Qatar Family Residence Visa Complete Guide (2025)

When will my family be able to join me?” This question is on the minds of countless expatriates living and working in Qatar. Fortunately, the Qatar Family Residence Visa offers a pathway to reunite with your loved ones though recent updates in 2025 have brought some important changes to the process.

This detailed guide walks you through everything you need to know, including required documents and step-by-step application procedures, helping you navigate the system smoothly and bring your family over without avoidable setbacks.

Qatar Family Residence Visa Latest Updates (May 2025)

• Minimum salary raised to 10,000 QAR/month (or 7,500 QAR + housing).
• Health insurance is mandatory for all dependents before applying.
• Applications only through Metrash2 app or Hukoomi portal no paper forms.
• Attested marriage and birth certificates required (home country + Qatar).
• Biometrics and fingerprinting are now required for dependents over 18.
• Only specific job categories can sponsor family visas (not all professions qualify).
• Medical exam in Qatar required for dependents over 15.
• Faster approval 2–4 weeks average processing time.
• Tenancy contract must match family size; studio apartments not accepted.
• Renewal deadline: 30 days before expiry to avoid a 10 QAR/day fine.

What is a Family Residence Visa in Qatar?

A Family Residence Visa in Qatar helps workers bring their spouse and children to live with them. The visa is for long-term stay, not short visits. Each family member must get a separate visa.

This visa keeps families together in Qatar. A worker must have a Qatar ID, a good salary, and the right job title. The family must also have health insurance and children must attend school.

Qatar Visa Types

Different Qatar visa types help people visit or live in Qatar. Some are for tourists, others are for workers or families. Each visa has its own rules and length of stay.

The main types include Visit Visa, Work Visa, Family Residence Visa, Transit Visa, and Student Visa. The visa choice depends on the purpose of the visit, how long the person stays, and who sponsors the visa.

Type C (Short-term Stay) Visa

Qatar Tourist Visa

Many people use a Qatar Tourist Visa to visit for fun or family. It allows a short stay, like 30 days. Some people get a visa on arrival, and others must apply online before traveling. A valid passport is needed.

Qatar Visa for Business and Fair Visits

Business people use a Qatar Business Visa to attend meetings, conferences, or trade fairs. This visa allows a short stay in Qatar. A local sponsor or company invitation is often needed. Bring a passport, invitation letter, and other documents.

Qatar Visa for Visit to Family, Relatives and Friends

Visitors use a Qatar Family Visit Visa to see relatives, friends, or close family. This visa gives a short stay, usually 1 to 3 months. A Qatar resident must apply for it. Needed items include a passport, ID copy, and proof of relationship.

Qatar Visa for Cultural, Sports Activities and Participation to Conferences

People use a Qatar Event Visa for cultural shows, sports events, or conferences. This visa is for a short stay. A letter of invitation from the event organizer is needed. Also bring a passport, photo, and travel plan.

Qatar Visa for Short-term Education and Traineeship

Students use a Qatar Short-term Education Visa for courses, training, or workshops. This visa allows a short stay, often a few months. A school or center in Qatar must send an invitation letter. A passport and health insurance are also needed.

Qatar Family Visa Requirements

Qatar Family Visa Requirements help families join a worker living in Qatar. A valid Qatar ID, good salary, and proper job are needed. The sponsor must prepare marriage and birth certificates, all attested. Health insurance and school admission (for kids) are also important.

Valid Residence Permit

A Valid Residence Permit is needed before applying for a Qatar Family Visa. It proves that the worker lives legally in Qatar. The Qatar ID card shows this permit. Without it, no family sponsorship is allowed. Keep the permit active and updated.

Professional Requirements

Professional Requirements must be met to apply for a Qatar Family Visa. Only people with skilled or technical jobs can sponsor. Jobs like engineers, teachers, or accountants are accepted. Labor jobs like drivers or cleaners do not qualify, even with a good salary.

Minimum Salary Requirements

Minimum Salary Requirements must be met for a Qatar Family Visa. Private workers need QR 10,000 or QR 6,000 with free family housing. Government staff need the same or housing from employers. Salary is checked through the Wage Protection System (WPS).

Education Requirements

Education Requirements apply to children on a Qatar Family Visa. Kids aged 6 to 18 must join a licensed school in Qatar. School papers may be asked during the visa process. Following Law No. 25 of 2001 is important for all families.

Health Insurance

Health Insurance is required for all family members on a Qatar Family Visa. It must be valid from the entry date. This ensures everyone is covered for medical care during their stay. The sponsor should arrange health coverage for their family.

Who Can Be Sponsored?

You can sponsor your spouse, children, and adopted children for a Qatar Family Visa. Daughters can be sponsored if they are unmarried, and sons can be sponsored if they are under 25 years old.

Stepchildren can also be sponsored with the right documents. Married daughters and sons above 25 cannot be sponsored. Make sure all documents, like birth certificates and marriage certificates, are attested.

Required Documents for Qatar Family Visa Application

Document Attestation and Translation

Document Attestation and Translation are important for the Qatar Family Visa application. Documents like marriage certificates and birth certificates must be attested by the Qatar Embassy or Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

If documents are not in English or Arabic, they must be translated. Translations should be clear and accurate. All attested documents must be uploaded through the Metrash app.

Important Document Guidelines

Important Document Guidelines ensure smooth Qatar Family Visa applications. All documents, like passports and certificates, must be clear and readable. Only JPG images are accepted, not PDFs.

For multi-page documents, combine them side-by-side into one JPG. The maximum file size should be 500 KB. Organize your documents carefully for easy upload.

Qatar Family Residence Visa Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Apply for Family RP Entry Visa

• Apply for a Family RP Entry Visa. You can use the Metrash app or go to the Immigration Office.
• Start by logging into the app. Then, upload documents like passports, photos, and a marriage certificate. After that, pay the visa fee.

Step 2: Family Members Enter Qatar

• Once the Family RP Entry Visa is approved, family members can travel to Qatar. They must bring their passports, entry visa copy, and a one-way flight ticket.
• Family members typically have 180 days to enter. The entry visa can be extended by another 180 days for a fee of QR 200.

Step 3: Medical Examination

• After entering Qatar, family members must complete a Medical Examination. The test is done at the Medical Commission.
• Family members need to bring their passports, residence visa copy, and sponsor’s Qatar ID. The test checks for HIV, Hepatitis, and tuberculosis.

Step 4: Fingerprinting Process

• After the Medical Examination, family members must go through the Fingerprinting Process. This is done at the Ministry of Interior (MOI).
• Adults need to bring their passport, residence visa copy, and medical receipt. Children under 15 do not need fingerprints. The results are updated within 3 days.

Step 5: Apply for Qatar ID Card

• After completing fingerprinting, the next step is to apply for a Qatar ID Card. This can be done at an MOI Service Centre or through the Metrash app.
• You will need to provide documents like the passport, Qatar ID of the sponsor, and a passport-sized photo. The Qatar ID will be ready within 5 minutes after payment.

Option 1: Apply at MOI Service Centre

• To apply for a Qatar ID at an MOI Service Centre, bring your passport, sponsor’s Qatar ID, and a passport-sized photo. Complete the application form and pay the QR 500 fee.
• Once submitted, the Qatar ID will be printed in 5 minutes. Make sure all documents are clear and correct to avoid delays.

Option 2: Apply through Metrash

• To apply for a Qatar ID through Metrash, first ensure fingerprinting is complete. Open the Metrash app, go to the Residency section, and select Issue Residence Permit.
• Upload the passport-size photo, signature image, and pay the QR 500 fee, plus QR 20 for delivery. Your Qatar ID will be delivered to you.

Qatar Family Visa Fees

The Qatar Family Visa has several fees. The family visa fee is QR 200 for each person. Other costs include the medical test fee of QR 100 and the residence permit fee of QR 500 for one year.

If the family is on a visit visa, converting it to a family residence visa costs QR 500 per person. All fees must be paid during the application process using Metrash or at the MOI Service Centre.

What to Do if Visa Application is Rejected

If the Qatar Family Visa application is rejected, visit the Immigration Office. Bring all original documents, including the visa application receipt. You can request a meeting with the visa approval committee. They will review the application and may approve it.

Working While on Family Residence Visa

Family members on a Qatar Family Residence Visa can work if they get a special work permit. The spouse or children over 18 must apply for the permit through Metrash. This allows them to work while staying under family sponsorship.

National Address Registration

After obtaining a Qatar ID, you must register your National Address. This can be done at an MOI Service Centre or through the Metrash app.

The National Address includes your home address and contact details. It must be updated during QID renewal.

Common Problems and Solutions

Some common problems with the Qatar Family Visa include missing documents or errors in the visa. If you get a missing documents error, check the Metrash app and upload the required papers.

If there is a mistake in the visa, visit the MOI office. They will help correct the issue quickly.

“Missing Documents” Error

If you get a “Missing Documents” error, open the Metrash app and check your application. Make sure you have uploaded the required documents like passports and birth certificates.

You may need to compress the document images or take new photos directly from the app.

Visa Errors

If there are visa errors, visit any MOI office to correct them. Bring the printed RP visa and a passport copy. For errors in documents of family members over 15 years old, you will need a new CID clearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the minimum salary for a family visa in Qatar?
• The minimum salary for a family visa is QR 10,000 or QR 6,000 with employer-provided housing. It depends on the type of employment.
• How can I renew the Residence Permit for my family?
• To renew the Residence Permit for your family, use the Metrash app or visit the MOI Service Centre. Pay the renewal fee and update details.
• Can I sponsor extended family members?
• You cannot sponsor extended family members unless in exceptional cases. Only spouses and children are usually eligible.
• Is health insurance required for a Family Residence Visa?
• Yes, health insurance is required for all family members. It must be valid from the entry date.
• How long does Family RP approval typically take?
• The approval time for Family RP varies. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Conclusion

The Qatar Family Residence Visa allows expatriates to bring their loved ones to live in Qatar. While the process involves several steps, including document submission and medical checks, following the guidelines carefully ensures a smooth application. Staying informed about the latest requirements and updates is crucial for a successful visa application.

Also Read Must About: Guide to Qatar ID Check: Status, Renewal, Fines & More (2025 Update)