Sharjah Healthcare City Business Setup (SHCC)
SLooking to establish a healthcare-related business in Sharjah? Sharjah Healthcare City Free Zone offers an ideal ecosystem for medical investors, professionals, and entrepreneurs.
World-class healthcare infrastructure| 100% foreign ownership benefits| Fast-track licensing for medical & wellness activities
Sharjah Healthcare City (SHCC) is a specialized free zone dedicated to medical and healthcare-related businesses. Established to support healthcare providers, pharmaceutical firms, wellness centers, and medical research, SHCC has become a hub for innovation and patient care.
With Sharjah’s strategic location and its focus on becoming a medical tourism hub, SHCC offers investors an attractive platform to establish clinics, hospitals, diagnostic centers, wellness spas, or even research facilities.
If you are looking for Free Zone Business Setup in UAE, SHCC stands out as one of the most promising destinations for healthcare professionals and investors.
Why Choose Sharjah Healthcare City Free Zone?
SHCC provides unmatched advantages for businesses in the medical and healthcare industry.
- Strategic Location – Situated in the heart of Sharjah with easy access to Dubai and Northern Emirates.
- Healthcare-focused Ecosystem – Dedicated to hospitals, clinics, labs, pharmacies, and wellness businesses.
- Cost-Effective Licensing – Compared to other healthcare hubs, SHCC offers more affordable setup options.
- Medical Tourism Support – Designed to attract international patients and practitioners.
- Investor-Friendly Regulations – 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and repatriation of profits.
Key Benefits of Business Setup in SHCC
When you register a company in SHCC, you unlock numerous benefits:
- 100% ownership for foreign investors
- Zero personal or corporate income tax
- Access to a growing healthcare market in Sharjah
- Opportunity to collaborate with hospitals & research centers
- Multiple visa quotas for staff and specialists
- Quick setup process with minimal bureaucracy
Tip: Setting up in SHCC allows medical entrepreneurs to combine business with social impact by improving healthcare access in the region.
Business Activities Allowed in SHCC
Sharjah Healthcare City supports a wide range of healthcare and wellness activities, such as:
- Hospitals & Clinics – Multi-specialty and specialty clinics
- Diagnostic & Laboratories – Testing and pathology labs
- Pharmaceuticals – Manufacturing, trading, and R&D
- Medical Equipment Trading – Import, export, and retail of devices
- Wellness & Rehabilitation – Spa, physiotherapy, rehabilitation centers
- Medical Tourism – Businesses catering to international patients
Step-by-Step Process for Company Formation
Setting up a company in SHCC is simple and efficient. Here’s a breakdown:
Required Documents for Company Setup
The following documents are usually required for setting up a business in SHCC:
- Passport copies of shareholders & directors
- Application form
- Business plan (for medical institutions)
- Bank reference letter (in some cases)
- Lease agreement for office/clinic space
For a complete checklist, visit our guide on Documents Required for Free Zone Business Setup.
Cost of Sharjah Healthcare City Business Setup
The cost depends on license type, visa requirements, and facility size. Below is a sample cost table:
| Package Type | Approx. Cost (AED) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Basic License Package | 12,500 – 15,000 | License + Registration + Shared Desk Facility |
| Clinic/Medical Center Package | 25,000 – 35,000 | License + Office/Clinic Space + 2–3 Visas |
| Pharma/Trading License | 18,000 – 22,000 | License + Warehouse/Office Option |
| Research & Innovation Setup | 20,000 – 28,000 | License + Lab Facility + Visa Quota |
Costs vary depending on activity. Reach out to Ideas Business Setup Expert for a personalized quote.
Licenses Offered in SHCC
SHCC issues various licenses tailored to healthcare activities:
- Service License – For clinics, labs, and consultancy.
- Trading License – For pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.
- Industrial License – For pharmaceutical or device manufacturing.
- Research License – For medical innovation and R&D.
Facilities & Office Options
SHCC provides flexible facilities to suit every investor:
- Shared desk or flexi-desk for startups
- Private offices for consultants and traders
- Clinics and medical center spaces
- Warehouses for pharma & medical storage
- Research labs with advanced equipment
Comparison with Other Sharjah Free Zones
- Shams Free Zone – More media & consultancy focused, not healthcare-specific (Shams Free Zone Business Setup).
- SAIF Zone – Best for trading & logistics (SAIF Zone Business Setup).
- Sharjah Publishing City – Tailored for publishing & education (Sharjah Publishing City Business Setup).
- Hamriyah Free Zone – Industrial & manufacturing hub (Hamriyah Free Zone Business Setup).
- SRTIP – Innovation & technology focused (Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park Business Setup).
For broader insights, check our guide on Free Zone Business Setup in Sharjah.
Investor & Visa Options
- Investor Visa – For company shareholders (Free Zone Investor Visa UAE).
- Employment Visas – For doctors, nurses, staff.
- Dependent Visas – For family members.
Learn more from our guide on Free Zone Visa UAE.
Bank Account Opening for SHCC Companies
Opening a bank account is essential after license issuance. UAE banks support SHCC companies with healthcare credibility.
Check our full guide on Bank Account Opening for Free Zone Business.
Advantages of Choosing SHCC Over Mainland Setup
- Lower setup costs compared to mainland hospitals
- Faster licensing process
- 100% ownership vs. local sponsor requirement
- No personal income tax
- Access to healthcare-focused facilities
For a broader comparison, see Free Zone vs Mainland Business Setup.
Internal Linking (Explore Related Guides)
To explore more business setup options:
SHCC offers more cost-effective licensing compared to Dubai Healthcare City while still providing excellent healthcare infrastructure. It is ideal for investors targeting Sharjah and Northern Emirates.
The setup process usually takes 7–14 working days if documents are complete. Activities requiring additional healthcare approvals may take slightly longer, especially for clinics and hospitals.
Yes. Foreign doctors and healthcare professionals can open clinics in SHCC with 100% ownership, provided they meet the licensing and qualification requirements. The authority also assists in obtaining necessary medical approvals.
