Qatar Family Visit Visa: Complete Guide 2025

Are you living in Qatar and want your family to visit you? The Qatar Family Visit Visa makes this possible. This visa lets you bring your spouse, children, or parents to Qatar for a short stay. Our complete guide explains everything in simple words. We cover who can apply, what documents you need, how to apply, costs, and helpful tips for success.

What Is the Qatar Family Visit Visa?

The Qatar Family Visit Visa is a temporary visa for people working and living in Qatar. It allows you to bring your close family members for a short visit. This visa lets you spend quality time with your loved ones without long delays.

The visa is initially valid for 30 days. You can extend it to stay longer. Spouses and children can stay up to six months total. Other relatives can extend to three months. This makes it perfect for family reunions, holidays, and special occasions.

The Family Visit Visa is different from a Family Residence Visa. The visit visa is temporary. The residence visa is for long-term living in Qatar. Many people use the visit visa first to bring their family for a short time.

Important: Qatar Family Visit Visa applications are processed by the Ministry of Interior (MOI). All applications must be submitted through the Metrash2 app or at an MOI Service Center. The process is now more digital and regulated with new rules in 2025.

Who Is Eligible to Sponsor a Family Visit Visa?

Not everyone can sponsor a family visit visa. You must meet specific requirements to qualify as a sponsor.

Sponsor Requirements

To sponsor a family visit visa, you must:

Profession Requirements

Your job title on your Qatar ID is very important. Your profession must be technical or specialized (non-labour). Labour jobs may face rejection.

Examples of jobs that may NOT qualify:

Important: If your profession is labour-type but meets other requirements, you can appeal to the Captain at the MOI Service Center. They have the power to change the rejection decision.

Who Can Visit Qatar Under This Visa?

You can only bring first-degree relatives. These are your closest family members.

Immediate Family Members

Other Approved Relatives

In some cases, these family members can visit:

Important: Cousins, uncles, aunts, and other extended family generally cannot apply unless you get special approval. To sponsor other relatives, you must be married and have a higher salary threshold.

Salary Requirements for Qatar Family Visit Visa

Your monthly salary is the main requirement. The minimum salary depends on who you are sponsoring.

Category Minimum Salary Required Notes
Spouse and children QAR 5,000 per month Can extend to 6 months total
Parents or other relatives QAR 10,000 per month Can extend to 3 months total
With free employer accommodation QAR 6,000 per month Must have written proof from employer

Note: Your salary must be shown in your employment contract and salary certificate. The MOI checks this against your Qatar ID records. Make sure all your documents match.

Age Limits for Visitors

There is generally no age limit for family visit visas. However, the Metrash2 app has a 60-year-old age limit for online applications.

If your visitor is over 60 years old, you have two options:

Required Documents for Qatar Family Visit Visa

Having all documents ready before you apply makes the process faster and smoother. Make sure all documents are clear and readable.

Documents for Sponsor (You)

Documents for Spouse

Documents for Children

Documents for Parents

Health Insurance (Required for All Visitors)

Important Document Notes: All certificates (marriage, birth, etc.) must be attested by your home country embassy and Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Names on all documents must match exactly. Passports must be readable with no damage.

Qatar Family Visit Visa Fees and Costs (2025)

The visa fee is affordable. Here is the cost breakdown:

Expense Cost in QAR Cost in USD
Visa issuance (30 days) QAR 200 USD 55
Extension per month QAR 200 USD 55
Medical test (for extension) QAR 100 USD 27
Health insurance (per month) QAR 50 - QAR 200 USD 14 - USD 55

The total cost depends on how long your family stays. For a 30-day visit with one person, you pay around QAR 200 plus health insurance costs.

How to Apply for Qatar Family Visit Visa Online Using Metrash2

The easiest way to apply is through the Metrash2 app. This is the official method used by the Ministry of Interior. The process is simple and takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Download the App Download the Metrash2 app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. The old Metrash2 app will stop working on March 1, 2025. Make sure you download the new Metrash app.

Step 2: Log In Open the Metrash2 app and log in using your Qatar ID number and phone number. You will receive a verification code on your phone.

Step 3: Navigate to Visa Services From the main menu, select "Visa Services" then click "Issue Visa" followed by "Family Visit Visa."

Step 4: Choose Relationship Type Select the relationship of your visitor. Options include spouse, child, parent, sibling, or other relatives.

Step 5: Enter Visitor Details Fill in the visitor's personal information including full name, date of birth, passport number, passport expiry date, gender, and nationality. Make sure every detail is correct and matches their passport.

Step 6: Upload Documents Upload clear scans or photos of all required documents. Accepted formats are PDF and JPG. Make sure photos are clear and readable. Poor quality photos may cause rejection.

Step 7: Add Health Insurance Certificate Upload a copy of the visitor's health insurance certificate that covers their stay in Qatar. This is now mandatory for all applications.

Step 8: Review and Submit Review all the information carefully. Check for any spelling mistakes or missing details. Once you are sure everything is correct, submit the application.

Step 9: Payment After submission, you can pay the visa fee through the app using your debit or credit card. Payment is secure and instant.

Step 10: Track Application After payment, you will receive a confirmation. You can track your application status in the Metrash2 app. Results usually come within 2 to 5 working days.

How to Apply at MOI Service Centers Offline

If you prefer to apply in person, you can visit an MOI Service Center. This method is useful if you have questions or special circumstances.

Steps to apply offline:

Processing Time and Application Status

The Ministry of Interior processes applications regularly. However, processing times can vary depending on demand and your nationality.

Expected Processing Time

Check Your Application Status

You can check your visa status anytime using these methods:

Application Status Meanings

Status What It Means What to Do
Under Process Your application is being reviewed by MOI Wait for approval. Check again in 2-3 days
Under Review Your documents are being examined carefully Wait. This usually takes a few days
Approved Your visa has been approved Download and print your visa. Your family can now travel
Rejected Your application was not approved Check the rejection reason. You can appeal or reapply
Null System error or incomplete information Contact MOI for clarification

What to Do if Your Application Is Rejected

Rejection happens sometimes. The good news is you can find out why and try again.

Common Reasons for Rejection

How to Handle Rejection

How to Extend Your Family Visit Visa

The initial visa is for 30 days. You can extend it if your family wants to stay longer.

Extension Limits

Steps to Extend the Visa

  1. Your visitor must complete a medical checkup at an authorized health center in Qatar within a few days of arrival
  2. After the medical test, go to Metrash2 app
  3. Select Visa Services > Extend Visa
  4. Choose your visitor from the list
  5. Upload the medical test certificate
  6. Pay the extension fee (QAR 200 per month)
  7. Submit the extension request
  8. Your extension will be processed within a few days

Important: Medical checkups are mandatory for any visa extension. Your visitor must do the medical test at an authorized Qatar Health Center. Without the medical certificate, extension requests will be rejected.

Your Family's Entry Into Qatar

Once your visa is approved, your family is ready to travel. Here is what they need to know:

Before Traveling

At the Airport

Documents to Bring

Visa Validity and Entry Rules

Understanding visa validity is important to avoid problems.

Validity Periods

Example: If your visa is approved on January 1, your family must enter Qatar by March 31 (within 90 days). Once they enter, they can stay for 30 days from their entry date.

Single Entry Visa

The family visit visa is single-entry. This means:

Important 2025 Updates and Policy Changes

The Qatar visa system continues to evolve. Here are the latest updates for 2025:

Metrash App Update

Health Insurance Requirement

Document Attestation Requirements

Application Restrictions

Overstaying the Visa - Penalties and Consequences

It is important to leave Qatar before your visa expires. Overstaying has serious consequences.

Overstay Penalties

Other Consequences

Important: Always leave Qatar before your visa expires. If there is an emergency and you need to extend, apply for an extension immediately. Do not wait until after the visa expires.

Converting Family Visit Visa to Family Residence Visa

Some people want to convert their family's temporary visit visa to a permanent residence visa. This is possible under certain conditions.

When Can You Convert?

Steps to Convert

Common Questions About Qatar Family Visit Visa

Q: Can I get my visa extended while my family is in Qatar?

A: Yes. Your visitor can extend the visa while they are in Qatar. You must complete a medical test first. Then apply for extension through Metrash2. Extension can be done one month at a time.

Q: What happens if my visitor overstays the visa?

A: Overstaying is a serious issue. Fines are QAR 200 per day. Your visitor may be deported and blacklisted. They may not be allowed to enter Qatar or other GCC countries for years.

Q: Can my visitor leave Qatar and come back on the same visa?

A: No. The family visit visa is single-entry only. If your visitor leaves Qatar, they cannot re-enter on the same visa. They must apply for a new family visit visa.

Q: Is travel insurance required?

A: Yes. Health insurance is now mandatory. Your visitor must have valid health insurance covering their entire stay in Qatar. Without insurance, the application will be rejected.

Q: Can my visitor work in Qatar on a family visit visa?

A: No. The family visit visa does not allow working. Your visitor is only allowed to stay and visit. Working is illegal and can result in deportation.

Q: What if my application gets rejected?

A: Check the Metrash2 app for the rejection reason. Fix the issue and reapply. Common reasons include low salary, labour profession, missing documents, or poor document quality. You can reapply after fixing these issues.

Q: Can I sponsor my brother or sister?

A: Brothers and sisters are not first-degree relatives. Generally, they cannot be sponsored unless you get special government approval. To sponsor siblings, you must be married and have a higher salary.

Q: How do I know if my documents are attested properly?

A: Attested documents have official stamps and seals from the embassy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You should get this done through your country's embassy in Qatar or professional attestation services.

Q: Can I change the visitor's name or details after applying?

A: No. Once you submit the application, you cannot change details. If there is an error, you must withdraw the application and apply again with correct information.

Q: What is the maximum time my family can stay?

A: Spouses and children can stay maximum 6 months total with extensions. Parents can stay maximum 3 months total. Each extension is for one month.

Tips for a Smooth Qatar Family Visit Visa Application

Follow these tips to increase your chances of approval and avoid delays:

Before Applying

During Application

After Approval

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These mistakes cause many applications to be rejected. Learn from them:

Need Help? Contact Information

If you have questions or face problems with your application, here is where to get help:

Official Contact Methods

MOI Service Center Hours

Final Words on Qatar Family Visit Visa

The Qatar Family Visit Visa is the easiest way to bring your loved ones to Qatar for a short stay. The process is now more digital with the Metrash2 app. Understanding the requirements and following the steps correctly will help you get approval faster.

Make sure you meet the minimum salary and profession requirements. Gather all documents properly attested and translated. Buy health insurance before applying. Upload clear, readable photos of all documents. Check everything matches exactly between documents.

Processing usually takes 2 to 5 working days. Once approved, your family can travel to Qatar. Remember that the visa is valid for 30 days initially. You can extend it if they want to stay longer. Always ensure your visitor leaves before the visa expires to avoid fines and problems.

Bringing your family to Qatar creates beautiful memories and strengthens your bonds. With proper planning and accurate documents, the family visit visa process is smooth and hassle-free. If you need medical information for your visitor during extension, check Qatar Medical Check for Visa for complete details.