Qatar Family Visa Requirements and Salary Threshold 2026
Bringing your family to Qatar isn’t automatic. Even with a valid work visa, you need to meet specific salary requirements, provide attested documents, and navigate a 2-3 month approval process. The most common shock for new expats is discovering their salary doesn’t qualify them to sponsor family members.
The critical number: QR 10,000 per month basic salary is the minimum to sponsor a spouse and children in Qatar as of 2026. This is basic salary only, not total package. If your contract shows QR 8,000 basic plus QR 4,000 allowances (QR 12,000 total), you don’t qualify. Additionally, you need attested marriage and birth certificates, suitable accommodation proof, and employer approval. The entire process takes 2-4 months and costs QR 2,000-4,000 per family member.
I’m writing this because countless expats accept job offers without understanding family visa requirements, then arrive in Qatar unable to bring their families. HR departments often don’t explain the salary threshold clearly. This guide covers every requirement, the complete process, costs, timeline, and how to navigate special situations like sponsoring parents or having your spouse work while on your sponsorship.
Who Can You Sponsor on Family Visa?
Qatar family visa allows you to sponsor specific family members if you meet eligibility requirements.
Standard Sponsorship Categories
Tier 1: Spouse and Children (Most Common)
You can sponsor:
- Legal spouse (one spouse only, polygamy not recognized for expat sponsorship)
- Unmarried children under 18 years old
- Unmarried daughters of any age (no age limit)
- Unmarried sons under 25 if they’re students (must provide enrollment proof)
Children over these age limits cannot be sponsored unless they have special needs or disabilities.
Tier 2: Parents (Conditional)
You can sponsor your parents (mother and father) if:
- Your salary is QR 15,000+ per month basic salary
- Your employer specifically approves parent sponsorship (not all do)
- Your parents meet health requirements
- You provide proof of relationship
Tier 3: Siblings (Rare, Special Cases Only)
In exceptional circumstances, you may sponsor unmarried sisters if:
- You’re their only financial support
- They have no other male guardian
- Special approval from Ministry of Interior
This is extremely rare and case-by-case. Most expats cannot sponsor siblings.
Salary Requirements: The Critical Threshold
This is where most confusion happens. Let me be extremely clear about the numbers.
Minimum Salary for Spouse and Children: QR 10,000/month
What counts as salary:
- Basic salary ONLY
- Not total package
- Not including allowances (housing, transport, food)
- Not including bonuses or overtime
Example 1: You Qualify
- Basic salary: QR 12,000
- Housing allowance: QR 5,000
- Transport allowance: QR 2,000
- Total package: QR 19,000
You qualify because basic salary (QR 12,000) exceeds QR 10,000.
Example 2: You Do NOT Qualify
- Basic salary: QR 8,000
- Housing allowance: QR 6,000
- Transport allowance: QR 2,000
- Total package: QR 16,000
You do not qualify because basic salary (QR 8,000) is below QR 10,000, even though total package is QR 16,000.
This catches many people. Employers advertise “QR 15,000 package” but structure it as QR 7,000 basic plus allowances. You cannot sponsor family on that contract.
Minimum Salary for Parents: QR 15,000/month
If you want to sponsor your parents in addition to or instead of spouse/children:
- Basic salary must be QR 15,000 or higher
- Some professions have higher requirements (QR 18,000-20,000)
- Employer must explicitly permit parent sponsorship in your contract
Not all employers allow parent sponsorship. Many companies have policies restricting this, particularly for junior positions.
Professions Exempt from Salary Requirements
Certain professions can sponsor families regardless of salary:
- Medical doctors (licensed physicians)
- University professors (holding PhD and teaching position)
- Engineers (holding professional engineering license in Qatar)
- Senior government officials
- High-ranking military officers
If you’re in one of these professions, your employer’s HR will confirm if you’re exempt. This exemption must be documented in your visa application.
What If Your Salary Is Below the Threshold?
You have several options:
Option 1: Negotiate Higher Basic Salary
Before signing your contract, if total package is decent but basic salary is low, negotiate restructuring:
- Current offer: QR 8,000 basic + QR 6,000 housing = QR 14,000 total
- Propose: QR 10,000 basic + QR 4,000 housing = QR 14,000 total (same total, different structure)
Many employers are flexible with this if you ask before signing. See our guide on contract negotiation strategies: Negotiating Your Qatar Employment Package.
Option 2: Wait for Salary Increase
Many companies give salary reviews after probation (6 months) or annually. If your current basic is QR 8,500, you might reach QR 10,000+ within a year. Your family joins later, but at least they can join.
Option 3: Spouse Gets Their Own Work Visa
If your spouse has professional qualifications, they can:
- Apply for jobs in Qatar independently
- Get their own work visa from their employer
- Sponsor you and the children on their visa (if their salary qualifies)
This is increasingly common. For details: [Can My Spouse Work While on Family Visa?](section below)
Option 4: Family Stays in Home Country
Not ideal, but some expats work in Qatar solo for 1-2 years, save aggressively, then either get salary increase or return home. This is personal choice based on your financial goals and family situation.
For salary context and what’s realistic for your industry: Qatar Salary Guide 2026
Required Documents for Family Visa
Gathering and attesting these documents is the most time-consuming part. Start immediately after receiving your QID.
Documents You Must Provide
1. Your Documents (Sponsor)
- Qatar ID (QID) – copy of card
- Passport copy (data page and residence permit page)
- Employment contract (copy signed by employer)
- Salary certificate from employer (stating basic salary is QR 10,000+)
- Bank statement (last 3 months, showing salary deposits)
- Tenancy contract (proving you have suitable accommodation)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer specifically for family visa
Your employer’s HR/PRO will help obtain most of these.
2. Marriage Certificate (For Sponsoring Spouse)
Original marriage certificate from your home country, fully attested.
Attestation chain (this takes 4-8 weeks):
Step 1: Marriage certificate issued by relevant authority in your home country (civil registry, church, etc.)
Step 2: Attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your home country
Step 3: Attested by Qatar Embassy in your home country
Step 4: After arriving in Qatar, attested by Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Country-specific notes:
India: Marriage registered with Sub-Registrar, then attested through MEA (Ministry of External Affairs), then Qatar Embassy. Timeline: 6-8 weeks. Cost: INR 2,000-5,000 plus agent fees.
Pakistan: Nikah Nama (Islamic marriage certificate) or civil marriage certificate, attested through MOFA Pakistan, then Qatar Embassy. Timeline: 4-6 weeks.
Philippines: Marriage certificate from PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority), attested through DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs), then Qatar Embassy. Timeline: 4-6 weeks.
Western countries (US, UK, Canada, EU): Marriage certificate attested by state/national authorities, then apostille or Qatar Embassy. Usually faster (3-4 weeks).
Critical: Marriage certificate must show both spouses’ full names exactly as they appear in passports. Any discrepancy requires additional affidavits.
Islamic marriages: If married in Islamic ceremony without civil registration, you may need additional documentation. Qatar recognizes Islamic marriages but certificate must be officially documented and attested.
Common issue: Many couples have religious marriage ceremonies but never registered civilly. Qatar requires official government-issued marriage certificate. If you don’t have one, you must register your marriage officially in your home country first, then begin attestation.
3. Birth Certificates (For Each Child)
Original birth certificates for all children you’re sponsoring, fully attested.
Same attestation chain as marriage certificate (4-8 weeks per certificate).
Must show:
- Child’s full name (exactly as in passport)
- Date of birth
- Parents’ names (exactly as in your passports)
- Issuing authority
Translations: If birth certificate is in language other than English or Arabic, you need certified translation attested as well.
4. Passport Copies
- Spouse’s passport (data page)
- Each child’s passport (data page)
- All passports must be valid for minimum 6 months
5. Passport Photos
- 6-8 photos per person
- White background
- Recent (within 6 months)
- Standard passport photo size
6. Proof of Accommodation
Tenancy contract (rental agreement) showing:
- Your name as tenant
- Address in Qatar
- Rent amount
- Landlord details
- Valid for minimum 6 months
Minimum accommodation standards:
For family of 3-4: Minimum 1-bedroom apartment (some sources say 2-bedroom for 2+ children)
For family of 5+: Minimum 2-bedroom apartment
The accommodation must be deemed “suitable” for family size. Studio apartments typically don’t qualify for families with children.
If employer provides accommodation: Letter from employer confirming they’re providing suitable housing for your family.
Pro tip: Don’t sign long-term lease until family visa is approved. Use short-term rental or hotel for first 2-3 months. Once family visa is approved and family arrives, then sign 1-year lease together. See apartment hunting guide: How to Find Apartment in Qatar
7. Medical Certificates (After Arrival)
Your family members must pass medical fitness tests after arriving in Qatar (same as you did for work visa):
- Chest X-ray (TB screening)
- Blood tests (HIV, Hepatitis B/C)
- General physical examination
Medical tests happen AFTER entry permit is issued, not before application. But be aware of potential issues.
Medical rejection: If any family member tests positive for TB, HIV, or Hepatitis, their visa will be rejected and they must leave Qatar. This is non-negotiable. Qatar does not make exceptions.
Prevention: If any family member has chronic health conditions, get them medically evaluated in home country before applying. This avoids heartbreak of bringing family to Qatar only to have them sent back after medical test.
Document Preparation Timeline
Week 1-2:
- Request marriage certificate and birth certificates from your home country (if you don’t have originals)
- Start attestation process through Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Week 3-6:
- Continue attestation chain (MFA in home country)
- Take documents to Qatar Embassy for attestation
Week 7-10:
- Qatar Embassy attestation completed
- Courier attested documents to you in Qatar via DHL/FedEx
Week 11:
- Final attestation by Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs (your PRO handles this)
Total document preparation: 8-12 weeks
This is why you must start the moment you receive your QID. Don’t wait.
Attestation services: Consider using professional attestation agents in your home country. They charge $200-500 but handle the entire chain, saving you months of back-and-forth. Search “[your country] Qatar document attestation services.”
Family Visa Application Process: Step-by-Step
Once all documents are ready, here’s the exact process.
Step 1: Submit Documents to Your Employer
Hand over all attested documents to your company’s PRO (Public Relations Officer) or HR department:
- Marriage certificate (attested)
- Birth certificates (attested)
- Passport copies
- Photos
- Your tenancy contract
- Salary certificate (employer issues this)
Your PRO compiles everything for Ministry of Interior application.
Timeline: 1-2 days to prepare application
Step 2: Ministry of Interior Application
Your employer’s PRO submits family visa application to Ministry of Interior online system.
MOI verifies:
- Your salary meets QR 10,000 threshold
- You have valid residence permit (QID)
- Your accommodation is suitable
- Marriage and birth documents are properly attested
- You have no outstanding fines or legal issues
Processing time: 2-4 weeks typically
Possible outcomes:
Approved: Entry permits issued for spouse and children
Rejected – salary issue: Your basic salary doesn’t meet QR 10,000 (common error if employer made mistake in application)
Rejected – document issue: Attestation problem, missing documents, name mismatches
Rejected – accommodation issue: Your rental contract doesn’t show suitable accommodation for family size
Pending – additional verification: Sometimes MOI requests additional documents or clarification (adds 1-2 weeks)
Step 3: Entry Permits Issued
Once approved, MOI issues entry permits for each family member.
Entry permit details:
- Valid for 60-90 days from issue date (your family must enter Qatar within this window)
- Single entry only
- Electronic visa (sent via email)
You receive:
- Entry permit for spouse (separate visa)
- Entry permit for each child (separate visa for each)
Cost at this stage:
- QR 200 per person entry permit fee
- Total for family of 4 (spouse + 2 kids): QR 600
Most employers cover the primary employee’s family visa fees, but not always. Check your contract.
Step 4: Family Travels to Qatar
Your family books flights and enters Qatar on entry permits.
At Doha Airport Immigration:
Each family member goes through immigration with:
- Passport with entry permit
- Printed entry permit confirmation
Immigration stamps passport with entry permit, valid for 30 days initially. Within these 30 days, medical tests and QID processing must be completed.
Step 5: Medical Fitness Tests
Within 7 days of arrival, family members must complete medical tests at approved centers.
Tests required:
- Chest X-ray (TB screening)
- Blood tests (HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C)
- Physical examination
Timeline: 3-7 days for results
Cost: QR 100-200 per person
If medical test fails: That family member’s visa is canceled, they must leave Qatar within 7-14 days. No appeals.
Common issues:
- Undiagnosed TB (especially from South Asian countries)
- Hepatitis B/C
- Occasionally, other chronic conditions
This is the second major checkpoint. Most people pass (97%+ pass rate), but risk exists.
Step 6: Fingerprinting and Biometrics
After medical clearance, family members go to MOI biometrics center for:
- Digital fingerprints (all 10 fingers)
- Digital photo
- Signature capture
Timeline: 30-60 minutes at center
Cost: Included in QID processing
Step 7: QID Issuance
MOI processes final residence permits (QID cards) for each family member.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks after fingerprinting
Each family member receives their own QID card:
- Spouse gets QID under your sponsorship
- Each child gets QID under your sponsorship
- All QIDs show you as sponsor
- Validity linked to your QID validity
When QIDs are ready: Your employer’s PRO collects them from MOI and delivers to you.
Now your family is legal Qatar residents.
Complete Timeline Summary
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Document attestation | 8-12 weeks |
| MOI application processing | 2-4 weeks |
| Entry permits issued | 1 week |
| Family travels to Qatar | (whenever they book) |
| Medical tests + results | 1-2 weeks |
| Fingerprinting | 1 day |
| QID processing | 1-2 weeks |
| TOTAL | 13-20 weeks (3-5 months) |
Realistic expectation: 4 months from starting document attestation to family holding QIDs
Fastest possible: 10 weeks if everything perfect
Slowest cases: 6-8 months if document issues or medical delays
Total Costs: What You’ll Pay
Document Attestation (In Home Country):
- Marriage certificate attestation: $100-300
- Birth certificates (per child): $100-200 each
- Courier to Qatar (DHL): $50-100
- Agent fees (if using service): $200-500
- Subtotal: $450-1,100 per family
In Qatar:
- Entry permit fees: QR 200 per person
- Medical tests: QR 100-200 per person
- QID processing: QR 200 per person
- Photos: QR 50 per person
- Subtotal: QR 550-650 per person
Example for family of 4 (you + spouse + 2 children):
- Attestation: $600
- Entry permits: QR 600
- Medical: QR 600
- QID: QR 600
- Misc: QR 200
- Total: $600 USD + QR 2,000 ($2,150 total)
Additional costs:
- Family flights to Qatar: $800-3,000 depending on origin
- Temporary accommodation while settling: QR 3,000-6,000
- Furniture/setup for larger apartment: QR 5,000-15,000
Grand total to bring family: QR 8,000-20,000 ($2,200-5,500)
Many employers provide some assistance. Common benefits:
- One-time relocation allowance: QR 5,000-10,000
- Flight tickets for family (annually thereafter)
- Some cover visa processing fees
Check your contract for family benefits. If not included, these are negotiable when accepting offer.
For financial planning: Cost of Living in Qatar with Family
Special Situations and Common Questions
Can My Wife Work While on My Family Visa?
Yes, but she needs to transfer to work visa sponsorship.
Process:
- Your wife finds job in Qatar
- Employer wants to hire her
- Employer applies to Ministry of Interior to “transfer sponsorship”
- Sponsorship transfers from you (family visa) to employer (work visa)
- Her QID is updated with new sponsor (her employer)
- She can now legally work
Requirements for transfer:
- She must have job offer from Qatar company
- New employer must be willing to sponsor her
- You (current sponsor) must provide NOC (No Objection Certificate)
- Her qualifications must be attested (same attestation process as yours)
Timeline: 2-4 weeks for transfer
Cost: Usually covered by new employer
What happens to family visa?
- She’s no longer on your family visa
- She’s now on work visa
- You and children remain on your work visa
- If she earns QR 10,000+ basic salary, she could technically sponsor you (role reversal), but most couples don’t do this
Common scenario: British husband on work visa sponsors Indian wife and 2 children. Wife has accounting degree, finds job at Qatar company earning QR 12,000/month. She transfers to work visa. Now both parents work in Qatar, each on their own work visas. Children remain on father’s sponsorship. Family has two incomes.
Can she work while remaining on family visa?
No. You cannot legally work on family visa. Any employment requires work visa. Working on family visa is illegal and grounds for deportation.
Some people try to work “under the table” or do freelance work remotely for companies outside Qatar while on family visa. This is technically illegal. Qatar doesn’t actively police remote work for foreign companies, but you’re taking a risk.
Can I Sponsor My Parents?
Yes, if you meet requirements:
Salary requirement: QR 15,000+ basic salary (higher than spouse/children)
Employer approval: Your contract must explicitly allow parent sponsorship. Many companies have policies against this, especially for junior employees.
Process:
- Same as family visa but requires additional documents
- Birth certificates proving parent-child relationship
- Parents’ passports
- Parents must pass medical tests (more scrutiny due to age)
- Proof that parents are financially dependent on you
Age considerations:
Parents must be in reasonable health. Medical fitness test is stricter for elderly applicants. Chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease are usually acceptable if controlled, but serious conditions may result in rejection.
Timeline: Same as family visa (3-4 months)
Cost: QR 2,000-3,000 for both parents
Validity: Usually 1-2 years initially, renewable
Practical reality: Parent sponsorship is much less common than spouse/children. Many companies restrict it. If your salary qualifies and employer approves, the process is similar to family visa.
What If I’m Divorced or Separated?
If legally divorced:
- You can sponsor your children if you have legal custody
- You cannot sponsor ex-spouse
- Need custody documents attested
If separated but not divorced:
- Legally still married in Qatar’s view
- Can sponsor spouse even if separated (Qatar doesn’t recognize separation, only divorce)
- This creates complications if spouse doesn’t want to come
Child custody disputes:
If you’re divorced with custody disputes, Qatar requires legal proof of custody before allowing you to sponsor children. This must be:
- Court order from your home country granting you custody
- Attested through full chain (court → MFA → Qatar Embassy → Qatar MOFA)
This is complex and often requires legal assistance.
What If My Spouse Is Different Nationality?
Doesn’t matter. You can sponsor spouse of any nationality.
Example: Indian husband on Qatar work visa can sponsor Filipino wife. British wife on work visa can sponsor Egyptian husband.
The only requirement: Legal marriage recognized by Qatar. Your marriage certificate must be properly attested.
Mixed marriages consideration: Some nationalities face more scrutiny (longer processing times) due to Qatar’s security protocols. Western + GCC combinations usually process quickly. Certain nationality pairings might take extra 2-4 weeks for background checks.
What If We’re Not Legally Married?
Common law marriage, domestic partnership, civil union: Not recognized by Qatar for family visa purposes.
You must be legally married with government-issued marriage certificate to sponsor spouse.
If you’re in long-term relationship but not married, your options:
- Get legally married in your home country or in Qatar
- Partner applies for their own work visa (independent sponsorship)
- Live separately (both on work visas) until you decide to marry
Can we get married in Qatar?
Yes, but requirements vary by nationality and religion:
- Muslims can marry at Qatar courts (requires witnesses, documentation)
- Non-Muslims usually marry at their embassies (if embassy provides marriage services) or travel to home country
Most expat couples marry before coming to Qatar to avoid complications.
Sponsoring Adult Children
Sons over 25: Cannot be sponsored unless they have special needs/disabilities requiring your care (requires medical documentation)
Unmarried daughters: Can be sponsored at any age (no age limit)
Married children: Cannot be sponsored (even daughters). Once married, they should be sponsored by their spouse or have independent work visa.
University students: Unmarried sons aged 18-25 can be sponsored if they’re enrolled in university (full-time student status required, must provide enrollment letters annually)
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
Problem 1: Salary Below Threshold
Scenario: You accepted job with QR 8,000 basic salary + QR 5,000 allowances, thinking QR 13,000 total qualifies you. You arrive in Qatar, apply for family visa, get rejected due to insufficient basic salary.
Solution:
- Verify basic salary (not total package) before accepting job
- If below threshold, negotiate contract restructuring
- Alternatively, wait for salary increase after probation/annual review
Prevention: Ask explicitly during job offer: “What is my basic salary, separate from allowances? Does it meet QR 10,000 for family visa sponsorship?”
Problem 2: Marriage Certificate Name Mismatch
Scenario: Your passport says “Mohammad Ahmed Khan.” Marriage certificate says “Mohammed Ahmad Khan” (spelling variation). Ministry of Interior rejects application due to name inconsistency.
Solution:
- Get affidavit from home country stating both names refer to same person
- Have affidavit attested (same chain as other documents)
- Re-submit application with affidavit
Prevention: Before starting attestation, verify all names match exactly across passport, marriage certificate, birth certificates. If discrepancies exist, address them upfront.
Problem 3: Attestation Takes Forever
Scenario: Marriage certificate stuck at Foreign Affairs ministry in home country for 8 weeks. Your family’s arrival keeps getting delayed.
Solution:
- Use professional attestation service (pay extra but faster)
- Have someone physically follow up at each office in home country
- Some countries have “urgent” processing for extra fee
Prevention: Start attestation immediately after receiving your QID. Don’t wait. Budget 3 months minimum for attestation.
Problem 4: Medical Test Failure
Scenario: Your spouse arrives in Qatar, medical test reveals undiagnosed Hepatitis B. Visa rejected, must leave within 14 days.
Solution:
- Unfortunately, no solution once this happens. Medical rejection is final.
- Your spouse must return home
Prevention:
- Get comprehensive medical screening in home country BEFORE applying for family visa
- Specifically test for: TB (chest X-ray), HIV, Hepatitis B/C
- If any issues detected early, you can decide whether to proceed with application
This is heartbreaking situation. Don’t skip preventive health screening.
Problem 5: Employer Doesn’t Approve Family Visa
Scenario: Your salary meets threshold, documents ready, but employer says “we don’t allow family visa sponsorship for your position.”
Solution:
- Review your employment contract. Does it mention family visa benefits?
- If contract promises family visa and employer refuses, this is breach of contract
- You can escalate to Ministry of Labor
- Practically, you might need to change employers if family visa is critical
Prevention: During job negotiation, explicitly ask: “Does my position and salary qualify me to sponsor family? Will company provide NOC for family visa?” Get written confirmation.
After Family Arrives: Next Steps
Once family has QIDs and is settled in Qatar, several immediate tasks:
Week 1:
- Enroll children in school (if applicable). See: Best International Schools in Doha
- Register family members in your health insurance (if employer provides family coverage)
- Add spouse to bank account (as joint account holder)
Week 2-4:
- If spouse will work, start job search
- Get family members driving licenses (if they have foreign licenses). See: Which Countries Can Convert License
- Settle into permanent accommodation
Month 2-3:
- Establish routine
- Join family-oriented communities. See: Family Activities in Qatar and Expat Family Groups
- Explore Qatar with family. See: Family-Friendly Activities
For comprehensive guide on family life: Complete Guide to Family Life in Qatar for Expats
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does family visa take?
A: 3-5 months total. Breakdown: 8-12 weeks document attestation + 2-4 weeks MOI processing + 2-4 weeks after arrival for medical and QID = 12-20 weeks.
Q: What salary do I need to sponsor wife and kids?
A: QR 10,000 per month basic salary minimum. This is basic only, not including allowances. Some professions (doctors, engineers, professors) are exempt from this requirement.
Q: Can I sponsor my parents?
A: Yes, if your basic salary is QR 15,000+ per month and your employer approves parent sponsorship. Process is similar to spouse/children but not all employers allow it.
Q: Can my wife work on family visa?
A: No, she cannot work while on family visa. She must transfer to work visa (sponsored by her employer) to work legally. Transfer process takes 2-4 weeks.
Q: What if medical test fails for family member?
A: Their visa is canceled and they must leave Qatar within 7-14 days. No appeals. Get family members medically screened in home country before applying to avoid this.
Q: What happens to family visa if I lose my job?
A: Your family visa is tied to your work visa. If your work visa is canceled (you lose job), family members also lose their visas. Everyone has 30 days to either find new sponsor or leave Qatar.
Q: Can I sponsor more than one wife?
A: No. Qatar only allows expats to sponsor one spouse on family visa, regardless of your home country’s marriage laws.
Q: Do children need to leave Qatar when they turn 18?
A: Depends. Sons must leave at 25 unless they’re students or have special needs. Daughters can remain on family visa at any age as long as unmarried.
Q: What if I’m already in Qatar and wife is pregnant?
A: She can travel to Qatar on family visa while pregnant (airlines allow up to 7-8 months pregnancy). If she gives birth in Qatar, register birth with your embassy, then apply for child’s Qatar ID under your sponsorship. Birth certificate must be attested.
Checklist: Family Visa Action Plan
Immediately After Receiving Your QID:
- Request marriage certificate from home country (if you don’t have original)
- Request birth certificates for children
- Start attestation process (MFA in your country)
Weeks 2-8:
- Continue attestation chain (MFA, Qatar Embassy)
- Obtain salary certificate from employer
- Sign tenancy contract for family-suitable accommodation
- Get NOC from employer for family visa
Weeks 8-10:
- Receive attested documents
- Submit all documents to employer’s PRO
- PRO applies to Ministry of Interior
Weeks 10-14:
- MOI processes application
- Entry permits issued
- Book family flights to Qatar
After Family Arrives:
- Medical tests within 7 days
- Fingerprinting after medical clearance
- Wait for QIDs (1-2 weeks)
- Once QIDs issued: school enrollment, health insurance, settle in
Summary: Bringing Your Family to Qatar
The family visa process is straightforward if you meet requirements: QR 10,000 basic salary, attested documents, suitable accommodation, and employer approval. The hardest parts are document attestation (start immediately) and medical tests (pre-screen family in home country).
Timeline: 3-5 months from starting process to family holding QIDs
Cost: QR 8,000-20,000 total (documents, visas, travel, setup)
Success rate: 95%+ (failures usually due to medical issues or document problems)
Once family arrives with QIDs, you’re all legal Qatar residents. Your family can access healthcare, education, and enjoy life in Qatar together. The initial bureaucracy is frustrating, but the result is worth it.
Next steps:
- Verify your salary qualifies: Qatar Salary Guide
- Start document attestation immediately
- Plan housing: Best Family Areas in Doha
- Research schools: International Schools Guide
- Understand total costs: Cost of Living with Family
About This Guide:
Last updated: February 19, 2026
Based on current Qatar Ministry of Interior family visa regulations. Rules can change, always verify with your employer and official government sources.
Alzeenah – Your trusted guide to life in Qatar