How to get a Qatar Smart Card for Residents & Expatriates in 2025
The Qatar smart card helps the citizens and residents of Qatar to avail numerous government benefits. It helps to access numerous government and legal services. Citizens/residents can bypass the immigration formalities, and can also enable cashless, convenient payment for public bus transportation across Qatar.
The smart card is actually an official digital identity having biometric data of the citizens. They can easily get it from the office of the Ministry of Interior, Al Gharafa (Doha).
Types of Smart Card
The term “Qatar Smart Card” can refer to two distinct systems in Qatar, which are as follows:
- The national Smart ID card.
- The Karwa Smart Card for public transportation.
Qatar Smart ID Card (Smart QID)
The Smart QID is Qatar’s official national identification card for citizens and residents over the age of 16. It incorporates biometric data, including fingerprints and iris scans, stored on an embedded microchip.
This card facilitates access to various eGovernment services, such as updating personal information, applying for permits, and utilizing immigration e-gates at airports, allowing users to bypass traditional passport queues.
NOTE: The Qatar Smart Card plays a key role in accessing and submitting Qatar Residence Permit forms online, streamlining the application and verification process.
Additionally, the Qatar Digital Identity (QDI) app complements the Smart QID by providing digital versions of personal documents, including the ID card, driving license, and national address. This app streamlines access to government services and reduces the need for physical documents.
E-Gate Card (Now part of Smart ID)
Originally, the E-Gate Card was a separate card used to speed up immigration procedures at Hamad International Airport. It allowed travelers to use automated e-gates instead of standing in manual immigration lines.
Today, the e-gate functionality is embedded in the Smart ID card, so:
If your Smart Card is activated for e-gate services, it works as both your ID and your airport e-gate access card.
NOTE: You can use your Qatar Smart Card to access the official portal for Qatar visa check, allowing residents and visitors to view their visa status and related services securely.
Karwa Smart Card (Public Transport)
The Karwa Smart Card is a contactless payment card used for Qatar’s public bus system, operated by Mowasalat. It offers a convenient and cashless way to pay for bus fares. There are three types of Karwa Smart Cards:
- Classic Card: Priced at QAR 30, this rechargeable card is ideal for regular commuters.
- Limited Card: Costing QAR 10, it allows two trips within 24 hours, suitable for occasional users.
- Unlimited Card: For QAR 20, it provides unlimited travel within a 24-hour period, perfect for intensive travel days.
These cards can be purchased and recharged at various locations, including Doha Bus Station, Karwa Bus Stations, ticket vending machines, authorized merchants, and Ooredoo self-service machines. Recharging can also be done via the Ooredoo Money app or by dialing *140#.
Procedure to Apply for a Qatar Smart Card
In Qatar, it is simple to request a smart card by contacting the Ministry of Interior. The MOI Qatar is responsible for the whole process. They will guide you accordingly. The Qatar smart card is issued to those who have a valid Qatar ID.
Follow these simple and easy steps to apply for a Smart Card Qatar:
- Make your application at the MOI Qatar office.
- Visit any office associated with the General Directorate of Border Passports and Expatriates Affairs.
- They will provide you with an application form; fill that out and submit it.
Requirements to get Qatar Smart Card
Send the following documents along with your application for a Qatar Smart Card:
- A duplicate of your Qatari ID.
- GCC passport.
The authorities will take some actions to proceed with the process of the Qatar Smart Card, which are as follows:
- The user’s fingerprints will be taken.
- Users’ photographs will be taken
- The government officer will validate the user’s residence ID or passport.
- He will also validate the period of the card that the user requires.
- You have to pay the fees.
- After payment, the government officer will swap the user’s residence ID, and finally, the card will be activated and issued immediately.
We will explain the complete process with the help of images.
Go to the official website of MOI Qatar.
Locate MOI Services on the official page of the MOI website.
Search for ”Inquiries” in the dropdown of MOI Services.
Click on ”Other Inquiries”.
After clicking on ”Other Inquiries,” search for ”Smart Card Qatar Application Form.”
When we click on ”Smart Cart Application Form”. we land on this form.
Carefully read the form and complete all the requirements.
Fee to Apply for Smart Card Qatar
Applicable fees are as follows:
- The fee of ID Card issuance is QR100.
- The fee of e-Gate services for one year is QR100.
- The fee of e-Gate services for two years is QR150.
- The fee of e-Gate services for three years is QR200.
- The fee of e-government services for three years is QR250.
Final Words
The travellers can easily bypass the immigration using the Smart or E-Gate Card in Qatar. Biometric data of citizens is stored in the card, which help[s them to enter or exit the country without any problem. It is very easy to get this card and the application steps are very easy and simple. Its validity period is also very flexible. Both citizens and residents of Qatar can get benefit from the smart card.
