Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 16 January 2024.
What Is Qatar Return Permit?
A Return Permit (also called a re-entry permit) is a temporary document granted for those who have stayed out of the country for more than six (6) months, and his/her residency is still valid and has the prior approval of entry.
This document can also be used if the resident loses their passport or Residence Card while outside Qatar.
This article explains how residents can apply for Qatar Return Permit if they overstay outside Qatar (staying out for more than six months) or lose their Qatar ID while abroad.
How Many Days Can I Stay Outside Qatar?
You can stay up to 180 days (6 months) out of Qatar with a valid Residence Permit. To return after six months, you will need a Return Permit (re-entry permit) processed by the sponsor.
Return Permit For Residents Outside Qatar
If you, a member of your family, or a member of your staff, have stayed out of the country for more than six (6) months and the residency is still valid, and you have prior approval of entry, you can apply for a Return Permit.
Different document requirements depend on who the sponsor is. The fee varies from QR 200 to QR 500 again, depending on the sponsorship type. Here are the details:
1. For those on sponsorship of companies and establishments
This permit is granted to an expatriate on the sponsorship of an establishment who has stayed out of the country for more than 6 months, and his residence permit is still valid.
The sponsor can apply online (Metrash 2) or through MoI Service Center.
On Metrash2, this option is available under: “Leave Notification” – “Return Permit”.
Below are the requirements to apply through MoI Service Center:
Requirements:
- Submission of the application from the sponsor
- Copy of the establishment card of the company
- Passport copy of the sponsored person
- In case of passport loss, a copy of a Lost Passport Certificate and copies of the old and new passports is required.
- Fee: QR 500 (Pay by credit/debit card)
2. For those on personal sponsorship of an expatriate
This permit is granted to family members of residents who have stayed out of the country for more than 6 months and whose residence permit is still valid.
The sponsor can apply on Metrash2 or through MoI Service Center.
On Metrash2, this option is available under: “Leave Notification” – “Return Permit”.
Below are the requirements to apply through MoI Service Center:
Requirements:
- Submission of the application from the sponsor
- Passport copy or the ID card copy of the sponsor
- Passport copy of the sponsored person
- In case of passport loss, a copy of a Lost Passport Certificate and copies of the old and new passports is required.
- Fee: QR 500 (Pay by credit/debit card)
3. For those on personal sponsorship of a Qatari national
This permit is granted for housemaids and those on their status who are on the personal sponsorship of a Qatari national and have stayed outside the country for more than 6 months.
The sponsor can apply on Metrash2 or through MoI Service Center.
On Metrash2, this option is available under: “Leave Notification” – “Return Permit”.
Below are the requirements to apply through MoI Service Center:
Requirements:
- Submission of an application from the sponsor
- Copy of the ID Card of the sponsor
- Passport copy of the sponsored person
- In case of passport loss, a copy of a Lost Passport Certificate and copies of the old and new passports are required.
- Fee: QR 200 (Pay by credit/debit card)
Important Notes
If you lose your passport and get a return permit, your lost passport becomes invalid/blacklisted. You cannot use that passport in case you get it back.
The return permit has a validity period which will be mentioned on the permit. The sponsored person has to return to Qatar within the validity period.
FAQ on Qatar Return Permit
When is a Return Permit needed in Qatar?
If you, a member of your family, or a member of your staff, have stayed out of the country for more than 6 months and the residency is still valid, you can apply for a Return Permit.
How can I apply for Return Permit to Qatar?
The sponsor has to apply for Return Permit online via Metrash2 or by visiting any Ministry of Interior Service Centre.
How much does Qatar Return Permit cost?
A Qatar Return Permit can cost QR 500 (for company / personal sponsorship) or QR 200 (for housemaids).
How long is Qatar Return Permit valid?
The validity will be mentioned on the permit.
How long can I stay out of Qatar with Residence Permit?
You can stay up to six months out of Qatar with a valid Residence Permit. After six months, you can stay up to one year and return using a Return Permit. The QID should be valid during this period.
Can I go back to Qatar after 6 months?
A resident can go back to Qatar even after six months but will need a Return Permit processed by the sponsor. The Residence Permit should also be valid.
You May Also Like:
- How to Change Job in Qatar Without NOC
- Death in Qatar: Repatriation and Funeral Procedures
- MOI Qatar Metrash2 Registration and User Guide
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Hi, I have come outside qatar for my studies and my 6 months is over.. I left qatar on Jan 26th 2024 and I have booked my tickets back to qatar on Jan 24th 2025.. I wanted to know wether I will be permitted to enter qatar just 1 day before its 1 year? Will I be able to get an entry permit?
my Son studying in India, he can not come back to qatar before six months (plan to come after 11 months before QID expiry )so for that what documents need to submit ?
I am trying to apply a return permit for my wife wich is out from Qatar for more than 6months and her ID is valid but it says “permit is not required” on the leave notification inquiry field.
Can this be possible??
Hi Moises, “Leave Notification” is exit permit, which is different from Return Permit. Return Permit is required to return to Qatar after 6 months. Please follow the steps in the article.
How long does it take to issue the return permit?
Hi Rishi, Usually it is issued same day (automatic). If you haven’t received yet, make sure your email is linked to Metrash and check your email spam folder.
Hi,
today i apply for return permit for my baby through metrash2, i also received receipt from metrash2…but from where download return permit…plz help
Hi Uzma, It would be sent to your email (if your Metrash is linked with your email). Sometimes it goes to your Spam folder. If you haven’t received, please call Metrash helpline on 109.
Dear Sir,
Kindly update the validity of the Return permit.
Thank you.
Hi Razak, We cannot specify the exact period because it varies for different individuals. Normally we see a minimum of 14 days and a maximum up until your QID expiry date. You will only know the exact validity once the return permit has been issued.
I want to now stay period 180 days or six month, because some month have 31 days, so if 180 days mean beforer three days should enter in qatar , six month mean calculate date to date mean if you are travel 3 March you can enter 2 sepetamber but i80 days mean should be enter on 29 August, please if any body have information , may. confirm this point.
Hi Khan, The system calculates 180 days (not 6 months).
should the sponsor be in qatar or can apply whilst outside qatar?
Hi Linda, Sponsor can apply from outside Qatar also.
Hi @Doha Guides,
What will be the fees for re-entry permit for family (Wife) and Infants if Husdand is Sponsor and apply permit from Metrash ?
Hi All, If anyone has clear idea on Return Permit for family more than 6 months outside Qatar and still RP valid till December 2024.
1. In order to apply return permit for my family through Metrash2, Is it possible for the sponsors to do it from outside qatar?
2. Is it possible to apply the return permit manually through MOI?
3. Is it possible to take return permit, before it exceeds 6 months. As i am (Sponsor) travelling before it get exceeds 180 days and to bring back my family.
hi please i want to know can i come back to qatar without any problem ,i stay 1 year 3 months outside qatar but my id is still valid..
Hi good evening!
I hope someone will answer my question.i left Qatar 8 months ago and my Qatar id expired and my sponsor didn’t cancel it. if my sponsor want, I can enter Qatar again?and he can apply for me re enter permit?
HELLO DG
IT IS POSIBLE TO APPLY ON METRASH2 RE ENTRY PERMIT FOR MY WIFE AND CHILD(stay outside qatar for more than six months but qid is still valid). IF IM ALSO OUTSIDE QATAR.
yes dear you can do it