QatarFamily

Qatar family residence visa

Family residence visa (residence under the sponsorship of a resident, Law No. 4 of 2009)

In short

Residents of Qatar may sponsor their family for residence once they meet the Ministry of Interior conditions. Private-sector employees need a technical or specialised profession and a salary of at least QAR 10,000 a month, or QAR 7,000 if the employer provides family housing. Government employees qualify through employer-provided family housing or a housing allowance.

Apply on Metrash2 (Ministry of Interior app) checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Validity
Linked to the sponsor's residence; renewed for one to three years.
Funds required
QAR 10,000 per monthMinimum salary for private-sector sponsors; QAR 7,000 if the employer provides family housing.
Work
Family members need a separate work permit to work; Hukoomi lists a service for renewing work permits of those sponsored by relatives.
Family
Spouse and children of the resident sponsor.
Path to permanent residence
Family members of a permanent residency card holder share its residence, health and education privileges.
Where to apply
The resident sponsor applies in Qatar; family members enter on the residence visa.

Conditions for the sponsor

Law No. 4 of 2009 on the entry, exit and residence of expatriates allows residents to bring in their families. The Ministry of Interior approves a family residence visa when the sponsor holds a valid residence permit and presents a marriage certificate attested by the competent authorities.

Government and semi-government employees must have family housing from the employer or a family housing allowance in their contract, and submit an official letter stating profession and salary. Private-sector employees must work in a technical or specialised (non-labour) profession and earn at least QAR 10,000 a month, or QAR 7,000 when family housing is provided.

Proof the Ministry asks for

Private-sector sponsors prove salary with six months of bank statements from an accredited bank in Qatar, a notarised employment contract and a copy of their educational certificate to establish the profession. Marriage and birth certificates issued abroad should be translated where needed, then attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the issuing country and the Qatari embassy before use in Qatar.

Required documents

Identity

  • Sponsor's valid Qatar residence permit
  • Passports and photos of the family members

Money

  • Six months of bank statements from an accredited bank in Qatar (private sector)

Work

  • Notarised employment contract and copy of educational certificate (private sector)

Family

  • Marriage certificate attested by the competent authorities; birth certificates for children

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Work

  • Official employer letter stating profession and salary, and proof of family housing or allowance (government sector)

After the family arrives

Family members entering on a residence visa must complete the medical check-up within 30 days, give fingerprints and then finish the residence procedures to receive their Qatar ID. Children's residence follows the sponsor's, and permits are renewed within 90 days of expiry to avoid the fine of QAR 10 per day, up to QAR 6,000.

Renewal

Residence permits are renewed by the sponsor for one to three years through Ministry of Interior services, including Metrash for cases that need special approval.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Check that your salary and profession meet the Ministry of Interior thresholds.
  2. Have the marriage and birth certificates attested in the issuing country and by the Qatari embassy.
  3. Collect bank statements, the notarised contract and your diploma copy, or the employer letter for government staff.
  4. Submit the family residence visa request to the Ministry of Interior.
  5. Family members travel to Qatar on the issued residence visa.
  6. Within 30 days, complete medical tests and fingerprints and obtain Qatar IDs.

Frequently asked questions

What salary do I need to sponsor my family in Qatar?

In the private sector, at least QAR 10,000 a month, or QAR 7,000 if your employer provides family housing, and a technical or specialised profession.

Does the marriage certificate need attestation?

Yes. The Ministry of Interior requires a marriage certificate attested by the competent authorities.

Can my spouse work on a family residence permit?

Only with a separate work permit; Hukoomi offers a service for renewing work permits of people sponsored by relatives.

How many bank statements are required?

Six months of statements from an accredited bank in Qatar for private-sector sponsors.

What must my family do after arriving?

Complete the medical check within 30 days, give fingerprints and finish the residence procedures for their Qatar IDs.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Qatar

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Set by the Ministry of Interior at entry for each nationality; Qatar's visa-free visitors stay for varying periods depending on the passport.
  • Transit visa Maximum stay: Up to 4 days
  • Family and friends visit visa Maximum stay: One month on entry; longer only with an extension approved by the Ministry of Interior.

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Validity: Qatar University residence permits are normally issued for one year and renewed.

Work

  • Work visa Validity: Residence permits are renewed for one to three years at a time.
  • Skilled worker visa Validity: Long-term residency with a renewal option; Invest Qatar does not publish a fixed term.

Residence

Online travel permits

  • e-Visa Validity: Single entry; the permit can be used once and is non-transferable.

Qatar visa guide