Qatar Family Residence Visa

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the Qatar Family Residence Visa. This webpage is designed to assist expatriates in navigating the process of bringing their families to live in Qatar. Whether you're seeking to understand eligibility criteria, required documentation, or the steps in obtaining a residence permit, this resource offers a complete overview.

We aim to simplify the application process, making it easier for you to rejoin with your loved ones in Qatar. Explore the information provided to manage every aspect of the Family Residence Visa application confidently.

Meaning of a Family Residence Visa

Qatar allows expatriates to sponsor their families for a long-term stay in the country. By obtaining a Family Residence Visa, you can invite your spouse, children, and even dependents to live with you in Qatar. Each family member requires their own individual visa to reside legally within the country.

To be eligible to sponsor your family, you must meet specific criteria, including a minimum salary threshold, a qualifying occupation, and suitable accommodation. You'll also need to submit supporting documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, and financial records.

Eligibility Criteria for Family Residence Visas in Qatar

To sponsor family members in Qatar, an expatriate must meet specific requirements:

Residency and Occupation

Valid Residence Permit: The sponsor must possess a current Qatar Residence Permit (ID).
Eligible Profession: The sponsor’s occupation must be technical or specialized (non-labor). Individuals in labor-intensive roles, such as drivers, delivery personnel, and cleaners, are generally ineligible to sponsor family members, regardless of salary.

Financial Requirements

Minimum Salary: The minimum salary requirement for a family residence visa is currently set for private sector employees.
Recent Changes: Recent Changes: The minimum income requirement for sponsoring family visits has been increased.
Salary Purpose: The income requirements aim to ensure the sponsor can adequately support their family's living expenses, including housing and food.

Please note: The visa landscape is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, consult the official government sources or immigration services.

Employer Consultation with Family Residence Visas in Qatar

Before initiating the application process for a Family Residence Visa in Qatar, it is advisable to consult with your employer. While employers are not legally obligated to facilitate or financially support Family Residence Visa applications, some companies incorporate this process into their employee benefits packages.

Securing a Family Residence Permit in Qatar

You must first apply for a Family Residence Visa to bring your family to Qatar. This requires submitting the necessary documentation and obtaining approval. Please note that additional procedures, such as medical examinations and fingerprinting, must be completed upon arrival in Qatar.

Alternatively, you may bring your family on a Family Visit Visa, which entails a simpler application process.

Once the Family Residence Visa is granted, you can convert your family members' visas from Family Visit to Family Residence without exiting the country. This change in visa status requires a certain fee.

Required Documents for Qatar Family Residence Visa Application

To apply for a Family Residence Visa through Metrash, applicants must submit the following documentation:

Essential Documents

Passports of the spouse and children (including both front and back pages)
Marriage certificate of the spouse (legally attested)
Birth certificates of the children (legally attested)
No-Objection Certificate (NOC) in Arabic from the employer, detailing the applicant's position and salary. This document must be dated within the past three months.

Additional Requirements

Unmarried Daughters: If they are over 18, unmarried daughters must declare non-marriage. Married daughters are ineligible for sponsorship under their parents' name.
Adopted Children: Specific documentation is required for adopted children.
Stepchildren: Proof of the relationship between the sponsor and the stepchild must be provided.
QID Expiration: The applicant's QID should be valid. If it is nearing expiration, renewal is advised before initiating the visa application process.

Family Residence Visa Application Process

Online Application

To initiate a family visa application, follow these steps:

Download and Register: Install the Metrash2 app on your smartphone (Android or iOS) and create an account.
Log In: Access your Metrash2 account.
Select "Visa": Navigate to the "Visa" section.
Choose "Family Visit": Select the "Family Visit" option.
Start New Application: Click "New Application" and enter the visitor's details, including gender, relationship, date of birth, and passport information.
Agree to Terms: Accept the data validity agreement.
Upload Documents: Scan and upload required documents, such as birth certificates, passport copies, and passport copies of relatives. Ensure clear and legible scans.
Confirm and Submit: Review uploaded documents and submit the application.
Await Approval: Upon verification, you will receive an application number. If a document is missing, you will be notified.
Pay Visa Fees: Once approved, pay the visa fees directly from the Metrash2 app.
Download Visa Copy: Obtain a copy of the visa from the Ministry of Interior website and send it to the visitor.

Document Attestation and Translation

Certain documents required for a Qatar Family Visa application must undergo attestation and potentially translation. Legal attestation is a formal process that verifies a document's authenticity.

Attestation Process

Documents necessitating attestation should be verified by either:

The Embassy located in the applicant's home country
The applicant's home country's Embassy in Qatar. Subsequently, documents must be attested by the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Doha.

Document Translation

A translation is required if documents such as Marriage Certificates or Birth Certificates are not originally in English or Arabic. These translated documents should be uploaded to the "Other documents" section within the Metrash application.

Assistance with Attestation and Translation

Numerous attestation service providers and typing centers operate in Qatar, offering assistance with document translation and attestation services.

Document Submission Guidelines

To successfully apply for a Qatar Family Residence Visa, it is crucial to prepare and submit the required documents accurately. Please ensure that all documents are clear, legible, and properly attested as described:

Submit high-quality and legible document scans or photos in JPEG format only.
Combine multiple document pages into a single JPEG file by placing them side-by-side.
Ensure text remains clear and readable when combining pages.
Use scanning software or online tools for merging pages if needed.
Keep merged JPEG documents under 500 KB in size.
Resize images that exceed the maximum file size before uploading.
Request a one-page bank statement showing only salary credit information for residence permit applications.

Processing Time for Family Residence Permits in Qatar

The Family Residence Permit application process duration is unpredictable and varies significantly among applicants. While some individuals may experience processing times of several days or weeks, others may encounter delays of several months.

It is important to note that once the application reaches the fourth stage, indicating "Under Process with a visa number," the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) clearance is typically obtained within a week, marking a significant step towards final approval.

Visa Application Denial and Appeal Process

If your family visa application is denied despite meeting all requirements, follow these steps:

Visit the Immigration Office: Request a meeting with the visa approval committee.
Bring Required Documents: Ensure you have a copy of your visa application receipt. The original will be kept on file.
Schedule a Meeting: The office will provide a copy of the receipt with the meeting date.
Document Review: The committee will review your documents. If no major issues are found, an appointment will be scheduled.
Interview: Prepare to discuss your qualifications and profession during the meeting.
Bring Original Documents: Have original copies of all submitted documents, including educational certificates, ready for inspection.
Visa Approval: If approved, you should receive your visa within two days.

Remember: A visa denial is possible even if you meet all requirements. By adhering to these steps, you can improve your chances of a successful appeal.

Family Residence Visa Validity and Renewal

A family residence visa typically permits entry within 180 days of approval. However, this period can vary, with some visas allowing 90 days or even a year. The specific entry deadline is indicated on the visa itself. It's essential to note that the visa's validity commences from the issuance date of the visa number, not the printed date.

If unable to travel within the allotted time frame, visa holders may extend the entry period by 180 days upon payment of acertain fee.

Residence Permit Process Timeline after Entry

Upon entering Qatar on a family residence visa, individuals must complete medical examinations and fingerprinting within thirty days of entry. The Qatar ID (QID) must also be processed within this timeframe.

Mandatory Medical Examination

Visa holders must initiate the Residence Permit (RP) process by undergoing a compulsory medical examination. This assessment safeguards public health and curtails the transmission of infectious diseases.

The medical examination typically comprises a blood test to detect HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Additionally, a physical examination by a physician and a chest X-ray will be conducted to screen for Tuberculosis.

The Medical Test costs QR 100 per individual.

Digital Fingerprint Registration

Upon completion of the medical examination, adults are required to undergo digital fingerprint registration at the Ministry of Interior. This process is not mandatory for individuals under the age of fifteen.

The primary location for fingerprint registration is the CEID office on Salwa Road. This service is accessible at select Ministry of Interior Service Centers, excluding Gharafa and Souq Waqif. It is important to note that some MOI Service Centers, such as Mesaimeer, may direct female applicants to the CEID office on Salwa Road for this procedure.

Family Visa Application Process

Offline Application

To apply for a Qatar family visit visa offline:

Obtain Application Form: Acquire the Residence visa application form.
Complete and Submit: Fill out the form and send it to the Ministry of Interior (MoI) service centre, along with the necessary papers.
Officer Review: The officer may accept the form or request additional information.
Interview: If necessary, undergo an interview to discuss your visit and relationship with the sponsor.
Receive Receipt: Upon approval, you will receive a receipt with a tracking number.
Check Visa Status: After two days, check your visa status online using the tracking number.
Visit MOI Center: If approved, return to the MOI center with your receipt.
Pay Visa Fees: Pay the visa fee at the centre or online through Metrash 2.
Collect Visa: Receive a printed copy of your family visit visa.
Book Flights: Arrange flights for your family members.

Comparison of Qatar Family Residence Permit and Family Visit Visa

Feature	Family Residence Permit	Family Visit Visa
Applicant's Employment Sector	Government, semi-government, or private sector in specific categories (technical or specialized professions)	Non-labour profession (specialized or technical professions)
Minimum Monthly Salary	QAR 10,000 (government/semi-government) or QAR 10,000 (private sector with/without housing)	QAR 5,000
Housing Requirement	Provided by the employer or a minimum salary of QAR 10,000 required	Not applicable
Age Restrictions for Dependents	No specific age restrictions	No age restrictions
Relationship to Sponsor	Direct relative (parent, sibling, sibling-in-law, child, spouse, or parent-in-law)	Direct relative (parent, sibling, sibling-in-law, child, spouse, or parent-in-law)
Health Insurance	Required for all dependents	Required for all dependents
Duration	Indefinite (subject to renewal)	Temporary (specified period)
Purpose	Long-term residency for family members	Short-term visit for family members

Conclusion

In conclusion, this guide is your essential resource for understanding and managing the Qatar Family Residence Visa process. Following the outlined steps and meeting the specified requirements, you can successfully bring your family to Qatar and ensure a smooth transition into their new life. We hope this information has helped simplify the complexities of the visa application and that you feel prepared to proceed confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can. While family residence visas are primarily for spouses and children, you can also sponsor your parents under certain conditions. The requirements typically include providing proof of financial support and ensuring they meet the necessary health and documentation criteria. It's essential to consult with the Qatari immigration authorities for specific guidelines.

The processing time for a family residence visa can vary significantly. While some applications may be processed within a few weeks, others may take several months. Factors like the completeness of your documentation, the volume of applications, and any additional checks can influence the processing time. It's always advisable to plan ahead and allow ample time for the visa application process.

Yes, you can. If your family members are already in Qatar on a visit visa, you can often convert it to a residence visa. This typically involves submitting additional documents, paying a fee, and undergoing a medical examination. However, the requirements and procedures may vary, so you must check with the immigration authorities or your employer for the most accurate information.

A few potential challenges arise during the family residence visa process. These may include incomplete or incorrect documentation, delays in processing, or changes in immigration policies. It's crucial to carefully review all the required documents, submit them on time, and stay updated on any changes that may affect your application.

Yes, you can bring your pet to Qatar on a family residence visa. However, there are certain requirements and procedures to follow. You must obtain a pet import permit, provide veterinary certificates, and comply with quarantine regulations. It's advisable to start planning well in advance and consult with the Qatari authorities for detailed information on pet import guidelines.

Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in November 2024, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.