Family Residence Permit Qatar – Sponsor Your Wife & Kids (2025)
To bring your wife and children to live with you in Qatar, you must apply for a family residence permit Qatar. This legal process allows your immediate family to stay long-term, access healthcare, and enroll in schools under your sponsorship. The application involves several steps including document submission, visa conversion, and biometric registration.
Before you apply, confirm your Qatar ID (QID) is active. You can verify it easily through the official QID status checker, which is a required part of starting the process.
What Is a Family Residence Permit Qatar?
A family residence permit Qatar is a long-term visa granted to residents who wish to sponsor their spouse and children. Each family member receives a Qatar ID and can stay legally in the country under your sponsorship.
This permit is ideal for expatriates looking to live with their families in Qatar. It grants access to local services like health facilities, education, and dependent support.
Who Can Apply for Family Sponsorship?
To be eligible to sponsor your family:
- You must have a valid QID and work visa.
- Your monthly salary should be QR 10,000 or more, or at least QR 7,000 with company-provided housing.
- Your job must be listed among approved professions for family sponsorship.
- You should have a rental contract or housing certificate.
If you’re not sure whether you meet these criteria, review the sponsorship requirements guide.
Documents Required for Family Residence Permit Qatar
To apply for a family residence permit Qatar, you’ll need:
- Valid QID and passport of the sponsor
- Passports and photos of wife and children
- Attested marriage certificate (translated to Arabic)
- Birth certificates of children (attested)
- Verified salary certificate from your employer
- House lease or company housing certificate
- Kahramaa (electricity) bill
- Optional health cards
Always ensure that documents are current, attested by your home country, and translated accurately to avoid delays.
Family Visa to Residence Permit Conversion
If your wife and children are already in Qatar on a visit visa, you can convert it into a residence permit. This is called family visa to residence permit conversion, and it is a common method to transition from short-term to long-term legal stay.
Make sure the visit visa is valid and that all other sponsorship conditions are met before you apply.
Step-by-Step Family RP Process in Qatar
Step 1: Apply for Visit Visa
Begin by bringing your family on a visit visa. This allows them to enter Qatar while you prepare the sponsorship documents.
Step 2: Submit Application via Metrash
Use the Metrash app to apply for the family RP. Upload all required documents. You can follow this Metrash step-by-step guide for help.
Step 3: Complete Medical Test and Fingerprinting
After initial approval, your wife and children must complete a medical check and fingerprint registration. Learn more in this fingerprint guide.
Step 4: Receive QIDs
Once all requirements are completed, your family members will receive their Qatar ID cards. They are now officially under your sponsorship.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The full process usually takes 2–3 weeks:
- Visit visa: 3–5 days
- RP application: 5–7 days
- Medical and fingerprinting: 3–4 days
- QID issuance: 5–7 days
Before starting, confirm your QID is valid using the QID verification portal. This helps avoid rejections or delays.
Validity and Renewal of Family Residence Permit Qatar
The family residence permit Qatar is typically valid for 1 to 3 years. Renewals can be done online through the Metrash app. If you’re unsure how to renew, follow this renewal process guide.
Can My Sponsored Family Members Work?
Family-sponsored residents are not allowed to work unless they receive a job offer and obtain a separate work visa. Wives can apply for a work permit through the Ministry of Labour with your NOC.
Children can attend school but are not allowed to work under the family RP.
Benefits of Family Residence Permit Qatar
- Legal long-term stay for your wife and kids
- QID for each family member
- Access to healthcare services and insurance
- School admissions and other services
- Better family stability and lifestyle
- Eligibility for public services in Qatar
To understand how QID can benefit your family, check the top advantages of Qatar ID.
How to Sponsor a Newborn in Qatar
If your child is born in Qatar, you can apply directly for their QID through Metrash. This does not require a visit visa. Upload the birth certificate, your marriage certificate, and your QID details. Follow this QID guide for newborns for the full process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting unauthenticated documents
- Incorrect Arabic translations
- QID expiration or mismatch
- Uploading unclear document scans
- Applying after visit visa has expired
Use this QID status tool to make sure your ID is active before you begin the process.
FAQs – Family Residence Permit Qatar
Final Thoughts
Applying for a family residence permit Qatar helps you legally reunite with your loved ones. The process is smooth if you meet the criteria, submit valid documents, and follow the proper steps. Start by checking your QID status and collecting all required papers.
For full guidance on your own residence permit and eligibility as a sponsor, refer to the complete RP guide for residents. It’s your first step toward securing long-term legal stay for your family in Qatar.
