For expatriate parents living in Qatar, welcoming a new life into the world is an incredible joy, but obtaining a residence permit (RP) for your newborn child within two months after birth is equally important. Your child must have this vital document whether he or she was born in the country or abroad. The process of assembling documents and navigating administrative procedures can seem daunting during this already challenging time, but this comprehensive guide is designed to simplify the process.
From obtaining your baby’s birth certificate and passport to filling out the RP application and avoiding any penalties, we’ll walk you through the steps. By knowing the requirements for babies born in Qatar or overseas, you’ll be able to ensure a smooth transition and focus on cherishing this special time.
Registering Your Baby’s Birth
Regardless of whether your baby was born in Qatar or elsewhere, the first step is to register the birth and obtain identification documents.
If Your Baby is Born in Qatar
The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) must receive your baby’s birth certificate when they are born in Qatar. An official document is a key requirement for obtaining a residence permit. Foreign-born children in Qatar are not automatically granted Qatari citizenship. In addition to registering your baby’s birth with your home country’s embassy, you’ll need to apply for a passport.
If Your Baby is Born Outside of Qatar
You will need to obtain a birth certificate from the hospital where your baby was born, have it attested by the Qatar Embassy in your home country, and then apply for a passport.
Securing Your Baby’s Passport
The next step is to apply for your baby’s passport once you have their birth certificate. Your home country’s embassy in Doha can assist you with this process. For the passport application process, your embassy will provide you with specific requirements and documentation.
Required Documents for the RP Application
Now that you have your baby’s birth certificate and passport, it’s time to gather the necessary documents for the residence permit application. The required documents may vary slightly depending on whether your baby was born in Qatar or overseas. Certified translation services should translate all documents into Arabic.
For babies born in Qatar
- Copies of the parents’ resident permits (Qatar IDs).
- Parents’ marriage certificate.
- Passport copies (parents and baby).
- Father’s employment verification letter from company (Ministry-attested).
- Father’s employer no objection letter to sponsoring baby (with job details, salary, contract type).
- Father’s Ministry-attested employment contract.
- Father’s notarized, attested, legalized education certificates.
- Father’s 6-month bank salary statements signed/sealed by the bank.
- Ministry-attested rental agreement.
- Utility bill showing parents’ Qatar residence.
- Baby’s birth certificate from the hospital.
- Baby’s vaccination card.
- The passport must contain 4+ baby photos (blue background)..
For Babies Born Outside Qatar
- Parents’ and baby’s passport copies
- Copies of the parents’ Qatar resident permits
- Parents’ notarized, attested, legalized marriage certificate
- Father’s Ministry-attested employment contract
- Father’s notarized, attested, legalized education certificates
- Father’s 6-month salary statements from the bank, signed and sealed
- Baby’s notarized, attested, legalized birth certificate
- Baby’s notarized, attested, legalized vaccination card
- The passport photo should be accompanied by 4 or more photos of the baby (blue background).
Additional Documents if the Baby is Sponsored by the Mother
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A no-objective letter from the baby’s father allowing sponsorship.
Application Process to Get a Residence Permit for Baby in Qatar
Now that you have all the necessary documents, it’s time to apply for your residence permit.
Fill Out the Arabic Government Form
Before submitting your documents, you’ll need to fill out an Arabic form.
Submit Documents at the Immigration Office
Submit your documents to the officer with a queue token. Your application will be reviewed for completeness. You’ll need to bring any missing documents back. All documents must be submitted with the application in order to be accepted. To avoid extra trips, it’s a good idea to include any other documents you think might be required.
As soon as you submit your application, you’ll receive a receipt with your visa application number.
Check the Visa Status on Metrash2
Check the Metrash2 platform for your baby’s Qatar visa status. When the status changes to “Ready to Print,” you can pick up your residence permit.
Collect the Printed Residence Permit
In order to receive your baby’s printed residence permit, you must bring their original passport, a blue background passport photo, and the visa receipt to the Immigration Office. Your baby’s ID will then be printed after you pay QR 500 by card.
Newborn Visa for Babies Born Outside of Qatar
Expectant mothers in Qatar often choose to give birth in their home countries, surrounded by family. You can return to Qatar with your newborn on a free Newborn Visa if you meet the following criteria:
- Parent is a Qatari resident with a valid residence permit
- The baby is under 6 months old
- We present the original birth certificate and a separate passport
Applying for the Residence Permit Within 2 Months
Whether your baby was born in Qatar or arrived from abroad, you must apply for their residence permit within two months of their birth.
Penalties for Delayed RP Application
Penalties can be imposed if you fail to apply for your baby’s residence permit within two months. Until the RP is issued, you’ll be charged QR 10 per day, so it’s crucial to stay on top of the application.
Conclusion
A Family Residence Permit based on the sponsorship of their expatriate parents is required before a baby turns 2 months old in Qatar. In order to apply for an RPR for babies born in Qatar or arriving from other countries, parents must gather the necessary documents, follow the visa application procedures, and pay the required fees.
Keeping up with the 2-month application deadline and navigating the process successfully will allow your child to remain legally in this vibrant Middle Eastern nation. Enjoy the precious moments with your growing family as you begin this new chapter of your life in Qatar.