Qatar Family Visit Visa: Every Detail You Need to Know

A Qatar family visit visa is a short-term visa that allows expat workers to bring their family to Qatar for a shorter period which can be from 30 days to 6 months. There are some requirements that must be fulfilled before inviting an immediate family (Spouse, Children, and Parents) or other family members to Qatar.

This article will discuss the requirements, application process, eligibility, fee, visa duration and extension of Qatar family visit visa in detail.  If a worker wants to invite a family on a permanent family visa or Residency visa, read the article Qatar Residence Visa.

As of 19 November 2024, temporary restrictions for certain nationalities have been placed on family Residence Visas and Family visit visas. While some applications are being approved, many remain pending, causing delays. During busy periods, visiting the Duhail Immigration Office is often not allowed due to crowd management rules. So, to avoid any issues you should submit your application through the Metrash app. These restrictions are expected to be temporary, and the visa process should return to normal soon.

Previous UpdatesDetails
Hayya Card ValidityValid until January 2024, allowing entry to Qatar under specific conditions by MOI.
Family Visit VisaApplications can be submitted online via the Metrash app; processing time is 1-2 weeks.
MOI Centers Walk-insWalk-ins for RP applications or follow-ups are not accepted, except in rare cases.
Instructions for Ramadan VisitorsGharaffa MOI instructed individuals from March 2023 to return after Ramadan.
Private Sector Family Residence VisasApplications are still pending approval.
Public Sector Family Residence VisasApplications have been approved.
Submission of ApplicationsAll applications, including Family Visit and Residence Visas, must be submitted via Metrash.

What is Qatar Family Visit Visa?

If you are working in Qatar and want to invite your family for a temporary stay, the best way to bring them to Qatar is to apply for a Qatar Family Visit Visa. It’s an easy process to get a visa by simply completing the procedure and basic documentation.

The expatriate worker has to provide basic salary information must be QR 5000, eligible profession and accommodation. Other important documents are attested marriage certificates, education documents, and bank statements. Furthermore, follow the article to get all the details comprehensively.

Requirements for Qatar Family Visit Visa

The sponsor must be a resident or a Qatari citizen with a valid resident permit or QID. the other requirements are discussed below:

Family Members can be Invited

The sponsor is allowed to invite his immediate family members( Spouse, Children and Parents), siblings, and other relatives who are allowed under Qatar’s immigration regulations.

The government of Qatar categorized the family members into three categories:

CategoriesRelative
First DegreeWife , children, Parents
Second DegreeSiblings, Grand Child, Grand Parents
Third DegreeOther relatives
Categories of Relatives

Requirements for Qatar Family Visit Visa Salary Details

It is important to provide the information of sufficient income and savings by a sponsor to show the ability to support the family during their stay in Qatar. The salary should be at least QR 5000 and for a relative Qatar family visit visa it should be QR 10,000.

Requirements for Qatar Family Visit Visa Accommodation Details

The applying resident has accommodation for the family to stay. If the company/employer is providing a free residence then it must be shown in the salary details.

If the sponsor is renting a place then must have attested a tenant contract required by the municipality. This process is free of cost by using the Metrash2 mobile application.

Requirements for Qatar Family Visit Visa Sponsor’s Profession Requirements

The profession of the sponsor must be under the non-labour category. Labor, technicians, and others are under the labor category. 

In some cases, it is important to get permission from the employer to sponsor the family for a Qatar family visit visa.

Visitor’s Requirements for Qatar Family Visit Visa

Age Requirements

There is no age limit for a Qatar family visit visa, the eligibility of applicants above age 60 is checked before issuing a visa and the Metrash2 app does not accept their application.

Health Insurance

Visitors must have health insurance for the time they stay in Qatar. It can be purchased from any Insurance company registered with the Qatar Ministry of Public Health (MOPH). It costs QR 50 per month. If the visitor wishes to extend a visit visa, a medical examination and renewal of health insurance are mandatory.

Documents Required for Qatar Family Visit Visa

The application form for a family visit visa that provides information about required documents is available on the MOI website. Following are the documents required with the application for a Qatar family visit visa for immediate family or relatives:

  • A copy of the applicant’s Qatar ID.
  • A copy of the visitor’s passport on both sides (minimum validity of 6 months).
  • Proof of Relation (attested birth certificate of children and attested marriage certificate from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy of Qatar from sponsor’s own country and then translate the certificate in Arabic and attested from Ministry of Foreign Affairs Qatar)
  • No objection certificate (NOC) and salary details from the employer.
  • Non-labor profession
  • Photocopy of the company card
  • Return ticket
  • Valid Health insurance in Qatar
Required Documents for Qatar Family Visit Visa

When applying through the Metrash2 app, it is not necessary to provide employment details because all employment information is already in the record of the app.

Qatar Family Visit Visa Fee

The cost of a Qatar Family visit visa for each family member is QR 200 per month. Visa can be extended by paying QR 200 per month. The medical examination fee is included in it but for insurance, you must pay QR 50 per month or can purchase 3 months and 6 months of insurance if you want to stay for a longer period.

How long will the Family stay in Qatar?

A Qatar family visit visa is initially issued for one month (30 days), but it can be extended further for the next 5 months (for spouse and children total of 6 months) and for 2 months (for other relatives total of 3 months). It is important to clear the medical examination and apply for further health insurance.

Necessary Steps Before Applying for Qatar Family Visit Visa

It is important to gather all required documents and their attestation before applying online. Some companies/ Employers in Qatar offer assistance with family visit visas by paying the visa fee.

So, it is important to ask your employer or HR department, if they help you to pay a visit visa fee.

Other important steps:

  • Apply for Family Entry Visas: Do this online or offline (at an MOI Service Center).
  • Family Members Enter Qatar:  They have their entry visas.
  • Medical Examination: Complete this at a government-approved centre in Qatar.
  • Fingerprints: Have fingerprints taken at the MOI center.
  • Residence Permit Card: Submit all documents to get the permit card.

Different Methods to Apply for a Qatar Family Visit Visa

There are two main methods to apply for a Qatar Family Visit Visa online and offline. In an online method, applicants can apply through the Metrash2 mobile app and MOI online portal. For offline, visit the MOI office physically submit all required documents and complete the procedure.

In 2018, the Government of Qatar Introduced the Metrash2 app to facilitate its residents where they apply for all visit visa processes online because all official information of residents is available there and it is easy to complete the visa process from applying to paying fees without any hustle.

How to Apply for a Qatar Family Visit Visa Online?

Qatar family visit visas can be applied through the MOI online portal and also by using the Metrash2 mobile application.

Firstly, discuss all necessary steps that are required for the visa application through the Metrash2 app.

Apply for a Qatar Family Visit Visa Through the Metrash2 app

Step 1: Log in to your Metrash2 app and select “Visa”

Metrash2 Visa Icon

Step 2: Select the “Issue Visa” icon

Metrash2 Visa Icon

Step 3: Select “Family Visa” icon

Metrash2 Family Visit

Step 4: Select “Family Visit Application” not Family Resident Application and click on “ New Application”

Family Visit Visa Application
Family Visa New Application

Step 5: Fill in all the required information about “Gender”, “ Relation”, “Nationality”, “Date of Birth” and “Passport” and Validate it.

Details of Visitor for Qatar Family visit Visa

Step 6: Upload the photos of the visitor’s documents including Birth Certificate, Passport Copy, and Passport Copy (Others). Please make sure that the attested document scans or pictures are clear and readable.

Step 7: After submitting all documents click “Next” and confirm submission of your request by clicking on “Yes and you will receive an “Application number”

Initially, the status of a visit visa application will show “Under process” then “Under Review” and again “Under process” before it is approved. If there is any document missing, mismatched, not cleared, or rejected then you will receive a notification.

Step 8: Approval will be received after a few days. Now, it’s time to pay the visa application fee which is QR 200 through the Metrash2 app.

Step 9: After approving the visa and paying the visa fee, the next step is to buy health insurance from any insurance company registered with the Ministry of Public Health (MPOH). 

Note: a visit visa must buy health insurance after approval of the visa.

Once the visa is approved, paying a fee, and purchasing health insurance, all steps of visa application are completed. Now, you can download a visa from the Ministry of Interior website and send it to visitors.

Apply Qatar Family Visit Visa Offline

A Qatar family visit visa can also apply directly or offline from the Ministry of Interior Service Center. It includes the following steps:

Step 1: Download a Qatar family visit visa application form.

Step 2: Fill out the form and ready all required documents that are mentioned on the back side of the form. Please read the important notes carefully.

Step 3: Submit the form and documents to the MOI Services Center.

Step 5: When the visa is approved, you have to submit the receipt at the MOI Service Center and pay the fee.

Step 4: The officer at the MOI service center may ask you some questions regarding family visit visas and relationships with visitors. After satisfying the officer with your answers, a receipt will be issued to you.

Pay Fee for Qatar Family Visit Visa

Step 6: The status of the family visit visa can be checked from the MOI online portal or the Metrash2 application.

Step 7: Visa can be downloaded or printed from the MOI (Ministry of Interior) website.

How to Check Qatar Family Visit Visa Status Online

Qatar family visit visa status can be checked through the Metrash2 app and directly from MOI online portal by using the visa application number.

Family Visit Visa Application Status

How to Check Qatar Family Visit Visa Status Offline

After launching the Metrash2 app, the Government of Qatar has suspended the offline service of visit visa issuance.

What to Do If a Qatar Family Visit Visa is Rejected?

There are several reasons for visa rejection including missing, uncleared scan copies, un-attested documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or issues related to the profession. After solving all the above-mentioned issues, a visa can be reapplied.

For this purpose, you can visit the Al-Gharafa Immigration Office or Duhail Immigration Office and request to reconsider your visa application.

How to Extend Qatar Family Visit Visa?

A Qatar family visit visa is initially issued for one month (30 days), for family members (Spouse and children) it can be extended for next 5 months (6 months in total) or for 3 months.

If you have a plan to extend your visit visa beyond one month then it is important to have a medical examination report and renewal of health insurance.

Qatar family visit visa can be extended through MOI online portal or by physically visiting the MOI Service Center.

Step 1: Visit the MOI portal.

Step 2: Click on Inquiries, Visa Services, and Visa Extension Service

Qatar Family Visit Visa Extension Process

If using Metrash2 mobile app then Visa —> Visa Service —> Extend Visa

Step 3: The cost of a family visit visa extension is QR 200 per person per month and additional for other months if you wish to extend it more.

Important Points to Keep in Mind

There are some other important points that must be kept in mind before booking a ticket and visiting Qatar, including:

Issues with Return Tickets

If your plan is to stay in Qatar for more than one month, ensure that the booked return ticket from any airline can be easily updated with no fee or minimal fee because some airlines may create issues for visitors who have a 30-day visa. Therefore, it’s advisable to book your return ticket within 30 days of your visa to avoid any problems. Once the visitor reaches Qatar, dates can be changed easily.

Valid Visit Visa and “OK” Status

Sometimes airlines require you to show the “OK” status of your visa, even if you have a valid visa. By showing a copy of the visa at the airport, you can obtain your status “OK” from the airline.

Visit Visa Application Status “Under Review” or “Under Process”

The status indicates that the visa application is under review and will be approved within a few days and then the status will be removed.

Visit Visa Application Status “NULL”

The “NULL” visa application status does not show any issue with the visa application. This is a temporary status, indicating that the visa application details are proceeding through the system.

FAQs

Q1- How long does it take to process a Qatar family visit visa?

The average process time for Qatar family visit visas takes 1-2 weeks time, otherwise 1-4 weeks time if all required documents are completed and submitted successfully. There are many other factors also involved in visa issuance like incomplete documents, holidays, and additional scrutiny by the authorities.

Q2- Does health insurance needed for a Qatar family  visit visa?

Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all the visitors of Qatar family visit visa regardless of their age. Health insurance of each visitor must cover the duration of stay.

Q3- How much does a family visit visa cost?

The fee of a Qatar family visit visa is QR 200 (USD 55) each month for each person.

Q4- Can a Qatar family visit visa be converted into a family residence visa during stay in Qatar?

Yes, a Qatar family visit visa can be converted into a Qatar residence visa if you are an eligible sponsor of your family, but there are some conditions and approval by the Qatari authorities to be fulfilled.

Q5- What documents are needed to apply for a Qatar family visit visa?

For Qatar family visit visa following documents are required:
1- A copy of the applicant’s Qatar ID.
2- A copy of the visitor’s passport on both sides (minimum validity of 6 months).
3- Proof of Relation (attested birth certificate of children and attested marriage certificate from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy of Qatar from sponser’s own country and then translate the certificate in Arabic and attested from Ministry of Foreign Affairs Qatar  )
4- No objection certificate (NOC) and salary details from the employer.
5- Non-labor profession
6- Photocopy of the company card
7- Return ticket
8- Valid Health insurance in Qatar

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