If you’re living and working in Qatar and wish to bring your spouse and children to live with you, applying for a Family Residence Visa is the legal path to reunite with your loved ones. This process is open to expatriates who meet certain criteria. Below is a detailed guide to help you understand the requirements, documentation, and application process in 2025.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
To sponsor your family, you (the sponsor) must fulfill the following:
1. Employment Status
- You must be legally employed in Qatar under a valid Qatar Residence Permit (QID).
- Generally, only male residents working in approved professional roles are allowed to sponsor family members, though this is gradually evolving.
2. Minimum Salary Requirement
- A minimum monthly salary of QR 10,000 is typically required.
- If you earn QR 7,000 or more, you may still qualify if your employer provides accommodation.
3. Suitable Accommodation
- You must have a tenancy contract attested by the Municipality (Baladiya), or provide a company-issued accommodation letter.
📋 Required Documentation
Organizing the necessary documents is key to avoiding delays. Here’s what you need:
For the Sponsor:
- Copy of your Qatar ID (QID)
- Copy of your passport
- Employment contract or salary certificate (attested by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs – MOFA)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer
- Attested tenancy contract (from Municipality)
- Bank statement (last 6 months)
For Family Members:
- Copies of passports (spouse and children)
- Passport-size photographs (with white background)
- Marriage certificate (attested by:
- Your home country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Qatar Embassy in your home country
- Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Birth certificates of children (similarly attested)
- Education certificates, if applicable (especially for school-aged children)
📝 Application Process
You can apply for the Family Residence Visa online through the Metrash2 app. Here’s how:
Step 1: Pre-Approval
- Open the Metrash2 app.
- Navigate to:
Residency Services > Family Resident Visa Application > Apply for Family Visa - Upload scanned copies of all required documents.
- Submit the application and note the tracking number provided.
Step 2: Post-Approval
Once your visa is approved:
- Your family can enter Qatar on the issued visa.
- Schedule and complete medical tests and fingerprinting for each family member.
- Apply for each person’s Qatar ID (QID).
🕒 Processing Time
- Applications typically take a few days to four weeks to process.
- Delays are common if documents are unclear, incomplete, or not properly attested.
💡 Helpful Tips
- Ensure all documents are clearly scanned and correctly attested.
- Keep a digital and physical file of all submitted paperwork.
- Submitting your application online via Metrash2 is faster and more convenient than visiting the Immigration Office.
- Follow up regularly using the tracking number.
Bringing your family to Qatar can be a smooth process if you’re well-prepared. With the right paperwork and clear understanding of the steps, you’ll be one step closer to reuniting with your loved ones in your new home.
