Dubai Healthcare City Freezone

The Dubai Healthcare City Freezone (DHCC) is the first healthcare freezone in the region dedicated to advancing medical excellence and integrated healthcare services. For entrepreneurs, investors, and healthcare professionals looking to establish a strong presence in the UAE’s thriving healthcare industry, Dubai Healthcare City presents a compelling opportunity.

As a leading freezone for medical and wellness services, DHCC combines world-class infrastructure, government support, and strategic advantages. With its focus on regulation, innovation, and education, the Dubai Healthcare City business setup is fast becoming a preferred choice for clinics, hospitals, diagnostic centers, research institutions, and wellness brands across the globe.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Dubai Healthcare City, including the benefits of setting up a business here, the step-by-step process, licensing options, and how Dahhan Business Services can help you achieve a smooth and successful setup.

Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) is a dedicated healthcare freezone located in the heart of Dubai. Established in 2002 by the government under the Dubai Holding group, DHCC was created to position the UAE as a regional hub for high-quality, patient-centered healthcare, medical research, and medical education.

Spanning over 4.1 million square feet, DHCC is divided into two phases:

• Phase 1 focuses on healthcare, medical education, and research institutions.
• Phase 2 is dedicated to wellness, rehabilitation, and mixed-use urban development.

Together, these zones form a holistic ecosystem where medical professionals, institutions, and investors can collaborate and thrive. Whether you’re a global healthcare provider or an entrepreneur launching a medical startup, setting up a business in Dubai Healthcare City offers a regulated and supportive environment.

There are a lot of activities that you can run to start your business in Dubai Healthcare City Freezone. Below are the following for your reference:

• Setting up your business in Dubai Healthcare City offers several unique advantages:

  1. Strategic Location

  Situated near downtown Dubai, DHCC is accessible to central business districts, airports, and highways. Its central location makes it ideal for patients, professionals, and investors.

  2. Healthcare-Focused Infrastructure

  DHCC is purpose-built for the healthcare industry. Facilities include:

  • Medical office buildings
  • Hospitals and clinics
  • Diagnostic labs
  • Academic institutions
  • Research centers
  • Wellness and rehabilitation facilities

  This sector-specific infrastructure accelerates growth and enhances credibility for healthcare businesses.

  3. Independent Regulatory Body

  The Dubai Healthcare City Authority – Regulatory (DHCR) ensures international best practices, licensing compliance, and quality standards. The regulatory environment is transparent and designed to facilitate rapid approvals and consistent oversight.

  4. 100% Foreign Ownership

  Foreign investors can own 100% of their medical or wellness business, without needing a local sponsor or partner. This adds financial control and flexibility to the setup.

  5. Tax-Free Benefits

  Being a freezone, Dubai Healthcare City offers:

  • 0% corporate and personal tax
  • 100% repatriation of capital and profits
  • No customs duty on imports within the zone

  This ensures higher profitability and long-term sustainability for foreign investors.

The Dubai Healthcare City freezone caters to a wide range of healthcare-related and wellness businesses. These include:

Healthcare Services:

• Specialty clinics (dental, dermatology, cardiology, etc.)
• Day surgery centers
• Hospitals and medical centers
• Diagnostic labs and imaging centers
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation clinics

Medical Support Services:

• Medical equipment suppliers
• Pharmaceutical distributors
• Biotechnology and medical research labs
• Health IT companies
• Telemedicine platforms

Wellness and Lifestyle Services:

• Alternative medicine centers (Ayurveda, TCM, etc.)
• Spa and holistic healing centers
• Fitness and nutrition centers
• Rehabilitation and wellness resorts

Education and Training:

• Medical universities
• Continuing medical education (CME) providers
• Clinical research organizations

Whether you’re focused on core medical care or wellness innovation, the Dubai healthcare business setup is highly diversified and customizable.

Licenses are issued by the Dubai Healthcare City Authority and categorized based on the nature of the business. Here are the main license types available:

1. Clinical License

Required for healthcare providers such as clinics, hospitals, diagnostic centers, and individual practitioners. Applicants must meet qualification, facility, and equipment standards.

2. Commercial License

For non-clinical operations such as medical consultancy, trading, health tech, and equipment suppliers.

3. Education License

Issued to institutions involved in medical education, training, and research.

4. Wellness License

For businesses providing non-invasive wellness and therapy services such as acupuncture, homeopathy, wellness retreats, etc.

The licensing process is streamlined, but working with experts like Dahhan Business Services ensures your application is complete, accurate, and fast-tracked.

Setting up your business in Dubai Healthcare City involves several steps, but the process is straightforward with the proper guidance. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Define Business Activity

Choose the activity that best fits your medical or wellness practice. You must clearly define the scope of services in your application.

Step 2: Select the Legal Structure

You can form a:

• Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)
• Branch of a Foreign Company
• Branch of a UAE Company
• Sole Proprietorship (for licensed practitioners)

Step 3: Reserve Trade Name

Submit your preferred business name to DHCC for approval. The name should reflect your activities and comply with naming regulations.

Step 4: Initial Approval

Apply for initial approval from the DHCC Authority. You’ll need to submit documents such as:

• Business plan
• Passport copies
• Shareholder and director information
• Preliminary floor plan (for clinical spaces)

Step 5: Office Space Leasing

You must lease a physical space within Dubai Healthcare City freezone. Options range from complete medical suites to coworking or shell-and-core spaces.

Step 6: Final Approval and License Issuance

Once all documents and inspections are completed, you’ll receive your license to operate legally in the zone.

Step 7: Visa and Bank Account Setup

After licensing, you can apply for:

• Residency visas for owners and staff
• Corporate bank accounts with UAE banks
• Medical malpractice and business insurance

Here are the commonly required documents:

• Passport copies of shareholders and directors
• CVs and qualifications (for medical professionals)
• Business plan
• Proof of initial capital (if applicable)
• NOC from current sponsor (for UAE residents)
• Lease agreement from DHCC-authorized facility

Depending on your business activity, additional certifications or approvals may be required.

At Dahhan Business Services, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs, medical professionals, and investors navigate the complexities of setting up a business in Dubai Healthcare City with ease.

Our Services Include:

• Free consultation and feasibility study
• Business structure guidance
• Trade name reservation and documentation
• License application and approval
• Regulatory compliance with DHCR
• Assistance with clinical fit-out and approvals
• PRO services for visa processing
• Bank account opening support

We act as your single point of contact for setting up and maintaining your healthcare business in DHCC.

✅ Years of experience with DHCC licensing procedures

✅ In-depth understanding of healthcare regulations

✅ Transparent pricing and personalized service

✅ Fast turnaround and responsive support

✅ Strong network of legal and medical consultants

Whether you’re launching a new clinic or relocating a global brand to Dubai, our team ensures a seamless and compliant setup experience. Set up in Dubai Healthcare City: Costs to Expect

The cost of setup in Dubai Healthcare City depends on several factors:

Cost Item Estimated Range (AED)

License Fee 15,000 – 40,000

Registration Fee 10,000 – 20,000

Office Lease (per year) 25,000 – 150,000+

Visa Processing (per person) 4,000 – 6,000

Medical Equipment Permits vary by activity

Insurance & Legal Costs As required

Note: These are indicative prices. We provide tailored quotes based on your specific business model and needs.

Dubai’s healthcare sector is booming. The UAE government is investing heavily in medical tourism, digital health, and specialized treatments. Dubai Healthcare City plays a central role in this strategy, offering:

• A growing patient base from GCC, Europe, and Asia
• A business-friendly environment for medical innovations
• Integration with global healthcare networks
• Strong government initiatives for wellness and prevention

As demand for personalized, preventive, and high-tech healthcare services grows, Dubai Healthcare City presents an unmatched opportunity for visionaries in the medical field.

What is Dubai Healthcare City?

Dubai Healthcare City is a specialized freezone in Dubai dedicated to healthcare, wellness, and medical education businesses. It offers licensing, facilities, and regulatory support for healthcare enterprises.

Can I set up a wellness business in Dubai Healthcare City?

Yes, Dubai Healthcare City freezone allows licensing of non-invasive wellness and therapy businesses, including spas, alternative medicine, and rehabilitation centers.

Do I need medical qualifications to set up a healthcare business?

While you don’t need medical qualifications to own a business, any medical or clinical services must be supervised by qualified and DHCC-licensed practitioners.

What are the tax benefits of Dubai Healthcare City?

Businesses in DHCC enjoy 0% corporate and income tax, 100% foreign ownership, and no restrictions on capital repatriation.

How long does the setup process take?

On average, the Dubai healthcare setup can take 2 to 4 weeks, depending on license type, documentation, and regulatory approvals.

The Dubai Healthcare City freezone is more than just a business district—it’s a visionary ecosystem designed to empower healthcare leaders and innovators. With unmatched government support, flexible licensing, and robust medical infrastructure, the Dubai Healthcare City setup offers everything you need to succeed in one of the world’s most dynamic healthcare markets.

Whether you aim to open a specialized clinic, launch a wellness retreat, or expand a global medical brand, setting up in Dubai Healthcare City can give you the credibility, reach, and profitability you need.

Partner with Dahhan Business Services today to bring your healthcare vision to life in the UAE. Let us handle the paperwork, so you can focus on what matters most—healing, innovating, and growing.

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