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Get your free consultation today!Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) is the world's first comprehensive healthcare and wellness-free zone in the Middle East's most important commercial and tourism district. Established in 2002, DHCC brings together important healthcare services and attracts leading companies from around the globe and the region. It is a prime example of a successful initiative for company formation in Dubai Free Zone. It includes various businesses, such as hospitals, clinics, hotels, consulting firms, and retail shops, creating a vibrant community focused on health and wellness. The Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA) manages DHCC, providing support to help businesses set up and succeed in this unique environment.
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) offers a unique environment for healthcare firms, offering various benefits to aid their expansion and achievement. Companies can take advantage of various financial, operational, and strategic benefits by setting up operations in DHCC.
These benefits make DHCC a great choice for healthcare companies looking to succeed in the Middle East.
In DHCC, a diverse range of commercial activities is permitted within both clinical and non-clinical categories. Each category contains the following activities:
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) provides commercial licenses for clinical and non-clinical facilities. The type of legal framework for setting up a company depends on its activities and can include the following options:
Obtaining a healthcare license in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) is crucial for clinical and non-clinical businesses looking to operate in the top healthcare ecosystem. The Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA) licensing process is supervised to ensure that entities comply with regulations and enhance healthcare services in the region. Here’s a brief guide to the healthcare licensing process in DHCC:
The Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) welcomes joint venture proposals and provides a range of attractive options for leasing or purchasing land in both Phase 1 and Phase 2. This flexibility allows businesses to find the right space to meet their needs while benefiting from the strategic location and resources available within DHCC.
DHCC Phase 1 covers 4.1 million square feet in Oud Metha and focuses on healthcare and medical education. This lively community is dedicated to providing excellent care and is home to many accredited hospitals and clinics that aim to help patients heal and feel better. It brings together skilled healthcare professionals and uses the latest technology from international healthcare organisations, local hospitals, and specialized clinics. For residents and visitors, Phase 1 offers access to patient-centered care based on evidence and research, while also allowing potential partners to connect with a wide network of knowledge and expertise. As DHCC continues to grow, it remains committed to promoting health and wellness for everyone in the community.
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) Phase 2 covers approximately 22 million square feet and includes spectacular vistas of Dubai Creek and the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. This area is designed as an urban oasis for partners, businesses, residents, and visitors, promoting a healthy lifestyle and sustainable design. Already home to several famous universities, Phase 2 promotes worldwide innovation in healthcare and wellness themes.
The area includes various clinical spaces and day surgical centers, pharmacies, medical equipment providers, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare recruiters, and consultants, all working together to support patients and healthcare professionals.
offices are available in fifteen modern buildings, each catering to different business needs, along with ample reserved indoor and outdoor parking.
Long-term Leasing Solutions
Leases are available for plots that meet the needs of businesses, offering an average gross floor space of 100,000 square feet and a potential height of up to seven stories, suitable for medical or business offices.
Here are the license types officially offered by Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) as provided by the Dubai Healthcare City Authority, Regulatory (DHCR):
1. Healthcare Professional Licenses (Professional/Clinical)
These licenses are required for individuals intending to practice clinical professions within DHCC. They must be applied for via the DHCR portal. The categories include:
Eligibility & Requirements:
These are required for entities providing either clinical or non-clinical business activities within the DHCC Free Zone. Issued by DHCA, they fall into:
For entities such as hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, pharmacies, laboratories, and patient escort services. Licensing costs and requirements vary depending on facility size and the type of service
b) Service License
For companies offering professional services (e.g., consultancies, medical tourism agencies, management services). These do not involve the trading of goods but include services, events management, educational services, etc.
c) Trading License
For businesses that import, export, or trade goods, such as medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, retail products, and F&B outlets operating within DHCC. Allows duty-free trade operations
d) Industrial License
For entities involved in manufacturing or assembling medical devices and healthcare products, subject to DHCC Authority approval.
Licenses are issued under various legal structures depending on the entity’s nature:
These structures determine governance, financial, and operational mechanics under the DHCC ecosystem.
| Company Type | Required Documents |
| For all Company Types |
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| Corporate Shareholders |
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| Individual Shareholders |
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| Branch Setup |
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| ZAWEL Fast Track Option (not clinical only) |
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With years of expertise in Company Formation in Dubai free zones, our comprehensive services ensure a seamless and hassle-free setup experience in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC). Choosing Reyson Badger for setting up a company in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) makes the process easy and efficient. We know the local rules and can help you navigate them, ensuring everything goes smoothly. We tailor our services to fit your business needs, providing the right support to follow all the regulations and avoid mistakes. Our strong connections in the healthcare industry can help you find valuable partners and opportunities. After your company is set up, we continue to assist you, helping your business grow. With a good reputation for being reliable and professional, Reyson Badger is a great choice for anyone looking to start a business in DHCC.
The minimum paid-up share capital depends on your business activity and legal structure. For example, non-clinical entities may require around AED 50,000, clinics approximately AED 100,000, and hospitals up to AED 300,000. Branch offices have no minimum capital requirement.
How Long Does the Company Formation in Dubai HealthCare City (DHCC) Process Take?
The timeline for company formation in DHCC varies depending on activity approvals and fit-out processes and can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months. This includes the time for initial approval, submitting documents, securing a lease agreement, and obtaining the final commercial license. The process can be faster with a dedicated service provider like Reyson Badger who can manage all submissions efficiently.
Do I need to be physically present in Dubai to set up a company in DHCC?
No, you do not need to be physically present for the initial setup. With a trusted business setup consultant like us, you can complete the entire process remotely. Your physical presence will only be required later for visa-related processes, such as the medical test and biometrics.
Is it mandatory to have an office space to get a license in DHCC?
Yes, it is mandatory for all companies in DHCC to have a physical office space. DHCC offers a range of flexible and permanent office solutions, from co-working spaces to dedicated offices, to suit different business needs. The type of office space required will depend on your business activity (e.g., a clinic requires a specific facility).
What is the main difference between a clinical and non-clinical license in DHCC?
A clinical license is for businesses that provide direct healthcare services to patients (e.g., hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers). A non-clinical license is for support services that do not involve direct patient care (e.g., healthcare consultancy, event management, trading of medical equipment). The requirements, fees, and minimum capital differ for each.
Key documents required for a foreign individual include a passport copy, a visa copy (if applicable), and a business plan. For a corporate shareholder, you will also need the parent company's Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA/AOA), and a Board Resolution. For a full checklist, contact our specialists for a personalized consultation.
Can a company in DHCC trade with the UAE mainland?
Yes, a company in DHCC can trade with the UAE mainland. However, it requires a separate local distributor or a mainland branch, and you may need to pay the applicable customs duties (usually 5%) on goods transferred to the mainland. This is a crucial point to understand for your business model.