Umer Mehmood is a SEO Specialist and Content Writer at Check Qatar ID, where he combines his digital expertise with deep knowledge of government ID and visa procedures. He is dedicated to providing accurate, transparent, and easy-to-understand guides that help users confidently navigate their identification and travel needs. Umer is passionate about simplifying complex processes and ensuring editorial independence in every piece of content.
How can I sponsor my family in Qatar? This is a commonly asked question by expatriates working in Qatar. The family residence visa allows expatriates to sponsor their families to Qatar for the long term. It helps family members stay together in Qatar.
The fact that expat families can live in Qatar and enjoy its rich culture, thriving economy, and excellent educational opportunities.
Having a home where the family meets is essential. It links families together, providing them with stability and safety far from home.
Latest Updates About Family Residence Permit for Qatar:
In March, the Family Visit visa and Residence Permit have been temporarily suspended for certain nationalities, but if you have already applied, you may face delays. These restrictions are temporary, which may lift soon. For your ease, you can apply through the Matresh app.
The Metrash2 app will be discontinued from 1 March 2025.
You can download the new Metrash app from the App Store or Google Play.
Policy changes include:
You must complete the Residence permit procedures within 30 days of entering Qatar (since February 2024)
If you fail to complete procedures, it may result in a QR 10,000 fine
Since August 2023, bank statements and education certificates are no longer required during the application process.
Salary verification now happens through the Wage Protection System (WPS)
Education credential verification is based on the labour contract.
Requirements for Obtaining a Family Residence Visa:
There are several conditions you must fulfil for the family residence visa in Qatar.
To begin with, the sponsor must already have a legal Residence Permit.
The sponsor’s job and income greatly influence the applicant’s eligibility.
The Family accommodation provided by the employer, or QR 10,000 salary (certified by employment contract)
For the private sector, the QR10,000 or QR6,000 salary with family accommodation provided by the employer.
Experts in the technical field are eligible; however, workers in basic labour are not allowed.
Furthermore, the sponsor must fulfil certain salary conditions that are influenced by the employment sector and the number of family members.
Children aged from 6 to 18 must be enrolled in licensed schools (Law No. 25 of 2001)
The health insurance is required from the day of entry.
How to Apply for a Family Residency Permit?
Before applying, you must check the documents required, then proceed further.
Required Documents:
Passports of spouse and children
Marriage Certificate for spouse (attested)
Birth Certificates for children (attested)
Employment Contract as per the Ministry of Labour
Declaration of non-marriage for daughters above 18 years
Document Attestation:
The Required Documents Should be attested by:
Qatar Embassy in your country.
Your country’s Embassy in Qatar.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Doha.
Document Guidelines:
The scanned document must be clear and readable
Metrash only accepts JPG images (not PDF and less than 50kb)
For multi-page documents, combine pages side-by-side in one file
Maximum file size: 500 KB
Create a dedicated folder on your phone for organisation.
Apply Procedure:
You can apply through the Metrash app or by visiting the Immigration Office. Below is the procedure for applying through the Metrash application.
Download the Metrash application on your mobile phone.
Log in to the Metrash application.
Now, click on the visa icon.
Select the “Family Resident Visa“
Read and accept the terms and conditions.
Click on the Request Application.
Upload the Passport from and back pages.
Upload a passport-sized photo.
Now fill the visitor’s forms, in which you have to put details like name, relationship, place of birth, and email.
Now upload the required documents.
Marriage certificate (front and back)
Employment contract
Passport copies
Birth certificates (for children)
Verify data and submit
If approved, pay the visa fee (QR 200).
After Entering Qatar:
After entering Qatar, you have to do the Medical Examination.
Location: Al Muntazah Street, off E-Ring Road
Working hours: Sunday to Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Note: Results are sent electronically and are typically available within 3 days.
Qatar Visa Fees for Family
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
Advantages of Residing in Qatar with a Family Residence Visa:
Obtaining a family residence visa and living in Qatar significantly enhances the quality of life for expat families.
A significant benefit is experiencing a very high standard of living. Families love living in Qatar due to its fantastic infrastructure, impressive healthcare, and exceptional child-focused schools.
Learning about other cultures is a special opportunity for students. Enjoying customs, eating various foods, and going to festivals is simple for families in Qatar.
The rich culture enables children to grow personally and provides them with a broader view of the world.
Because of Qatar’s strong economy and lively labour market, people can easily find work there. Because the country is changing, it now offers more career opportunities to everyone. In most cases, the government lets residents keep part of what they earn, making saving easier and helping them become more financially steady.
Having a family residence visa in Qatar means expat families can take advantage of numerous opportunities and live in a vibrant, multicultural setting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much do you need to earn to be eligible for a family residence visa?
Workers employed by the government should receive at least QR 10,000 a month; those with housing in the private sector need QR 6,000, and those without housing need QR 10,000.
Can I apply for a family residence visa online?
The Metrash app allows people to apply for services online quickly and conveniently.
How much time does it take to get a family residence visa?
Preparing documents, obtaining approval, and undergoing medical examinations typically add up to several weeks’ worth of work.
Are children on a family residence visa allowed at any age?
Young sons must be under 18 years old, but daughters can sponsor relatives at any age if they haven’t married.
Are family members required to get medical tests once they arrive in Qatar?
Every member of a family needs to have medical tests completed by the Medical Commission within a month after their arrival.
What steps must you take to renew your family residence visa?
You should complete your renewal process before your current visa expires, have the new documents, and pay the required fees.
Is it possible to work in Qatar using a family residence visa?
According to the job, a family member might need to move their sponsorship from the family to their place of work.
Are family residence visa holders required to purchase health insurance?
All expats are required to have health insurance to use healthcare in Qatar.
How should I proceed if my visa application for a family residence is turned down?
If you are refused, speak with the Immigration Office about what to do next and the opportunities for appeal.
Is there anything about the culture in Qatar that I should not overlook?
The culture of Qatar is strong, and tourists should be mindful of local conventions, avoid revealing clothing, and respect the relevant traditions.
Conclusion:
Applying for and obtaining a family residence visa in Qatar gives an excellent opportunity to start a new life in one of the Middle East’s busiest states.
If you know what criteria apply and how to submit your application, your move will be less stressful for your family.
Qatar offers numerous opportunities and experiences that make expat families happy, leading many people to decide to live there.
