Although Qatar is a Muslim country where drinking alcohol and eating pork are generally forbidden under Islamic law, the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) allows these products to be sold legally. To buy anything from QDC, you must first get a QDC license.
The sale of alcohol and pork in Qatar often sparks debate. Some people think it goes against Islamic traditions, while others believe it’s a fair way to meet the needs of non-Muslim residents and visitors. Still, the QDC online appointment system stays busy as many continue to use it to purchase these products legally and responsibly.
What is QDC?
The Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) is a government-run organization that handles the legal sale of alcohol and pork in Qatar. It manages several retail stores across the country, offering a wide range of drinks and meats imported from different parts of the world.
QDC encourages responsible consumption and follows strict rules for selling alcohol. Every buyer must have a valid permit, follow purchase limits, and never drink in public. Through these guidelines, QDC ensures that non-Muslims can safely and legally buy these products within Qatar.
Who can apply for a QDC License or Permit?
To get a QDC (Qatar Distribution Company) license or permit, you need to meet specific eligibility rules. Applicants must be non-GCC citizens, at least 21 years old, and hold a valid Qatar Residence Permit (QID/RP). You should also have lived in Qatar for at least three months and earn a minimum basic salary of QAR 2,500 per month, not counting allowances.
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: Must be 21 years or older
- Nationality: Only non-GCC residents can apply
- Residency: A valid Qatar ID or Residence Permit and at least three months of stay in Qatar
- Income: Minimum basic salary of QAR 2,500 per month (excluding allowances)
- Criminal Record: Must have a clean record with no past offenses related to drugs or alcohol
QDC License Documents and Requirements for New Permit
To apply for a new QDC (Qatar Distribution Company) permit, you must be a non-GCC national aged 21 or older with a valid Qatar Residence Permit. Your basic monthly salary should be between QR 2,500 and QR 3,000, and you must have a clean criminal record.
You’ll need to provide several documents, including your Qatar ID, a letter from your employer confirming your job title, salary, and housing details, and in some cases, your passport. The permit’s validity will match the expiry of your Qatar ID, and a security deposit may also be required during the application process.
1) Letter from Employer
You’ll need to submit an official letter from your employer, written in English on the company’s letterhead, and signed and stamped by an authorized representative. This No Objection Certificate (NOC) must be issued within the last three months and addressed either to the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) or “To Whom It May Concern.” The letter should clearly confirm your identity and permission to apply for and purchase alcohol through QDC.
- Position: Mention your current job title.
- Basic Salary: Minimum salary must be QR 3,000 per month (the word basic should appear on your salary slip).
- Accommodation Entitlement: Specify whether you receive a housing allowance or if your company provides accommodation.
- Marital Status: Clearly indicate whether you are single or married.
Note: A “To Whom It May Concern” letter is acceptable as long as your employer or sponsor has no objection to its use for QDC licensing purposes.
2) Age and Qatar ID/Passport
To apply for a QDC license, you must present your original Qatar ID or passport with a valid Residence Permit (RP). In exceptional cases, if you don’t have a Qatar ID or RP, you may still be eligible to apply—such as when you’re working in Qatar under a multi-entry or business visa and meet other necessary conditions.
The minimum age requirement is 21 years. You must also have lived in Qatar for at least three months before applying. Additionally, private accommodation is mandatory for QDC applicants; those residing in hotels are not eligible. Your employer or sponsor must confirm your personal details in writing to support your license application.
How to Apply for a QDC License in Qatar?
If you meet the QDC license eligibility requirements, you can easily apply online and visit the QDC office to complete the process. Follow these steps carefully:
- Visit the official QDC website – Go to www.qdc.com.qa.
- On the homepage, choose “New Permit” and click “Next.”
- Fill in your personal details, complete all required fields, enter the captcha code, and click “Next.”
- Check your email for a One-Time Password (OTP) sent by QDC, then enter it to verify your email address.
- Once verified, select your preferred date and time for your appointment to submit the application in person.
- After confirming that you’ve read all the important guidelines, the available appointment slots will appear.
- Choose your slot, confirm it, and you’ll receive an appointment confirmation message from QDC.
Bring all required documents with you on your appointment day to complete the verification and submit your QDC license application successfully.
3) QDC Application Form
You’ll need to fill out the official QDC license application form completely and accurately. Make sure all personal details match your Qatar ID and employer letter. If you’re applying for a joint permit, both the main cardholder and the spouse (joint cardholder) must sign the form before submission.
You can download the QDC License or Permit Application Form directly from the official website: www.qdc.com.qa.
4)Visit QDC Store to Submit QDC License Application Form
Applicants must bring the completed QDC application form along with all required documents to the QDC license office on their scheduled appointment day. Upon arrival, take a token from the reception counter and wait for your turn. When called, submit your documents to the staff for verification and approval. Once everything is checked, a photo will be taken on-site to finalize your application process.
5)License Fee for QDC Permit
After your QDC application is approved, you’ll need to pay the annual license fee, which is calculated pro-rata according to the remaining validity of your Qatar Residence Permit (QID). Keep in mind that the fee is non-refundable if your permit is cancelled or terminated for any reason.
Important: Payments are accepted only by debit or credit card—cash payments are not allowed.
Once payment is completed, all you have to do is wait for your license approval. Congratulations on successfully applying for your QDC permit!
QDC License Validity
The QDC license expiry date appears in the MM/YY format and remains valid until the last day of that month. The duration of your QDC permit depends on the validity of your Qatar ID (QID). Here’s how it works:
| QID Validity | Permit Validity Guide |
| 1–2 months | Not eligible. You must renew your QID before applying or renewing your QDC license. |
| 3–11 months | You’ll need to pay the full pro-rated license fee based on your remaining QID validity. |
| 12–48 months | You can choose a validity period ranging from 1 year up to the full QID duration, but it must be at least 12 months. |
Your QDC permit will always align with your QID’s validity, ensuring both documents expire around the same time.
QDC Joint Permit Card for Spouses Only
To apply for a joint QDC permit in Qatar, both the main permit holder and their spouse must visit the QDC office together. The spouse should have a valid Qatar Residence Permit, and if they aren’t under the same sponsorship, proof of marriage is required. Keep in mind, only one permit can be issued per family.
A QDC joint permit card gives both spouses access to the QDC store, allowing either to make purchases within the family’s monthly quota. The main applicant must meet the required salary criteria, hold a valid residence permit, and be over 21 years old.
How to Renew QDC License or Permit?
Choose “Permit Renewal”, then log in using your permit number, QID, mobile number, and email address. Follow the guided steps, which may include uploading your renewed QID or updated employment details. Complete the process by paying the renewal fee online through a credit or debit card to finalize your renewal.
Step-by-step QDC Renewal Guide
Go to the QDC website: Visit www.qdc.com.qa.
Select the renewal option: Click “Permit Renewal” and then choose “Next.”
Log in: Enter your permit number, QID, mobile number, and email. Complete the captcha verification and click “Login.”
Verify with OTP: Check your email for a One-Time Password (OTP) and enter it on the site to confirm your identity.
Update details (if applicable):
- If your QID has been renewed, upload copies of the front and back.
- If your job, salary, or accommodation has changed, upload updated documents as per QDC’s requirements.
- If you’re under family sponsorship, attach a new employer letter and updated QID.
Complete payment: After your application is approved, a payment link will be sent via email. Pay the renewal fee online with a credit or debit card.
Confirmation: Once payment is processed, your QDC permit will be renewed. You’ll receive a confirmation email, and your existing physical card will stay valid for continued use.
QDC Locations in Qatar
Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) is the sole authorized retailer of alcohol in Qatar. As the expat population and tourism sector continue to grow, QDC has broadened its operations to meet the rising demand for alcoholic products in the country.
Currently, QDC operates two main retail outlets across Qatar, complemented by partnerships with select hotels that hold serving licenses. These stores offer an extensive selection of international alcoholic beverages, along with non-alcoholic options and other related products. Let’s explore these QDC store locations in detail and discover what each one provides to residents and visitors alike.
QDC West Bay Store
Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) has launched a brand-new outlet at West Bay Hotel Park, conveniently located in the car parking area. Customers can access the store via the Sheraton Road hotel car park entrance and proceed to Basement Level 1, where dedicated parking spaces are reserved for QDC visitors.
This modern store features an impressive selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, along with a variety of premium goods. However, please note that permit applications or renewals cannot be processed at this location.
- 📞 Contact: +974 4469 9412
- 📍 Address: 8G9M+HH7, Doha, Qatar
QDC Abu Humour Store
QDC Abu Hamour Store is the main and oldest Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) outlet in the country. This branch serves as both a retail store and the official permit-issuing center where customers can apply for, renew, or update their QDC licenses. It offers a full range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, along with related goods.
📞 Contact: +974 4469 9412
📍 Address: Plot #15, Street #668, Zone 56, Abu Hamour, Doha, Qatar
This location remains the central hub for all QDC Qatar Distribution Centre services and customer support.
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 Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) enforces strict rules to ensure responsible use of permits and prevent misuse. Anyone applying for or holding a QDC license must follow these regulations carefully. Failure to do so may lead to fines, suspension, or cancellation of the permit.
Key Rules for QDC Permit Holders:
- Permits are issued for personal use only and cannot be shared or transferred.
- All purchases must go directly to the permit holder’s residence and stay out of public view during transport.
- The permit holder and the items must travel in the same vehicle.
- Alcohol is permitted only for home consumption by the license holder.
- It’s strictly prohibited to sell, share, or gift alcohol to anyone else.
- Permit cards are mandatory for all purchases.
- Only the main and joint cardholders may enter QDC stores—no guests, children, or spouses without a joint card.
- Pork products are sold exclusively to non-Muslims.
- Any unauthorized product transfers on QDC premises will result in immediate suspension or cancellation of the license.
- QDC management reserves full authority to deny entry, cancel memberships, or refuse service at any time.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the monthly quota of permits?
Each QDC permit holder receives a monthly purchase quota based on their basic salary and marital status. The allowance determines how much alcohol can be bought per month, and unused quota doesn’t roll over to the next month.
Q: My permit card has an expiry date printed on it, can I still use this card?
Yes, you can continue using the same physical permit card even after the printed expiry date, as long as your permit has been renewed online and remains valid in the QDC system.
Q: Can someone collect my order for me?
No, only the permit holder or joint cardholder can collect purchases. Orders cannot be collected by friends, drivers, or family members who are not listed on the permit.
Q: Does QDC offer home delivery?
No, QDC does not provide home delivery services. All purchases must be made in person at the QDC store by the authorized permit holder.
Mr. Ajmal is an experienced writer and editor specializing in technology and digital trends. With over 5 years of experience, he produces insightful articles on emerging tech, consumer electronics, and digital culture. Ajmal holds a degree in journalism and is passionate about making complex topics accessible to readers.