When arrivals to Qatar are issued a residence permit, they also receive a plastic ID card, the size of a credit card, with a bar code, photo and basic information. It is mandatory to have this for bureaucratic procedures such as applying for a driving licence or opening a bank account.

In 2011, the Ministry of Interior introduced smart card services for expatriates. These store biometric data on a chip, including fingerprints and eye scans. They can be used as e-gate cards, allowing residents to bypass passport queues at immigration. Most residents still receive the traditional ID card, but can swap this for a smart card when applying for e-gate services.

The minimum fee for a smart card is QR100, the same amount charged for the traditional ID cards. Other charges apply, depending on what electronic services are added and for how long. It costs QR100 to add e-gate services for one year, QR150 for two years and QR200 for three years.