Qatar has officially outlined which relatives a foreign national is permitted to bring into the country under a family visa, with the list spanning three degrees of relation. The announcement, published on 23 September 2026, provides expatriates with a clear guide to the categories of family members who qualify for hosting, from parents and children to more distant relatives such as aunts, uncles, and grandchildren.
First and Second-Degree Relatives Eligible for Hosting
Under Qatar's family visa policy, the first degree of relation covers the most immediate family members. According to the announcement, a resident's father, mother, wife, and children are all recognised as eligible family members for hosting purposes.
The second degree extends coverage to a wider circle, including brothers, sisters, grandfathers, grandmothers, and grandchildren. This tier broadens the scope of family reunification for foreign residents, allowing them to bring siblings and grandparents into the country under the same visa framework.
Third-Degree Relatives Included in Qatar's Policy
Qatar's family visa policy goes a step further by permitting third-degree relatives as well, making it one of the more inclusive frameworks in the Gulf region. Those who fall into this category include children of a brother or sister (nieces and nephews), paternal uncles and aunts (brothers and sisters of the father), and maternal uncles and aunts (brothers and sisters of the mother).
The inclusion of third-degree relatives is particularly significant for expatriates from cultures where extended family ties are close and where relatives beyond the immediate household often need support or a base while travelling or working abroad. This provision reflects an understanding of the social and logistical needs of foreign workers in the country.
Documentation and Procedural Requirements
Foreign nationals living and working in Qatar who wish to host any of the above relatives are advised to confirm the specific documentation and procedural requirements with Qatar's relevant immigration authorities. Eligibility alone does not automatically guarantee approval, as applicants must meet all administrative conditions set by the authorities.
In a related development, Qatar has also confirmed a visa exemption for nationals of five Gulf countries seeking to enter the country in 2026. Citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates can enter Qatar without a visa, while travellers from other countries must meet the entry conditions applicable to their nationality.
