How to get a Residence Permit for a baby in Qatar in 2024

To get a Residence Permit for a baby in Qatar in 2024, expatriate parents must apply within two months of the baby’s birth or arrival in Qatar. The process involves obtaining the baby’s birth certificate and passport, gathering required documents, submitting an application to the Immigration Office, undergoing medical tests, and completing fingerprinting.

Specific requirements may vary slightly depending on whether the baby was born in Qatar or abroad. Parents must meet eligibility criteria related to profession and salary to sponsor their child.

Registering Your Baby’s Birth

The first step in obtaining a Residence Permit for your baby is registering their birth and getting the necessary identification documents.

For Babies Born in Qatar

If your baby is born in Qatar, follow these steps:

1. Register the birth with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) to receive a birth certificate
2. Register the birth with your home country’s embassy in Qatar
3. Apply for the baby’s passport through your embassy

It’s important to note that children born to foreign nationals in Qatar do not automatically receive Qatari citizenship.

For Babies Born Outside Qatar

For babies born outside of Qatar:

1. Obtain a birth certificate from the hospital where the baby was born
2. Have the birth certificate attested by the Qatar Embassy in your home country
3. Apply for the baby’s passport in your home country

Obtaining Your Baby’s Passport

Once you have the birth certificate, apply for your baby’s passport:

1. Contact your home country’s embassy in Doha for specific requirements
2. Submit required documents, which typically include:
   • Birth certificate
   • Parents’ passports
   • Marriage certificate
   • Passport photos of the baby
3. Pay any applicable fees
4. Wait for passport processing (timeframes vary by country)

Required Documents for the Residence Permit Application

Gather the following documents for your baby’s Residence Permit application. All documents should be translated into Arabic by a certified translation service.

For Babies Born in Qatar

• Copies of parents’ Residence Permits (Qatar IDs)
• Parents’ marriage certificate
• Passport copies (parents and baby)
• Father’s employment verification letter (Ministry-attested)
• Father’s employer no objection letter for sponsoring baby
• Father’s Ministry-attested employment contract
• Father’s notarized, attested, and legalized education certificates
• Father’s 6-month bank salary statements (signed/sealed by bank)
• Ministry-attested rental agreement
• Utility bill showing parents’ Qatar residence
• Baby’s birth certificate from the hospital
• Baby’s vaccination card
• 4+ passport-sized photos of baby (blue background)

For Babies Born Outside Qatar

• Parents’ and baby’s passport copies
• Copies of parents’ Qatar Residence Permits
• Parents’ notarized, attested, and legalized marriage certificate
• Father’s Ministry-attested employment contract
• Father’s notarized, attested, and legalized education certificates
• Father’s 6-month salary statements from bank (signed/sealed)
• Baby’s notarized, attested, and legalized birth certificate
• Baby’s notarized, attested, and legalized vaccination card
• 4+ passport-sized photos of baby (blue background)

Additional Documents if Baby is Sponsored by Mother

If the mother is sponsoring the baby, include:

• Mother’s employment contract
• Mother’s salary certificate
• No-objection letter from baby’s father allowing sponsorship

Eligibility Criteria for Sponsoring a Baby

As of December 2023, the eligibility criteria for sponsoring a baby for a Family Residence Permit are:

Government & Semi-government Employees

• Family housing provided by employer OR
• QR 10,000 minimum salary with accredited employment contract

Private Sector Employees

• QR 10,000 minimum salary OR
• QR 6,000 minimum salary + family housing provided by employer
• Profession must be technical or specialized (non-labor)
• Accredited employment contract required

Additional Requirements

• Children aged 6-18 must be enrolled in schooling (inside or outside Qatar)
• Health insurance required for duration of stay, starting from entry date

Application Process for Baby’s Residence Permit

Follow these steps to apply for your baby’s Residence Permit:

1. Fill out the Arabic government form
2. Submit documents at the Immigration Office:
   • Take a queue token
   • Present all required documents to the officer
   • If documents are complete, they will be accepted
   • Receive a receipt with visa application number
3. Check visa status on Metrash2 app
4. When status shows “Ready to Print,” collect the printed Residence Permit:
   • Bring baby’s original passport
   • Bring blue background passport photo
   • Bring visa receipt
   • Pay QR 500 printing fee (by card only)

Medical Examination Process

After entering Qatar or receiving visa approval, complete the following medical steps:

1. Visit the Medical Commission on Al-Muntazah Street (open Sunday-Thursday, 7:00 am – 7:00 pm)
2. Bring required documents:
   • Original passport
   • Copy of visa
   • Two passport-sized photos
   • QR 100 fee per person
3. Undergo necessary medical tests

Note: Children under 15 do not require medical tests. However, you may need to pay QR 100 at the Medical Commission to update their status in the system.

Hayya with me status

Fingerprinting Process

Adults must register their fingerprints digitally with the Ministry of Interior:

1. Visit the Criminal Evidence and Investigation Department (CEID) on Salwa Road
   • Open Sunday-Thursday, 7 am – 12 noon
2. Alternatively, fingerprinting may be available at some MOI service centers

Note: Children under 15 are exempt from fingerprinting.

Newborn Visa for Babies Born Outside Qatar

For babies born outside Qatar to resident parents, a free Newborn Visa is available:

Eligibility

• Parent must be a Qatar resident with valid Residence Permit
• Baby must be under 6 months old
• Original birth certificate and separate passport required

Process

1. Present required documents at Doha entry port
2. Receive free Newborn Visa valid for 30 days
3. Apply for Residence Permit within 30 days of arrival

Time Limits and Penalties

It’s crucial to apply for your baby’s Residence Permit within the specified timeframe:

• Apply within 2 months of baby’s birth (if born in Qatar)
• Apply within 2 months of baby’s arrival (if born outside Qatar)

Failure to apply within this period may result in daily penalties.

Residence Permit Renewal for Dependent Children

For children aged 6-18, recent changes affect Residence Permit renewals:

1. Register child’s education status with Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE)
2. Use MOEHE online platform for registration
3. Processing time: 5-10 business days
4. Provide evidence of completed registration for renewal application

Required documents for MOEHE registration:

• Copy of child’s Qatar ID and passport
• Certified Letters of Enrollment and Education from school (current and past years)

Note: This requirement currently applies to renewals, not initial Residence Permit applications.

Comparison of Sponsorship Options

Aspect	Father’s Sponsorship	Mother’s Sponsorship
Eligibility	Primary option	Requires additional approval
Salary Requirement	QR 10,000 minimum	Varies
Document Requirements	Standard set	Additional documents needed
Processing Time	Typically faster	May take longer
Long-term Stability	Generally more stable	Depends on mother’s employment

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a baby born in Qatar to foreign parents get Qatari citizenship?

No, children born to foreign nationals in Qatar do not automatically receive Qatari citizenship.

How long does it take to process a Residence Permit for a baby?

Processing times can vary, but typically take 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.

Can I travel with my baby before getting their Residence Permit?

A: It’s best to obtain the Residence Permit before traveling. If urgent travel is necessary, consult with the Immigration Office for guidance.

What happens if I don’t apply for my baby’s Residence Permit within 2 months?

Failing to apply within 2 months may result in daily penalties. It’s crucial to apply as soon as possible to avoid fines.

Can I sponsor my baby if I’m on a work visa?

Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria regarding profession and salary requirements.