The Ministry of Interior has announced the addition of several new services in the Metrash2 application, including a permanent residency card in the electronic wallet. What do you know about this permanent residency in the State of Qatar? Here is all the information about it.
## Inquiry About Eligibility for Permanent Residency License Application
According to the "Government" website, the inquiry service allows residents to electronically check if they belong to the categories eligible to apply for a permanent residency license in the State of Qatar. The application can be submitted electronically through the Ministry of Interior's website by entering the following information:
- Qatari ID number.
- Expiry date of the Qatari residency.
- Verification code in the image or by pressing the audio file.
- Click on "Inquire".
There are no fees for this service.
## Application Process
The Ministry of Interior has created a link on its website to facilitate those who wish to obtain a permanent residency card in Qatar. It explained that the application requires certain conditions to be met, which are:
- The applicant must have a smart ID card with active electronic services.
- The applicant must have a smart card reader, along with connecting the smart card reader to a computer to complete the application process.
The interior ministry noted that the steps to apply through the electronic services portal are:
1. Access the Ministry of Interior's website and select the "Electronic Services" link.
2. Choose "Residences" then select "Permanent Residency Card," and a service options screen will appear.
3. Choose "New Application," then select the appropriate category for the applicant from the available options.
4. Click on "Next," and a list of eligible persons will appear; select the individuals by ticking the box next to their ID number, then click the next box.
A text message will be sent notifying that the permanent residency application has been received, and a payment receipt will appear that the applicant can print or save to their computer. This completes the first phase of the application process, and the applicant must wait to receive another message for uploading the application attachments.
## Conditions for Obtaining Permanent Residency
According to the law, a non-Qatar national may be granted permanent residency in the State of Qatar if the following conditions are met:
1. Residence in the country for twenty years if born outside, and ten years if born inside the country and the residence must be continuous and prior to the application date for the permanent residency. The occasional absence from Qatar for no more than sixty days in a year does not affect continuity, and this duration will be deducted from the total residence period.
2. The applicant must have sufficient income to meet their needs and those they support, with a minimum income level determined by a decision from the Council of Ministers, including cases for exemptions.
3. The applicant must be of good conduct and reputation, with no final convictions in Qatar or abroad for crimes that harm honor or trust unless rehabilitated.
4. The applicant must have a sufficient knowledge of the Arabic language.
Exceptions to these conditions apply to the following groups:
1. Children of Qatari women married to non-Qataris.
2. Non-Qatari husbands of Qatari women.
3. Non-Qatari wives of Qatari men.
4. Children of naturalized Qataris.
5. Those who have rendered valuable services to the state.
6. Individuals with special skills needed by the state.
It is also required that the marriages under points (1), (2), and (3) comply with the law.
## Benefits
The spouse of a permanent residency cardholder, as well as their children up to the age of eighteen, enjoy the privileges granted to the cardholder regarding residency, health, and education, in accordance with the provisions of this law. A holder of a permanent residency card is allowed to invest in activities within the national economy sectors specified by a decision from the Council of Ministers, without the need for a Qatari partner, provided that the company is established in accordance with the law governing commercial companies.
