Are you living in Qatar and wishing to bring your family closer? The Qatar Family Visit Visa allows residents to reunite with their spouse, parents, or children for short stays. It’s perfect for those who wish to spend quality time with their loved ones in Qatar, but careful planning and a clear understanding of the visa application process are essential for a smooth experience. This guide covers all the essential details you need to know, from key requirements and useful tips to important steps for a smooth and successful Qatar Family Visit Visa application.
What is Qatar Family Visit Visa
The Qatar Family Visit Visa is a short-term visa that allows expatriate residents to bring their spouse, children, parents, or close relatives of the first and second degrees to Qatar for a temporary stay. Initially valid for one month, the visa can be extended for up to five additional months in certain cases.
Latest Updates for Qatar Family Visit Visa 2025
- Currently, adult applicants for the Family Visit Visa must complete CEID verification. This step occurs after the visa number has been issued, and the application status on Metrash will show as ‘Under Process’ along with the visa number.
- Family visit visa applications can now be submitted online through the Metrash app.
- Family Visit Visa applications are open to visitors aged 60 and above, and many recent applicants have already received their visa numbers.
- Spouses and children can now extend their visit visas for up to 6 months.
- All visitors must have health insurance during their stay. After your visa is approved, you will receive instructions to purchase it online for a monthly fee of QAR 50.
- Marriage certificates must now be attested by both spouses. Attestation of children’s birth certificates is not required for a Family Visit Visa but is mandatory for a Family Residence Visa. All documents must be attested by the relevant authorities in your home country and the Qatar Embassy. Any documents not in Arabic must be translated by an authorized translator.
Eligible Family Members for Hosting
The family members you can sponsor are listed below in order of their degree of relationship.
| Degrees | Eligible Members |
|---|---|
| 1st Degree | Father, mother, wife, children |
| 2nd Degree | Grandfather, grandmother, brother, sister |
| 3rd Degree | Brother’s children, sister’s children, maternal uncle, paternal uncle, paternal aunt |
Eligibility Criteria For Qatar Family Visit Visa
- The minimum salary for the applicant should be QR 5,000.
- The profession should not fall under the category of labour.
- The applicant must have family accommodation officially approved by the relevant authorities.
- Visitors must have health insurance.
- Attached must be a copy of the sponsor’s Qatar ID.
- The visitor must be a relative of the sponsoring resident, falling within the permitted degrees of relationship.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Requirements
The required documents vary depending on the category of the person you are sponsoring:
Wife and Children Requirements
- Copy of the sponsor’s Qatar ID
- Attested and translated birth certificates for children
- Attested and translated marriage certificate
- Copies of passports for both the sponsor and visitors (valid for at least 6 months)
- Recent passport-size photographs of the visitors
- Sponsor’s salary certificate or employment contract
- Valid health insurance covering the entire duration of stay
- Confirmed return flight ticket (if required)
Parents or Other Immediate Family Members
- Visitor’s passport
- Copies of the sponsor’s Qatari passport and ID
- Proof of relationship (birth certificate or parent and sponsor’s national ID)
- Certificate of sponsor’s salary
- Accommodation proof (optional)
- Health insurance
- Return flight ticket
How To Apply Qatar Family Visit Visa Online
Applying for a Qatar Family Visit Visa is simple and can be done easily through the METRASH app.
- Install the “METRASH” app.
- Open the app on your device.
- Enter the “QID” and click on the “Login” button.
- Click on the “Visa” option on the home tab.
- Tap on “Family Visit Visa.”
- Click on “Continue.”
- Agree to the “Terms & Conditions” and click on the “Next” button.
- Input all the required information about the visitor, such as their relationship, nationality, and passport information.
- Upload the documents, such as “Passport copy,”“Marriage Certificate,” and others.
- Verify the information and submit the application for review.
- After your application is approved, pay the visa fee online via the Metrash2 app.
Offline Qatar Family Visit Visa Application Process
- Visit the Qatar Immigration Office: Go to the nearest Immigration Office in Qatar.
- Submit the Required Documents: Provide the necessary documents in person, including a copy of your passport, proof of relationship, salary certificate, and accommodation proof.
- Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the visa fee of QAR 200 at the office using the accepted payment method (cash or card).
- Receive Your Application Receipt: After submission, you will get an application receipt, which confirms your application is being processed.
- Wait for Approval: Wait for the Ministry of Interior to notify you about the approval status.
- Collect the Visa: Once approved, you will be informed and can collect your visa from the office.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Fees
| Visa | Cost (QAR) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Family Visit Visa Fee | 200 | Valid for 30 days |
| Visa Extension Fee | 200 per month | Can extend entry visa by paying monthly |
| Medical Checkup | 100 | Required for visa extension |
| Overstay Fine | 200 per day | Charged for each day beyond the allowed period |
Qatar Family Visit Visa Approval Time
The Qatar Family Visit Visa usually takes 1–4 weeks to process. In some cases, processing may take slightly longer than usual, but this is rare.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Validity
The initial Qatar Family Visit Visa is valid for 30 days. It can be extended up to five months for a spouse and children and up to 90 days for other relatives.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Age Limit
Qatar Family Visit Visas do not have an age limit, but applicants over 60 are screened for eligibility before a visa is issued, and the Metrash2 app will not accept their application.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Tracking
Here are simple methods to track your Qatar family visit visa.
Method 1: Ministry of Interior
- Visit the official MOI website.
- Click on “Inquiries.”
- Click on “Visa Approval Tracking” under the “Visa Services.”
- Enter your “Application Number” and “Date.”
- Fill out the “CAPTCHA” and tap on “Submit.”
Method 2: METRASH App
Open the Metrash2 app, go to “Visa,” select “Family Visit Visa,” and track the application status there.
“Null” Status on Qatar Visit Visa Application Receipt
Some readers have noticed that the receipt received after submitting their application shows “null” in most fields. This is completely normal. The receipt only serves as an acknowledgment that your application has been received, while all your application details are stored securely in the system.
Check the Visa Application Status: “Under Process” or “Under Review”
Applicants are often confused by changes in their visit visa application status. It is normal for an application to switch between “Under Process” and “Under Review” multiple times before approval.
If your status alternates between these two, no action is required. In most cases, the application is approved within a few days after such changes.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Rejected: Next Steps
There are several reasons why a family visit visa may be rejected, with the most common being incorrect or incomplete document submission.
If the submitted documents are unclear or not properly attested, such as a marriage certificate, you can get them attested and resubmit the application. It is crucial, however, to first understand the rejection reason and address it before applying again.
Applications may also be rejected if the sponsor (Qatar resident) does not meet the required conditions, such as minimum salary or eligible profession. Rejections due to not meeting the salary requirement are usually difficult to overturn.
If the rejection is related to the profession, you can approach the captain at the Immigration Office in Duhail and request reconsideration. In some cases, approval may be granted if the profession is deemed acceptable.
Timeframe for Entering Qatar After Visa Approval
Once your Qatar visa is approved, it will display a “Valid Till…” date. This date indicates the last day you can enter Qatar, not the length of your stay. Typically, you can enter Qatar within 90 days from the visa approval date. After this period, entry will no longer be permitted.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Is Single Entry or Multiple
The Qatar Family Visit Visa is usually issued as a single-entry visa, allowing foreign nationals to visit family members living in Qatar for a limited duration, typically up to one month. Depending on the visitor’s nationality and approval from Qatari authorities, this period can be extended up to six months.
For those seeking a multiple-entry option, Qatar provides other visa types, such as the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, which permits multiple entries over a specified period but is separate from the family visit visa.
Extensions of the family visit visa beyond one month may require additional documentation and approval from the Ministry of Interior. It is always recommended to check the latest regulations from official sources or Qatar’s Ministry of Interior to ensure compliance.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Insurance
As of 1 February 2023, it is mandatory for all visitors and foreign residents in Qatar to have health insurance for the duration of their stay. The insurance premium is QAR 50 per month.
This is a major change compared to the 2022 family visit visa process, as insurance must now be purchased before applying for the visa.
Whether applying through the Ministry of Interior website or the Metrash2 app, you will be redirected to the Ministry of Public Health portal to obtain insurance. You must choose a policy from one of the registered insurance companies. Once the insurance is acquired, the ministry will issue the visit visa.
If you plan to extend your visa, a new insurance policy must be purchased for the extension period.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Medical Test
For a Qatar Family Visit Visa, medical tests are conducted after arrival in Qatar. These include a physical examination, blood tests for infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis, and a chest X-ray.
You will need your original passport, a copy of your entry visa, and a debit/credit card to pay the fee (approximately QAR 100) at the Medical Commission Department or an approved health center. Children under 15 are exempt from the medical test.
How To Cancel Qatar Family Visit Visa Application
- In the Metrash app, you can cancel your visa application while it is still under review by clicking the right arrow on the status page.
- If the cancellation option is not available in the app, you will need to visit an MOI Service Center in person to complete the cancellation.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Extension Process
Follow the provided steps to extend your Qatar family visit visa.
- Visit the MOI website from “Here.”
- Click on the “Inquiries” on the homepage.
- Tap on “Visit Visa Extension” under the “Visa Services.”
- Enter the “Visa Number” or “Passport Number” and select your “Nationality.”
- Complete the “CAPTCHA” and click on the “Extend” button.
- Follow the screen prompt to extend your visa.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Sample
Important Tips For Traveling To Qatar
- Check Visa Validity: Ensure your visa is valid for travel dates and matches your passport details.
- Follow Health Guidelines: Complete any required medical tests or vaccinations if applicable.
- Book Return Tickets: Some immigration officers may ask for proof of onward or return travel.
- Arrange Accommodation: Have your accommodation details ready, whether staying with family or in a hotel.
- Pack Essentials: Carry health insurance, local currency, and necessary medications.
- Understand Entry Rules: Qatar issues single-entry family visit visas, so plan your entry and exit carefully.
- Stay Updated: Check Metrash2 or official portals for any changes in visa rules or travel restrictions.
FAQs About Qatar Family Visit Visa
How to get a family visit visa in Qatar?
To apply for a Qatar family visit visa, submit your application online via the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website or the Metrash2 app, upload the necessary documents such as passport copies and proof of relationship, pay the QAR 200 fee, and wait for the visa approval.
How much does a Qatar family visit visa cost?
The Qatar Family Visit Visa is priced at QAR 200 (approximately USD 55) for 30 days, with an extra charge of QAR 50 (around USD 13) per month for each accompanying family member.
How can I extend my family visit visa after 3 months in Qatar?
The visit visa is initially valid for one month. To extend it for an additional five months, your mother must visit the Medical Commission within a week of arriving in Qatar. Once you receive an SMS from the government confirming that she is fit and cleared, you can log in to Metrash2 to extend her visa. This allows a total stay of six months.
How long is a Qatar family visit visa valid?
The Qatar Family Visit Visa is initially valid for one month. However, it can be extended by up to two additional months for all family members, allowing a total stay of up to three months.
How can I convert my family visit visa to residence permit in Qatar?
To convert a family visa into a residence permit, your employer or sponsor must apply through the Ministry of Interior and complete the required medical tests, fingerprinting, and biometric registration before the permit is approved.
What is the medical test for family visit visa in Qatar?
Upon arrival in Qatar on the entry permit, family members are required to undergo a medical examination, which includes screening for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV. These tests are conducted at authorized health centers in Qatar.
What is the minimum salary for family visit visa in Qatar?
To sponsor a Qatar Family Visit Visa, the minimum salary requirement is QR 5,000 per month, which may vary depending on your profession and whether your employer provides family accommodation. For a Family Residence Visa, the minimum salary is generally QR 10,000 per month, or QR 6,000 if family accommodation is provided by the employer.
Can I work in Qatar with a family visit visa?
Individuals who want to live and work in Qatar long-term must obtain a work-residence permit. Expats entering on a visit visa who receive a job offer in Qatar can have their visit visa converted into a work-residence permit without leaving the country.
How to extend family visit visa after 6 months in Qatar?
In Qatar, a family visit visa cannot usually be extended beyond six months, as visitor visas are generally valid for a maximum stay of 180 days. To remain in the country longer, family members must leave Qatar before the visa expires and apply for a new visa. Attempting to extend the visa beyond six months is unlikely to be approved and may lead to fines or a ban on future entry.
Conclusion
The Qatar Family Visit Visa provides a practical way for residents to reunite with their loved ones for short-term stays. By understanding eligibility, required documents, application steps, and extension rules, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free family visit experience.