Qatar Family Residence Visa: Complete Guide for 2025

Living and working in Qatar can be a great experience, but it feels even better when your family is with you. For many expats, bringing their spouse and children to live with them is very important. Qatar makes this possible through the Qatar Family Residence Visa, which allows you to sponsor your close family members to live with you in the country.

The Ministry of Interior has clarified that government employees must earn at least QAR 10,000 or have employer-provided housing, while private sector professionals need QAR 6,000 with housing or QAR 10,000 without. For family visit visas, sponsors must work in skilled jobs, earn at least QAR 5,000, and can only invite close relatives. Health insurance is now required for all visitors.

If you are new to Qatar or planning to bring your family soon, this easy-to-follow guide explains who can apply, what documents you need, how to apply, the costs, and helpful tips to make the process smoother. Let’s get started and help you bring your loved ones closer in Qatar.

What is the Qatar Family Residence Visa?

The Family Residence Visa in Qatar is a long-term visa issued by the Ministry of Interior (MOI), enabling expat workers to sponsor their families to live with them. This visa is a crucial benefit for expats with stable employment in Qatar who want to enjoy family life in one of the safest and most developed countries in the Gulf.

Who Can Apply for the Family Residence Visa in Qatar?

To apply for a family residence visa, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Be a legally employed expatriate resident in Qatar
• Hold a valid Qatar ID (QID) and Residence Permit
• Earn a minimum monthly salary of QAR 10,000 (or QAR 7,000 with company-provided family housing)
• Job position must fall under the categories allowed for family sponsorship (professional or technical roles are favored)

Note: Government and semi-government employees may have more relaxed requirements.

Qatar Family Residence Visa Requirements

The following documents are typically required when applying for the family residence visa:

Personal Documents:

• Valid passport copies of the sponsor and family members
• Marriage certificate (attested)
• Birth certificates for children (attested)
• Qatar ID (QID) of the sponsor
• Passport-size photos (blue background)
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer
• Employment contract or salary certificate (in Arabic)
• Educational certificates (if required by MOI)
• Tenancy contract (attested by Municipality)

Health Requirements:

• All family members must pass a medical test upon arrival in Qatar
• A fingerprinting process is also required for those above 18 years old

How to Apply for a Qatar Family Residence Visa (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a simplified process:

Step 1: Apply for Family Visa Approval

Submit required documents via Metrash2 app or at the MOI Service Center.
Wait for preliminary approval.

Step 2: Family Members Enter Qatar

Once approved, your family can enter Qatar with an entry visa.

Step 3: Complete Medical Check and Fingerprints

Visit an approved medical center.
Complete the biometric fingerprint process.

Step 4: Apply for Qatar ID

Submit documents to get the Residence Permit (QID) for each family member.

NOTE: Applicants for the Qatar Family Residence Visa can use the Qatar visa check service to track their application status and confirm approval.

Qatar Family Visa Fees (2025)

Fees may vary depending on the number of dependents and MOI policy updates.

NOTE: Qatar’s Ministry of Interior now requires family residence visa sponsors to meet salary and housing conditions based on their job sector. Government staff need QAR 10,000 salary or employer-provided housing. Private sector specialists need QAR 6,000 with housing or QAR 10,000 without. For family visit visas, sponsors must earn at least QAR 5,000, work in a skilled job, and invite only close relatives. Health insurance is now mandatory for all visitors.

Common Reasons for Family Visa Rejection

• Insufficient salary
• Job designation not eligible for sponsorship
• Missing or improperly attested documents
• Incomplete medical check or fingerprint issues

Tips for a Successful Family Visa Application

• Ensure all documents are attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Qatar Embassy in your home country
• Keep your tenancy contract up to date and attested
• Always double-check salary thresholds and profession eligibility before applying
• Use the Metrash2 app to track application status in real-time

Final Words

Bringing your family to live with you in Qatar can greatly enhance your quality of life. While the process for obtaining a Qatar Family Residence Visa requires careful attention to requirements and documentation, it’s entirely achievable with the right preparation. Always stay updated with the latest MOI guidelines and seek professional assistance if needed.
For the latest updates and a step-by-step checklist, visit https://qatarcheckid.com/, your trusted source for Qatar visa and ID services.

Frequently Asked Questions