Family Visa Qatar: A Comprehensive Guide for Expats

Family Visa Qatar is a topic of interest for those who wish to bring their family members to live with them in Qatar. Qatar offers various types of family visas, including the Family Residence Visa, Family Visit Visa, and Family Visit Visa Extension.

The Family Residence Visa is intended for family members who want to reside in Qatar for an extended period. This visa is granted to spouses, children, and parents of Qatar residents who meet the eligibility criteria. The Family Visit Visa, on the other hand, is intended for family members who want to visit Qatar for a short period.

The Family Visa Qatar Extension is an option for those who wish to extend their stay in Qatar beyond the initial visa period. This visa is granted to those who meet the eligibility criteria and have a valid reason for extending their stay. Overall, Qatar offers various family visa options to cater to the needs of individuals who wish to bring their family members to reside or visit the country.

Family Visa Qatar Overview

A family Visa in Qatar is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to bring their family members to Qatar for a longer period. The family members may include spouses, children, parents, and other dependent relatives.

To apply for a Family Visa Qatar, the sponsor must be a resident of Qatar and should have a valid residence permit. The sponsor must also meet certain requirements, such as having a minimum salary and providing suitable accommodation for their family members.

The Family Visa in Qatar is usually valid for one to five years and can be renewed before expiry. The visa also allows the family members to work and study in Qatar, provided they obtain the necessary permits.

It is important to note that the Family Visa in Qatar does not provide family members with permanent residency status. However, they may be eligible to apply for permanent residency after a certain period, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria.

In summary, the Family Visa in Qatar is an important option for foreign nationals who wish to bring their family members to Qatar for an extended period. The visa provides the family members with the opportunity to work and study in Qatar, while the sponsor must meet certain requirements to be eligible to apply.

Eligibility Criteria for Family Visa

If you are a resident of Qatar and want to bring your family there, carefully read the eligibility criteria to save time and energy. The eligibility criteria for sponsor and family members are as follows:

Sponsorship Requirements

To be eligible for a family visa in Qatar, the applicant must have a sponsor who is a resident of Qatar. The sponsor must be a citizen or a permanent resident of Qatar with a valid residency permit. The sponsor must also have a minimum monthly salary of QR 10,000 and must have a valid employment contract. You are also eligible to sponsor your family members on Family Visa Qatar if your pay is QAR 6500 but accommodation is provided by the employer.

Applicant Eligibility

The applicant must be a close family member of the sponsor, which includes the spouse, children, parents, and siblings. The applicant must also meet the following qualifications:

Spouse: The spouse must be legally married to the sponsor and must have a valid marriage certificate. The minimum age requirement for the spouse is 18 years old.

Children: The children must be under the age of 18 and must be unmarried. If the child is over 18 years old, they must be financially dependent on the sponsor and must be studying full-time.

Parents: The parents must be financially dependent on the sponsor and must have no other means of financial support. The minimum age requirement for the parents is 55 years old.

Siblings: The siblings must be financially dependent on the sponsor and must have no other means of financial support. The minimum age requirement for the siblings is 18 years old.

In addition to the above qualifications, the applicant must pass a medical examination and obtain a police clearance certificate from their home country. The sponsor must also provide proof of accommodation for the applicant in Qatar.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for a family visa Qatar may change occasionally. It is recommended to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or the Qatar government website for the most up-to-date information.

How to Apply Family Residence Visa Qatar?

Qatar government has introduced a straightforward process to apply for a family visa Qatar and get its approval within a short period. Remember to follow the below-given steps:

Documentation Required

To apply for a family visa in Qatar, applicants must provide certain documents, including a valid passport, a copy of the sponsor’s Qatar ID, and a marriage certificate for spouses. A birth certificate and proof of enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Qatar are required for children.

Submission Procedure

Remember that you can apply for a Family Residence Visa Qatar both offline and online. For offline application submission, you will have to visit the Ministry of Interior (MOI) service centre. You can also initiate the process by visiting your nearest typing centre. Here are the detailed procedures for both offline and online submission of the Family Visit Visa Qatar application:

Offline Application Process

The detailed process of offline application for a Family Visa Qatar is as follows:

1. Download the application form here.
2. Fill up all the mandatory fields on the form and submit it to the Ministry of Interior (MOI Qatar) Service Centre along with all the required documents.
3. Remember that your application may either be approved by the person at the counter or you may also be referred to an officer.
4. The officer might take a short interview asking you some basic questions related to your job, salary, and residence.
5. Upon satisfaction, your application will be accepted and you will get a receipt.
6. You can check your Family Visa Qatar through the link given on the receipt.
7. Upon approval of your Family Residence Visa Qatar, you will have to visit the MOI Service Centre to submit the receipt and pay the Family Visit Visa fee. You can also pay the fee online through the Metrash2 app or any online payment platform.
8. Your Family Visa Qatar will be handed over to you after the confirmation of the payment.

Online Application Procedure

If you are an Android user, you can go through the application process by using the Metrash2 application. The step-by-step process is:

1. Download the Metrash2 application on your device and register yourself. Note that the application is available both for Android and iOS users.
2. Now, open the Metrash2 app and log in to your account.
3. On the main interface, select the “VISA” icon and then go to “Issue Visa”.
4. Here, you will see the “Family Visit” icon.
5. From the dropdown menu, navigate to the “Family Visa Application”.
6. Go to the “New Application” and a form will open on the screen. Fill up your details and also your family details.
7. After filling out the form, tick the box saying “I agree on Validity of Data” to proceed further.
8. The system will prompt you to upload all the required documents. Remember to upload scanned readable documents and clear photographs with visible faces.
9. Click next and confirm the uploading of all documents. Your application status will change to “under process”. It will automatically change to “under review” and “approved” or “rejected”.

If your application is rejected, you will see a note of reason for rejection. However, you will proceed to fee payment if your Family Visa Qatar is approved.

Visa Approval and Issuance

After applying, the Ministry of Interior will review the documents and conduct any necessary background checks. If approved, the applicant will receive a notification to collect their visa from the General Directorate of Passports and Expatriates Affairs.

It is important to note that the processing time for a family visa Qatar can vary and may take several weeks to complete. Applicants are advised to plan accordingly and submit their application well in advance of their intended travel dates.

Remember that your family members including children will have to undergo a medical examination for residence approval. You can select any of the approved medical facilities for medical examination. Moreover, you can also subscribe to Qatar Health Insurance which is mandatory for all citizens and expatriates living in the Kingdom.

Biometric Registrations

To maintain a secure environment and avail benefits your family members will have to go for biometric registration at the designated branches of the Ministry of Interior. Usually, they take fingerprints but, sometimes, there is also Iris scanning.

Don’t forget to bring your documents while coming for biometric registration. They may check your passports, copies of visas, medical clearance certificates, and sponsor’s Qatar ID.

Upon successful verifications, you are eligible to apply for the Qatar ID card which is the most coveted document while staying in the country. You can apply for QID both online and offline.

Residency Rights and Benefits

Remember that a family visa Qatar holder can have the following residency rights and enjoy the below-mentioned benefits:

Duration of Stay

Family visa holders in Qatar are eligible to stay in the country for the duration of their visa. The duration of the visa can range from one to five years, depending on the type of visa and the sponsor’s preference. It is important to note that the visa holder must not stay outside of Qatar for more than six months in a row, or their visa may be cancelled.

Access to Services

Family visa holders in Qatar have access to a range of services, including healthcare, education, and social services. They can enrol their children in schools and universities, and they are eligible for free or subsidized healthcare at government hospitals. They can also apply for a Qatar ID card, which allows them to access public services and benefits.

Overall, family visa holders in Qatar enjoy a range of residency rights and benefits that allow them to live and work in the country with their families.

Renewal and Cancellation

Like all other visa types, Family Visa Qatar can also be renewed before its expiry to avoid any untoward circumstances.

Renewal Process

To renew a family visa in Qatar, the sponsor must apply to the Ministry of Interior. The application must include the necessary documents, such as a valid passport, a residency permit, and a letter from the sponsor’s employer clearly showing his job position and salary. The process can take several days to complete, and the sponsor may need to visit the immigration office to complete the renewal process. It is also possible to apply for a Family Visa Qatar renewal from the Metrash2 application along with all the requisite documents.

Cancellation Policies

If a family visa holder wishes to cancel their visa, they must submit a request to the Ministry of Interior. The request must include the necessary documents, such as the visa holder’s passport and residency permit. The process can take several days to complete. If the visa holder is leaving Qatar permanently, they must also obtain an exit permit from the immigration office. It is important to note that cancellation of a family visa may affect the sponsor’s residency status in Qatar. Sponsors should consult with the Ministry of Interior before cancelling a family visa to understand the potential consequences.

Qatar Family Visa Processing Fees

The break of Qatar Family Visa processing fees is as follows:

Family Visa Qatar Process	Fees (QAR)
Online Application Fee for Family Visit Visa	200
Medical Examination Fee	100
Residency Permit Fee Annually	500
Biometric Registration	No Fee

Remember that the above breakup of fees associated with Family Visa Qatar is for individuals. It means that you will have to pay separate fees for all the individuals in your family.

Similarly, you or your family may have to face penalties for violating Family Visit Visa laws. An individual may have to pay QAR 100/day for each day after the expiry of the visa. A fine of QAR 5000 is levied for expired Qatar ID Cards and QAR 10,000 for not registering yourself through biometrics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)