How to get, renew and check your Qatar ID (QID) in 2026
If you live, work or study in Qatar, your Qatar ID (QID) is the single most important card in your wallet. It is your legal proof of residency. Without it, you cannot open a bank account, access healthcare, drive, travel in or out of Qatar, or do almost anything official. Whether you just landed in Doha and are waiting for your first QID, or your existing one is about to expire, this guide covers everything you need to know in simple, plain language.
What is a Qatar ID (QID)?
A Qatar ID, also called a QID or Iqama, is an official identity card issued by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) Qatar. It is issued to every resident of Qatar, including expatriate workers, family members, domestic workers, students and Qatari citizens.
The card carries your full name, photo, date of birth, nationality, 11-digit unique QID number, expiry date and sponsor information (for expats). Think of it as your all-in-one Doha life pass.
You need your QID to:
- Open or use a bank account
- See a doctor (public or private hospital)
- Get a driving license
- Travel out of Qatar and re-enter
- Sign a rental contract
- Apply for any government service
Understanding your 11-digit QID number
Your QID number is not random. It tells a small story about you:
| Digits | What it means |
| 1st digit | Century of birth: 2 = born 1900-1999, 3 = born 2000 onwards |
| 2nd and 3rd digits | Last two digits of your birth year (e.g. 89 = born in 1989) |
| 4th, 5th and 6th digits | Your nationality ISO code (India = 356, Pakistan = 586, Philippines = 608) |
| Last 5 digits | Unique sequence number assigned by MOI |
So if your QID starts with 285, it means you were born in the 1900s, in 1985, and you hold the nationality with ISO code 563.
How to get a Qatar ID for the first time (new expats)
If you have just arrived in Qatar on a work visa, family visa or student visa, here is exactly what happens, step by step. The process officially begins only after you enter Qatar on a valid visa.
Step 1: Medical examination
Within the first few days of arrival, you must complete a mandatory health screening at a government-approved medical center. This includes a general health check-up, blood tests for infectious diseases (HIV, Hepatitis B and C), and a chest X-ray for tuberculosis. The medical examination costs approximately QAR 100, and results are processed within 2 to 4 business days.
Step 2: Fingerprinting (biometrics)
After the medical is cleared, you must register your fingerprints at the Criminal Evidence and Investigation Department (CEID). This step can sometimes cause delays due to high demand. Your fingerprint data is stored permanently in MOI’s system and is linked to your QID for life.
Do not skip or delay this step. Without completing fingerprint registration, your QID application will not be processed, no matter how many other documents you have ready.
Step 3: Document submission by your sponsor
Once your medical exam and fingerprinting are complete, your sponsor submits your visa, passport, photo, blood group certificate and fee to the Ministry of Interior. For most expat workers, the employer (PRO) handles this step on your behalf.
Step 4: Wait for your QID to be issued
In most cases, QIDs are issued within three weeks of submission. Processing time is extended when documents are missing. You can check your status online at any point (see below).
Step 5: Collect your QID
Your card is either collected from the designated MOI service center or delivered to your employer. You can also opt for QPost home delivery for an additional QAR 20.
Documents required for a new Qatar ID
| Document | Who needs it |
| Valid passport with entry visa stamp | Everyone |
| Medical examination results | Everyone |
| Fingerprint registration confirmation | Everyone |
| 2 to 3 passport-sized photos (white background) | Everyone |
| Blood group certificate (from a local clinic) | Everyone |
| Attested employment contract | Workers |
| Sponsor’s ID and establishment ID | Workers |
| Marriage or birth certificate | Family members |
How to check your Qatar ID status online
You do not have to call anyone or visit an office just to check your QID status or expiry date. There are several ways to do it in under two minutes.
Check via MOI portal (fastest)
- Visit the official MOI Qatar portal
- Click on “Inquiries” (the magnifying glass icon)
- Select “Other Inquiries,” then “Official Documents”
- Enter either your 11-digit QID number or your passport number plus nationality
- Type the CAPTCHA code and click Search
- Your QID status, validity and expiry date appear instantly
Check via Metrash app
Note: The old Metrash2 app is discontinued. Use the updated Metrash app.
- Download Metrash from Google Play or the Apple App Store
- Log in with your QID number and PIN (or Face ID)
- Tap “Wallet,” then select “Qatar ID”
- Your digital QID with expiry date appears immediately
Check via SMS
Send your 11-digit QID number to 92992. Your Qatar ID status and expiration date will be sent back to you via SMS. The phone number must be registered with MOI.
Check via phone
Call the MOI Qatar helpline on 2342000 or 2367111 with your QID or passport number ready.
How to renew your Qatar ID in 2026
In 2026, residents can renew their Qatar ID up to 3 months before expiry and must have a passport valid for at least 6 months at the time of renewal. Start early. Do not wait until the last week.
Important rule for sponsored workers: If you are on a sponsored visa, only your employer or their authorized PRO can renew your QID. You cannot renew it yourself. This is a strict rule in Qatar’s system.
Option 1: Renew online via MOI portal
- Go to portal.moi.gov.qa
- Sign in with your QID and password
- Go to MOI Services, then Residential Permit Inquiry
- Select RP Renewal and enter your QID number
- Choose the renewal period (1, 2 or 3 years)
- Pay online by debit or credit card
- Select delivery method (self-pickup or QPost)
Option 2: Renew via Metrash app
- Open the Metrash app and log in
- Tap “Residency,” then “Residency Renewal”
- Choose Personal or Company renewal
- Select the QID(s) to renew (up to 5 personal, up to 20 for companies)
- Choose renewal period and pay online
- Select QPost home delivery (QAR 20 delivery fee) or self-pickup
- QPost usually contacts you within 2 working days to arrange delivery
Option 3: Renew in person at an MOI service center
Bring your original QID, passport copy, passport-sized photos and sponsor letter. Visit between 7:00 AM and 12:30 PM, Sunday to Thursday. In-person renewals may take up to 7 to 10 working days. Qatar Navigate
MOI contact: portal.moi.gov.qa | Phone: 2366666 | Email: [email protected]
Qatar ID renewal fees 2026
| Category | 1-year fee | 3-year fee |
| Expatriate workers (company sponsored) | QAR 1,000 | QAR 2,400 (20% discount) |
| Family members (spouse and children) | QAR 500 | QAR 1,200 |
| Domestic workers (drivers, maids) | QAR 300 | QAR 720 |
| Lost or damaged card replacement | QAR 200 | N/A |
Pro tip: Three-year renewals offer a 20% discount on the total fee. If your employer is renewing for you and your residency is stable, ask them to do a 3-year renewal to save money.
What happens if your Qatar ID expires?
Do not panic, but do not delay either.
The Ministry of Interior offers a 90-day grace period after your QID expires. During this period, you can renew without facing daily fines. After 90 days, a penalty of QAR 10 per day kicks in.
Once fines reach the QAR 6,000 maximum, no additional daily charges occur, but legal consequences can still include visa complications and service restrictions.
An expired QID also means:
- You cannot board a flight out of Qatar or re-enter the country
- Your bank account may be frozen
- You cannot access healthcare services normally
- Your employer relationship could be affected
If you are outside Qatar when your QID expires, your sponsor can still renew it remotely via the Metrash app. Contact your employer as soon as you realize the situation.
How to report a lost Qatar ID in Qatar
If you lose your QID, report it immediately. Do not wait.
Via Metrash app: Go to Residency, then Lost/Damaged Cards, select Lost ID, and choose the affected QID. Pay the QAR 200 replacement fee online.
Via MOI portal: Go to E-Services, sign in, select Residency Services, then Replace Lost/Damaged ID Card. Provide your loss report number and other details, then pay the fee.
You can then choose QPost delivery or self-pickup for the replacement card.
Qatar ID for family members and special situations
Newborn babies: Parents have exactly 60 days from the date of birth to complete the child’s passport and obtain a Qatar ID. Failing to apply within this window results in a daily fine of QAR 10.
Residents over 60: Proof of comprehensive private health insurance is generally required. Seniors are typically given 1-year renewals only.
Changing employers: If you switch jobs while your QID is close to expiry, your new employer takes over the renewal responsibility. Your 11-digit QID number stays the same for life.
Outside Qatar for more than 6 months: If you stay outside Qatar for more than six months without a special permit, your residency may automatically expire even if the physical card is still valid. In this case, a return permit or a new entry process is required.
Useful links
- MOI Qatar official portal
- Check QID status online
- Metrash app on Google Play
- Metrash app on Apple App Store
- QPost delivery tracking
MOI Qatar contact details:
- Phone: 2342000 or 2366666
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: portal.moi.gov.qa
Frequently asked questions about Qatar ID (QID)
How long does it take to get a Qatar ID for the first time?
The full process usually takes 3 to 4 weeks after your medical exam and fingerprinting are complete, assuming all documents are submitted correctly by your sponsor.
Can I check my Qatar ID expiry date without the QID number?
Yes. On the MOI portal, you can check using your passport number and nationality instead of your QID number. This is useful for new arrivals who do not yet have their card.
What is the fine for an expired Qatar ID in 2026?
There is a 90-day grace period with no fine. After that, the penalty is QAR 10 per day, up to a maximum of QAR 6,000. After that cap is reached, you will still face legal and residency consequences.
Can I renew my Qatar ID myself if I am a sponsored worker?
No. If you are on a sponsored visa, only your employer or their authorized PRO can submit the renewal. You must coordinate with your company’s HR or PRO team.
How do I use the digital Qatar ID?
Download the Metrash app, log in with your QID and PIN, and tap “Wallet,” then “Qatar ID.” Your digital ID appears with all details including expiry date and can be used for verification at many government and service locations in Qatar.
What happens if my Qatar ID expires while I am on vacation abroad?
You will not be able to re-enter Qatar with an expired QID. Contact your sponsor immediately. They can renew your QID remotely via the Metrash app, and once renewed, your return to Qatar can be arranged normally.
How much does it cost to replace a lost Qatar ID?
The replacement fee is QAR 200, paid online via the MOI portal or Metrash app. You also pay QAR 20 if you want QPost home delivery of the new card.
Is the Metrash2 app still working in 2026?
No. The old Metrash2 app has been discontinued. Download the updated Metrash app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store instead.
