Qatar Family Visit Visa – Requirements, Fees & Application Process

What is the Qatar Family Visit Visa?

The Qatar Family Visit Visa is a short-term visa that allows residents to invite their immediate family — spouse, children, or parents — to stay in Qatar for a limited time. In some cases, other relatives like brothers, sisters, or in-laws may also qualify, though those approvals are more selective and depend on the MOI’s review.

This visa is not the same as a Family Residence Visa. Here is the key difference:

Visa Type	Purpose	Duration
Family Visit Visa	Temporary stay for visits	30–90 days, extendable
Family Residence Visa	Long-term living arrangement	Ongoing with QID

Once approved, the family member can travel to Qatar within 90 days of visa approval. The entry visa is valid for 30 days from the actual entry date. After that, extensions can be applied for depending on the relationship and circumstances.

Qatar Family Visit Visa Requirements

Before diving into documents and fees, there are a few baseline requirements the MOI checks first:

Feb 2025 Update: Family residence and visit visas have faced delays for certain nationalities. A long waiting list exists, and visiting the Duhail Immigration office physically is generally not permitted during busy periods. Applying through the updated Metrash app is strongly advised.

Nov 2024 Update: The Metrash2 app was discontinued from 1st March 2025. Install the new Metrash app from Google Play Store or App Store.

Family Visit Visa Salary Requirement

Salary is where most applications run into trouble. The thresholds have increased over the years and are strictly enforced.

Salary Rule	Details
Minimum Salary (2026)	QAR 15,000 per month
Earlier Rule	QAR 10,000 (or QAR 7,000 with free employer housing)
Current Reality	Some still get approval at QAR 10,000, but it is increasingly rare

Your salary must be consistent across your pay slip, employment contract, and Ministry of Labour records. Any mismatch triggers a rejection. If your employer provides free housing, submit an official housing contract that explicitly confirms accommodation is included alongside your salary this directly affects how your total compensation is assessed.

Housing Requirement

You must prove that your visiting family member has a legally verified, suitable place to stay — not shared housing or a labour accommodation block.

Age Limit

Category	Age Rule
Children (general)	Under 18 years — covered under parent’s sponsorship
Daughters	No age restriction, as long as unmarried
Adult sons	Up to 25 years old
Elderly parents	Subject to stricter checks; proof of dependency may be needed
Maximum visitor age	60 years — Metrash system does not accept above this automatically

For visitors above 60 years, eligibility needs to be explored through the immigration department directly rather than the app.

Required Documents

Missing even one document is enough to get an application rejected. Here is the full checklist broken down by category.

Health Insurance Requirement

Since February 2023, health insurance is a hard requirement not optional.

Eligibility for Qatar Family Visit Visa

Degree	Family Members
1st Degree	Wife, children, father, mother
2nd Degree	Brother, sister, grandfather, grandmother
3rd Degree	Brother’s children, sister’s children, maternal uncle, paternal aunt, paternal uncle

The further from the first degree, the stricter the approval criteria — higher salary thresholds and more selective review apply.

Qatar Family Visit Visa Application Process

There are two ways to apply — online through the Metrash app (recommended) or in person at the MOI immigration department.

Day	Hours
Monday – Thursday	6:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Sunday	6:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Friday – Saturday	Closed

Overall process flow: Application → Approval (2–5 working days) → Visa Issuance → Entry into Qatar → Extension if needed

Qatar Family Visit Visa Fee & Costs

Cost Item	Amount
Application fee	QAR 200 per applicant (non-refundable)
Extension fee	QAR 200 per month per person
Health insurance	From QAR 50 per month (mandatory)
Overstay fine	QAR 200 per day

Validity of Qatar Family Visit Visa

Duration Type	Details
Initial grant	30 days (90 days possible with strong justification)
Entry window	Must enter within 90 days of visa approval
Entry visa validity	30 days from actual entry date
Extension for spouse and children	Up to 5 additional months (max 6 months total)
Extension for other relatives	Up to 2 additional months (max 3 months total)

A medical test is required before the extension is processed. Health insurance must cover the full extended period. Always apply for the extension before the current visa expires — overstaying costs QAR 200 per day and affects future applications.

Checking Qatar Family Visit Visa Status

Status	Meaning	What to Do
Valid to Use	Approved and ready for travel	Plan trip within validity period
Ready to Print	Approved, fees pending	Pay outstanding fees and print
Under Process	Being reviewed	Wait and check regularly
Used Inside Country	Visitor has entered Qatar	No action needed
Transferred to Resident	Converted to residence permit	Follow up for QID card
Under Outside Process	Employment contract not finalized	Contact employer
Rejected	Application denied	Check reason and reapply
Expired	Validity ended	Apply for a new visa
Canceled	Visa nullified	Contact sponsor or reapply
Not Found	No visa found with details entered	Verify information or check with sponsor

Note on “Null” Status: If your application receipt shows “null” after submission, this is completely normal. It is simply an acknowledgement that your application was received and is stored in the system. The status will update as review progresses.

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

How to Extend Qatar Family Visit Visa

A medical test is required before the extension is confirmed. Extensions can also be processed through the MOI website or any MOI service center if the app is unavailable.

What to Do if Qatar Family Visit Visa Gets Rejected?

Rejection is not the end. Most reapplications succeed when the actual reason is properly addressed.

Check the MOI portal where the rejection reason is sometimes shown at the top of the page. If it is not visible, visit the immigration department and ask directly.

Submit a complete, corrected application through the MOI portal or Metrash app. Include a cover letter explaining how the previous rejection reason was resolved.

Visit the Gharaffa MOI Service Centre with all original documents and request a manual review. An employer letter or PRO-written formal request supporting the appeal strengthens the case. For complex situations, an immigration consultant or official lawyer familiar with Qatar’s regulations is worth consulting.

Once issues are resolved, get an appointment date. Bring all original documents. Be prepared for general questions about your qualifications and work profession. Approval can come within two days if everything is in order.

Documents Checklist For Qatar Family Visit Visa Travelers

Before the family member boards, make sure they are carrying:

What is an Entry Visa for Family Members?

An entry visa is a temporary visa issued to spouses, children, and parents of Qatar residents, allowing them to enter and stay for a defined period.

Other Visa Options to Enter Qatar

Visa Type	Best For	Processing Time
Tourist Visa (Hayya A1)	General visitors from qualifying countries	2–5 business days
Qatar ETA Visa (Hayya A3)	Streamlined entry for eligible nationalities	Fast-track
Transit Visa	Travelers passing through Qatar	1–3 business days
GCC Resident Visa	Residents of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait	24–72 hours
Business Visa	Meetings, conferences, commercial activity	3–7 business days
Work Visa	Secured employment in Qatar	2–4 weeks
Student Visa	Enrolled in Qatar educational institutions	2–3 weeks
Qatar Azad / Freelance Visa	Business owners and freelancers	Varies

FAQs About Qatar Family Visit Visa