and typed something in system and told me its finish.. You wil get approved msg within 2 days.. But i checked my matrash infront of her, visa number was generated for my father, then i ask her its not generated for my mother.. She said u will get.. Sure…

    Then i reached home n when i checked my metrash, visa number was generated for my mother also. … 😊😊

    Finally…

    Today March 26 – I received a visa approved message for both my mother and father…

    Alhamdulillah…

    Thanks a lot to admins for making such an amazing group.. This group is doing a great job and big support for those who are struggling to move to the next step after getting stuck in each and every step of the visa process… In other way we can say, this is the helping hands of god through our admins… God bless🥰❤️

    I will remain here in group till i get QID. Actually feel sad to leave this group, because feels like loosing our brother and sister who are here to help us with instant reply for our problem

  5. Dear All,
    I have recently joined another organization in Qatar. However, I am in Qatar for two years. My visa type falls under Professional. It’s been only two months, I would like to apply for Family Resident visa for immediate family. I do have bank statement to support that I am sufficient to accommodate my family. I am aiming to retrieve a NOC stating my Salary/mo. Similarly, I have attested documents (Marriage and Birth Certificate) from MOFA of native country. Would I be able to submit, and accepted?

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Mehmood, If you meet the eligibilty requirements (salary + education certificate) you can apply even with 2 months salary transfer.

  6. Good afternoon: I’m a USA citizen and I have been trying to apply for a Resident Visa with my husband’s sponsorship( he meets the requirements); however I’m having a hard time with the attestation for our marriage certificate. I have a certified copy from the Secretary of State of Texas and County Clerk. We went to the US Embassy and told us that we have to go to Washington DC and have the Qatar Embassy attest the marriage certificate. I’m confused and need help please. Loops

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi L, Sorry to hear that. Did your husband check with the US Embassy in Qatar? Sometimes it is enough to get attestation from your country’s Embassy in Qatar & then from Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar.

  7. Dear Doha Guides team,
    Thanks for such a detailed procedure.
    As per the above procedure, I have obtained the Family Visa (Residence).
    Please advise whether Insurance & Return tickets are required or NOT.
    Purpose of Visa: Family
    Visa Type: Yearly Visit
    Visa validity: 6 months
    Duration of residence: 01-YEAR

    Please advise urgently as I have already booked One-way tickets for 28 March

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Abdul, Insurance and return ticket are not needed for Family RP (it is needed for visitors only).

  8. *Father & Mother RP*
    Everyone can apply but approval only for those meeting Salary Requirements
    *Govt Sector*- With Min 15k Salary now, approval experiences shared.
    *Semi Govt*- With Min 20k Salary, Within 25K Salary range approval experience shared
    *QFC Company Employees*- With Min 20k Salary Try and update on groups, with min 25k Salary approval chances, no approval experience shared for QFC Company yet
    *Private Sector*- With Min 20k salary on labor contract can try for now and update here on groups. With min 25k total salary on labor contract chances are more it seems.
    Approval experience with 30k+ shared for Private Sector

    Already Rejected and meet Salary Requirements, Meet Captain or even try ur luck meeting Lady Officers at Hall 11 Duhail to get it reopened or canceled. If cancelled can reapply again.

  9. Fully Private Sector 30k+ Salary Mother RP(Permanent Visa) Success Story

    I applied back in Sept/Oct when the option of parents first reflected in Metrash, but it was Rejected very next day.

    I sent emails to the MOI email id but never received a response. I sent enquiry from Metrash option but got the reply saying please follow up with relevant department.

    Then after looking at the success stories of other cases of parent’s RP, I thought I will try on my own.

    I took NOC from my employer to apply for Mother RP(Requested company pro to issue an NOC to apply for mother RP, The NOC had salary mentioned on it – just to have a look by captain), contract copy from adlsa, my birth certificate and other supporting docs to Duhail immigration on 10th March 2024. I was lucky to get into Gate 4 without the security asking me the purpose. In Hall 11 at the token counter I asked for Captain token, he asked if the salary was more than 20k, I said yes and then he gave me a token.

    I went to the Captain, he checked my NOC (which has salary mentioned in it) and birth certificate, then changed the old application to missing documents and asked me to upload the birth certificate and mother’s passport copy again. I did there itself and after 5 mins went again to him, he then changed the application to Under Process and then Under Review and asked to wait for 10 days.

    After 2 days on 12 March 2024, I went again, at the gate I told I needed to apply for Mother’s RP, they asked for salary and let me in. Again in Hall 11, at the token counter, I just told I need to meet captain for Mother’s RP and he asked for salary and gave me the token. I went to captain, he asked for the NOC and salary certificate to have a look and made the application to Under Process (3rd stage). I went again to token counter and told I need to meet the lady officer, he gave the token. The lady office asked for my mother’s passport copy, went inside to a room and came back saying it was done and wait for CEID, I left and after 10 mins, I noticed the Visa number in Metrash.

    Next day, March 13, I received the approval SMS. Did the visa change (my mother was on Family visit visa), then went for medical on the next day 14 March, got ok SMS in evening, went for fingerprint on 17 March and got ok SMS in afternoon.

    On 17 March, I applied in Metrash for QID printing.

  10. Abubakkar Siddiq

    Hi Team,
    How long will it take to change the status from Under Process(3rd Stage) to Under Process with visa number.
    Thank you

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Abubakkar, Unfortunately there is no standard time. All we can say is it depends on your luck. Average time for total process is 3-4 weeks, but can be slower during Ramadan.

  11. Isnt Educational certificate is a requirement from MOI? in previous comment ,you replied ” education certificate is required now a days(also depends on company,contact with your Company PRO” ,,actually i am owner of the company but i dont have any educational certifacates, my profession is Superviser in QID.is there any minimum chance i got RP for my wife?

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Mazharul, Nowadays education certificate is being strictly checked for Family RP. Please discuss with your Company PRO.

  12. Hi my wife has come here with the residence visa, medical finished but finger print has been unsuccessful many times so they took ink fingerprint and it’s been more than 2 weeks but still fingerprint not yet approved they are saying still under process. Can DG or anyone guide me how long it would take or what is to be done and has anyone else faced such issue

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Shajid, This happens in rare cases and there is no standard period. You have to follow up with CEID fingerprint office.

  13. Doha guide walon ko ROZA lg rha hai . kisi ka b reply nahi de rahe 15 din se. lagta hai ramadan me SO gaye hai

  14. Muhammed Ajmal Asharuf

    Could you please assist me with these questions?
    1. My wife and baby currently hold valid Hayya A1 visas. Can I apply for a family residency visa for them after they arrive here? or better before they arrive? I have all the required documents ready. The visit visa process is getting delayed, and the MOI service centers are not allowing visit visa applications.
    2. What steps do I need to take to change their visas? Do they need to leave the country to change to a family residency visa, or is it possible to do it from here?

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Muhammed, (1) You can apply any time. Application time doesn’t matter for Family RP (it matters for visit visa).
      (2) If Family RP is approved, they may allow from A1 to RP conversion if you visit Airport Immigration. If they don’t allow, you will have to exit to Saudi border and re-enter. Here is how: https://www.dohaguides.com/visa-changing-process-via-abu-samra-land-border/
      (3) If it is from Family Visit to RP, you can do on Metrash also, by paying QR 500. Here is how: https://www.dohaguides.com/convert-family-visit-to-residence-visa/

  15. Hello Doha Guide Team,

    Its been 3 Weeks already but there’s no movement in my application, application struck on UNDER PROCESS ,

    – Why this happening? are they not giving Visa ?
    – I visited duhail, security Allows me but on hall 11 security not give me a Token

    Please tell What actually happens to Immigration? they not take that much time before.

    My application No. is in 95000 Serial

    Please Tell something what should I Do? any news you have ?

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Waheeb, 3-4 weeks is normal for RP and things can be much slower during Ramadan. If you read the comments here, most applicants are waiting since last month.

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Ahmed, If the mother is under work visa, children should be under mother’s sponsorship. Father can only sponsor if mother is under family visa.

  16. Dear. Doha Guides Team
    I would like to ask you about “Family Visa” process for my wife.
    She is Tunisian and came in Doha with “Family Visit Visa” on 10th, Jan this year. And the details of her family visa is as follows.
    1. I applied for her family visa on 14th, Jan.
    2. I received a message about missing document on 23th, Jan and 25th, Jan. And I uploaded document again.
    3. And I received a message about missing document again on 14th, Feb. This time, I fould that it was because of unclear her passport file through PRO. So, I uploaded clear passport file again on 15th, Feb
    4. And until now, there is no any updates on her visa status and still “Under Review”
    In this case, I should wait more or Visit new immigration office?

    Thanks.

  17. Hi DG team,,my profession is a superviser with salary of 15000 QAR,but no educational certificate is attasted with the labour contract as i dont have education background. Is it impossible for me to get family RP approval? Dont i have any chance?

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Mazharul, Education certificate is mandatory nowadays (also depends on your company). Please check with your company PRO.

  18. Hello DG Team & All

    Please tell me if any PAKISTANI family resident Visa got approvals or not ? Because its been 20 days and my application is still UNDER PROCESS , no movement at all.

    Is someone has news regarding PAKISTAN family visa approvals ??

    and if any Pakistani get Resident approval, how long it takes for them to get approval?

    Please guide

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Waheeb, The delay is normal and not due to your nationality. 3-4 weeks is average and moreover everything is slow during Ramadan.

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