Guides / Residency
Get your Qatar ID (residence permit)
Medical exam, fingerprints and QID — what happens, in what order, and what to bring.
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
- Time
- Usually 2–4 weeks
- Deadline
- Medical within 30 days of entry
- Who applies
- Your sponsor (employer)
Your Qatar ID card is proof of your residence permit. Your employer (sponsor) runs the application, but you need to show up for a medical exam and fingerprints. Knowing the order helps you avoid wasted trips.
Before you start
- Original passport
- Copy of your residence entry visa — write an active Qatari mobile number on it
- Overseas medical certificate, if one was issued in your home country
- Medical appointment confirmation and payment receipt
Step by step
Arrive on a residence entry visa
If you were processed through a Qatar Visa Centre abroad (for example in India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka or Nepal), some steps may already be done. Check your visa instructions.
Book the medical exam
Your employer, PRO or you can book online through the Ministry of Public Health’s Medical Commission system. Pay by card and print the receipt.
Do the medical exam
The main Medical Commission is in Mesaimeer (Sunday–Thursday). Some private hospitals are also approved. Expect blood tests and a chest X-ray. Keep your receipt until your QID is issued.
Wait for results to reach MOI
Results are sent electronically. Allow up to 72 hours, and respond quickly to any SMS asking for a repeat test.
Give fingerprints
The right MOI centre depends on your sponsorship type. Company-sponsored workers often go to the Industrial Area Services Centre. Check the location and hours before you go.
Residence permit is issued
Your sponsor completes the application. The card is issued or delivered by Qatar Post depending on the option chosen. Track it with your visa number and the sponsor’s QID.
Set up Metrash
Register on the Metrash app with your QID and Qatari mobile number. You will use it for renewals, traffic fines, family visas and more.
What it costs
| Medical exam | QAR 100 |
| Residence permit, 1 year | QAR 500 (often paid by employer) |
| QPost delivery (if chosen) | QAR 20 |
Official fees at the time of review. Fees change, so confirm before paying.
Common mistakes
- Going to the wrong fingerprint centre for your sponsorship type.
- Not writing a working mobile number on the visa copy — you will miss SMS requests for repeat tests.
- Paying QAR 150–300 “express” fees offered by middlemen. These are not official charges.
Official sources
- Ministry of Interior e-services (MOI portal) ↗
- Ministry of Public Health (Medical Commission) ↗
- Hukoomi – Qatar government services portal ↗
Always check the official source before acting. QatarSteps is independent and not a government website.