Bringing your spouse to Qatar: marriage visa guide

Understanding Qatar's Spouse Visa

Qatar offers marriage visas that allow foreign spouses to live with their citizen or resident partners. The process involves your sponsor (the person already in Qatar) applying on your behalf. This is different from tourist or work visas—it's specifically designed for married couples who want to live together.

Your sponsor must meet certain financial requirements to qualify. Qatar requires sponsors to earn above a minimum threshold to support a dependent spouse. These financial thresholds exist to ensure the sponsor can provide for their family without relying on government assistance.

Who Can Sponsor a Spouse

Your spouse can sponsor you if they are:

• A Qatari citizen
• A resident worker with a valid employment visa and work permit
• Employed by a Qatari company or government organization

Self-employed individuals may also qualify, but requirements are stricter. Your sponsor needs an active residency permit and must have maintained employment for a reasonable period.

Key Documents You'll Need

Most countries require similar documentation. Prepare:

• Original marriage certificate (officially translated if not in Arabic or English)
• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• Medical fitness certificate from an approved clinic
• Police clearance certificate from your home country
• Passport-sized photographs
• Proof of your sponsor's income and employment
• Birth certificate (official copy)

Check the official Qatar immigration website for your specific country's additional requirements, as some nations have special procedures.

The Application Process

Your sponsor starts the process through their employer's human resources department or directly through government channels. They'll submit your marriage certificate and financial documents first. Once preliminary approval is granted, you'll be notified to complete your medical examination and provide remaining documents.

Processing timelines vary based on your nationality and document completeness. Some applications move quickly, while others take several months. Incomplete paperwork causes delays, so double-check everything before submission.

Important Considerations

Salary requirements vary based on your sponsor's employment sector and family size. Higher-earning sponsors face higher thresholds. Confirm exact amounts with your sponsor's HR department.

Housing requirements may apply—some employers require sponsors to provide accommodation meeting certain standards before adding dependents.

Medical screening is mandatory and includes general health checks and specific disease testing. Only approved medical centers can perform these examinations.

Sponsorship responsibility means your spouse must support you financially and legally. If the marriage ends, visa status changes immediately.

Next Steps

Start by having your spouse contact their employer's HR or the relevant government department. Gather all documents well in advance—translations and certifications take time. Keep copies of everything.

This is general self-help information, not legal advice. Always verify current rules on the official government website.