Need to buy alcohol or pork products in Qatar but don’t know where to start? As a predominantly Muslim country, Qatar strictly regulates these items, making the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) license essential for legal purchase. Without this permit, you’ll face purchase restrictions, potential legal issues, and miss out on these products entirely.
How to Apply for QDC License or Renew it? (Short Answer)
Visit QDC’s website (qdc.com.qa), select “New Permit” or “Permit Renewal,” and enter your details. Book an appointment and bring your Qatar ID, employer letter stating your position and salary (minimum QR3,000), and completed application form. Pay the license fee (QR150-400) with a card. For renewals, update any changed employment information and provide your QID.
What is the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC)?
The Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) is the only authorized organization in Qatar that can legally import, distribute, and sell alcohol and pork products. As a government-owned entity, QDC operates retail outlets that offer a wide variety of beverages and specialty foods from around the world.
QDC enforces strict regulations for the sale of these products, including:
- Verifying customer permits before any purchase
- Limiting monthly purchase quotas
- Prohibiting public consumption of alcohol
- Providing a legal channel for non-Muslims to access these products
These measures ensure responsible consumption while respecting Qatar’s cultural and religious values.
Who Can Apply for a QDC License?
Not everyone qualifies for a QDC permit. You must meet these specific eligibility requirements:
Basic Eligibility Criteria:
- Nationality: Non-GCC citizen with a valid Qatar Residence Permit
- Age: Minimum 21 years old
- Income: Basic salary of at least QR 3,000 per month (excluding allowances)
- Legal Status: Clean criminal record with no previous convictions related to drugs or alcohol
- Residency: Valid Qatar ID with more than 2 months remaining validity (You can check the status of your Qatar ID using our Qatar ID Status Checker tool)
Special Cases for Non-Resident Applicants:
Some individuals working in Qatar on multi-entry or business visas may qualify if they:
- Have been residing in Qatar for at least 3 months
- Live in private accommodation (not hotels)
- Can provide written confirmation of these details from their Qatar-based employer or sponsor
Documents Required for QDC License Application
Gathering the correct documents is crucial for a successful application. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Employer Letter (NOC)
The most important document is a letter from your employer that must:
- Be written in English on official company letterhead
- Be signed and stamped by an authorized signatory
- Be dated within the last three months
- Be addressed to “Qatar Distribution Company” or “To Whom It May Concern”
The letter must clearly state:
- Your full name
- Your job position
- Your basic salary (minimum QR 3,000)
- Your accommodation status (whether you receive a housing allowance or company-provided accommodation)
- Your marital status (single or married)
2. Qatar ID or Passport
- Original Qatar ID (QID) or passport with valid residence permit
- Must have at least 2 months validity remaining
3. QDC Application Form
- Complete and sign the application form
- If applying for a joint permit with your spouse, both parties must sign
4. Additional Documents (may be requested)
- Bank statements
- Employment contract
- Company Commercial Registration (CR) copy
How to Apply for a QDC License: Step-by-Step Process
The application process requires booking an online appointment and visiting QDC in person. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Book an Appointment Online
- Visit the QDC website at www.qdc.com.qa
- Select “New Permit” from the homepage options
- Click “Next” to proceed to the application form
Step 2: Fill Out the Online Form
- Enter your full name, QID number, email address, and mobile number
- Complete the captcha verification
- Click “Next” to continue
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
- Check your email for a one-time password (OTP)
- Enter this OTP on the website verification page
- Click “Verify” to proceed
Step 4: Select an Appointment Date and Time
- Browse available appointment slots on the calendar
- Select your preferred date and time
- Confirm that you’ve read the important information
- Click “Confirm” to finalize your appointment booking
- You’ll receive a confirmation message and email with appointment details
Step 5: Prepare Your Documents
- Download and print the QDC application form (sent to your email)
- Fill out all required sections completely
- Gather all necessary supporting documents
- Print your appointment confirmation email
Step 6: Visit QDC on Your Appointment Date
- Bring all prepared documents to the QDC permit office at the scheduled time
- Take a token number from the reception desk
- Wait for your number to be called
- Submit your application and documents to the staff
- They will verify your information and take your photograph on-site
Step 7: Pay the License Fee and Receive Your Card
- Upon approval, pay the annual license fee using a credit or debit card (cash is not accepted)
- Your QDC permit card will be printed and issued the same day
- Confirm your monthly quota and understand the usage rules
QDC License Fees and Validity
The QDC license fee varies based on the duration of your permit:
| Permit Validity | Annual Fee |
| 1st year | QR 150 |
| 2nd year | QR 250 |
| 3rd year | QR 350 |
| 4th year | QR 400 |
Important notes about validity:
- Your permit will only be issued up to the maximum duration of your Qatar ID
- The expiry date appears in MM/YY format on your card
- The permit remains valid until the last day of the expiry month
- You’re allowed one purchase within 30 days after expiration if you book a store appointment before the card expires
- License fees are non-refundable if membership is canceled or terminated
QDC Joint Permit for Spouses
Married permit holders can request an additional card for their spouse:
- The spouse must have a valid Qatar Residence Permit
- Both the main cardholder and spouse must apply in person together
- If the spouse is not under the main cardholder’s sponsorship, proof of marriage is required
- Only one permit per family is allowed
This joint card allows either spouse to make purchases up to the household’s monthly quota.
How to Renew Your QDC License?
Renewing your QDC license is straightforward if your circumstances haven’t changed:
Online Renewal Process (No Changes in Employment):
- Visit www.qdc.com.qa
- Select “Permit Renewal” and click “Next”
- Enter your permit number, QID, mobile number, and email
- Complete the captcha verification and click “Login”
- Enter the OTP received via email and click “Verify”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
- Pay the renewal fee online using a credit or debit card
Renewal with Changed Circumstances:
If your employment details, salary, or accommodation status has changed:
- Book an appointment through the QDC website
- Obtain a new NOC letter from your current employer
- Complete a new application form
- Visit the QDC permit office on your appointment date
- Submit all updated documents
- Pay the renewal fee and receive your updated permit
Special Cases:
- Family Sponsorship/Permanent Residency: A new NOC letter from your employer and your latest QID are required for each renewal
- QID Validity: Your Qatar ID must have at least 2 months validity remaining. If it has expired, check out our guide on how to renew your Qatar ID.
- Proxy Renewal: If the main cardholder cannot be present, an authorization letter and a copy of their QID are required
QDC Store Locations and Working Hours
QDC operates two retail outlets in Qatar:
QDC Abu Hamour Store
- Address: Plot #15, Street #668, Zone 56, Abu Hamour, Doha (near Safari Mall)
- Contact: +974 4469 9412
- Services: Retail store and permit office
QDC West Bay Store
- Address: West Bay Hotel Park, Basement Level 1, Sheraton Road
- Contact: +974 4469 9412
- Important Note: This location is only accessible by vehicle; pedestrians cannot enter
- Services: Retail store only (no permit office)
Purchase Limits at West Bay Branch:
- Beer: 3 cases only (per item)
- Spirits: 6 bottles only (per item)
- Wines: No limit
Working Hours for Both Locations:
- Saturday – Thursday: 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Friday: 1:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Non-permit holder food sales (Abu Hamour only): Friday 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
How to Shop from QDC?
Once you have your QDC permit, you can purchase products in two ways:
In-Person Shopping:
- Book an appointment through the QDC website
- Bring your QDC permit card to the store
- Select your products while staying within your monthly quota
- Pay for your purchases using a credit/debit card
- Take your purchases directly to your residence
Online Click & Collect:
QDC offers a convenient pre-order service:
- Visit the QDC website and select “Online Shopping”
- Log in with your permit details
- Select a collection date and time
- Browse and add items to your cart (staying within your quota limit)
- Review your order and pay online
- Visit the QDC store at your selected time to collect your order
Important notes about Click & Collect:
- Orders can be canceled up to 24 hours before collection
- Collection dates can be changed up to 24 hours before the scheduled time
- Orders cannot be modified after submission
- Only the main or joint cardholder can collect the order
- Pork products are not available for online purchase
Important Rules for QDC Permit Holders
QDC enforces strict regulations that all permit holders must follow:
- Personal Use Only: Permits are for personal consumption only
- No Transfers: It’s forbidden to give alcohol to others, whether by sale or gift
- Transportation Rules:
- Purchases must be taken directly to your residence
- Items must be concealed from public view during transit
- The permit holder and purchased goods must be in the same vehicle
- Consumption Restrictions: Alcohol can only be consumed at your residence
- Identification Requirements: You cannot purchase without your permit card
- Access Limitations: Only main and joint cardholders are allowed inside the shop (no guests, spouses without joint cards, or children)
- Product Restrictions: Pork products are sold to non-Muslims only
- Violation Consequences: Any transfers observed on QDC premises will result in permit suspension or cancellation
What to Do If You Lose Your QDC Card?
If your permit card is lost or stolen:
- Immediate Notification: Email QDC at [email protected] so they can disable the lost card
- Replacement Process:
- Book a Retail Store Visit appointment
- Visit the Permit Office with your QID or Qatar driving license or passport
- Pay the replacement fee
- Card Status:
- If the permit is still valid, a new card will be issued with the same number but a new code
- If the old card is found, discard it as the code will be disabled
- If the permit has expired, renew it before requesting a replacement
QDC During Ramadan
QDC typically closes during the entire month of Ramadan. However, permit holders are usually allowed to purchase double or triple their monthly quota in the month preceding Ramadan to prepare for the closure.
How to Cancel Your QDC Permit
There are two ways to cancel your QDC permit:
- In-Person Cancellation: Visit the QDC permit office to surrender your card and request cancellation
- Remote Cancellation: If you cannot visit in person or have left Qatar, email [email protected] with your permit details
Legal Cautions for Permit Holders
Qatar has strict laws regarding alcohol consumption:
- Zero Tolerance for Drinking and Driving: Offenders face jail terms from one month to three years, fines, or both
- Public Intoxication: Qatar Penal Laws Article 270 penalizes anyone found drunk on public streets or disturbing others with a QR 3,000 fine or up to six months in prison
- Potential Deportation: Foreign nationals may face deportation for alcohol-related offenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I visit QDC if I forgot my permit card?
Yes, you can visit the permit office with a valid QID to request a one-day temporary pass.
Q: Can someone else collect my online order?
No, only the main cardholder or joint cardholder can collect an order.
Q: Does QDC offer home delivery?
No, QDC does not provide home delivery. You must collect your purchases in person.
Q: What happens to my permit if I leave Qatar temporarily?
Your permit remains valid until its expiration date, regardless of temporary travel.
Q: Can I apply for a QDC permit if I’m Muslim?
QDC permits are available to eligible non-Muslims. Islam prohibits alcohol consumption.
Q: How do I check my remaining monthly quota?
Your quota status is visible when you log into your account on the QDC website or when you make a purchase at the store.
Abdullah Hasham is an expat living in Qatar and the founder of Qatar Navigate. Drawing from his own experiences, he creates practical, easy-to-follow guides to help others settle in, explore, and thrive in Qatar. His goal is to make everyday life simpler for fellow expats, residents, and newcomers alike.