Qatar residence permit and family sponsorship
From the work entry visa to the QID, and the salary you need to sponsor your family.
In short
Your employer applies for a work visa, you do a medical and fingerprints in Qatar, and you receive a Qatar ID (QID). With a QID you can sponsor your family if your salary meets the threshold.
- ID card
- Qatar ID (QID)
- Typical time
- 2–6 weeks
- Family sponsorship
- From QAR 10,000 salary, or QAR 6,000 + housing
- Main authority
- Ministry of Interior (Metrash)
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
Through the Ministry of Labour and MOI. You receive an e-visa.
1–3 weeks
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Download Metrash and register your QID
- Keep your QID valid – renew 30 days before expiry
- Get your degree attested before you move
Don’t
- Don’t let employers hold your passport
- Don’t overstay a visit visa while waiting for residence
Cost estimator
Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.
Watch out
- Health insurance is mandatory for visitors and residents. Family visas require proof of cover.
Common questions
Do I need an exit permit?
No, for most private-sector workers exit permits were abolished in 2020.
Can I change jobs?
Yes, without employer permission, after giving the notice in your contract.
Official links
Background and more detail
Steps
- Your employer gets the work visa approval
- You enter Qatar on the work entry visa
- Medical examination and fingerprints at a Medical Commission centre
- Your employer applies for the residence permit
- You receive the QID, usually within a few weeks of arrival
Track applications in the Metrash app.
Family sponsorship
To sponsor a spouse and children you generally need a monthly salary of at least QAR 10,000, or QAR 6,000 with employer-provided family housing. You will need attested marriage and birth certificates.
Changing jobs
Since the 2020 labour reforms you can change employer without a no-objection certificate, subject to notice periods.
Exit permits
Most workers no longer need an exit permit.
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