MOI SSD CCTV Approval in Qatar (2025):
Step-by-Step Process & Common Mistakes

Installing a CCTV system in Qatar without MOI SSD approval can cost you more than just money. Think fines, shutdowns, or worse, a revoked business license. Many businesses unknowingly make mistakes that delay or block their approval. This guide breaks down the full process, the requirements, and how to get it right the first time.

Read Why Every Business in Qatar Needs a Security System to see why CCTV isn’t optional.

What Is MOI SSD Approval for CCTV in Qatar?

MOI SSD approval is a legal certification from Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MOI), managed by the Security Systems Department (SSD). It ensures that your CCTV system meets national safety, privacy, and technical standards.

If your system doesn’t have this approval, it’s considered illegal. That means fines, forced removal, and even business disruption. Approval is required for installing, operating, and maintaining CCTV systems across various sectors, including retail, hospitality, finance, and logistics.

The rules come under Law No. 9 of 2011, which outlines:

  • Where cameras must be placed
  • What specs your equipment needs to meet
  • How long must data be stored
  • Privacy protections

In short, if your business falls under a regulated category, MOI SSD approval is not optional; it’s the law.

High-tech CCTV monitoring a smart city at night with digital data streams and network nodes.
Dome CCTV camera installed in a modern office in Qatar to support 24/7 surveillance and MOI compliance.

Is MOI SSD CCTV Approval Mandatory in Qatar?

Yes. MOI SSD CCTV approval is legally required for all regulated properties in Qatar- including hotels, malls, clinics, banks, and logistics hubs. This applies to both new installations and existing systems that are being upgraded.

Skip this process, and you could face:

  • Financial penalties
  • Suspension of your commercial license
  • A complete shutdown of operations

The bottom line? If your site needs surveillance, it needs approval.

Top 5 MOI Requirements for a CCTV System in Qatar

To be approved, your CCTV system must meet specific criteria around equipment, coverage, and documentation. Compliance requires approved hardware, professional installation, complete coverage, and detailed documentation. Let’s break down the top five things for an approval-worthy CCTV system:

1. Certified Contractors & Equipment

Only MOI-accredited companies can design and install CCTV systems. They must also use cameras and equipment that are on the MOI-approved list.

3. Technical Standards

Your system must include:

  • Minimum 2MP resolution for facial and license plate recognition
  • Storage for at least 90–120 days of footage
  • Secure, IP-based systems with access control and encryption

4. Full Coverage, Zero Blind Spots

Entrances, exits, parking areas, and public zones must be fully covered. No cameras are allowed in private spaces like restrooms, changing rooms, or treatment areas.

2. Proper Documentation

You’ll need site plans, camera layouts, equipment lists, and authorization letters. All of this is submitted during the approval process.

image of premier infotech white logo

5. Ongoing Compliance

Once approved, you must maintain daily logs, renew contracts yearly, and pass periodic inspections.

Top 5 MOI Requirements for a CCTV System in Qatar

To be approved, your CCTV system must meet specific criteria around equipment, coverage, and documentation. Compliance requires approved hardware, professional installation, complete coverage, and detailed documentation. Let’s break down the top five things for an approval-worthy CCTV system:

1. Certified Contractors & Equipment

Only MOI-accredited companies can design and install CCTV systems. They must also use cameras and equipment that are on the MOI-approved list.

2. Proper Documentation

You’ll need site plans, camera layouts, equipment lists, and authorization letters. All of this is submitted during the approval process.

3. Technical Standards

Your system must include:

  • Minimum 2MP resolution for facial and license plate recognition
  • Storage for at least 90–120 days of footage
  • Secure, IP-based systems with access control and encryption

4. Full Coverage, Zero Blind Spots

Entrances, exits, parking areas, and public zones must be fully covered. No cameras are allowed in private spaces like restrooms, changing rooms, or treatment areas.

5. Ongoing Compliance

Once approved, you must maintain daily logs, renew contracts yearly, and pass periodic inspections.

A secure CCTV system needs a secure network. See the latest threats, laws, and protection strategies.

Step-by-Step MOI SSD CCTV Approval Process in Qatar

To get MOI SSD approval in Qatar, you must follow a two-phase process: design approval and final inspection. This includes hiring an approved contractor, submitting detailed system designs, installing MOI-compliant equipment, passing an official inspection, and maintaining daily logs for continued compliance. Here’s how the full process works, from hiring a contractor to getting your approval certificate:

Step 1: Hire an Approved CCTV Contractor

You can’t do this alone. The first step is hiring a licensed contractor approved by the MOI SSD, like Premier Infotech.

Step 2: Site Survey and Consultation

The contractor visits your site, maps out coverage areas, identifies key risks, and plans ideal camera placements.

Step 3: Design and Documentation

The contractor prepares CAD drawings, equipment specs, coverage diagrams, network layouts, and required documents:

  • Site plan with camera placement
  • Equipment list with specs and model numbers
  • Contracts, commercial license, and site ownership proof
  • Maintenance plan and SLA

Step 4: Online Design Approval Submission

Your contractor submits the entire design package on the MOI e-services portal under “Drawing Approval Design Phase.”

Step 5: MOI SSD Review and Feedback

MOI may request changes or reject the design. Your contractor revises and resubmits until approval is granted.

High-resolution CCTV demands a fast, stable network. See how to upgrade from copper to fiber without downtime.

Step 6: System Installation

Once you get design approval, the contractor installs the system exactly as planned. No changes allowed without re-approval.

Step 7: Request Final Inspection

When the system is fully installed and functional, your contractor submits an Inspection Request (IR) via the MOI portal.

Step 8: On-Site Inspection by MOI

MOI inspectors visit your site to verify the system matches approved designs. They check camera quality, positioning, storage, control room setup, and live performance.

Step 9: Approval Certificate Issued

If everything checks out, MOI SSD issues the official approval certificate. Your system is now legal.

Step 10: Ongoing Maintenance

You must maintain:

  • Daily operation logbooks
  • Valid annual maintenance contract
  • System health and performance for annual re-inspections

Why Applications Get Rejected

Most rejections are caused by missing documents, unapproved equipment, or incorrect system design. Even with the right intentions, many applications get rejected. 

Common issues include:

  • Missing or Wrong Documents: Expired licenses, missing equipment specs, or incorrect addresses
  • Non-Compliant Equipment: Cameras not on the approved list or inadequate specs
  • Poor Design: Blind spots, unclear coverage plans, or cameras in private areas
  • Low Storage: Less than 120 days of video retention
  • DIY Installs: Not using an MOI-approved contractor is an instant rejection
  • Installation Errors: Cameras installed in the wrong place or wrong angle
  • Inadequate Power Backup: No UPS or RAID configuration where required
  • Bad Drawings or Layouts: Poor-quality CAD files or missing diagrams

Avoiding these issues comes down to one thing: hiring the right partner who knows the system inside and out.

Certified CCTV consultant in Qatar mounting a camera as part of system approval process.

Get MOI SSD Approval with Premier Infotech

The MOI approval process can be technical, time-consuming, and frustrating if you’re navigating it alone. That’s where Premier Infotech comes in.

As a fully MOI SSD-approved CCTV contractor, we offer end-to-end service:

  • Site survey, design, and documentation
  • MOI-compliant equipment and installation
  • Submission, revisions, and inspection handling
  • Ongoing support and maintenance

We’ve helped thousands of clients across Qatar get MOI approval without delays, errors, or surprise rejections. From retail outlets and warehouses to clinics and hospitality spaces, we know what works.

Don’t gamble with your business. Let Premier Infotech help you stay compliant and secure.
Contact us today for a free site visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minimum 2MP resolution, full coverage without blind spots, 120-day storage, and an IP-based system with proper power backup.

No. Wired, IP-based systems are preferred and often required for stability and data security.

Law No. 9 of 2011. It mandates CCTV installation in certain sectors, MOI SSD approval, and specific rules for design, privacy, and data retention.

At least 120 days of continuous, 24/7 recording is mandatory.

Yes. Without MOI SSD approval, your CCTV system is considered illegal. Non-compliance can lead to serious legal and financial consequences.