Qatar, a vibrant and rapidly growing realm, attracts thousands of expatriates seeking career opportunities and a high-quality lifestyle. However, being away from home can be challenging. Fortunately, the Qatar Family Visit Visa makes it easier for expats to reunite with their loved ones for a temporary stay.
This visa allows expats to bring close relatives, such as spouses, children, parents, and sometimes siblings, for a temporary stay. Once your family arrives, explore Qatar’s top attractions, including the modern Lusail Tram – perfect for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
But how do you apply? Who is eligible? What are the latest rules? Understanding the exact family visit visa requirements Qatar and its processing is crucial to avoid delays or rejections. This guide will cover everything about the Qatar family visit visa 2025, including eligibility, fees, duration, paperwork, and recent updates.
Qatar Family Visit Visa: Your Ticket to Reuniting with Family
The Qatar family visit visa is a short-term visa that allows expatriates to invite relatives for a temporary stay. Unlike the family residence visa Qatar, which permits dependents to live in Qatar permanently, this visa is designed for short-term visits. It ranges from one month to six months, depending on the relationship with the sponsor.
This visa is ideal for expatriates who want their families to visit for vacations, special occasions, or medical treatment. The process is straightforward and can be completed online via the Metrash2 family visit visa system. If your family visit falls during Ramadan, don’t miss Garangao in Qatar – a cherished tradition where children celebrate with festive songs, treats, and cultural activities.
Qatar Family Visa Eligibility
To apply for family visit visa in Qatar, the following conditions must be met:
- The sponsor must be a Qatar resident with a valid Residence Permit (QID). Before applying, ensure your QID is active. If unsure, you can quickly check your Qatar QID status online to avoid processing delays.
- Eligible visitors include:
| First-Degree Relatives | Spouse, children, mother, and father |
| Second-Degree Relatives | Siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren. |
| Third-Degree Relatives | Cousins, uncles, and aunts |
- The applicant must provide proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
- Sponsor’s minimum salary as per Qatar’s latest immigration requirements (varies by profession). Here’s the breakdown of salary you need to sponsor your family to Qatar:
| Relationship | Salary requirement |
|---|---|
| Spouse and children | QAR 5000 per month |
| Other relatives | QAR 10000 per month |
Not all expatriates qualify for a Qatar family visa. Eligibility depends on the sponsor’s profession.
- Specialized professionals such as engineers, doctors, and teachers have a higher chance of visa acceptance.
- Labor-intensive workers, such as drivers or construction workers, may face denials due to visa restrictions.
In some cases, applicants with non-qualifying professions can request a special review at the MOI Service Center. Providing strong supporting files proving financial stability and family ties may improve approval chances.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Checklist: Documents You Need to Apply
To apply for the Family visit visa in Qatar, you need to submit the following credentials:
1. For the Sponsor (Resident in Qatar):
- Copy of Qatar ID (QID)
- Copy of passport (front and back pages)
- Salary certificate from the employer (with a Qatar Family Visa Salary Requirement)
- Copy of tenancy contract (for proof of residence)
- Employment contract or employer NOC (if required)
2. For the Visitor (Family Member):
- Copy of passport (valid for at least six months)
- Passport-size photo (white background)
- Proof of relationship: Marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc. (attested if required)
- Travel itinerary (if available)
- For Parents & In-Laws: an additional record like the sponsor’s birth certificate may be required
How to Apply for a Qatar Visit Visa For Family: From Start to Approval
You can apply for a family visit visa online or offline. Here’s a step-by-step guide to instruct you about the Qatar family visit visa process you must follow:
1. Online Application via Metrash2 App
- Log in to the Metrash2 app.
- Select Visa Services > Issue Visa > Family Visit Visa.
- Choose a new submission and enter visitor details.
- Upload the required documents.
- Apply and wait for approval.
- Approval notification: If your application is approved, you will receive an SMS or notification on Metrash2.
Qatar Family Visit Visa: Essential Tips for Uploading Documents
Ensuring that your credentials meet the required standards is key to avoiding delays in your Qatar family visit visa application. Here are some important tips to streamline the Qatar family visit visa process:
- Upload Clear & Readable Records– Blurry, dark, or cropped images can lead to refusals. Make sure your passport, ID, and supporting papers are scanned.
- Check File Size Limits – Large file sizes may not upload properly. To prevent issues, compress credentials if necessary.
- Translate Non-English/Arabic Records– If any of your supporting files are in a different language, translate them officially into English or Arabic.
- Passport Photo & Bio Page Together – When submitting a passport copy, ensure that both the photo and bio-data page are uploaded as a single file to meet MOI’s criteria.
Tracking and Updating Your Visa Request
After submitting your supporting files via Metrash2, keep an eye on your submission status. If any credentials are missing or need corrections, you’ll receive a notification to re-upload them. Your paperwork will go through several status changes:
- Under Process – your submission is being reviewed.
- Under Review – the MOI is verifying your documents.
- Back to Under Process – final checks before approval.
Once approved, you’ll be assigned a request number, which you can use for tracking.
How to Pay the Visa Fee Online
Once your visa is approved, the final step is paying the fee, which costs QAR 200 per person. You can complete this payment through the Metrash2 app:
- Open Metrash2 and go to visa services
- Click on visa operation
- Select Qatar family visit visa fees payment
- Enter the required details and confirm payment
After completing the payment, you will receive a confirmation, and the visa will be issued shortly. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free online process for your loved ones.
2. Offline Processing at MOI Service Centers
- Visit a Ministry of Interior (MOI) Service Center.
- Fill out the Qatar Family Visa Application Form.
- Send the form with required supporting files.
- Pay the visa fee and wait for processing.
- Processing Time: Typically 1-2 weeks, but may vary.
Working hours of the Qatar Visa Service Centers
| The General Directorate of Passports | Working hours |
|---|---|
| Mesaimeer, Al Shahaniya, Al Rayyan | 7 AM to 12:30 PM |
| Umm Salal, Al Wakra, Al Khor,Umm Al Seneem, and Al Shamal centers | 7 AM to 12:30 PM |
| Hamad Medical Corporation center (HMC) | 7 AM to 1 PM |
| Lusail center | 7:30 AM to 1 PM |
| Qatar Airways center | 7 AM to 3:30 PM |
| Souq Waqif, The Pearl, and Qatar Financial Centre (QFC). | 8 AM to 1 PM |
Rejected a Qatar Visa? Here’s Why & What You Can Do Next
Visa refusals can be frustrating, but understanding the reason behind them is the first step toward finding a solution. Common reasons for a Qatar permit denial include
- Incomplete paperwork
- Errors in personal details
- An ineligible sponsor profession.
To determine the exact cause, visit an MOI Service Center or check your processing status on Metrash2.
How to Resolve a Qatar Visa Rejection
- Providing missing or corrected credentials– If your request is denied due to incomplete paperwork or discrepancies, gather the necessary proof of relationship, salary certificate, or tenancy agreement and resubmit them as per MOI guidelines.
- Consult an MOI officer – In some cases, an MOI officer may reconsider your paperwork if you visit the service center, explain your situation, and provide additional supporting files.
- Check Qatar family visa eligibility – Make sure you meet Qatar’s visa prerequisites, including the minimum salary threshold and a qualifying profession. Some labor-based job titles may not be eligible, but exceptions can be made upon review.
- Seek professional help – If your visa gets rejected multiple times, consider hiring a visa consultant or agency. They can assist with document attestation, corrections, and appeals, increasing your chances of authorization.
By identifying the issue and taking the right steps, you can rectify your submission and improve your chances of securing a Qatar visa successfully.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Fees And Stay Duration
| Visa Type | Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Visa Fee | QAR 200/person | 1 Month (Extendable) |
| Extension Fee | QAR 200/month | Up to 6 Months |
| Medical Checkup Fee | QAR 100 | After 1st month |
| Overstay Fine | QAR 200/day | After expiry |
| Mandatory Health Insurance | QAR 50/month | Required for all visitors |
Visitors must also purchase mandatory health insurance from an approved provider listed by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Qatar.
Visa Duration
| Initial Stay | Maximum Extension |
|---|---|
| 1 Month | Up to 6 Months |
How to Extend Family Visit Visa Qatar?
- Go to the Metrash2 app.
- Select Visa Services > Extend Visa.
- Pay the extension fee (QAR 200 per month).
- Get a confirmation of extension.
Medical Check Required: If extending beyond 1 month, visitors must undergo a medical test at an approved health center. Learn how to renew a Hamad Health Card for medical services in Qatar.
● Can You Convert a Visit Visa to a Residence Visa?
Yes, in some cases, a Qatar Visit Visa for family can be converted into a Residence Permit (RP) without exiting Qatar. The process involves:
- Sponsorship transfer: (a simple process to transfer employee’s job sponsorship between employers in Qatar). The sponsor must apply for RP confirmation.
- Medical test and fingerprinting: Required before issuing the RP.
- Fee payment and RP stamping: Once approved, the visitor’s passport will receive the RP stamp.
Note: Not all visit visas are convertible. Acceptance depends on job status and immigration policies.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Explained: Why It’s the Best Choice for Reuniting
The Qatar Family Visit Visa is more than just a travel permit—it’s a gateway to reuniting with loved ones and making unforgettable memories.
- Reconnecting with loved ones– Living away from home can be tough, but this visa allows expats to spend valuable time with their loved ones, strengthening relationships and creating cherished moments.
- Extended stay options – Unlike short-term tourist visas, this visa can be extended for up to six months, giving visitors plenty of time to settle in and enjoy their stay without constant renewals.
- Cost-effective and affordable – Compared to other visa types, it is budget-friendly, making it an economical option for expats who meet the necessary financial and accommodation criteria.
- No work restrictions – Unlike employment visas, visitors on this visa stay don’t need a job in Qatar. They can stay purely for lovely memories, cherished bonding and relaxation, without any employment obligations.
- Cultural and modern experiences – Qatar offers an exciting blend of rich traditions and modern attractions. Visiting relatives can explore iconic skyscrapers, cultural museums, souqs, and world-class shopping malls, making their stay truly memorable. A family visit to Qatar isn’t complete without a relaxing stroll along Corniche Doha, where you can enjoy stunning waterfront views, dhow boat rides, and vibrant cityscapes.
- Perfect for elderly parents – Aging parents and relatives benefit from better healthcare, emotional support, and a secure living environment, ensuring their well-being while staying with their loved ones.
- Emergency and medical support – In urgent situations, it allows expats to bring their loved ones to Qatar quickly, ensuring they receive the necessary care and attention when it matters most.
With flexibility, affordability, and emotional value, it is the ideal solution for expats looking to bridge the distance and spend meaningful time with their loved ones.
Recent Updates on Qatar Family Visit Visa (2025)
- Starting March 1, 2025, the old Metrash2 app will no longer be in use. To continue accessing visa and government services, download the new Metrash app.
- Expats applying for family residence or visit visas may face temporary restrictions, especially for certain nationalities. Other requests are approved, but face processing delays due to backlogs, so patience is required.
- To manage high demand, in-person follow-ups at Duhail Immigration are restricted during peak periods. Applicants should track their status online instead of visiting the office.
- To avoid delays, the Qatar family visa application must be submitted exclusively through the Metrash app. Staying updated and ensuring all records meet the latest requirements will help streamline your process.
Conclusion
Bringing your family to Qatar has never been easier with the Qatar family visit visa. By following the right steps, ensuring all documents are in order, and staying updated on the latest visa policies, you can avoid unnecessary delays and enjoy a hassle-free process. Make sure to prepare all required supporting files, meet the minimum salary criteria, and stay updated with the latest immigration policies.
Whether it’s a short reunion or an extended stay, the Qatar Family Visit Visa offers a smooth pathway for visits. Start your application today and get ready to welcome your family to the heart of the Middle East!
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People May Ask
| How long does it take to process a Qatar Family Visit Visa? Processing time is usually 1-2 weeks, but it can be faster for direct dependents. |
| Can I extend a Family Visit Visa Qatar beyond 6 months? No, the maximum extension allowed is 6 months for immediate relatives. |
| What happens if my Family Visit Visa expires? Overstaying can result in fines of QAR 200 per day. It’s best to extend the visa before expiry. |
| Do children need a separate visit visa? Yes, every visitor, including children, requires a separate Qatar family visa process. |
| Can a Family Visit Visa be rejected? Yes, common reasons include missing paperwork, low salary, or incorrect information. |
