With ever-increasing population levels, life expectancy, and a diverse economy still comfortably outperforming more mature markets, the healthcare industry in the UAE, especially Dubai, is sure to benefit from continued growth for the foreseeable future.
The last few years have brought important growth in the healthcare market as several foreign professionals, including doctors and nurses, relocating to Dubai and setting up their healthcare facilities have increased considerably.
The New DHA Facility License
The Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone has added a bonus to the development of this sector. Obtaining the new DHA facility license permits opening or re-opening a health facility after making sure the compliance of the health facility with the Health Authority of Dubai specifications and standards.
The eligibility criteria include investor/s (medical or non-medical background, above 21 years old) wanting to set up a health facility in the Emirate of Dubai except those in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC).
How to Obtain a DHA Facility License in Dubai?
The steps to register and obtain a license from DHA are as follows -
1. Create an Account on DHA Website
Select the “New Facility License” service, fill out the application, and upload the initial requirements.
2. Pay the Initial Fees
An initial review by the DHA team is done, after which they will issue an initial approval letter. Then work on facility requirements and setup
3. Apply for the Final Approval
Apply for final approval once the installation is ready (Upload Trade License from Dubai Economic Department (DED) or free zone and NOC by the medical director signed by all partners or authorized person with supporting documents).
4. Make the Other Payments
Make a final approval payment. Conduct final inspection. Pay the license issuance fees.
5. Obtain the License after the Final Step
Appoint the medical director and healthcare professionals. You will be provided with a final approval and facility license for your business setup in Dubai.
DHA Facility License Requirements
Documents Required |
Special Considerations |
| Passport copies of partners/owner - UAE Emirate ID | Valid with visa copy for ex-pat |
| Engineering layout | Issued by an approved engineering office with a clear furnished plan along with rooms labels and measurements in SQM |
| Engineering office trade license | Must have the activity of Interior Decoration or Architectural Perspective Drawings Services |
| Proposal letter |
Clarifying the specialists, location, and services that will be provided by the health facility Signed by all shareholders/partners or authorized persons with supporting documents and each partner percentage |
| Affection plan showing land plot number | Issued by Dubai Municipality or its equivalent |
| DHA undertaking letter | Printed from the DHA website and signed by all partners or authorized persons with supporting documents |
| Trade name reservation | Valid and issued by the Dubai Economic Department (DED) or free zone |
Essential DHA License Requirements
Healthcare professionals shall not start practicing at the health facility unless all requirements are met, such as the appointment of the Medical Director and obtaining final approval, etc. A period of 3 months is granted from the issue date of the initial approval letter to complete other authorities’ requirements.
The initial approval letter is considered valid with DHA for six months for general clinic / specialized clinics, polyclinic/pharmacies, optics centers, rehabilitation, and physiotherapy centers. At the same time, it is valid for one year for day surgery centers and hospitals.
Owner |
Facility Subcategory |
| Local 100% or Limited Liability Company (51% or more share for the local lead partner) | General Clinic - Polyclinic Pharmacy - Specialty Clinic - Drug Store Hospitals - Fertilization Center - Day Surgery Center |
| Local 100% or Service Agent or an LLC company (51% or more share for the local lead partner) | Diagnostic Center: Radiology – Laboratory - Dental laboratory Physiotherapy and rehabilitation center Home Health Service Diet and weight control Optics Center |
| Schools | The terms for ownership of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) must apply |
| Beauty center Massage and relaxation center | Subjected to the requirements of the ownership of the Dubai Economic Department (DED) or its equivalent authority of the free zones |
The ownership under free zone authorities can be 100% for an ex-pat, except for pharmacies and hospitals, as they must have local ownership according to the above table specifications.
We at Commitbiz can assist you in obtaining your new facility license from DHA. Right from incorporation to arranging an office space for rent in Dubai, we cover it all.
Our consultants have years of experience in this field and can make the process hassle-free. Contact us today for more information.
What are the eligibility criteria to obtain the DHA facility license?
The eligibility criteria include investor/s (medical or non-medical background, above 21 years old) wanting to set up a health facility in the Emirate of Dubai except those in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC).
How to apply for the final approval for the DHA facility license after the facility setup installation is ready?
Apply for final approval once the installation is ready (Upload Trade License from Dubai Economic Department (DED) or free zone and NOC by the medical director signed by all partners or authorized person with supporting documents).
Do we require an initial approval letter for a DHA license?
Yes, the initial approval letter is considered valid with DHA for six months for general clinic / specialized clinics, polyclinic/pharmacies, optics centers, rehabilitation, and physiotherapy centers. At the same time, it is valid for one year for day surgery centers and hospitals.
Do we need to appoint a medical director as a part of the DHA license requirements?
Yes.
