How to apply for a QDC License or Renew it in 2025?
Despite being a primarily Muslim country where the consumption of alcohol and pork is prohibited according to Islamic law. Qatar officially permits the sale and consumption of these items through the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC). QDC License is mandatory for any kind of purchase.
The sale of alcohol and pork in Qatar has been a controversial issue, with some arguing that it goes against Islamic values. However, others believe that it is necessary to cater to the needs of non-Muslim residents and visitors. Despite these debates, the QDC appointment booking system remains a popular option for those who are legally permitted to consume alcohol and pork in Qatar.
This article will provide information on QDC, including how to obtain a license, the associated fees, and the necessary procedures.
What is QDC?
Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) is a government-owned entity responsible for the distribution of alcohol and pork products in Qatar. It operates several retail outlets in the country, offering a variety of beverages and meats from around the world.
The company promotes responsible consumption and enforces strict rules and regulations for the sale and distribution of alcohol, including verifying permits, limiting purchases, and prohibiting public consumption. The QDC provides a safe and legal way for non-Muslims to access these products in Qatar.
Who can apply for a QDC License or Permit?
An individual can apply for a QDC permit who meets the following requirements:
QDC License Documents and Requirements for New Permit
To obtain a QDC license in Qatar, there are several requirements that must be met. Here are the main ones:
1) Letter from Employer
You must provide a letter from your company, written in English on official letterhead, signed and stamped by an authorized signatory. The NOC letter, dated within the last three months, should be addressed to Qatar Distribution Company or “To Whom It May Concern.” The letter must state your details, including your name and permission to purchase alcohol.
- Position: Stating your job title.
- Basic Salary: Minimum basic salary requirement is QR 3000.
- The word basic must be written on the Salary Slip.
- Accommodation Entitlement: State if you receive a housing allowance or if the company provides accommodation free of charge.
- Marital Status: State if you are single or married.
Note That: A “to whom it may concern” letter is accepted provided that the employer/sponsor has no objection to using a letter for QDC purposes.
2) Age and Qatar ID/Passport
To apply for a QDC license, you need to provide your original Qatar ID or passport RP. However, in special circumstances where you don’t have a Qatar ID or RP, you may still apply if you meet certain criteria. For instance, if you are working in Qatar on a multi-entry or business visa.
- The minimum age limit is 21 years of age.
- QDC license requires a 3-month residency in Qatar.
- Private accommodation is a requirement for a QDC license, not applicable to those living in hotels.
- The applicant’s details must be confirmed in writing by their Qatar-based employer or sponsor to support their license application.
How to Apply for a QDC License in Qatar?
To apply for a QDC permit, applicants who meet the requirements must book an online appointment and visit the QDC in person with the necessary documents. The following steps need to be followed:
- Visit QDC’s official website: www.qdc.com.qa
- On the Homepage, Select “New Permit” and Click “Next” as image given below
- Fill up your complete details, enter the captcha code and click “NEXT”
- Enter the received OTP on your email and “Verify”
- Select the preferred date & time for submission of the application:
Once the applicant confirms that they have read the important information, only available time slots will be displayed. After selecting a slot, the applicant will receive a confirmation message for their appointment.
3) QDC Application Form
The form should be completed and signed by both the main cardholder and the joint cardholder, if applicable.
Download QDC License or Permit application form here.
4)Visit QDC Store to Submit QDC License Application Form
Applicants need to bring the completed application form and required documents to the QDC license office, take a token from the reception, and submit their documents to the staff for verification and approval. A photo will be taken on the spot.
5)License Fee for QDC Permit
Once the application is approved, the applicant must pay an annual license fee based on the pro-rata calculation of the validity of their Qatar Residence Permit. The fee is non-refundable if the membership is cancelled or terminated.
NOTE: The license fee must be paid through debit or credit card transactions and cannot be paid in cash.
Be Patience and wait for the License now. Congratulations!!!
QDC License Validity
The expiry date will be shown in the format MM/YY. The permit will be valid up until the last day of the month shown. The following table shows the term and conditions of the validity of the QDC license:
| QID Validity | Permit validity issuance guide |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 Months only | Not allowed, please renew QID prior to application or renewal. |
| 3 to 11 months | Customers are to pay the pro-rated license fee in full. |
| 12 to 48 months | Customers can choose a number of months from 1 year to the full validity of their QID. Less than 12 months of permit validity is not allowed for this scenario |
After the expiration date (last day of the month in the format of MM/YY), the permit holder is allowed one purchase within 30 days. To utilize this option, a confirmed retail store appointment must be scheduled before the permit expires.
QDC Joint Permit Card for Spouses Only
To get a joint Qatar distribution company (QDC) permit for spouses, please follow the instructions below:
How to Renew QDC License or Permit?
Renewing your QDC license or permit is an important process that must be completed before it expires. The renewal process is simple and can be done online via the QDC website. Here are the steps you need to follow to renew your QDC license or permit:
- Visit QDC official website: www.qdc.com.qa
- Fill up the complete details, and captcha and click “Next”
- If there are any changes to the applicant’s circumstances, such as employment details, they need to submit all the required documents again and provide a new NOC letter from their current employer.
- If the applicant’s employer or sponsorship is the same as the previous permit, they can renew their permit by presenting their renewed Qatar ID only, for both the main and joint card holders.
- For those under family sponsorship or permanent residency, a new NOC letter from the employer and the latest QID is required for each renewal.
- The Qatar Residence Permit must be valid for at least two months.
QDC Locations in Qatar
Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) is the only licensed retail distributor of alcohol in Qatar. With the growing expat community and tourism industry in Qatar, QDC has expanded its operations to cater to the increasing demand for alcohol.
QDC has opened two physical store locations in Qatar, in addition to its partnerships with select hotels throughout the country. These stores provide residents and visitors with a wide range of alcoholic beverages from around the world, as well as non-alcoholic drinks and other goods. Let’s take a closer look at these QDC store locations and what they have to offer.
QDC West Bay Store
Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) has recently opened a new store located in the West Bay Hotel Park in the car parking area. To access the store, visitors should enter through the Sheraton Road hotel car park entrance and proceed to Basement Level 1. Designated car park spots are available for QDC customers. The new store offers a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as other goods.
You can not get a permit from this store yet.
- Contact #: +974 4469 9412
- Address: 8G9M+HH7, Doha, Qatar
QDC Abu Humour Store
It is an old store from where you can get a QDC License (permit) and a retail store. Following are the details:
- Contact #: +974 44699412
- Address: Plot # 15, Street # 668 Zone 56, Abu Hamour, Doha, Qatar
QDC Qatar Distribution Centre
Qatar Distribution Company Office Timings
QDC office timings are as follows:
| Days | Working Hours |
|---|---|
| Saturday – Thursday | 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM |
| Friday | 01:00 PM to 9:30 PM |
Rules for QDC Permit or License
The QDC has established specific rules and regulations that must be followed to obtain and maintain a permit. Failure to comply with these rules may result in fines or revocation of the permit. In this regard, here are some of the key rules that must be adhered to for obtaining and maintaining a QDC permit.
- Permits are for personal use only
- Purchases made with a QDC permit must be taken directly to the permit holder’s residence and concealed from public view during transit.
- The permit holder and purchased goods must be transported in the same vehicle.
- Alcohol can only be consumed at the permit holder’s residence.
- It is strictly forbidden to give alcohol to others whether by sale or gift.
- You cannot purchase without your permit card.
- Only main and joint permit cardholders are allowed inside the shop. No guests, spouses without joint cards, or children of any age will be allowed to enter the shop.
- Pork products are sold to Non-Muslims only
- Any transfers observed on our premises will result in the suspension or cancellation of the permit
- Management reserves the right to refuse, cancel any membership or refuse entry to the premises.
Disclaimer: QDC will not be responsible for any violation of these rules or misuse of alcohol in any way. QDC reserves the right to cancel permits at any time and to confiscate any associated fees
My permit expired 2 years before. I want to renew it again what I have to do for that
Hello Sujith,
You can renew your QDC permit online by visiting qdc website or book an appointment to renew in person. Thank you