“When can my family join me?” This question weighs heavily on thousands of expatriates working in Qatar. The good news: the Qatar Family Residence Visa makes family reunification possible, but the process has undergone significant changes in 2025.
This comprehensive guide provides everything you need—from exact document requirements to step-by-step application instructions—ensuring your loved ones can join you without unnecessary delays or complications.
You can check the status of your visa application using our Qatar Visa Check tool.
Qatar Family Residence Visa Latest Updates (February 2025)
The Ministry of Interior Qatar has announced important changes to their services:
- The old Metrash2 app will be discontinued from March 1, 2025
- Users must download the new Metrash app from Apple Store or Google Play
- Family residence and visit visas have faced temporary restrictions, particularly for certain nationalities
- Some applications are being approved, but there may be significant backlogs causing delays
- Follow-up visits to Duhail Immigration are restricted during high-demand periods
- Applications should be submitted through the Metrash app
Recent policy changes include:
- Residence permit procedures must be completed within 30 days of entering Qatar (since February 2024)
- Failure to complete procedures may result in a QR 10,000 fine
- Since August 2023, bank statements and education certificates are no longer required during application
- Salary verification now happens through the Wage Protection System (WPS)
- Education credential verification is based on the labor contract
What is a Family Residence Visa in Qatar?
A Family Residence Visa allows expatriate workers in Qatar to sponsor their immediate family members for long-term residence. Each family member, including infants, must obtain an individual Residence Visa.
The primary purpose of this visa is to enable families to live together in Qatar while the main sponsor works in the country. This visa differs from a Family Visit Visa, which is for short-term stays.
Qatar Family Visa Requirements
To sponsor family members, you must meet these essential requirements:
Valid Residence Permit
You must have a ready Qatar ID/Residence Card before applying
Professional Requirements
- Your profession must be technical or specialized (non-labor)
- Workers in labor categories (drivers, cleaners, etc.) may not be eligible regardless of salary
Minimum Salary Requirements
- Government & Semi-government Employees: Family accommodation provided by employer OR QR 10,000 salary (certified by employment contract)
- Private Sector Employees: QR 10,000 salary OR QR 6,000 salary + family accommodation provided by employer
Education Requirements
- Children aged 6-18 must be enrolled in licensed schools (Law No. 25 of 2001)
Health Insurance
- Required for the duration of stay, starting from entry date
Who Can Be Sponsored?
You can sponsor the following family members:
- Spouse (legally married)
- Sons under 25 years of age
- Daughters of any age (if unmarried)
- Adopted children (with additional documentation)
- Stepchildren (with proof of relationship)
Male children 25 years and older are not eligible. Married daughters cannot be sponsored by parents.
Required Documents for Qatar Family Visa Application
When applying through Metrash, prepare these essential documents:
- Passports of spouse and children (front and back pages)
- Marriage Certificate for spouse (attested)
- Birth Certificates for children (attested)
- Employment Contract as per Ministry of Labour
- Declaration of non-marriage for daughters above 18 years
Document Attestation and Translation
Documents requiring attestation should be certified by:
- Qatar Embassy in your country OR
- Your country’s Embassy in Qatar
- Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Doha
If documents are not in English or Arabic, they must be translated and uploaded to the “Other documents” section of Metrash.
Important Document Guidelines
- Document scans must be clear and readable
- Metrash only accepts JPG images (not PDF)
- For multi-page documents, combine pages side-by-side in one JPG file
- Maximum file size: 500 KB
- Create a dedicated folder on your phone for organization
Qatar Family Residence Visa Step-by-Step Process
The application process involves several steps:
Step 1: Apply for Family RP Entry Visa
You can apply through the Metrash app or by visiting the Immigration Office. The application process through the new Metrash app includes:
- Log into Metrash and click the “Visa” icon
- Select “Family Resident Visa” and click “Continue”
- Read and accept conditions, then click “Next”
- Select “Request Application”
- Upload passport front and back pages
- Upload visitor’s passport-size photo
- Fill in visitor details (name, relationship, place of birth, email)
- Upload required documents:
- Marriage certificate (front and back)
- Employment contract
- Passport copies
- Birth certificates (for children)
- Verify data and submit
- Pay visa fee (QR 200) if approved
Alternative Approach: You can bring family members on a Family Visit Visa and convert it to a Family RP by paying QR 500 per person.
Step 2: Family Members Enter Qatar
Once the Family Entry Visa is approved, family members can travel to Qatar with:
- Passport
- One-way flight ticket
- RP visa (Entry visa) copy
Important timelines:
- Visa holders typically have 180 days to enter Qatar (some recent visas valid for 90 days or 1 year)
- Entry visa can be extended for another 180 days by paying QR 200
- After entering, RP procedures must be completed within 30 days
Step 3: Medical Examination
The Medical Commission conducts tests to protect public health:
Location: Al Muntazah Street, off E-Ring Road Working hours: Sunday to Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Required documents:
- Original passport
- Passport copy
- Residence Visa copy with sponsor’s mobile number
- Sponsor’s Qatar ID copy
- Payment method (debit/credit card)
Fee: QR 100 per person
Tests include:
- Blood tests (HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C)
- Physician’s check-up
- Chest X-ray (tuberculosis screening)
Children under 15 typically don’t require medical tests but need system registration (QR 100 fee).
Results are sent electronically and typically available within 3 days.
Step 4: Fingerprinting Process
Adults must register fingerprints with the Ministry of Interior:
Locations:
- CEID office on Salwa Road (main center)
- Some MOI Service Centres (except Gharaffa and Souq Waqif)
Required documents:
- Fingerprint Application Form
- Original passport
- Passport copy
- Residence Visa copy
- Sponsor’s Qatar ID copy
- Medical Receipt
Children under 15 are exempt from fingerprinting.
Results are updated in the system within approximately 3 days.
Step 5: Apply for Qatar ID Card
The final step is obtaining the Residence Permit Card (Qatar ID):
Option 1: Apply at MOI Service Centre
Required documents:
- Completed application form
- Original passport
- Sponsor’s Qatar ID
- Passport-size photo (35 x 45 mm with blue background)
Fee: QR 500 for the first year
The Qatar ID is printed within 5 minutes after payment.
Option 2: Apply through Metrash
After receiving confirmation that fingerprinting is complete:
- Open Metrash app
- Go to “Residency” section
- Select “Issue Residence Permit”
- Enter required details
- Upload passport-size photo (blue background)
- Upload signature image
- Pay QR 500 + QR 20 QPost delivery charge
Qatar Family Visa Fees
The total costs for each family member include:
| Service | Fee |
| Family Visa Fee | QR 200 |
| Medical Commission Test | QR 100 |
| Residence Permit (one year) | QR 500 |
| Visit to Residence Visa Conversion (if applicable) | QR 500 |
Additional costs may include document attestation and typing services.
What to Do if Visa Application is Rejected
If your application is rejected despite meeting requirements:
- Visit Immigration Office and request a meeting with the visa approval committee
- Take a copy of the visa application receipt
- Prepare all original documents
- Attend the committee meeting (they’ll ask about qualifications and profession)
- If approved, you’ll receive confirmation within two days
Working While on Family Residence Visa
Dependent spouses and children above 18 who wish to work must obtain a special work permit while maintaining family sponsorship. This can be applied for using the Metrash app.
National Address Registration
After obtaining the QID:
- Register National Address at MOI service centre or through Metrash
- Children’s addresses can be registered using sponsor’s Metrash app
- Spouse needs their own SIM card with QID to register
- QID renewal requires National Address registration
Common Problems and Solutions
“Missing Documents” Error
If you receive this notification:
- Open Metrash app
- Click “Issue Visa”
- Select “Family Visit”
- Check “Family Resident Application”
- Click “RP Application” then “Upload Documents”
- Upload only the specific required document
- Try compressing images to under 100KB
- Take direct photos from Metrash app if uploading fails
Visa Errors
If the approved visa contains incorrect information:
- Visit any MOI office
- Meet with a Captain
- Provide printed RP visa and passport copy
- Corrections for those under 15 years are made immediately
- Those above 15 require new CID clearance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary for a family visa in Qatar?
As of 2025, you need a minimum salary of QR 10,000, or QR 6,000 with employer-provided family accommodation.
How can I renew the Residence Permit for my family?
You can renew through the Metrash app with online payment and QPost delivery.
Can I sponsor extended family members?
Family residence visas are generally only for spouses and children. Parents can be sponsored in exceptional cases.
Is health insurance required for a Family Residence Visa?
Yes, health insurance is required for the duration of stay, starting from the entry date.
How long does Family RP approval typically take?
The timeframe varies widely from days to months. Applications in the 4th stage (with visa number) typically receive final approval within a week.
Conclusion
The Qatar Family Residence Visa provides a pathway for expatriate workers to reunite with their families. While the process involves several steps and requirements, proper preparation and adherence to guidelines will help ensure a successful application.
Remember to verify the latest requirements through official channels, as immigration policies may change. With Qatar continuously updating its procedures to enhance efficiency, staying informed about the latest developments is essential for a smooth application process.
Amir Amin is a blogger from Qatar. With a background in computer sciences, he founded “Qatar Visa Check” to provide essential information and support to expats navigating visa processes and settling in Qatar.