Dubai Healthcare City Business Setup
Turn your healthcare business vision into reality with a Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) license.
Whether you’re a clinic, pharmaceutical distributor, or wellness center, this dedicated healthcare free zone offers unmatched benefits.
100% foreign ownership | Tax-free operations | Strategic location in the heart of Dubai
Contact Ideas Business Setup Expert today – your trusted partner in Dubai business formation!
Dubai Healthcare City
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) is the Middle East’s leading healthcare free zone, established in 2002 to support medical, wellness, and pharmaceutical businesses. It is home to renowned hospitals, diagnostic centers, research facilities, and medical universities, attracting top professionals from around the globe.
If you are looking to set up a specialized clinic, launch a pharmaceutical trading company, or start a wellness and rehabilitation center, DHCC provides the infrastructure, licensing, and regulatory support you need.
Entrepreneurs who wish to explore broader opportunities can also consider Free Zone Business Setup in Dubai or Free Zone Business Setup in UAE for a wider range of industries.


Why Choose Dubai Healthcare City for Your Business Setup?
Dubai Healthcare City is not just another free zone; it is an industry-specific ecosystem tailored to healthcare innovation.
Key Reasons to Choose DHCC:
- Specialized healthcare focus – only healthcare, medical, and wellness-related businesses are licensed.
- 100% foreign ownership – no local partner required.
- Tax-friendly policies – no corporate or personal income taxes.
- Global connectivity – located in Dubai, with easy access to Asia, Europe, and Africa.
- Advanced infrastructure – world-class medical and research facilities.
- Simplified business registration process – specifically designed for medical professionals and investors.
“Healthcare is not just a service in Dubai – it’s a growing investment sector with long-term potential.”
Other specialized zones for different industries include:
- Dubai Internet City Business Setup – for tech companies.
- Dubai Media City Business Setup – for media and content businesses.
- Dubai Design District Business Setup – for design and creative industries.
Types of Businesses Allowed in DHCC
Dubai Healthcare City accommodates a wide range of activities, such as:
- Multi-specialty and specialized hospitals
- Outpatient clinics and diagnostic centers
- Rehabilitation and physiotherapy centers
- Wellness and holistic therapy centers
- Pharmaceutical import/export and distribution companies
- Medical equipment suppliers
- Healthcare consultancy services
- Medical research and development facilities
- Training and medical education institutes
For industries outside healthcare, you can explore:

Step-by-Step Process of Dubai Airport Free Zone Business Setup
Starting your business in DHCC involves a straightforward process:
- 1 Step 1: Choose activity & structure
- 2 Step 2: Name reservation
- 3 Step 3: Submit documents
- 4 Step 4: Obtain approvals
- 5 Step 5: Lease office/clinic
- 6 Step 6: Final license issuance

Documents Required for Company Formation
- Passport copies of shareholders/directors
- Recent photographs
- Visa copies (if applicable)
- Detailed business plan
- No Objection Certificate (for UAE residents)
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA)
- Trade name reservation approval
- Lease agreement for office or clinical premises
For a detailed list across all free zones, read: Documents Required for Free Zone Business Setup
.

Benefits of Business Setup in Dubai Healthcare City
- 100% ownership & profit repatriation
- Tax-free earnings for both corporate and personal income
- Strategic global location in Dubai
- Access to world-class healthcare ecosystem
- Opportunity for collaboration with leading hospitals and research centers
- Straightforward visa allocation for investors and staff
Other zones offering similar advantages include:
Cost of Setting Up a Business in DHCC
The cost of establishing a company in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) depends on your business activity, license type, office or clinic size, and the number of visas required. Below is an approximate cost structure to help you plan your investment:
Estimated Cost Breakdown for DHCC Business Setup
| Cost Component | Estimated Range (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Business License Fee | 15,000 – 30,000 | Annual fee; varies based on healthcare activity type |
| Registration Fee | 5,000 – 10,000 | One-time registration charge |
| Office/Clinic Space Rent | 20,000 – 50,000+ | Depends on size and location within DHCC |
| Visa Allocation & Processing | 3,000 – 5,000 per visa | For investor and employee visas |
| Additional Approvals | 2,000 – 8,000 | Required for specialized medical services |
| Miscellaneous Costs | 2,000 – 5,000 | Legal documentation, admin charges, etc. |
What Influences the Final Cost?
- The type of healthcare service (clinic vs. pharmaceutical trading)
- Size of the leased facility (from shared offices to full clinics)
- Number of staff and visas required
- Additional medical or compliance approvals
If you’re evaluating the budget for other zones, our detailed guide on Free Zone Business Setup Cost UAE provides a broader comparison.

Visa Opportunities for Investors and Staff
Dubai Healthcare City allows:
- Investor visas for business owners
- Employee visas based on office/clinic size
- Dependent visas for families of investors and staff
Explore more about:
Bank Account Opening for DHCC Companies
After obtaining your license, you can open a corporate bank account with leading banks in Dubai. Requirements include:
- Trade license
- Company incorporation documents
- Passport and visa copies of shareholders
- Proof of business plan or contracts
Read our guide: Bank Account Opening for Free Zone Business.


Comparing Free Zone and Mainland Setup Options
Free Zone Advantages:
- Full ownership
- Tax benefits
- Flexible capital repatriation
Mainland Advantages:
- Ability to serve UAE local market directly
- Wider range of business activities
For a detailed comparison: Free Zone vs Mainland Business Setup.
How to Get a Free Zone License in DHCC
The licensing process includes:
- Selecting license type – commercial, service, or healthcare activity license.
- Submitting required documents.
- Securing initial and final approvals.
- Paying fees and collecting license.
For more: How to Get Free Zone License UAE


Related Free Zone Options in Dubai & UAE
DHCC is one of many thriving free zones. Depending on your sector, explore:
- Dubai Airport Free Zone Business Setup
- Meydan Free Zone Business Setup
- Dubai Knowledge Park Business Setup
- Dubai Enpark Business Setup
- Dubai Flower Centre Business Setup
- Dubai Textile City Business Setup
- Dubai Auto Zone Business Setup
- Dubai Technopark Business Setup
- Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone Business Setup

Dubai Healthcare City is the perfect destination for healthcare professionals, investors, and organizations aiming to establish a strong presence in the UAE’s medical sector. From licensing to infrastructure, DHCC offers an ideal environment to grow your business.
Ready to start your business in Dubai Healthcare City?
Partner with Ideas Business Setup Expert – we guide you through every step, from license approval to visas and banking.
Contact us today to begin your journey!
Yes, both investors and employees can sponsor their dependents once visas are issued.
Yes. Foreign investors can own 100% of their company with no requirement for a local sponsor.
Most setups take 2–4 weeks depending on activity and document approvals. Clinics may take longer due to facility inspections.


