COMPLETE GUIDE · 2026

Step-by-Step Guide for Expatriates, GCC Nationals & Domestic Workers

Updated March 2026  ·  Online & In-Person Methods  ·  Fees, Documents & Renewal

From Personal Experience: I applied for my Hamad Health Card shortly after moving to Qatar as an expat. The process felt unfamiliar at first — figuring out which PHCC center served my area, gathering the right documents, and understanding the fee structure. This guide is built from that hands-on experience, combined with the latest official information from HMC, PHCC, and the Hukoomi portal, so you don’t have to figure it out the hard way.

What Is the Hamad Health Card?

The Hamad Health Card, also called the Qatar Health Card, is an official government document issued through the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC). It gives residents access to subsidized medical care at government-run hospitals and clinics across Qatar.

The card is roughly the size of a driving license. It displays your Qatar ID (QID) number, name, nationality, and photo. When you walk into any PHCC health center or Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) hospital, this card is what gets you the subsidized rate, without it, you pay full, non-subsidized fees, which are significantly higher.

Important Update — September 2025 As of September 2025, Qatari citizens no longer need a separate health card. Their Qatar National ID (QID) now provides the same access at HMC and PHCC facilities. However, for expatriates, GCC nationals, and domestic workers, the health card remains mandatory to receive subsidized healthcare.

Think of the card as your passport to affordable healthcare in Qatar. Whether you need a routine check-up, lab tests, prescription medications, or emergency treatment — a valid health card ensures you’re covered at government facilities.

Read More How to Get a Qatar Driving License 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

Who Needs a Health Card?

Eligibility and requirements vary by residency status. Here’s a clear breakdown:

Qatari Citizens

No health card required since September 2025. Citizens can present their Qatar National ID directly at any HMC or PHCC facility for full subsidized access.

GCC Nationals

Nationals from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman who are residing in Qatar can apply for a health card. Annual fee: QR 50.

Expatriates (Non-GCC)

All non-GCC expatriates with a valid residence permit, including employees, spouses, and sponsored children,  must hold a valid health card to access subsidized care. Annual fee: QR 100.

Domestic Workers

House helpers, drivers, and other domestic staff are eligible. The sponsor’s QID is required during the application. Annual fee: QR 50.

Newborns and Children

Babies born in Qatar are eligible immediately. Parents need to provide the birth certificate and the parents’ QIDs. Children born in Qatar receiving their first card also need an inoculation/vaccination card.

Required Documents

Make sure you have all documents ready before visiting the health center or starting the online process. Missing even one document can delay your application.

GCC National Adults

• Valid Qatar ID (QID)
• Passport-size photo (4 cm x 3 cm)
• Old health card (for renewal only)
• Credit or debit card for payment

Expatriate Adults (Non-GCC)

• Valid Qatar ID (QID)
• Original passport
• Passport-size photo (4 cm x 3 cm)
• Proof of address,  utility bill or tenancy contract in your name
• Credit or debit card for payment

Children (All Categories)

• Valid Qatar ID (QID)
• Passport-size photo (4 cm x 3 cm)
• Birth certificate
• Inoculation/vaccination card (first application only, for children born in Qatar)
• Old health card (for renewal)

Domestic Workers

• Valid QID of the worker
• Passport-size photo (4 cm x 3 cm)
• Valid QID of the sponsor
• Credit or debit card for payment

Pro Tip:  Note your National Address before you go — building number, street number, and zone number. The application form requires this. If you are unsure of your address, call the PHCC helpline at 107 and they will help you look it up. Single workers must apply through their company’s PRO (Mandoob) at the Hamad Health Card Printing Office.

How to Apply Online via the Nar’aakom App

The Nar’aakom app, launched by PHCC, is the easiest and fastest way to apply. It is available on both Android (Google Play Store) and iOS (Apple App Store).

1. Create a Tawtheeq Account, Nar’aakom uses Qatar’s National Authentication System (Tawtheeq) for login. If you do not already have a Tawtheeq account, create one through the app or at tawtheeq.gov.qa. You must be over 18 with a valid QID.
2. Download and Open the App, Download “Nar’aakom” from the app store. Open it and select your language (English or Arabic). Log in using your Tawtheeq credentials.
3. Go to E-Services, Tap the “E-Services” option at the bottom of the screen. Select “Register for New Health Card.”
4. Select the Applicant, If applying for yourself, select your name. If applying for a family member or dependent, select their name from the list.
5. Enter Address Details, Tap “Fetch Your Catchment Area” to automatically identify your nearest PHCC health center based on your registered address. Confirm the address details.
6. Upload Required Documents, Upload clear photos or scans of your QID, proof of address, passport-size photo, and any other required documents. Files must be legible and complete.
7. Pay the Fee — Complete payment by credit or debit card. Save your payment confirmation. Expatriates pay QR 100; GCC nationals and domestic workers pay QR 50.
8. Collect Your Card, After your application is approved, you will receive a notification to collect your physical health card from your assigned PHCC health center during morning working hours (7:30 AM – 2:00 PM, Sunday to Thursday).

Pro Tip:  You can also apply through the official Hukoomi Qatar Government Portal at hukoomi.gov.qa if you prefer a browser-based application. The steps are nearly identical.

How to Apply In-Person

This method works well if you’re applying for multiple family members or prefer face-to-face assistance.

• Find Your Designated PHCC Center, In Qatar, each residential area is assigned a specific PHCC health center. If you do not know which center covers your area, call the PHCC helpline at 107 and provide your National Address.
• Visit During Morning Hours, Health cards are issued during morning working hours only: 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM, Sunday through Thursday. Arrive early to avoid long queues, especially at the start of the week.
• Fill Out the Application Form, At the center, ask for the health card application form. Fill in your name, QID number, National Address (building, street, and zone numbers), and contact number. Staff are available to assist.
• Submit Your Documents, Hand all required documents to the counter staff. Bring originals and copies. The staff will verify everything and assign you a PHCC health file number.
• Pay the Fee, Payment is typically by credit or debit card. Some centers may accept cash, but it is advisable to carry a card. Confirm the current fee (QR 100 for non-GCC expats; QR 50 for others).
• Receive Your Card, Your card may be issued the same day, or you may be asked to return within 3–5 working days to collect it. The in-person process takes approximately 20–30 minutes if all documents are ready.

For Company Employees If you are applying for multiple employees at once, the company’s PRO (Mandoob) can handle all applications at the Hamad Health Card Printing Office in Hamad Hospital. This is faster than having each employee apply separately. Workers’ Health Centers no longer process these applications directly.

Fees for the Hamad Health Card

Below is the complete fee structure for 2026. Fees are paid at the time of application or renewal.

Category	New Card	Renewal	Replacement (Valid Card)	Replacement (Expired Card)
Qatari Citizens	Free	Free	QR 50	QR 100
GCC Nationals	QR 50	QR 50	QR 50	QR 100
Expatriates (Non-GCC)	QR 100	QR 100	QR 100	QR 200
Domestic Workers	QR 50	QR 50	QR 50	QR 100

Pro Tip:  Payment is accepted by credit or debit card at PHCC centers and online. Some centers accept cash, but card payment is strongly recommended. Online renewals require card payment through the Hukoomi portal. Fees are non-refundable once payment is processed.

How to Renew Your Health Card

The health card is valid for one year. Once it expires, you will no longer receive subsidized rates at government facilities until it is renewed. The card does not display a physical expiry date, the system tracks it. You can check your card’s status on the Hukoomi portal using your QID.

Online Renewal (Hukoomi Portal)

1. Go to hukoomi.gov.qa and navigate to the Health Card E-Service page.
2. Enter your QID number.
3. Select “Renew” as the transaction type and click Next.
4. Enter the number of years you want to renew and add your phone number and email.
5. Complete the payment by credit or debit card. Your renewal is processed instantly.

In-Person Renewal

Visit your assigned PHCC health center or any HMC hospital during morning working hours. Bring your old health card (if available), valid QID, and payment method. The process usually takes under an hour.

You can also renew through the Nar’aakom app using the same login process described in the online application section.

Pro Tip:  After renewal, you do not receive a new physical card. The renewal is recorded in the system and your existing card continues to work. Your updated status is visible on the Hukoomi portal.

Where Can You Use Your Health Card?

With a valid Hamad Health Card, you can access subsidized healthcare across the following government facilities in Qatar:

HMC Hospitals

• Hamad General Hospital, general and surgical care
• Heart Hospital
• Cancer Care and Research Center
• Women’s Hospital
• Communicable Disease Center
• Sidra Medicine (via referral from PHCC)

PHCC Health Centers

• 30+ primary health centers across Qatar (Central, Western, and Northern regions)
• Family physician registration and follow-up appointments
• Specialist referrals to HMC facilities
• Vaccination programs and health screenings
• Urgent care centers, available 24 hours at 9 locations

Other Benefits

• Government pharmacies, subsidized prescription medicine
• Laboratory tests (blood work, urine analysis, etc.)
• X-rays and diagnostic imaging
• Emergency services at subsidized rates
• Appointment booking via the Nar’aakom app or by calling 107

Important Limitation The Hamad Health Card is valid only at public healthcare facilities managed by HMC and PHCC. It does not cover private hospitals or clinics in Qatar. For private healthcare, you will need a separate private health insurance plan, which employers are generally required to provide for their employees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get the health card?

If applying in person, your card may be issued the same day or within 3–5 working days. The in-person process takes about 20–30 minutes if all documents are in order. Online applications via Nar’aakom are processed faster; you collect the physical card from your PHCC center after approval.

What happens if I lose my health card?

Visit any PHCC health center or HMC facility to apply for a replacement. If the card is still within its validity period, the replacement fee is QR 100 for non-Qataris. If the card has already expired, the replacement fee is QR 200 for non-Qataris. Qataris pay QR 50 and QR 100 respectively.

Can I use the health card at private hospitals?

No. The Hamad Health Card is accepted only at government-run HMC hospitals and PHCC health centers. Private hospitals in Qatar operate under separate fee structures and insurance systems.

Do I need to update my health card if I move to a new area?

Yes. Your health card is linked to your residential address, which determines your assigned PHCC health center. If you move, inform PHCC at 107 and update your utility bill. You may be reassigned to a different health center.

My Qatar ID is about to expire. Does that affect my health card?

Yes. Your QID must remain valid for the health card to work. Renew your QID first, then update your health card records at PHCC. Applications and renewals will be rejected if your QID is expired.

Can I apply for my family members online?

Yes. The Nar’aakom app allows you to apply for yourself and your dependents in the same session. Select each family member’s name from the list and complete the process for each one separately.

Is the health card mandatory even if I have private insurance?

If you plan to use any government healthcare facility at subsidized rates, yes, the health card is required. Private insurance and the health card serve different purposes. Many residents in Qatar hold both.

What is the PHCC helpline number?

You can reach PHCC at 107 for help finding your nearest health center, checking your application status, or answering questions about the process. For urgent medical care, dial 16000 for a phone or video consultation.

Quick Reference — Key Contacts and Resources

Resource	Details
PHCC Helpline	107 — for center location, application status, address lookup
Urgent Care Hotline	16000 — phone or video consultation
Emergency Services	999
HMC Website	hamad.qa
PHCC Website	phcc.gov.qa
Hukoomi Portal	hukoomi.gov.qa — online applications and renewals
Nar’aakom App	Available on Google Play and Apple App Store

This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify requirements directly with PHCC (phcc.gov.qa) or HMC (hamad.qa) before visiting, as procedures and fees may be updated.