Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) Free Zone

Dubai has extensive healthcare services due to the support and funds provided by the government. This makes it an ideal location for entrepreneurs to consider setting up a business related to healthcare. Over the years, healthcare in Dubai has seen extensive growth and attracted foreign investors to diversify their investments in the Emirate.

The UAE government has also focused on developing this sector by focusing on the four key pillars of service delivery and encouraging public-private partnerships to promote business setup in Dubai.

Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) freezone was established under the visionary leadership of the prime minister and the ruler of Dubai in 2002. It offers world-class healthcare facilities and opportunities to foreign investors. Let us learn about the freezone in detail.

Dubai Healthcare City Authority

The Dubai Healthcare City freezone is regulated by the Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA). They ensure a healthy business ecosystem and regulate the healthcare sector, ensuring top-quality services. It also oversees and regulates:

• Protection of health data.
• Governing regulations.
• Commercial services licensing.
• Economic substance regulations.
• Education and Research department.

Available company structures in DHCC Freezone

When setting up a company within Dubai Healthcare City freezone, you can choose among the following business structures-

1. Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)

This independent legal entity is suitable for businesses with multiple owners, individuals, or corporate entities that offer limited liability to the members.

2. Branch of UAE Company/ Establishment

A branch of a UAE Company or establishment is considered an extension of a company that is part of a UAE-registered parent company located outside DHCC jurisdiction.

3. Branch of Foreign Company

A branch office is an extension of the parent company and does not constitute a separate legal entity.

Facilities Available in Dubai Healthcare City

Some of the facilities entrepreneurs can enjoy inside the DHCC freezone include:

• Retail outlets and restaurants.
• Luxurious 5-star hotels for guests and patients.
• Recreational facilities and green spaces for patients.
• Dedicated support services for healthcare professionals.
• Advanced technology infrastructure to automate processes.
• Modern office spaces and business centres with flexi-desk option.
• Educational institutions and training facilities for research and development.

How to start your business in Dubai Healthcare City Freezone?

To successfully register a business in Dubai Healthcare City Freezone, you must navigate through a process setup by the authorities. Let us take a look:

Step 1- Choose the company structure that aligns with your business. The structure should be based on the number of shareholders and the capital invested during the initial stage.

Step 2 - Reserve a trade name that doesn’t violate existing trademarks. It should be unique and not be offensive.

Step 3- Select an office space and obtain the lease agreement.

Step 4 - Submit your business application on the ‘Masaar’ platform and obtain approval from the Department of Health Authority (DHA), Dubai, and other relevant authorities.

Step 5 - Complete the documentation process for the authority to review the application.

Step 6 - Pay the requisite fees and collect the relevant license.

Note: There are additional steps if you take the clinical licensing journey.

Documents Required to Procure a License in DHCC

You must submit the following documents to obtain a license in the Dubai Healthcare City freezone.

• Company incorporation certificate.
• Business plan (applicable only for clinical activity).
• Certificate of continuity/existence/good standing).
• Copy of the passport (including the pages of the valid visa).
• Copy of lease agreement to prove the physical existence of the company.
• Copy of valid trade license.
• Copy of the commercial register.
• Copy of Emirates ID of director, shareholders, and general manager (for UAE residents).
• MoA (Memorandum of Association) and AoA (Articles of Association).

Note: These are the required standard documents. They can change depending on the company structure and business activity (clinical or non-clinical).

Benefits of Setting up a Business in Dubai Healthcare City Freezone

Some benefits of registering your business in Dubai Healthcare City Freezone are discussed below-

• Full foreign ownership and profit repatriation

DHCC allows foreign entrepreneurs complete autonomy over business operations without needing a local Emirati. This offers you financial freedom as you can completely repatriate your capital and profits.

• Tax Exemptions

Enjoying tax benefits is one of the crucial benefits that attract investors worldwide to set up their operations in DHCC. You can avail up to 50 years of tax exemptions from personal, income and corporate taxes. You are also exempted from customs duty on goods and services, making your logistic operations cost-effective.

• Business-Friendly Environment

There are no restrictions on capital movement, quotas, or trade barriers due to the double taxation treaties. The Dubai Healthcare City provides businesses with competitive pricing, allowing them the flexibility to expand their operations and enjoy tailor-made facilities at competitive costs.

• Investment Opportunities

The Dubai Healthcare City is designed to meet the needs of various businesses. It operates under a robust regulatory framework, ensuring high-quality patient care by regional and international professionals.

Why Commitbiz LLC?

Exploring the healthcare sector in Dubai is a lucrative option that multiple entrepreneurs consider. However, the legalities and other back-end tasks require professional assistance. We at Commitbiz LLC have professionals who can help you streamline your company registration experience. Our business consultants have experience navigating the legalities and offer customised services to help you achieve excellence. Contact us to avail our services and realise your business goals.