Marriage is not only a personal milestone but also a legal process that can open the door to family reunification in countries like Qatar. For individuals already residing in Qatar on work visas, the Marriage Visa, often referred to as a Family Visa, allows them to bring their spouse to live with them legally. Many refer to it as a “free” marriage visa because the government does not charge visa fees in some cases, especially for government or eligible private sector workers.
What is a Qatar Marriage Visa?
A Marriage Visa in Qatar is essentially a family residence permit that allows the spouse of a Qatari citizen or a legal resident to join and live with them in the country. It is part of Qatar’s effort to support family unity among its residents.
Who Can Apply?
- Qatar Residents (Expatriates): Legal residents with a valid Qatar ID and sufficient income can apply to bring their spouse.
- Qatari Citizens: Can sponsor their foreign spouses with fewer restrictions.
- Professionals and Skilled Workers: Often prioritized for family visas (e.g., engineers, healthcare workers, teachers, etc.).
Eligibility Requirements
- A valid Qatar ID or Residency Permit (RP) of the sponsor.
- A minimum salary (usually QAR 10,000/month; or QAR 7,000 with employer-provided accommodation).
- Marriage certificate attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Qatar Embassy in the home country.
- Clean criminal record and medical fitness for the spouse (tested after arrival in Qatar).
Documents Needed
- Attested marriage certificate.
- Passport copies of both husband and wife.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer.
- Salary certificate from sponsor’s employer.
- Bank statement (typically 6 months).
- Tenancy contract (registered through the Ministry of Municipality).
Steps to Apply
- Attest the Marriage Certificate in your home country and from Qatar authorities.
- Apply through Metrash2 App or visit the Ministry of Interior service center.
- Upload all required documents.
- Wait for visa approval (can take 1–3 weeks).
- Once approved, your spouse can travel to Qatar and complete medical tests and fingerprinting for residency.
Is It Really Free?
- For some government employees and certain public sector workers, visa issuance may be free.
- In most other cases, only minimal service fees are charged, making it significantly cheaper than other types of visas.
- No agent fees if applied directly through Metrash2 or official channels.
Benefits of a Marriage/Family Visa
- Legal residency for your spouse.
- Access to healthcare and other public services.
- Opportunity for spouse to apply for a work permit after entering the country.
- Long-term stability for your family in Qatar.
Conclusion
If you’re legally residing in Qatar and wish to bring your spouse, the Marriage Visa (Family Visa) is your gateway to reuniting with your loved one. With the right documents and eligibility, the process is straightforward and often low-cost—sometimes even “free.” Be sure to follow the official procedure through the Metrash2 app or consult the Ministry of Interior to avoid unnecessary delays or expenses.
