English
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) is the region’s largest dedicated healthcare free zone, home to over 500 clinical and non-clinical partners serving patients from across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Whether you’re establishing a specialized clinic, medical research facility, pharmaceutical company, or healthcare consultancy, DHCC provides the regulatory framework, infrastructure, and strategic location to build a thriving healthcare business.
At Setup Dubai Business, we specialize in guiding healthcare entrepreneurs through every step of their Dubai Healthcare City company formation—from initial licensing to full operational setup.
Established in 2002 under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Healthcare City was designed to position Dubai as a global destination for healthcare excellence. The free zone operates under the Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), which provides both regulatory oversight and business support services.
DHCC is divided into two distinct phases:
This dual-phase approach allows businesses across the entire healthcare spectrum to find their niche within the free zone.
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| 100% Foreign Ownership | Full company ownership without local sponsor requirement |
| Tax Efficiency | 0% corporate tax on profits up to AED 375,000; 9% above threshold (2026 UAE corporate tax) |
| Full Repatriation | 100% capital and profit repatriation with no currency restrictions |
| Custom Duty Exemption | No import/export duties on goods and equipment |
| Streamlined Licensing | Single-window regulatory system for healthcare-specific permits |
| Golden Visa Eligibility | Qualifying investors can obtain 10-year UAE residence visa |
Unlike general Dubai free zone companies, DHCC offers healthcare-specific infrastructure including shared diagnostic facilities, medical waste management systems, and direct connections to Dubai’s hospital network.
DHCC allows three primary legal structures, each suited to different business objectives:
The most popular choice for new healthcare ventures. FZ-LLCs offer complete foreign ownership and limited liability protection. You’ll need a minimum of one shareholder and one director, with no requirement for the shareholder to reside in Dubai.
Ideal for established international healthcare companies expanding into the MENA region. A branch office in Dubai operates as an extension of the parent company, maintaining the same legal identity while benefiting from DHCC’s healthcare ecosystem.
For UAE-based entities looking to establish a dedicated healthcare presence within the free zone while maintaining their mainland or other free zone operations.
Note: All commercial licenses in DHCC have a one-year validity and require annual renewal. License modifications and activity additions can be processed throughout the year as your business evolves.
Dubai Healthcare City accommodates a comprehensive range of healthcare-related activities. Some of the most common categories include:
Clinical Services:
Non-Clinical Healthcare Services:
Establishing your business in Dubai Healthcare City involves several key stages. Here’s what to expect:
Begin by reserving your preferred location within DHCC. The free zone offers flexible options including clinical spaces, office units, and retail areas. Once your space is confirmed, submit your initial application to the DHCC Authority.
Register your company name ensuring compliance with UAE naming conventions. Healthcare businesses must use names that reflect their medical activities without misleading claims.
Apply for your trade license specifying your healthcare activities. Clinical facilities require additional approvals from DHCC’s Healthcare Regulation department.
DHCC operates under strict healthcare regulations, including:
Complete your company registration with the submission of all corporate documents. Upon approval, your commercial license is issued, enabling legal operations within the free zone.
Prepare the following documents for your DHCC business setup:
For corporate shareholders: Additional documents include Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association, board resolution, and audited financial statements.
Healthcare businesses in Dubai Healthcare City should be aware of these current regulatory requirements:
Corporate Tax: The UAE’s 9% corporate tax applies to profits exceeding AED 375,000. Free zone businesses maintaining qualifying income may benefit from the 0% rate—consult with our accounting services team for tax planning.
VAT Compliance: Healthcare services are subject to 5% VAT with specific exemptions for certain medical treatments. Registration is mandatory once annual turnover reaches AED 375,000.
E-Invoicing: The UAE’s mandatory e-invoicing rollout begins July 2026 for larger enterprises (AED 50M+ revenue). Healthcare businesses should prepare their systems for compliance, with SME phases following in 2027.
Economic Substance: Businesses earning qualifying income must demonstrate adequate substance in the UAE, including local employees, expenditure, and decision-making.
Disclaimer: Regulations evolve frequently. The information provided reflects January 2026 requirements. We recommend consulting with our team for the most current regulatory guidance specific to your healthcare business activities.
Once your DHCC license is secured, several operational requirements follow:
Corporate Bank Account: Opening a business bank account in Dubai requires comprehensive documentation including your DHCC license, business plan, and shareholder verification. Banking requirements have become more stringent in 2026—our team guides you through the documentation process.
Visa Allocation: DHCC companies receive visa allocations based on office space size and business activity. Investor visas, employment visas, and dependent visas can all be processed through our PRO services.
Facility Setup: Clinical facilities require additional fit-out approvals, infection control compliance, and equipment registration with DHCC authorities.
With over a decade of experience in UAE company formation, Setup Dubai Business provides comprehensive support for healthcare entrepreneurs entering Dubai Healthcare City.
Our DHCC services include:
We understand the unique requirements of healthcare businesses—from clinical credentialing to medical liability insurance. Our consultants work closely with you to navigate DHCC’s healthcare-specific regulations efficiently.
DHCC free zone licenses primarily authorize operations within the free zone. However, the 2026 “One Free Zone Passport” initiative and mainland permit options now allow certain free zone businesses to access the broader UAE market. Consult with our team about your specific activities.
Non-clinical businesses can typically be established within 2-4 weeks. Clinical facilities requiring healthcare practitioner licensing and facility approvals may take longer depending on the complexity of services offered.
Share capital requirements vary by business activity. Most service-based healthcare businesses have modest requirements, while certain clinical operations may have higher thresholds. We’ll advise on the specific requirements for your business type.
Yes. The UAE’s re-domiciliation framework allows companies to transfer between jurisdictions without losing business history. This is particularly relevant for healthcare businesses seeking DHCC’s specialized ecosystem.
Ready to establish your healthcare business in Dubai Healthcare City? Contact Setup Dubai Business at +971 55 378 8000 for expert guidance tailored to your medical business objectives.
for more details call +971 55 378 8000 or e-mail us in info@ebsuae.com
Get a Quote
WhatsApp
Italiano
简体中文
Русский
日本語
عربى