How to Apply for a Family Visit Visa in Qatar (Step-by-Step Metrash Guide 2026)
Last Reviewed: February 2026 | Topic: Qatar Family Visit Visa | Reading Time: 12 minutes
Quick Answer: To apply for a Qatar Family Visit Visa, open the Metrash2 app → Visa → Issue Visa → Family Visit → enter visitor details → upload documents → pay QAR 200. You need a minimum monthly salary of QAR 10,000 and a non-labour profession listed on your QID.
Living in Qatar while your family is in another country is one of the hardest parts of expat life. The good news is that Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) offers a straightforward process for residents to bring their loved ones over and since 2024, the entire application is done online through the Metrash2 app.
This guide covers everything you need to know: eligibility requirements, documents, fees, the full step-by-step Metrash application process, what to do after your family arrives, how to extend the visa, and what to do if your application is rejected. Whether you’re bringing your spouse, children, parents, or other close relatives, this is the only guide you need.
What Is the Qatar Family Visit Visa?
The Qatar Family Visit Visa is a short-term entry visa issued by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) that allows expatriate residents of Qatar to sponsor immediate and extended family members for a temporary visit to the country.
It is not a long-term sponsorship visa. If you want your family to live in Qatar permanently and obtain a Qatar ID (QID), you need to apply for a Family Residence Permit instead — that is a separate, more involved process.
The Family Visit Visa is initially valid for 30 days from the date of entry and can be extended monthly up to a maximum of 180 days for spouses and children, or 90 days for other relatives. The visa itself must be used within 90 days of approval — meaning your family member must enter Qatar within that 90-day window.
Who Can Sponsor a Family Visit Visa? (Eligibility)
The sponsor is the Qatar resident applying for the visa — that’s you. To be eligible to sponsor a family visit visa, you must meet several conditions set by the MOI.
Minimum Salary Requirements
The salary threshold determines who you can sponsor:
- QAR 5,000/month — to sponsor your spouse and children
- QAR 10,000/month — to sponsor parents, siblings, or other relatives
Note: some employers and PRO consultants have observed that in practice, the MOI has informally applied stricter thresholds in recent months. While no official change has been announced, it’s advisable to have a higher salary or company-provided accommodation to strengthen your application.
Profession Eligibility
Your profession as listed on your Qatar ID must be categorised as skilled, technical, or professional — not as a labour-category job. If your QID lists a profession such as driver, delivery worker, cleaner, or domestic helper, your application may be rejected even if you meet the salary requirement.
This is an important distinction. If you believe your QID profession is incorrectly classified, speak to your company’s PRO to have it updated in the MOI system. If your application is rejected on profession grounds, you can visit the Duhail Immigration Office and request a meeting with the Captain (the senior immigration officer), who has the authority to review and overturn such decisions on a case-by-case basis.
Other Eligibility Conditions
- You must hold a valid Qatar ID (QID) that has not expired
- Your QID must be issued for work or business purposes (not a dependent visa)
- Only married expatriates can sponsor parents, siblings, and other second-degree relatives
- The Metrash2 system does not process applications for visitors above 60 years of age — eligibility in such cases must be confirmed individually
Who Can You Sponsor?
Immediate Family (First-Degree Relatives)
Any Qatar resident with the minimum salary can sponsor:
- Spouse (husband or wife)
- Children, including newborns (with a passport and birth certificate)
Extended Family (Second-Degree Relatives) — Married Residents Only
Married expatriates can additionally sponsor:
- Parents and parents-in-law
- Brothers and sisters
- Paternal and maternal uncles and aunts
- Nephews and nieces (children of siblings)
Documents Required for Qatar Family Visit Visa
Preparing the right documents before you open the Metrash app will save you significant time. All documents must be clear, readable, and in PDF or JPEG format. Multi-page documents (like translated marriage certificates) should be merged into a single file.
Documents Required from the Sponsor (You)
- Copy of your valid Qatar ID (QID) — front and back
- Copy of your valid passport
- Bank statements from the last 3–6 months (as proof of salary)
- Salary certificate or employment contract
- Valid tenancy contract or letter from employer confirming company-provided accommodation
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer (required in some cases — confirm with your company PRO)
Documents Required for Your Spouse
- Passport copy (minimum 6 months validity from travel date)
- Attested marriage certificate — must be authenticated by the relevant authority in your home country, then attested by the Qatar Embassy and/or Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
- Valid Qatar-approved health insurance
Documents Required for Your Children
- Passport copy for each child (minimum 6 months validity)
- Birth certificate (attestation required for a Residence Permit, but not strictly required for a Visit Visa; always include it to avoid complications)
- Valid Qatar-approved health insurance
Documents Required for Other Relatives (Parents, Siblings, etc.)
- Passport copies
- Proof of relationship (attested birth/family registration certificates)
- Valid Qatar-approved health insurance
Document Preparation Tips
- Attestation matters. Marriage certificates must be attested — unattested copies are a leading cause of rejection. Contact your home country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Qatar Embassy to get your documents certified.
- Translation is required. Any document not in Arabic or English must be officially translated and attested. Professional private translation services in Doha can handle this.
- CEID verification. As of 2025, adult visitors may be subject to Centralized Expatriate Identification (CEID) verification as part of the application process.
- Merge multi-page files. Use a free PDF merger tool before uploading. Uploading separate pages often causes document reading errors.
Qatar Family Visit Visa Fees (2025)
Understanding the full cost upfront helps you plan without surprises.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Initial visit visa (30 days) | QAR 200 per person |
| Monthly extension fee | QAR 200 per person |
| Medical examination (for extensions) | QAR 100 per person |
| Health insurance | From QAR 50 per month |
| Overstay penalty | QAR 200 per day |
Payment is made inside the Metrash2 app after your application is approved. You can pay by debit or credit card. The visa is issued electronically and can be downloaded as a PDF once payment is confirmed.
How to Apply for a Family Visit Visa on Metrash2 (Step-by-Step)
Since 2024, the MOI only accepts Family Visit Visa applications through the Metrash2 app. Walk-in applications at immigration offices are no longer processed for this visa type. Here’s the complete process:
Before You Start — Checklist:
- [ ] Metrash2 app installed on your phone (iOS or Android) — Note: the older “Metrash2” app was updated; download the latest “Metrash” app from 2025
- [ ] QID and PIN ready
- [ ] All documents scanned, clear, and merged where needed
- [ ] Health insurance purchased or arranged for each visitor
- [ ] Payment method ready (debit/credit card)
Step 1: Log In to the Metrash App Open the Metrash app and log in using your Qatar ID number and registered PIN. Make sure the mobile number linked to your QID is active — you’ll receive SMS notifications throughout the process.
Step 2: Navigate to Visa Services From the home screen, tap on the Visa icon. Then select Issue Visa from the menu options.
Step 3: Select Family Visit Tap on Family Visit, then choose Family Visa Application, and start a New Application.
Step 4: Choose Relationship Type Select the relationship of the visitor to you — for example: Wife, Father, Mother, Son, Daughter, Brother, Sister. The app will display options based on your profile.
Step 5: Fill In Visitor Details Enter all required information about the visitor including:
- Full name (exactly as on the passport)
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Passport expiry date
Step 6: Upload Required Documents Upload each document as prompted. Ensure photos and scans are clear, fully readable, and the correct file type (PDF or JPG). This is the step where most applications run into issues — blurry scans or cropped passport corners cause delays.
Step 7: Attach Health Insurance Upload the health insurance certificate for the visitor. This is mandatory and applications without valid Qatar-approved health insurance are rejected at submission.
Step 8: Review and Submit Review all entered details carefully. Check that the visitor’s name matches exactly between the passport and the application form. Even a minor spelling difference can cause rejection. When satisfied, tap Submit.
Step 9: Monitor Your Application Status After submission, your application will show statuses including “Under Process” and “Under Review” — these are normal stages and switching between them is expected. Do not cancel your application if you see these statuses. Processing typically takes 1 to 4 weeks.
A status showing “Null” on your receipt simply means the application has been received and is in the queue — it is not a rejection.
Step 10: Pay the QAR 200 Fee After Approval Once approved, you’ll receive an SMS notification. Open Metrash, go to your Family Visit applications, and complete the QAR 200 payment per visitor. The visa is only issued after payment is confirmed.
Step 11: Download and Print the Visa After payment, the visa is available for download inside the app. Print a copy and share it with your family member — they’ll need it for check-in at the airport and upon arrival in Qatar.
Step 12: Share the Visa With Your Family Member Send the printed visa PDF to your family member. Some airlines require an “OK to Board” confirmation — if this is needed, present a copy of the visa at the airline’s Doha office, or have your family member present it at check-in.
How to Check Your Family Visit Visa Status
You can check the status of your application in two ways:
Via Metrash App: Open the app → Visa → Family Visit Visa → view application status
Via the MOI Portal (moi.gov.qa):
- Go to moi.gov.qa
- Click Inquiries
- Select Visa Services
- Click Visa Approval Tracking (or Visa Inquiry & Printing)
- Enter your visa/application number or passport number
- Select nationality and complete the CAPTCHA
- Click Submit to view current status
This method also works for family members still outside Qatar — they can check their own visa approval status from abroad.
What Happens After Your Family Member Arrives in Qatar?
Arrival is not the end of the process — there are important steps your family members must complete once they land in Doha.
Mandatory Medical Examination
Every adult visitor who plans to stay beyond 30 days must complete a medical examination at an authorised health centre in Qatar. This is a mandatory requirement for any visa extension.
The medical exam typically includes:
- Blood tests: HIV, Hepatitis B and C
- Chest X-ray (to screen for tuberculosis)
- General physical examination
Where to go: The primary location is the Medical Commission centre in Abu Hamour, Doha.
Cost: QAR 100 per person. Children generally only need their passport and visa copy for their extension and do not undergo the full medical test.
Results: Laboratory results are usually available within 24 hours, though in some cases it can take up to 3 working days.
Timing: Complete the medical examination within the first 30 days of arrival — before the initial visa expires and before applying for an extension.
Health Insurance
After your visa is approved, you’ll receive an SMS containing a link to purchase Qatar-approved health insurance for your visitor. Health insurance must remain valid for the entire duration of their stay and is required before any extension can be processed.
How to Extend a Family Visit Visa in Qatar
If your family wants to stay longer than the initial 30 days, you must apply for an extension before the current visa expires.
Maximum stay allowed:
- Spouse and children: up to 180 days (6 months total)
- Parents and other relatives: up to 90 days (3 months total)
How to extend via Metrash: Open Metrash → Visa Services → Extend Visa → Select the visitor → Pay QAR 200
How to extend via MOI portal: Go to moi.gov.qa → Inquiries → Visa Services → Visa Extension Service → enter passport number → select nationality → complete CAPTCHA → pay extension fee
Important: The medical test must be completed before you apply for the first extension. Without a clean medical result, the extension will not be processed.
Do not overstay. If your visitor’s visa expires and you have not extended it, a fine of QAR 200 per day applies immediately. This fine must be paid before the visitor can exit Qatar.
Common Reasons Qatar Family Visit Visas Get Rejected
Understanding rejection reasons in advance lets you prepare a stronger application:
1. Ineligible profession. If your QID lists a labour-category job, the application will likely be rejected regardless of salary. Resolve this with your employer before applying.
2. Salary below threshold. An official salary below QAR 5,000 for immediate family, or QAR 10,000 for other relatives, is an automatic disqualifier.
3. Missing or unclear documents. Incomplete uploads, blurry scans, or missing pages are one of the most avoidable causes of rejection.
4. Un-attested marriage certificate. The marriage certificate must be authenticated through the correct chain — home country authority → Qatar Embassy → Qatar MOFA. Unattested copies are rejected.
5. Name mismatches. A spelling discrepancy between the passport and the application form raises flags. Double-check every field before submitting.
6. Prior overstay history. Previous immigration violations in Qatar or GCC countries can result in rejection.
7. Employer compliance issues. If your company has unresolved compliance matters with the Ministry of Labour, visa applications linked to your QID may be blocked.
8. Applying too soon after arriving in Qatar. New residents are generally advised to wait at least 6 months from their own arrival before applying to sponsor family visits.
9. Restricted nationality periods. The MOI occasionally restricts family visit visa processing for certain nationalities. These restrictions are temporary but can cause significant delays. Monitor the situation through the MOI or community expat groups.
What to Do If Your Family Visit Visa Is Rejected
A rejection is not the end of the road. Here’s how to respond:
Step 1: Identify the reason. Check Metrash for rejection details. The reason is often displayed at the top of the application status page. If it’s not clear, visit an MOI Service Centre and ask.
Step 2: Fix the underlying issue. Correct the document error, update the salary record, get the attestation done, or have your employer update your profession on the MOI system — whatever the specific issue requires.
Step 3: Reapply via Metrash. Once corrected, submit a fresh application. Do not resubmit the same application without addressing the rejection reason — it will be rejected again.
Step 4: Appeal in person. If you believe the rejection is unfair — especially in cases involving profession eligibility — visit the Duhail Immigration Office and request a meeting with the visa approval committee. Bring a copy of your original rejection receipt and all supporting documents. The senior officer (Captain) at this office has the authority to review and overturn certain rejections.
Step 5: Consult a PRO. For complex situations, a licensed immigration consultant or PRO service in Doha can help navigate the appeals process more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert my family member’s visit visa to a residence permit? Yes. Since 2023, this conversion can be done entirely within Qatar without the visitor needing to leave the country. The conversion fee is QAR 500 and is processed via Metrash2. We cover this in detail in our [How to Convert a Family Visit Visa to a Residence Permit] guide.
How long does approval take? The average processing time is 1 to 4 weeks. During peak periods or when a nationality-specific backlog exists, it can take longer. Applications are processed in batches, not on a strict first-come, first-served basis.
What does “Under Review” or “Under Process” mean? These are standard stages in the review pipeline. Your application is being reviewed and has not been rejected. Switching between these statuses is normal — do not cancel your application.
What does “Null” status mean on my receipt? It simply means your application has been received and queued for review. It is not a rejection.
Can I apply for a family visit visa if I’m single? You can sponsor your spouse and children regardless of how long you’ve been in Qatar. However, you cannot sponsor parents, siblings, or other relatives unless you are married.
What happens if my visitor overstays? A fine of QAR 200 per day applies from the day after the visa expired. This fine must be settled before your family member can exit Qatar. Overstaying may also affect future visa applications.
Can I cancel my application if it’s still under review? Yes. In Metrash, go to your application and look for the right-arrow or cancel option on the status page. If this option is unavailable, visit any MOI Service Centre for assistance.
Is there an age limit for visitors? The Metrash system does not process visit visa applications for visitors older than 60 years of age. In such cases, the application may need to be handled in person at an MOI Service Centre.
Can I apply in person at the MOI office? Since 2024, the MOI only accepts Family Visit Visa applications through the Metrash app. Physical walk-in submissions are no longer accepted for this visa type.
Summary
Applying for a Qatar Family Visit Visa through the Metrash app is a fully digital, manageable process — as long as you meet the salary and profession requirements and have all documents properly attested and uploaded. The visa costs QAR 200 for the first month and can be extended for up to 6 months for spouses and children. The most important things to remember: get your marriage certificate attested before you start, complete the medical test within the first 30 days of your family’s arrival, and never let the visa expire without an extension.
Related Articles on Alzeenah.com
- How to Check Your Qatar Visa Status on the MOI Portal (2025)
- Medical Test for Family Visa Extension in Qatar: Where to Go and What to Expect
- How to Convert a Family Visit Visa to a Residence Permit in Qatar
- How to Extend a Family Visit Visa in Qatar (Metrash + MOI Guide)
- How to Use the Metrash App for All MOI Services in Qatar
- Qatar Family Residence Visa: Full Requirements & Application Guide
Information in this article is based on current MOI Qatar guidelines and is reviewed regularly. Visa policies can change — always verify latest requirements on the official MOI portal at moi.gov.qa or via the Metrash app before submitting your application.
Published on Alzeenah.com | Qatar’s Go-To Expat Resource