How To Convert Family Visit To Residence Visa in Qatar [2025]

Converting a family visit visa to a residence visa in Qatar allows expatriates to transition their family members to long-term residency status without the need to exit the country. This process is particularly valuable for those who initially brought their families on visit visas while waiting for residence permit approval.

Qatar’s visa regulations undergo periodic updates, making it essential to understand the current requirements and procedures. This comprehensive guide provides the most up-to-date information for 2025, walking you through each step of the conversion process.

Understanding Family Visas in Qatar

Difference Between Family Visit and Family Residence Visas

Family visit visas are temporary permits allowing relatives to stay in Qatar for a limited period, typically ranging from 30 days to 6 months. These visas are easier to obtain but don’t provide long-term residency rights.

Family residence visas (also called Family RP) are long-term permits that allow immediate family members to live in Qatar with the main sponsor. These visas provide more stability and access to services but have stricter eligibility requirements.

The key differences include:

Benefits of Converting to a Residence Visa

Converting from a visit visa to a residence visa offers several advantages:

• Long-term stability: Family members can stay in Qatar for the duration of the sponsor’s employment without periodic visa renewals
• Access to services: Family members can access healthcare services and educational institutions
• Legal status: Proper documentation for all official matters in Qatar
• No exit requirement: The conversion can be done without leaving Qatar, saving time and travel expenses
• Family unity: Families can live together permanently rather than during short visits

Recent Policy Changes (2025 Updates)

As of March 2025, Qatar has implemented several changes to family visa policies:

• Health insurance is now mandatory for all family residence visa holders
• Salary requirements have been standardized across sectors
• The Ministry of Interior has streamlined the application process through the Metrash app
• Processing timelines have been adjusted to allow 30 days for completion after entry or conversion

These updates aim to simplify the process while ensuring that sponsors can adequately support their family members during their stay in Qatar.

Eligibility Requirements for Visa Conversion

Sponsor Requirements (Profession and Salary)

To sponsor family members for residence visas, expatriates must meet specific professional and financial criteria:

Professional Categories:

• Sponsors must work in technical or specialized professions (non-labor categories)
• Workers in labor categories (drivers, cleaners, etc.) are not eligible regardless of salary

Salary Requirements:

• Government and Semi-government Employees:
  • QR 10,000 minimum monthly salary, OR
  • Family accommodation provided by employer
• Private Sector Employees:
  • QR 10,000 minimum monthly salary without accommodation, OR
  • QR 6,000 minimum monthly salary with employer-provided family accommodation

Employment Verification:

• Salary must be verified through the Wage Protection System (WPS)
• Employment contract must be valid and registered with authorities

Dependent Eligibility Criteria

Family members eligible for conversion include:

• Spouse (legally married)
• Children (unmarried daughters of any age, sons under 25)
• Parents (in some cases, with additional requirements)

All dependents must have:

• Valid passports with at least 6 months validity
• Legal relationship documentation with the sponsor
• Clean medical records
• No criminal records

Documentation Prerequisites

Before starting the conversion process, ensure you have:

1. Sponsor Documents:
   • Valid Qatar ID/Residence Permit
   • Employment contract showing salary details
   • Tenancy contract or housing certificate (if applicable)
   • Bank statements showing salary credits for at least 6 months
2. Dependent Documents:
   • Original passports
   • Valid family visit visas
   • Marriage certificate (for spouse, attested)
   • Birth certificates (for children, attested)
   • Recent passport-size photographs with blue background
   • Relationship proof documents

All foreign documents must be attested by:

• The issuing country’s Foreign Affairs Ministry
• Qatar Embassy in the issuing country
• Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Step-by-Step Conversion Process

Step 1: Applying for Family Residence Visa

Before converting a visit visa, you must first apply for and receive approval for a family residence visa:

1. Application Submission:
   • Through Metrash app: Navigate to “Visa” > “Family Resident Visa”
   • At MOI Service Center: Submit required documents in person
2. Document Verification:
   • Authorities will verify all submitted documents
   • Salary and profession will be confirmed through official channels
3. Approval Notification:
   • You’ll receive notification when the family residence visa is approved
   • This approval is necessary before proceeding with conversion

Step 2: Paying the Family Residence Visa Fee

Once the family residence visa is approved:

1. Fee Payment:
   • Pay QR 200 per family member through Metrash app or at any MOI Service Center
   • Navigate to “Visa Services” > “Pay Visa Fee” in Metrash
2. Visa Printing:
   • After payment, the visa can be printed from the MOI website
   • Keep both digital and physical copies of the printed visa

Step 3: Changing Visa Type (Visit to Residence)

This is the actual conversion step, which can be done through two methods:

Using Metrash App

1. Open the Metrash app and log in
2. Navigate to “Visa Service”
3. Select “Open Close Visa”
4. Choose “Personal”
5. Click “Next”
6. Enter the old (Visit) visa number and new (RP) visa number
7. Pay the conversion fee of QR 500 per family member
8. Save and print the receipt for future steps

Visiting MOI Service Center

If you prefer in-person service or encounter issues with the app:

1. Visit any MOI Service Center with:
   • Sponsor’s Qatar ID
   • Family member’s original passport
   • Visit visa copy
   • Residence visa copy
2. Request the officer to convert the family visit visa to residence visa
3. Pay QR 500 per family member as conversion fee
4. Collect the “Visit to RP Conversion Receipt”

Once this conversion process is completed, you can check the visa status online via https://qatarvisacheck.info/

Step 4: Medical Test Requirements

Medical examination is mandatory for residence visa processing:

If medical test was NOT done for visit visa extension:

1. Visit the Medical Commission
2. Complete a full medical examination
3. Pay the required fees

If medical test WAS done for visit visa extension:

1. Visit the Medical Commission
2. Request to change medical status from visit visa to residence visa
3. Pay QR 100 per family member for status update
4. Bring:
   • Sponsor’s Qatar ID copy
   • Family member’s original passport
   • Visit visa copy
   • Residence visa copy
   • Visit visa medical receipt
   • Visit to RP conversion receipt

Special Note for Children: Children under 15 years typically don’t require medical tests. However, you may need to pay QR 100 at the Medical Commission to update their status in the system.

Step 5: Fingerprinting Process

Biometric data collection is required for all family members aged 15 and above:

1. Visit any MOI Service Center (except Wadi Al Banat/Al Duhail)
2. Bring:
   • Completed application form (if required)
   • Sponsor’s Qatar ID copy
   • Family member’s original passport
   • Passport copy
   • Residence visa copy
   • Medical receipt
   • Visit to RP conversion receipt
3. Complete the fingerprinting process
4. This step is not required for children under 15 years

Step 6: Qatar ID Application and Issuance

The final step is obtaining the Qatar ID card:

Option 1: Apply at MOI Service Center

1. Visit any MOI Service Center with:
   • Completed application form
   • Sponsor’s Qatar ID copy
   • Family member’s original passport
   • Residence visa copy
   • Medical receipt
   • Visit to RP conversion receipt
   • Passport-size photo (blue background)
2. Pay QR 500 for the first-year ID card
3. Receive the printed Qatar ID within minutes

Option 2: Apply through Metrash

1. Open Metrash app
2. Go to “Residency” section
3. Select “Issue Residence Permit”
4. Enter required details
5. Upload passport-size photo (blue background)
6. Upload signature (for children, upload paper with their name)
7. Pay QR 500 plus QR 20 QPost delivery charge
8. Track delivery using the sponsor’s QID number

Special Considerations

Requirements for Children Under 15

Children under 15 years have some procedural differences:

• Fingerprinting is not required
• Medical tests are generally not required, but status update may be needed
• For Qatar ID application, a signature is not needed (upload paper with child’s name instead)
• School enrollment documentation may be required for children aged 6-18

Pregnant Women and Elderly Family Members

Pregnant Women:

• Medical tests are still required but with modified procedures
• Inform medical staff about pregnancy before any X-rays
• Some tests may be postponed until after delivery

Elderly Family Members (60+ years):

• Additional health insurance requirements apply
• More comprehensive medical examinations
• May require additional documentation of financial support

Handling Visa Expiration During Conversion

If the family visit visa is nearing expiration during the conversion process:

1. Before Starting Conversion:
   • Consider extending the visit visa first (QR 200 fee)
   • This provides a buffer period to complete all steps
2. During Conversion Process:
   • Once conversion payment (QR 500) is made, the legal status changes
   • The 30-day window for completing procedures begins from conversion date
   • Visit visa expiration becomes irrelevant after conversion payment
3. If Delays Occur:
   • Prioritize medical tests and fingerprinting
   • Contact MOI if any issues arise
   • Keep all receipts and proof of ongoing process

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Metrash App Errors

Common Metrash app issues and solutions:

1. “Invalid Visa Number” Error:
   • Double-check both visa numbers for accuracy
   • Ensure the visit visa is still valid
   • Verify that the residence visa approval is active
   • Try logging out and back into the app
2. Payment Processing Failures:
   • Ensure your bank card is enabled for online transactions
   • Check your daily transaction limit
   • Try a different payment method
   • Clear app cache and try again
3. Application Freezing:
   • Update to the latest version of Metrash
   • Restart your device
   • Try using the web portal instead (www.moi.gov.qa)

Document Rejection Problems

If your documents are rejected during any stage:

1. Attestation Issues:
   • Ensure all foreign documents have proper attestation
   • Check that translations are done by approved translators
   • Verify that all stamps and seals are clearly visible
2. Relationship Proof Problems:
   • Provide additional supporting documents
   • Consider getting an official letter from your embassy
   • Request clarification on exactly what documentation is needed
3. Salary Verification Failures:
   • Provide additional bank statements
   • Get a salary certificate from your employer
   • Ensure your salary meets the minimum requirements

Delays in Processing

If you experience unusual delays:

1. Medical Commission Backlog:
   • Book appointments early morning
   • Consider using the VIP service for faster processing (additional fee)
   • Check if your employer has a corporate account for priority service
2. MOI Service Center Delays:
   • Visit centers in less busy locations (Al Wakra or Al Khor instead of central Doha)
   • Go early on weekdays (avoid Thursdays)
   • Use the appointment system when available
3. System Technical Issues:
   • Keep all receipts and reference numbers
   • Contact the MOI Hotline (109) for assistance
   • Ask your employer’s PRO for help if available

Costs and Timeframes

Complete Fee Breakdown

Total Standard Cost: Approximately QAR 1,300-1,400 per family member

Expected Processing Times

Total Process Duration: Typically 7-14 days from start to finish

Important Deadlines to Remember

• 30-day window: After conversion, you have 30 days to complete medical, fingerprinting, and ID issuance
• Visit visa validity: Ensure visit visa remains valid until at least the conversion payment
• Medical validity: Medical test results are valid for 30 days only
• RP approval validity: Family residence visa approval is typically valid for 90 days

FAQs About Converting Family Visit to Residence Visa

Can I convert family visit visa to residence visa in Qatar?

Yes, you can convert a family visit visa to a residence visa without leaving Qatar. This is possible once your family residence visa application has been approved and you’ve paid the required fees. The conversion process involves changing the visa status through Metrash app or at an MOI Service Center, followed by medical tests, fingerprinting, and Qatar ID issuance.

What is the fee to convert family visit visa to residence visa in Qatar?

The total cost to convert a family visit visa to a residence visa is approximately QAR 1,300-1,400 per person. This includes QAR 200 for the residence visa fee, QAR 500 for the conversion fee, QAR 100 for medical tests or status update, and QAR 500 for the Qatar ID card. Additional fees may apply for expedited services or delivery.

How long does it take to convert family visit visa to residence visa in Qatar?

The complete conversion process typically takes 7-14 days. After paying the conversion fee, you have 30 days to complete all requirements including medical tests, fingerprinting, and Qatar ID application. Individual steps like medical tests may take 2-5 days, while fingerprinting and ID issuance can often be completed on the same day.

What are the requirements for family residence visa in Qatar?

Requirements include: sponsor must have a minimum monthly salary of QAR 10,000 (or QAR 6,000 with employer-provided accommodation), work in a non-labor category, have a valid residence permit, provide attested marriage certificate (for spouse) or birth certificates (for children), complete medical tests, and have appropriate housing. As of 2025, health insurance is also mandatory for all family members.

Can I work on a family residence visa in Qatar?

No, family residence visa holders cannot work directly in Qatar. To work legally, they must obtain a separate work permit or transfer to a work visa sponsored by an employer. However, some professions may qualify for a “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) from the original sponsor, allowing limited work opportunities.

Do children need medical tests for residence visa conversion?

Children under 15 years generally do not need to undergo medical tests for residence visa conversion. However, you may still need to pay QAR 100 at the Medical Commission to update their status in the system. Children aged 15 and above must complete the standard medical examination process like adults.

Can I convert a tourist visa to a family residence visa?

No, tourist visas cannot be directly converted to family residence visas. Only family visit visas issued for the purpose of family visitation can be converted to residence visas. If your family members are on tourist visas, they would typically need to exit Qatar and re-enter on a family visit visa before conversion is possible.

What happens if my family visit visa expires during the conversion process?

Once you’ve paid the QAR 500 conversion fee, your family members’ legal status changes from visit visa to “under process” for residence visa. At this point, the visit visa expiration becomes irrelevant. However, you must complete all remaining steps (medical, fingerprinting, ID) within 30 days of conversion. If delays occur, keep all receipts as proof of ongoing process.

Conclusion

Converting a family visit visa to a residence visa in Qatar is a straightforward process when you understand the requirements and follow the steps carefully. The 2025 updates have streamlined many aspects of the procedure, making it more accessible through digital channels like the Metrash app.

The key to a smooth conversion is preparation—ensuring you meet all eligibility requirements, gathering properly attested documents, and understanding the timeline for each step. While the process involves several fees and administrative procedures, it provides the significant benefit of allowing your family to establish long-term residency in Qatar without the need for exit and re-entry.

Remember that requirements may change, so it’s always advisable to check the latest information on the Ministry of Interior website or consult with your employer’s PRO department before beginning the conversion process. With proper planning and documentation, your family can successfully transition from visitors to residents, enjoying the stability and benefits that come with Qatar residence status.