Planning to launch a film studio, a podcast network, a gaming venture, an ad agency or a publishing house in Qatar? Media City Qatar (MCQ) could be your entry point. It is a specialised hub and statutory authority that licenses and oversees companies operating within its media ecosystem, with benefits that include 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions under the Media City law and a largely digital setup process managed in partnership with the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC).
This guide covers Media City Qatar: licensing for media and creative businesses in plain terms — what MCQ licenses, the advantages available, the step-by-step application process, what it may cost and where to go for help. It is written for founders and creatives who are new to setting up in Doha.
What is Media City Qatar?
Media City Qatar was established under Law No. 13 of 2019 as a specialised hub for media, creative industries and related technology businesses. MCQ describes its role as a regulator, developer and investor in Qatar’s media cluster.
Its responsibilities include supporting the growth of Qatar’s creative economy and licensing and overseeing companies operating within its ecosystem. However, it is not the only authority responsible for media-related activities in Qatar. Certain activities may instead be licensed through the Ministry of Culture or other relevant government bodies.
Importantly, MCQ does not work like a standard mainland company setup or a conventional free zone administered by the Qatar Free Zones Authority. Companies accepted through the MCQ–QFC partnership are incorporated through the Qatar Financial Centre, which operates as an onshore business and legal jurisdiction.
You will not normally use Metrash2, Hukoomi or the Ministry of Interior portal to submit the initial MCQ company formation application. Instead, the process begins with MCQ, followed by incorporation and licensing through QFC’s digital platform.
However, Metrash2, Ministry of Interior services and other government systems may still be needed later for certain immigration, residency, labour, computer-card or authorised-signatory procedures.
Who is MCQ for? Activities you can licence
MCQ is designed for a wide range of modern media, content, communications and creative-technology businesses. Whether your company qualifies will depend on the proposed activity, business model and MCQ’s assessment.
Digital content and production
- Film and television production — studios, production houses and post-production services
- Online video and streaming — digital content, OTT services and web-based productions
- Podcasts and audio — recording, production and distribution, subject to activity approval
- Gaming and interactive media — game-development studios, gaming content and esports-related media
Publishing, broadcasting and data
- Digital news and magazine publishing
- Print and ebook publishing, subject to the required approvals
- Broadcasting and related media services
- Media technology, data platforms and content infrastructure
Advertising, marketing and digital platforms
- Advertising and creative agencies
- Marketing, communications and public relations services, subject to approval
- Media buying and campaign-management services
- Digital platforms, software and tools connected to media and content creation
MCQ’s publicly stated focus areas include television and video production, OTT content, electronic publishing, gaming studios, user-generated content, global film and series production, media innovation and media-technology businesses.
Not sure whether your idea fits? MCQ reviews applications individually, so founders with niche or emerging media concepts should submit an enquiry and request confirmation of the exact permitted activity.
The big advantages: dual licence, 100% ownership and tax benefits
The main reason founders consider MCQ is the combination of media-sector support and the MCQ–QFC licensing partnership.
Companies accepted through this route are generally registered through QFC and licensed by both MCQ and QFC.
100% foreign ownership
Eligible companies can be fully foreign-owned, meaning a Qatari shareholder, partner or sponsor is not normally required.
Tax exemption under the Media City law
Law No. 13 of 2019 provides qualifying MCQ companies with an exemption from income tax and other direct and indirect taxes for a statutory period of 20 years beginning from the date the law came into effect.
The exemption period may be renewed for a similar or shorter period through a decision by the Council of Ministers.
This does not necessarily mean that every company established today receives a new 20-year tax holiday from its individual incorporation date. Applicants should confirm with MCQ and QFC how the remaining statutory exemption period applies to their company and activity.
This distinction matters because the standard QFC corporate tax regime generally applies a 10% tax on locally sourced taxable profits unless a specific exemption or concession applies.
QFC legal and regulatory framework
The company is incorporated within QFC’s internationally recognised, common-law-based onshore framework while also remaining subject to MCQ’s media licensing conditions, approved activities and compliance requirements.
QFC companies can also benefit from full repatriation of profits and returns, subject to applicable laws and regulations.
Together, these features can make the MCQ–QFC route attractive to international creative businesses entering the Gulf market and regional founders looking to establish a media company in Doha.
How to get a Media City Qatar licence — step by step
The initial application and company-registration process is designed to be handled largely online. Here is how it generally works:
Submit the “Start a Business” form
Begin through MCQ’s official platform by submitting information about your proposed company, activities, ownership and business model.
MCQ’s business development team reviews the proposal and may contact you for additional information or a discussion about your plans.
Get MCQ activity pre-approval
MCQ assesses whether your proposed activities fall within its media and creative-industries ecosystem.
If the concept is accepted, MCQ provides the sector pre-approval required to continue through the QFC company-registration process.
Complete QFC incorporation online
You then proceed through the QFC digital portal to complete the company-registration and licensing requirements.
Depending on the entity and activity, this may include:
- Registering the legal entity
- Providing shareholder and director information
- Submitting constitutional and ownership documents
- Applying for the relevant QFC licence
- Meeting any compliance or office requirements
- Paying the applicable fees
Receive the relevant licences
Once the application is approved, the company receives the relevant licensing documents from MCQ and QFC.
However, receiving the licences does not always mean every activity can begin immediately. The business may still need to complete post-registration conditions such as:
- QFC tax registration
- Office or workspace arrangements
- Immigration and residency procedures
- Establishment or computer-card requirements
- Auditor appointments
- Insurance requirements
- Activity-specific approvals or conditions
The company can begin operating once its applicable licensing conditions and post-registration requirements have been completed.
Because the main formation process is coordinated through MCQ and QFC, applicants generally avoid navigating the standard mainland incorporation route across several separate government platforms.
What does an MCQ licence cost?
MCQ does not currently publish one comprehensive, itemised fee table in Qatari riyals covering every possible media activity.
MCQ-related charges may vary depending on the business activity, company structure, workspace requirements and any incentive programme available at the time of application.
However, QFC publishes standard fees for many ordinary licensed limited liability companies.
These commonly include:
- Application fee: USD 500
- Annual fee: USD 5,000 for a company licensed for one business activity
- Additional business activities: USD 50 per additional activity
Different fees may apply to special legal structures, regulated activities, foundations, holding companies or businesses accepted through specific incentive programmes.
Applicants should also budget for possible costs related to office space, immigration, professional services, document certification, auditors, insurance and activity-specific approvals.
MCQ has previously offered significant fee incentives linked to major events.
During Web Summit Qatar 2026, held from 1 to 4 February 2026, applications submitted through the event-specific MCQ programme benefited from waivers covering application fees and initial and annual licensing fees for the first three years.
This was an event-linked programme and should not be treated as a permanent benefit available to every MCQ applicant.
QFC also offered a separate Web Summit incentive covering registration and annual renewal fees for the first three years for qualifying applicants.
Separately, the Ministry of Culture reduced a range of culture and media licensing fees in 2024 under Minister of Culture Decision No. 6 of 2024.
For advertising and public relations activities under the Ministry of Culture route, the licence issuance fee was reduced from QAR 25,000 to QAR 5,000, while the renewal fee was reduced from QAR 10,000 to QAR 5,000.
These Ministry of Culture fees apply to a different licensing route and should not be confused with MCQ or QFC charges.
Bottom line: ask MCQ and QFC for a complete written quotation early in the process and check whether an active incentive programme applies to your company.
Where is Media City Qatar based?
Media City Qatar was previously based in West Bay.
It is currently headquartered at Sikkat Wadi in Msheireb Downtown Doha, in Building Y01. MCQ moved into the 23,000-square-metre headquarters in autumn 2025, with partners and licensed companies being accommodated in phases.
Msheireb Downtown Doha is located in the centre of the capital and is accessible through Msheireb Station, the main interchange connecting the Doha Metro’s Red, Gold and Green lines.
If you plan to visit in person, contact MCQ first to confirm the relevant office, appointment arrangements and visitor access.
How to contact MCQ
The smoothest MCQ applications usually begin with an initial enquiry before company documents are prepared or submitted.
You can reach the team through:
Website: mediacity.qa
Phone: +974 4449 9501
Email: info@mediacity.qa
Address: Sikkat Wadi, Msheireb Downtown Doha, Building Y01
Start with the online “Start a Business” form if you already understand your proposed activity. Call or email MCQ first if you need confirmation that your business model qualifies.
FAQs
Do I need a local partner to set up a media company under MCQ?
Generally, no. Eligible MCQ companies registered through the QFC framework can have 100% foreign ownership, so a Qatari shareholder or sponsor is not normally required.
Is the setup done through Metrash2 or Hukoomi?
The initial company-registration and licensing application is handled through MCQ and QFC rather than through Metrash2, Hukoomi or the standard mainland incorporation process.
However, Metrash2, the Ministry of Interior and other government platforms may still be required for certain immigration, residency, labour or authorised-signatory procedures after the company is registered.
How long is the tax exemption?
Law No. 13 of 2019 provides qualifying MCQ companies with tax exemptions for a statutory period of 20 years beginning from the date the law took effect in 2019.
The period may be renewed through a decision by the Council of Ministers. Applicants should confirm how the remaining exemption period and tax treatment apply to their specific company.
What activities can I license?
Potential activities include film and television production, digital content, OTT services, podcasts, electronic publishing, gaming, advertising, sports media, content creation and media technology.
The exact activity wording and permitted scope are determined during the MCQ and QFC review process.
How much does an MCQ licence cost?
MCQ does not publish one fixed QAR fee list covering every activity.
On the QFC side, standard charges for many companies include a USD 500 application fee and a USD 5,000 annual fee for one licensed activity. MCQ charges, office costs, additional activities and incentive programmes may affect the final amount.
Request a complete tailored quotation before applying.
Where is MCQ located?
MCQ is headquartered at Sikkat Wadi in Msheireb Downtown Doha, Building Y01. It moved into the Msheireb headquarters in autumn 2025 after previously operating from West Bay.
Ready to build your media or creative venture in Doha? Find local companies to help with company formation, marketing and admin in our Qatar Living Services directory, or browse the latest jobs in Qatar on Qatar Living to build out your team.
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