Expatriates working in Qatar may be eligible to sponsor their spouse and children to live in the country under a Family Residence Visa. Unlike a temporary family visit visa, this route allows eligible family members to obtain residence permits and Qatar ID cards.
This guide explains the salary requirements, eligible family members, documents, Metrash application process, visa fees and steps after approval.
Who Can Sponsor Family Members in Qatar?
A sponsor generally needs a valid Qatar work residence permit. The Ministry of Interior (MOI) also assesses salary, profession and accommodation.
Government and Semi-Government Employees
Eligible employees generally need employer-provided family housing or a salary of at least QAR 10,000 per month documented in the employment contract. The applicable professional and employer requirements must also be met.
Private-Sector Employees
The sponsor must work in a technical or specialized, non-labour profession and have either:
- A monthly salary of at least QAR 10,000; or
- A monthly salary of at least QAR 6,000, with employer-provided family housing documented in the employment contract.
The MOI reviews the official employment and housing details. Meeting the salary requirement alone does not guarantee approval.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
The Family Residence Visa is primarily for the resident’s spouse and children. Under the published conditions, sons generally must not be older than 25 and daughters must be unmarried. Each family member needs individual authorization, and approval remains subject to MOI assessment.
Required Documents
Prepare the supporting documents before applying. Depending on the family and employment circumstances, these may include:
- Sponsor’s valid Qatar ID and passport details
- Passports of the spouse or children
- Attested marriage certificate for the spouse
- Attested birth certificates for children
- Employment contract documenting profession and salary
- Evidence of family accommodation provided by the employer, where relevant
- Police Clearance or Good Conduct Certificate for sponsored family members aged 18 or above
- Required health insurance
- Any other documents requested by MOI
Documents issued overseas may require authentication and attestation before they are accepted in Qatar. Check the requirements of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the issuing authorities.
How to Apply Through Metrash
The MOI provides electronic family residence visa applications through the Metrash app. If you have not activated it, read our Metrash registration and activation guide.
- Log in to the sponsor’s Metrash account.
- Open the visa or residency services section.
- Select the family residence application service.
- Enter the sponsored family member’s passport and personal details.
- Upload the required documents.
- Review the application and submit it.
- Follow its status in Metrash and pay the fee when instructed.
Menu labels may change with app updates. Ensure spelling and passport numbers match the official documents.
Family Residence Visa Fee
MOI currently lists the Family Residence Visa fee as QAR 200. Additional costs may apply for document attestation, medical examinations, insurance, residence permit issuance and other procedures.
Health Insurance Requirement
Sponsored family members need health insurance covering their stay. MOI states that the required coverage should be effective from the family member’s date of entry. Check the applicable coverage before arranging travel.
Education Requirement for Children Aged 6–18
Children aged 6 to 18 must be enrolled in a licensed school in Qatar or have evidence of their education outside Qatar verified through the Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s Mandatory Education Platform. This requirement applies to issuance or renewal of their residence permits.
What Happens After Visa Approval?
After approval, follow the instructions for the family member’s entry and residence formalities. Depending on nationality and the applicable route, certain medical steps may be required through an approved mechanism before travel.
Medical Examination
Where a medical examination in Qatar is required, the Ministry of Public Health advises new residence applicants to attend the Medical Commission promptly after arrival. The stated examination fee is QAR 100. Applicants may need a passport, residence entry visa copy and sponsor contact details. Fasting is not required.
Fingerprint Registration and Qatar ID
Eligible family members may need fingerprint registration and other immigration formalities before the residence permit can be issued. Once the QID is issued, families can also use our PHCC registration guide to understand primary healthcare registration.
Family Residence Visa vs Family Visit Visa
A Family Residence Visa is intended for eligible family members to live in Qatar under the sponsor’s residence permit. A Family Visit Visa is for temporary visits and is governed by different conditions. For temporary visitors, see how to extend a Qatar Family Visit Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary to sponsor a family in Qatar?
For private-sector employees, MOI currently specifies QAR 10,000 monthly, or QAR 6,000 with employer-provided family housing stated in the employment contract, subject to profession and other conditions.
Can a private-sector employee earning QAR 6,000 apply?
Potentially, if their employer provides qualifying family housing documented in their employment contract and all other eligibility rules are met.
Can labour-category workers sponsor their families?
The MOI’s private-sector conditions require a technical or specialized, non-labour profession.
Is a police clearance certificate needed?
The MOI Family Residence Visa service lists a Good Conduct Certificate for sponsored family members aged 18 and above.
Do children need to attend school?
Children aged 6–18 generally must study in a licensed school in Qatar or submit verified evidence of education outside Qatar for residence-permit issuance or renewal.
Official Information
Visa decisions are made by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior. See the MOI official website for current rules and check your application through Metrash. Requirements and app screens may change, and additional documents may be requested for individual cases.