Dubai Healthcare City - Premier Medical Hub

Establish your healthcare business in the Middle East's first and largest healthcare free zone. Dubai Healthcare City combines world-class medical facilities with comprehensive regulatory support, creating the region's most advanced healthcare ecosystem for medical providers, researchers, and healthcare innovators.

1,800+
Healthcare Companies
150+
Medical Specialties
25,000+
Healthcare Professionals
8-12 Weeks
Medical Setup

Why Choose Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone?

Dubai Healthcare City stands as the Middle East's pioneering healthcare free zone, establishing itself as the region's most comprehensive medical ecosystem since 2002. Spanning 4.1 million square feet, DHCC integrates world-class hospitals, specialized medical centers, research institutions, and medical universities, creating an unparalleled environment for healthcare innovation and excellence.

The zone's strategic advantage lies in its seamless integration with Dubai's healthcare infrastructure, direct access to Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulatory processes, and partnerships with internationally acclaimed medical institutions. DHCC's commitment to maintaining the highest international healthcare standards, combined with its comprehensive support services for medical professionals and healthcare businesses, makes it the premier destination for healthcare enterprises targeting the Middle East and broader regional markets.

First healthcare free zone in the Middle East
International accreditation and regulatory excellence
Integrated medical research and innovation ecosystem

Healthcare Excellence

Medical Facilities

State-of-the-art hospitals, specialized clinics, diagnostic centers

Research & Innovation

Advanced research labs, clinical trial facilities, biotechnology centers

Medical Education

International medical universities, training centers, continuing education

10-Step DHCC Medical Setup Process

1

Healthcare Activity Selection

Choose medical specialty and scope of practice. Timeline: 2-3 days

Documents: Medical specialization plan, scope of services
2

Professional Qualification Review

Submit medical licenses and qualifications. Timeline: 3-5 days

Documents: Medical degrees, licenses, board certifications
3

Name Reservation & Initial Approval

Reserve company name and obtain preliminary approval. Timeline: 3-5 days

Documents: Name options, initial application, NOCs
4

Medical Facility Requirements

Secure compliant medical facility space. Timeline: 5-10 days

Documents: Facility lease, medical fit-out plans, compliance certificates
5

DHCC License Application

Submit comprehensive license application. Timeline: 1-2 weeks

Documents: Complete application, professional qualifications, facility details
6

DHA Regulatory Approval

Obtain Dubai Health Authority approvals. Timeline: 3-6 weeks

Documents: Medical protocols, quality standards, safety procedures
7

Facility Inspection & Certification

Medical facility inspection and compliance verification. Timeline: 1-2 weeks

Documents: Inspection reports, compliance certificates, equipment approvals
8

Medical Equipment Registration

Register medical devices and equipment. Timeline: 1-3 weeks

Documents: Equipment specifications, CE/FDA approvals, maintenance contracts
9

License Issuance

Receive final medical business license. Timeline: 3-5 days

Documents: Medical license, establishment card, operational permits
10

Staff Visa & Final Setup

Process medical professional visas and banking. Timeline: 2-3 weeks

Documents: Medical staff qualifications, visa applications, bank requirements

Total Timeline Summary

4-6 weeks
Healthcare Service License
8-12 weeks
Medical Provider License
10-14 weeks
Research & Hospital Setup

Medical License Types & Healthcare Activities

Healthcare Provider License

Permitted Activities:

HospitalsMedical ClinicsDental ClinicsSpecialized Medical CentersDiagnostic Centers
Min Capital:
AED 1,000,000
Visa Allocation:
20 visas
Processing Time:8-12 weeks

Healthcare Support License

Permitted Activities:

Medical EquipmentPharmaceutical TradingMedical SuppliesHealthcare ITLaboratory Services
Min Capital:
AED 300,000
Visa Allocation:
8 visas
Processing Time:6-8 weeks

Research & Development License

Permitted Activities:

Medical ResearchClinical TrialsBiotechnologyPharmaceutical R&DMedical Innovation
Min Capital:
AED 500,000
Visa Allocation:
12 visas
Processing Time:10-14 weeks

Healthcare Service License

Permitted Activities:

Medical ConsultancyHealthcare TrainingMedical TourismWellness CentersRehabilitation
Min Capital:
AED 200,000
Visa Allocation:
6 visas
Processing Time:4-6 weeks

Healthcare Business Cost Structure

Zone Cost Breakdown

Comprehensive cost breakdown for business setup in Zone

CategoryItemCost RangeNotes
License FeesHealthcare ServiceAED 25,000 - 35,000Basic healthcare services
License FeesHealthcare SupportAED 35,000 - 50,000Medical equipment & trading
License FeesHealthcare ProviderAED 80,000 - 120,000Medical facilities & clinics
License FeesResearch & DevelopmentAED 60,000 - 90,000Medical research activities
Office/Facility CostsMedical OfficeAED 40,000 - 100,000/yearProfessional medical space
Office/Facility CostsMedical ClinicAED 150,000 - 400,000/yearFully equipped clinic facility
Office/Facility CostsSpecialized CenterAED 500,000 - 1,500,000/yearAdvanced medical facilities
Visa FeesMedical Professional VisaAED 8,000 - 12,000Licensed medical practitioners
Visa FeesSupport Staff VisaAED 6,000 - 8,000Healthcare support roles
Additional CostsMedical Equipment ApprovalAED 5,000 - 15,000Regulatory approvals
Total First Year EstimatesMedical Clinic SetupAED 200,000 - 300,000Clinic license + facility + staff visas

Last Updated:

Costs are subject to change. Contact our partners for current pricing and exact quotations.

Important: These costs are estimates based on typical requirements. Actual costs may vary depending on specific business needs, license types, and current market rates. Always consult with official authorities or authorized service providers for precise quotations.

Medical Facility & Office Options

Medical Office

AED 40K-100K
Annual cost
  • • Professional medical space
  • • Basic medical fit-out
  • • Reception area
  • • 4-6 visa allocation

Medical Clinic

AED 150K-400K
Annual cost
  • • Fully equipped clinic
  • • Medical equipment included
  • • Multiple consultation rooms
  • • 8-12 visa allocation

Specialized Center

AED 500K-1.5M
Annual cost
  • • Advanced medical facilities
  • • Specialized equipment
  • • Research capabilities
  • • 15-20 visa allocation

Hospital Facility

Custom
Based on requirements
  • • Full hospital operations
  • • Multiple specialties
  • • Emergency services
  • • Unlimited visa potential

Medical Professional Visa Benefits

Medical Visa Categories

Licensed Medical Practitioners

Doctors, specialists, surgeons with valid medical licenses and board certifications

Healthcare Support Staff

Nurses, technicians, therapists, medical administrators with relevant qualifications

Medical Researchers

Research scientists, clinical trial coordinators, biotechnology professionals

Golden Visa Opportunities

Medical Investors (10 years)

  • • AED 2M+ investment in healthcare facilities
  • • Hospital and medical center ownership
  • • Advanced medical technology investments

Medical Professionals (5-10 years)

  • • Specialized medical practitioners
  • • Medical research pioneers
  • • Healthcare innovation leaders

Medical Excellence & Success Stories

Mediclinic Middle East

International Healthcare Excellence

"DHCC's comprehensive ecosystem and regulatory support enabled us to establish our regional headquarters, now operating multiple hospitals and clinics across the UAE, serving over 500,000 patients annually."

Achievement: Regional healthcare network with international accreditation

Al Zahra Hospital Dubai

Advanced Medical Care

"The integrated healthcare environment in DHCC allowed us to develop a cutting-edge 150-bed facility with advanced cardiac and oncology services, establishing new benchmarks for medical care in the region."

Achievement: 150+ bed facility, 50+ medical specialties

DHCC vs Other Healthcare Options

FactorDubai Healthcare CityAbu Dhabi MainlandSharjah Mainland
Healthcare SpecializationDedicated Medical ZoneGeneral HealthcareBasic Medical Services
Setup CostAED 200K-300KAED 150K-250KAED 120K-200K
Regulatory SupportIntegrated DHA ProcessMultiple AuthoritiesLocal Health Authority

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Dubai Healthcare City unique for healthcare businesses?

DHCC is the Middle East's first healthcare free zone, offering comprehensive medical ecosystem with hospitals, research centers, medical universities, and regulatory excellence. It provides direct access to DHA approvals, international accreditation support, and integration with Dubai's healthcare infrastructure.

What types of medical businesses can operate in DHCC?

DHCC accommodates hospitals, medical clinics, dental practices, diagnostic centers, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, biotechnology firms, medical research institutions, healthcare IT companies, and medical tourism operators.

What are the medical licensing requirements in DHCC?

Healthcare providers must obtain DHCC license plus DHA (Dubai Health Authority) approvals. Medical professionals need valid medical licenses, board certifications, and experience requirements. Facilities must meet international healthcare standards and accreditation.

How does DHCC support medical research and innovation?

DHCC provides dedicated research facilities, clinical trial support, regulatory guidance for medical innovation, partnerships with international medical institutions, and access to patient populations for approved research studies.

What are the visa benefits for healthcare professionals?

DHCC offers specialized visa categories for medical professionals with up to 20 visas for healthcare providers, family sponsorship options, and Golden Visa eligibility for qualified medical practitioners and healthcare investors.

Ready to Establish Your Healthcare Business in DHCC?

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Free ConsultationNo upfront fees
Quick Setup7-14 days average
Verified PartnersLicensed & trusted
Last Updated: 2025-10-20

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Last Updated: October 2025

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