Qatar: Documentary and Process Changes for Dependent Family Residence Permit Renewals

Renewal applications for Dependent Family Residence Permits for dependent children, age six to 18, who are not enrolled in a Qatar-based school (including those studying abroad and those being home-schooled) now require preliminary registration of the dependent child’s education status with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE). This follows a similar rule introduced in late 2023 which applied to dependent children studying at Qatari schools.  Foreign nationals must have their registration finalized with the MOEHE prior to commencing the permit renewal process and must provide evidence of the completed registration as part of their renewal application. Sponsors should register their dependent’s education status on the MOEHE online platform, with processing time expected to take approximately five to 10 business days. At this time, applicants for initial Dependent Family Residence Permits do not need to include the school registration.

Additionally, the government has recently clarified the required documentation for the registration process, including (among other items): a copy of the dependent applicant’s Qatar identification card and passport, and certified Letters of Enrollment and Education from their school (for both current and past school years). Affected individuals should reach out to an immigration professional if they have any questions about the process.