How to Apply for Qatar Family Visa (Residence)?

The Qatar Family Residence Visa allows expatriates to sponsor their immediate family members, including spouses and children, for a long-term stay. 

Each family member, including infants, must have an individual visa to legally reside in Qatar. This guide outlines the eligibility requirements, necessary documents, visa fees, and a step-by-step application process for obtaining a Family Residence Visa in Qatar.

Eligibility Requirements for Qatar Family Residence Visa

To sponsor family members, expatriates must meet certain requirements, including:

Residence Permit
The sponsor must have a valid Qatar Residence Permit (QID) before applying for a Family Residence Visa for family members.

Profession Requirement
The sponsor’s profession on the Qatar ID must fall under technical or specialized roles, excluding labour positions such as drivers or cleaners, regardless of salary.

Minimum Salary for Family Visa
The minimum salary requirement for private-sector employees sponsoring family members is currently QR 10,000. However, for those with employer-provided family accommodation, a QR 6,000 salary may qualify. 

*Note that recent policy changes have seen some applicants earning less than QR 10,000 facing rejections.

These requirements help ensure that sponsors can financially support their family members’ living costs in Qatar.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Qatar Family Residence Visa

Before beginning the application, check if your employer can assist. While not mandatory, some employers offer support with Family Residence Visa applications.

Step 1: Apply for a Family RP Entry Visa
The first step is submitting all required documents to obtain approval for a Family Residence Visa, which allows family members to enter Qatar. Note that additional formalities like medical tests and fingerprinting must be completed after arrival.

Alternatively, you can first bring family members on a Family Visit Visa, which involves a simpler process. Later, you can convert the Visit Visa to a Residence Visa (RP) without leaving the country by paying a QR 500 fee.

Step 2: Family Members Enter Qatar
Once the Family Residence Visa entry permit is approved, your family can enter Qatar. Further steps for obtaining a residence card follow once they arrive.

Step 3: Medical Test
Family members must undergo a mandatory medical test to screen for health conditions, which is a requirement for all long-term residents in Qatar.

Step 4: Fingerprint Process
Each family member must complete a fingerprinting procedure as part of the biometric data collection for residency.

Step 5: Apply for Qatar ID
The final step involves applying for a Qatar ID (QID), a vital identification document for residents in Qatar.

Required Documents for Qatar Family Visa Application

The following documents must be prepared when applying through the Metrash app:

• Passports (front and back pages) of spouses and children.
• Attested Marriage Certificate for a spouse.
• Attested Birth Certificates for children.
• No-Objection Certificate (NOC) in Arabic from the employer, including position and salary details.
• Declaration of non-marriage for daughters above 18, if unmarried.

Additional documents are needed for adopted children or stepchildren. *If your QID is close to expiring, renew it before applying for the visa.

Attestation and Translation of Documents

Documents like marriage and birth certificates need attestation from the Qatar Embassy in your home country or from your country’s embassy in Qatar, followed by an attestation by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). If documents are not in English or Arabic, they need translation and should be uploaded to the “Other documents” section of Metrash.

Important Notes for Document Preparation

• Clear, Readable Scans: Ensure all scans/photos are clear and readable.
• JPG Format Only: Metrash accepts only JPG images, not PDFs.
• Document Merging: For multi-page documents, combine them into a single JPG file under 500 KB. There are online tools for merging and resizing images if needed.
• Bank Statements: If a bank statement is required, request a salary-credit-only one-page statement from your bank.

By following these guidelines and ensuring all requirements are met, you can navigate the Family Residence Visa application process smoothly and bring your loved ones to join you in Qatar.