Family Visit Visa Qatar: Requirements, Process & Updates

Intending to take my family to Qatar? The Qatar family visit visa enables residents to invite spouses, children, and parents to stay temporarily for up to 3 months. It has never been easier to secure a Qatar family visa with such a low QAR 5,000 salary requirement and a simplified process of online applications using the Metrash app. Get to know the full requirements, expenses and procedure of application to spend time with your loved ones in Qatar.

Guide to Qatar family visit visa

What is the family visit visa Qatar?

Family visit visa Qatar is a temporary visa that enables the residents of Qatar to invite their family members to spend temporary visits. This visa will allow the expatriates residing in Qatar to visit their loved ones for up to a maximum of one to three months.

Qatar family visa is one of the solutions used to bridge the gap between families that have been divided due to business obligations with the sponsors being in a position to accommodate family members as opposed to permanent residence visas which are elaborate and demanding on the part of the sponsors. The family visit visa allows short-term family reunions and should not be confused with the family residence visa, which permits long-term stay for dependents.

Key characteristics of Qatar family visit visa:

• Duration: Initially issued for one month, extendable up to six months for spouses and children, and up to three months for other relatives.
• Purpose: Family reunification and short-term visits
• Sponsor requirement: Must be a Qatar resident with valid residence permit
• Multiple entry: Single entry visa requiring new applications for repeat visits
• Processing time: Typically 7-14 working days from application submission

This visa type is particularly valuable for expatriate workers who want to share important occasions, holidays, or simply spend quality time with family members who cannot obtain regular tourist visas to Qatar.

Eligibility requirements for sponsors

In order to be successful in sponsoring a family visit visa Qatar, the applicants are required to satisfy certain eligibility requirements set by the Ministry of Interior in Qatar. These demands guarantee the sponsors their ability to sufficiently accommodate their visitors in Qatar.

Essential sponsor eligibility requirements:

• Valid Qatar residence permit: Must be a legal resident with at least 6 months remaining validity.
• Minimum salary threshold: Previously, the minimum salary requirement was QAR 5,000 for spouse and children. As of 2025, the general minimum salary requirement remains QAR 5,000 for sponsoring a spouse and children, and around QAR 10,000 for parents or other relatives. However, higher salaries may improve the chances of approval depending on the applicant’s situation.
• Employment status: Sponsors should ideally hold a professional or skilled occupation. Applications from labor-type professions may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on income and housing conditions.
• Accommodation proof: Evidence of suitable family accommodation in Qatar.
• Clean legal record: No pending legal cases or immigration violations.
• Employer support: Valid No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer.

Additional sponsor considerations:

• Marital status: Only married residents can sponsor parents, parents-in-law, and siblings.
• Financial stability: Bank statements may be requested to verify salary claims.
• Previous visa history: Good track record with previous family visa applications.

The salary requirement is strictly enforced, and sponsors must provide official salary certificates from their employers. Freelancers and business owners must demonstrate equivalent monthly income through alternative documentation accepted by Qatar immigration authorities.

Requirements for visa sponsors

Who can you invite?

A Qatar family visit visa permits the residents to invite certain family members on the basis of their relationship and marital status. The immigration policy of Qatar outlines the qualified relatives to keep the family united and also uphold the security measures.

Immediate family members (all residents):

• Spouse: Legally married husband or wife with valid marriage certificate.
• Children: Biological or legally adopted children under 18 years (some exceptions for older dependent children).
• Newborn babies: Infants with valid passport and birth certificate.

Extended family members (married residents only):

• Parents: Biological father and mother of the sponsor.
• Parents-in-law: Spouse's biological parents.
• Siblings: Brothers and sisters of the sponsor.
• Grandparents: In exceptional circumstances with special approval.

Important restrictions and considerations:

• Age limits: There is no strict age limit for family visit visas. Applicants over 60 years old may also apply, subject to additional health and insurance requirements.
• Single residents: Cannot sponsor parents, siblings, or extended family.
• Dependency proof: Adult children may require proof of financial dependency.
• Health requirements: All visitors must meet Qatar's health standards.

Special cases:

• Divorced parents may both be sponsored separately.
• Step-relationships require additional legal documentation.
• Adopted family members need official adoption papers.

The relationship must be proven through official government-issued documents, and all certificates may require attestation by relevant authorities depending on the visitor's country of origin.

Required documents checklist

Proper preparation of documents is the key to successful family visit visa Qatar applications. The documents necessary will differ according to the relationship between the sponsor and the visitor, so that the family relations and the eligibility will be correctly verified.

Core documents for all applications:

• Sponsor's Qatar ID: Clear copy of both sides.
• Visitor's passport: Valid for at least 6 months with clear photo page copy.
• Passport-size photographs: Recent photos of visitors (2-4 pieces).
• Return flight tickets: Confirmed round-trip reservations.
• Health insurance: Qatar-valid coverage for the entire stay period.
• Employer NOC: Letter stating profession, salary, and approval for sponsorship.
• Company trade license: Copy of sponsor's employer registration.

Relationship-specific documents:

• For spouse: Original marriage certificate (attested if required).
• For children: Birth certificates showing parent's name.
• For newborns: birth certificate and passport.
• For parents: Birth certificate or passport showing family relationship.
• For siblings: Documentation proving shared parentage.

Additional requirements:

• Salary certificate: Official letter confirming monthly income.
• Bank statements: Last 3 months showing salary deposits (if requested).
• Accommodation proof: Rental agreement or property ownership documents.
• Medical fitness: Health certificates for visitors over certain ages.

Document preparation tips:

• Ensure all names match exactly across documents.
• Translate foreign documents into Arabic or English.
• Obtain proper attestations from home country authorities when required.

Qatar family visit visa: Required documents checklist

How to apply for Qatar family visit visa

Learn how to apply for a Qatar family visit visa with step-by-step guidance, requirements, fees, and essential travel tips.

Online application via Metrash app

The Metrash application offers the most convenient option of applying for a Qatar family visit visa at any time or place. This online platform eases the whole application process with an easy-to-use interface and real-time submission.

Step-by-step online application process:

• Download Metrash app: Available on iOS App Store and Google Play Store.
• Register/login: Create account using Qatar ID or login with existing credentials.
• Select "Visa Services": Navigate to the family visit visa section.
• Fill application form: Enter visitor's personal details, passport information, and relationship.
• Upload documents: Submit clear PDF/JPG copies of required documents.
• Review and submit: Verify all information before final submission.
• Pay fees: Complete QAR 200 payment using credit/debit card.
• Track status: Monitor application progress through app notifications.

Online application advantages:

• 24/7 availability: Apply anytime without visiting service centers.
• Instant submission: Immediate confirmation and reference number.
• Document storage: Save uploaded documents for future applications.
• Real-time tracking: Live updates on application status.

Ensure document scans are clear and readable, with all text visible for successful processing.

Offline application at MoI Centers

The MOI service centers provide offline visa application services to the Qatar family visit visa with personal services by the immigration officers. The approach is appropriate when the applicants favor face-to-face interaction and direct document validation.

Offline application procedure:

• Download application form: Print family visit visa form from MoI website.
• Complete documentation: Gather original documents plus photocopies.
• Visit MoI center: Go to the nearest service center during working hours.
• Submit application: Present completed form with all required documents.
• Officer interview: Answer basic questions about visitors and relationships.
• Receive receipt: Get application reference number for tracking.
• Track online: Monitor status using MoI website after 2 working days.
• Payment and collection: Pay fees and collect approved visas.

MoI service center locations:

• Main centers: Airport, City Center, Al Rayyan, Al Wakra
• Working hours: Sunday to Thursday, 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Services: Application submission, document verification, visa collection

Offline advantages:

• Personal assistance: Direct help from immigration officers
• Immediate verification: Instant document checking and feedback
• Question resolution: Clarify doubts during submission process

Applying offline through MoI centers

Qatar family visit visa fees

Knowing the full cost structure of the Qatar family visit visa fees assists the sponsors in planning their finances on how to take the family members to Qatar. There is a common fee system amongst all the application methods and visitor nationalities.

Mandatory visa fees:

• Initial visa issuance: QAR 200 per visitor (non-refundable).
• Monthly extension: QAR 200 per additional month per visitor.
• Health insurance: Starting from QAR 50-150 per month per visitor.
• Service charges: No additional government fees for online applications.

Additional potential costs:

• Document attestation: QAR 50-200 depending on home country requirements.
• Medical examination: QAR 100-300 if required for certain age groups.
• Translation services: QAR 50-100 per document if needed.
• Return flight modification: Variable airline charges if dates change.

Cost calculation example for one visitor staying 2 months total:

• Visa issuance: QAR 200
• One month extension: QAR 200
• Health insurance (2 months): QAR 100-300
• Total estimated cost: QAR 500-700 per visitor

Payment methods include credit/debit cards through Metrash app or cash/card at MoI service centers. All fees are payable in Qatari Riyals only.

Processing time and approval

The Qatar family visit visa processing time varies based on application completeness, nationality, and current immigration workload. Understanding typical timeframes helps sponsors plan family visits effectively.

Standard processing timeline:

• Online applications (Metrash): 7-10 working days average.
• Offline applications (MoI centers): 10-14 working days average.
• Peak season delays: Up to 21 days during Ramadan, Eid, and summer holidays.
• Rush processing: Not available for family visit visas.

Factors affecting approval speed:

• Document completeness: Missing documents cause significant delays.
• Salary verification: Employer NOC authentication may require additional time.
• Nationality considerations: Some countries require extended security screening.
• Previous visa history: First-time sponsors may face longer processing.

Application status tracking:

• Online tracking: Available through Metrash app and MoI website portal.
• SMS notifications: Automatic updates sent to registered mobile numbers.
• Reference number: Provided immediately upon application submission.

Approval indicators:

• Status changes: From "Under Review" to "Approved" or "Additional Documents Required".
• Payment request: Fee payment link indicates approval.
• Visa printing: Available once payment is completed.

Applications are typically processed within business hours (Sunday-Thursday), excluding public holidays and weekends.

Approval and processing duration for Qatar family visit visa

Qatar family visit visa extension

Qatar family visit visa extension enables the visitor to extend their visit not only to the one month limit but also to a limit of three months in total. Before existing visa lapse, extensions need to be made to prevent the overstay punishment.

Extension eligibility and limits:

• Maximum total stay: 3 months (including initial period).
• Extension increments: Monthly extensions only.
• Application timing: Must apply at least 7 days before the current visa expires.
• Sponsor requirements: Same eligibility criteria as initial application.

Two extension methods available:

• Online extension: Through MoI Visit Visa Extension portal (portal.moi.gov.qa).
• Offline extension: Visit any MoI service center with required documents.

Required documents for extension:

• Visitor's passport: Original with current visa stamp.
• Return flight tickets: Updated departure confirmation.
• Health insurance: Valid coverage for extension period.
• Sponsor's Qatar ID: Copy for verification.
• Extension fee: QAR 200 per month per visitor.

Extension processing:

• Processing time: 2-5 working days for approval.
• Payment: Required before extension activation.
• New visa sticker: Issued upon approval and payment completion.

Information news and updates about Qatar family visit visa

The latest news of Qatar family visit visa policies has brought drastic changes to sponsors and applicants in 2025. Keeping up with these changes can guarantee that the visa applications are successful and that the current immigration policies are observed.

Major 2025 updates and changes:

• Metrash app migration: The Ministry of Interior Qatar has announced that the Metrash2 app continues to be the official platform for submitting and tracking visa applications, though future updates may enhance its features or interface.
• Improved salary conditions: In the case of Family Visit Visa Qatar, you must have valid QID, and a competent profession. Now you must have a certificate of marriage. Should earn 15k QAR in line with the newest regulations, however typical specifications are QAR 5,000 to apply in basic applications.
• Document attestation requirement: In 2025 the system has been streamlined using the updated Metrash2 app, but it has also been tightened with new requirements on salary thresholds, health insurance, and document attestation.

Recent policy implementations:

• Compulsory health insurance: The visitors should have a valid Qatar health insurance cover during their stay.
• Digital-first: Focus on online applications via formal channels.
• Increased verification of documents: The tightening of the attestation of marriage certificates and evidence of relationships.
• Age limit restriction: There is a 60-year age limit on family visit visa. Persons above 60 years will not be allowed to apply to the Metrash system.

These updates reflect Qatar's ongoing efforts to streamline immigration processes while maintaining security standards for family reunification programs.

FAQs about Qatar family visit visa

Find answers to common questions about Qatar family visit visa, including requirements, eligibility, validity, extensions, and application process.

What is the minimum salary to sponsor a family visit visa?

Around QAR 5,000 per month for spouse and children; higher income may be required for other relatives.

Can visitors above 60 years old apply?

Yes. Recent updates allow visitors aged 60+ to apply for family visit visas.

In conclusion

Acquiring a Qatar family visit visa is not a difficult task provided that you meet the current salary requirement — generally QAR 5,000 for spouse and children, or around QAR 10,000 for other relatives — and have your documents in order. The maximum stay of 3 months and the new Metrash app make bringing family to Qatar more convenient. It is better to apply as early as possible, make sure that documentation is complete, and that you adhere to up-to-date 2025 trends in order to succeed in family reunification in Qatar.