Business Setup in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)
If you are looking to set up a healthcare, medical education, wellness, or allied business in Dubai, Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) is the UAE’s most purpose-built free zone for your sector. Established in 2002 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, DHCC is internationally recognised as the world’s first dedicated healthcare and wellness free zone ecosystem. It sits in the heart of Dubai, governed by Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), and today hosts more than 400 business partners ranging from international hospital groups and single-specialty clinics to pharmaceutical companies, medical education institutions, and wellness operators.
This guide covers everything you need to know about forming a company in DHCC in 2026: the regulatory framework, permitted activities, step-by-step setup process, facility options, visa rules, fees, and how DHCC stacks up against other UAE free zones. All information has been sourced directly from the official DHCA website (dhcc.ae).
What is Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone and who regulates it?
Dubai Healthcare City is a government-initiated free zone dedicated entirely to the business of health and wellness. It is regulated by Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), the government entity responsible for setting policy, issuing licences, overseeing professional standards, and managing the physical infrastructure of the free zone.
Vision and Mission
According to DHCA’s official guidance, DHCC’s vision is to be an internationally recognised destination for quality healthcare and an integrated centre of excellence for clinical and wellness services, medical education, and research. Its mission is to deliver exceptional experiences to benefit society by enabling high-quality integrated healthcare, education, and wellness through strategic partnerships.
Phase 1: Oud Metha, Bur Dubai
Phase 1 spans 4.1 million square feet on Oud Metha Road in Bur Dubai. It is dedicated to healthcare and medical education and is home to five hospitals, 168 clinical facilities, pharmacies, medical equipment suppliers, research institutions, and supporting services such as hotels and restaurants. Phase 1 has its own Dubai Metro station, making it easily accessible from across the emirate, and it is approximately 10 minutes by road from Dubai International Airport.
Phase 2: Al Jaddaf Waterfront
Phase 2 covers more than 19 million square feet in the Al Jaddaf area, overlooking the historic Dubai Creek and the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. This phase focuses on wellness, sustainable design, and innovative healthcare concepts. It already hosts several prestigious institutions and offers serviced plots for new development. DHCA has announced a landmark AED 1.3 billion development plan (October 2025) to expand Phase 2’s infrastructure and attract further investment.
What types of business activities and companies are allowed in DHCC?
DHCC is not a general-purpose free zone. It is specifically designed to attract businesses within the healthcare, wellness, education, and adjacent support sectors. According to the DHCA official website, the free zone is open to investment across healthcare, education, hospitality, retail, and wellness clusters.
Clinical Activities
This covers the full spectrum of patient-facing healthcare: hospitals, multi-specialty clinics, single-specialty clinics, day surgery centres, diagnostic laboratories, dental practices, ophthalmology centres, physiotherapy and rehabilitation facilities, pharmacies, medical equipment suppliers, and specialists in areas such as oncology, cardiology, orthopaedics, and fertility medicine.
Non-Clinical and Supporting Business Activities
DHCC also welcomes businesses that support the healthcare ecosystem without providing direct clinical care. These include healthcare management consultancies, medical education and training institutions, research organisations, healthcare recruitment agencies, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, healthcare IT and technology firms, medical insurance brokers, and property and facilities management operators within the free zone.
Hotels, restaurants, cafes, retail outlets, and wellness centres form another important cluster within DHCC, serving both the business community and the patients and visitors who come to the free zone for treatment.
Company Structures Available in DHCC
DHCA allows two main legal structures for businesses wishing to incorporate in the free zone. The first is a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC), which is a standalone entity incorporated within DHCC with 100% foreign ownership permitted. The second is a Branch of a Foreign Company (or branch of a UAE-registered entity), which allows an existing company to extend its operations into DHCC without forming a separate legal entity. Applications for both structures are managed through the MASAAR e-services portal.
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What are the steps to set up a company in Dubai Healthcare City?
According to DHCA’s official guidance, the registration process can be completed online through the MASAAR e-services system in three broad phases: application submission, review and approval, and licence issuance. Below is a more granular breakdown of the practical steps involved.
Step 1: Define Your Business Activity
Before anything else, you need to confirm the specific activities your business will conduct. In DHCC, this matters more than in most free zones because clinical activities carry additional regulatory requirements, including professional licences for healthcare practitioners and accreditation requirements for clinical facilities. DHCA provides guidance on permitted activities through the MASAAR portal and directly through its business enquiry team.
Step 2: Select a Company Structure
Choose between an FZ-LLC (new standalone entity) or a Branch setup depending on whether you are starting fresh or extending an existing business. For clinical operators, DHCA requires evidence of the parent company’s healthcare credentials or a detailed business plan for the new facility.
Step 3: Reserve Your Trade Name
Trade name reservation is done through the MASAAR portal. DHCC has specific naming conventions: company names must not conflict with existing DHCC partners and must reflect the nature of the business. Clinical entities must not use trade names that could mislead patients about the scope of services offered.
Step 4: Submit Your Application via MASAAR
The full application is submitted digitally through MASAAR, DHCA’s online e-services system, which is also available as a mobile app (iOS and Android). You upload all required documents, pay application fees, and track the status of your application in real time.
Step 5: Regulatory Review and Approvals
DHCA reviews your application and, where clinical activities are involved, coordinates with relevant regulatory bodies. For healthcare professionals, this may include professional licence verification. For clinical facilities, it may involve a facility inspection and fit-out approval before the commercial licence is issued.
Step 6: Licence Issuance and Operational Setup
Once all approvals are in place, DHCA issues the commercial licence and you can begin operations. Post-issuance, you can use the MASAAR portal to apply for employee residency visas, establishment cards, PO box services, and other government services required to run your business.
What documents are required to register a company in DHCC?
The documents required vary depending on whether you are forming a new FZ-LLC or setting up a branch of an existing company. Below is a general checklist based on DHCA’s requirements. Always confirm the current list through the MASAAR portal or directly with DHCA, as requirements can be updated.
For a New FZ-LLC
- Completed application form submitted via MASAAR
- Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
- Personal information sheets for all shareholders and directors
- CV or resume of the proposed company manager
- Trade name approval confirmation
- Detailed business plan (especially required for clinical operators)
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA/AOA), notarised and attested where applicable
- Lease agreement or letter of intent for premises within DHCC
- Power of attorney (notarised and attested) if a business adviser or representative is handling the application
- Business address confirmation
For a Branch of a Foreign or UAE Company
- Passport copies and personal information sheets for all managers and shareholders
- CV/resume of the proposed branch manager (a relevant university-level qualification is typically required)
- Approval of the proposed trade name
- Approval documentation for the specific commercial activities the branch will carry out in DHCC
- Notarised MOA/AOA of the parent company
- Lease agreement for the new branch premises within DHCC
- Certificate of incorporation, registration, or current trade licence of the existing company (notarised and attested)
- Board resolution from the parent company’s directors authorising the branch setup
- Company profile of the parent organisation
- Physical address proof of the parent company
For both structures, documents originating from outside the UAE will generally need to be attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin and counter-attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. DHCA processes attestation requests through its Document Attestation Service, accessible via the MASAAR portal.
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What are the government fees and setup costs in DHCC?
DHCC does not publish a fixed public fee schedule on its website for all licence types. Costs vary based on your chosen business activity, company structure, facility size, and the specific government services you require. Fees are paid through the MASAAR portal, and DHCA encourages prospective partners to make a direct enquiry for an accurate cost breakdown for their specific setup.
The table below sets out the known and indicative cost components for setting up in DHCC, based on information confirmed from the official DHCA website and publicly available data. All figures should be verified directly with DHCA before relying on them for budgeting purposes.
| Cost Item | Amount (AED) | Amount (USD approx.) |
| DHCX Co-working Executive Desk | From AED 35,000 / year | From USD 9,530 / year |
| DHCX Private Office | From AED 60,000 / year | From USD 16,340 / year |
| Clinical Unit (Phase 1) | 1,500 – 6,000 sq ft available Price by enquiry |
Price by enquiry |
| Commercial / Office Space (Phase 1) | 1,500 – 17,000 sq ft available Price by enquiry |
Price by enquiry |
| Retail Space (Phase 1) | 1,300 – 3,500 sq ft available Price by enquiry |
Price by enquiry |
| Long-term Lease Plots | Avg ~100,000 sq ft Price by enquiry |
Price by enquiry |
| Licence application fee | Payable via MASAAR Amount by activity type |
Confirm with DHCA |
| Annual licence renewal | Payable via MASAAR Amount by activity type |
Confirm with DHCA |
| Establishment card | Government fee Confirm via MASAAR |
Confirm with DHCA |
| Employee work permit / visa | Government fee per employee | Confirm with DHCA |
Note: All licence fees, registration fees, and government service fees must be confirmed directly with DHCA through the MASAAR portal (dhcr.gov.ae) or by contacting DHCA at [email protected]. USD equivalents are indicative based on an AED/USD exchange rate of approximately 3.67.
UAE Federal Corporate Tax applies across the UAE, including free zones. Since June 2023, as per the UAE Federal Tax Authority, UAE-registered companies (including free zone entities) pay corporate tax at 9% on taxable profits above AED 375,000 (approx. USD 102,200). Qualifying free zone persons who meet specific conditions under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 may be eligible for the 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income. You should seek professional tax advice to determine your specific position.
What is the minimum share capital requirement in DHCC?
DHCA does not publicly state a blanket minimum share capital figure for all DHCC company types on its website. For an FZ-LLC, the applicable share capital requirement depends on the specific business activity and the class of licence being applied for. Clinical operators may be subject to higher capital requirements to demonstrate financial stability for patient safety purposes.
The MASAAR portal and DHCA’s business team can confirm the exact share capital required for your chosen activity when you submit your enquiry or application. If you are establishing a branch, the share capital of the parent company is generally the relevant reference point rather than a separate local capital requirement.
DHCA’s licence portal also facilitates a Share Capital Increase service for existing DHCC partners looking to raise their registered capital over time, accessible through the MASAAR portal.
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How many visas can I get with my DHCC licence?
Visa allocation in DHCC is tied to the size and type of premises you occupy within the free zone, consistent with the approach used across UAE free zones. According to DHCA’s government services information, employee residency visas are processed through the MASAAR portal under the Employee Services section.
For businesses using DHCX (the DHCC business accelerator), visa entitlements are linked to the package chosen. Co-working executive desk holders and private office tenants receive a defined number of visas per their agreement. The exact quota is confirmed by DHCA at the time of the lease or desk booking.
For businesses leasing clinical units, commercial offices, or retail spaces in DHCC Phase 1 or Phase 2, visa quotas are calculated based on the floor area of the space occupied, in line with general UAE free zone visa allocation rules. The standard formula across UAE free zones is one visa per 9 square metres of leased office space, though the specific formula applied at DHCC should be confirmed directly with DHCA, as clinical facilities may have different rules.
DHCC partners also have access to Visit Visa Services through MASAAR for short-term business visitors, and Student Visa Services for those operating medical education institutions within the free zone.
What facilities and office options are available in DHCC?
According to DHCA’s official website, DHCC offers a wide range of facility and space options across its two phases, catering to businesses of all sizes from startups using a co-working desk to hospital groups requiring purpose-built clinical complexes.
Clinical Spaces (Phase 1)
Purpose-built clinical spaces in Phase 1 range from approximately 1,500 to 6,000 square feet and are available in both fitted (ready to use) and shell-and-core (for you to fit out to your own requirements) formats. These units include day surgical centres, pharmacies, and specialist clinical suites designed to meet healthcare regulatory standards.
Commercial Offices and Retail Spaces (Phase 1)
Phase 1 has 15 state-of-the-art commercial buildings offering office and retail spaces ranging from 1,500 to 17,000 square feet for offices and 1,300 to 3,500 square feet for retail units. Both fitted and shell-and-core options are available, supported by ample indoor and outdoor parking. This cluster is ideal for healthcare consultancies, pharmaceutical companies, medical equipment distributors, and other non-clinical businesses.
DHCX Business Centre (Building 64, Al Razi Building)
DHCX is DHCA’s dedicated business accelerator for healthcare companies, located in the Al Razi Building (Building 64) in Phase 1. It is designed for SMEs, startups, and freelancers in the healthcare sector who want access to DHCC’s network without taking on a large long-term lease. According to the official DHCX page on dhcc.ae, private office packages start from AED 60,000 per annum and co-working executive desks start from AED 35,000 per annum. Facilities include meeting rooms, seminar rooms, a pantry, fast and secure internet and Wi-Fi, and serviced offices accommodating up to four workstations. Every DHCX tenant receives their own local phone number with remote answering and forwarding options, a receptionist service, marketing support, and access to the wider DHCC ecosystem. To book a space at DHCX, contact [email protected] or call 800432584.
Long-term Leasing and Freehold Land (Phase 2)
For larger operators, DHCC offers long-term leasing of plots in Phase 2. These plots have an average gross floor area of around 100,000 square feet and a suggested height of up to seven storeys, suitable for medical facilities or business offices. Freehold land purchase is also available, alongside joint venture arrangements where DHCA acts as a development partner. These options are particularly relevant for hospital groups, specialist medical centres, or large-scale wellness and hospitality operators looking to establish a permanent, purpose-built home in DHCC.
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What are the key benefits of setting up in DHCC?
Setting up in Dubai Healthcare City offers a combination of free zone advantages and sector-specific benefits not found in general-purpose free zones. The following key benefits are confirmed by DHCA on the official dhcc.ae website.
First and most important for international investors: 100% foreign ownership is permitted for all DHCC entities. You do not need a UAE national sponsor or partner to hold equity in your business. This is a significant benefit compared to mainland company formation, where certain activities still require local partnership arrangements.
DHCC partners are also permitted to operate within the Dubai mainland, which is not automatically available in all UAE free zones. This means a DHCC-licensed business can enter contracts, deliver services, and conduct business with clients on the mainland without needing a separate mainland licence or local agent. The ability to open branches in other UAE free zones is also confirmed, giving DHCC businesses flexibility to expand their footprint across the country.
Residency visas for the business owner and their staff are processed through DHCA’s government services under the MASAAR portal. The investor visa pathway is available for company shareholders and directors, and the work permit pathway covers employees across all roles.
Being part of a sector-focused community of 400+ healthcare and wellness partners creates genuine commercial advantages. DHCC partners benefit from cross-referral networks across the free zone’s five hospitals, 168 clinical facilities, and supporting businesses. Access to the DHCC Metro station and the proximity to Dubai International Airport (10 minutes by road) also makes the free zone highly accessible for patients, staff, and business visitors.
From an infrastructure standpoint, DHCA provides 24-hour security and cleaning across the free zone, maintained roads, landscaping, street lighting, and waste management services, removing a significant operational overhead from tenants. Meeting and conference rooms are available for hire within the Mohammed bin Rashid Academic Centre and the Al Jalila Foundation Building.
Are there any unique advantages or incentives at DHCC?
DHCC has several unique characteristics that set it apart from other UAE free zones and from generic business parks with healthcare tenants.
The AED 1.3 billion development plan announced in October 2025 signals a significant expansion of the free zone’s infrastructure, particularly in Phase 2. This level of investment from the authority indicates long-term commitment to the free zone’s growth and provides confidence for businesses considering a permanent presence. According to DHCA, one in three existing business partners expanded their operations in the most recent reporting period, a strong indicator of the community’s commercial momentum.
DHCC has positioned itself as a hub for AI-enabled healthcare. In January 2025, Acorn Research launched an AI Healthcare Innovation Lab within DHCC, and DHCA partnered with the AI Quantum Intelligence Institute to unveil a pioneering AI initiative at Arab Health 2025. These partnerships reflect DHCC’s ambition to be at the frontier of healthcare technology rather than simply a traditional clinical campus.
The DHCX accelerator (see the Facilities section) is a genuine differentiator for early-stage healthcare businesses. Very few UAE free zones offer a sector-curated co-working and accelerator environment with dedicated healthcare networks, marketing support, and mentoring access. In April 2026, DHCA appointed Zentral as the exclusive operator for DHCX, signalling a focus on enhancing the accelerator’s commercial management and tenant services.
The MASAAR e-services portal, available both as a web platform and a mobile app, is DHCC’s digital gateway for all transactional government services. It covers licence applications, visa processing, establishment card issuance, PO box setup, and all amendments to company details, making the day-to-day administrative burden of running a DHCC business considerably lighter.
Finally, Phase 2’s waterfront location alongside the Dubai Creek and the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary provides an unusually premium physical setting for a healthcare and wellness development, consistent with DHCC’s positioning as a destination rather than simply a business address.
DHCC's combination of sector focus, mainland trading rights, and the AED 1.3bn expansion plan makes it a compelling long-term choice.
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How does DHCC compare to other healthcare-focused free zones in the UAE?
DHCC is the UAE’s only free zone built specifically around clinical healthcare and wellness services. While several general-purpose free zones accommodate healthcare businesses, none replicate DHCC’s sector-specific regulatory framework, clinical infrastructure, or community of 400+ healthcare partners. The table below compares DHCC with the most relevant alternatives for healthcare businesses.
Freezone Comparison: DHCC vs Dubai Science Park vs General-Purpose Free Zone
| Feature | DHCC | Dubai Science Park | General-Purpose FZ (e.g. IFZA) |
| Healthcare specialisation | Full Clinical + non-clinical
|
Life sciences / pharma focus | Not sector-specific |
| Clinical facility fit-out | Purpose-built clinical units | Lab and research spaces | Standard office / warehouse |
| Mainland trading rights | Yes Confirmed by DHCA
|
Depends on licence | Depends on licence |
| Sector community size | 400+ healthcare partners | Life sciences community | Mixed sectors |
| Metro access | Yes DHCC Metro station
|
Limited | Varies by location |
| Co-working with sector focus | DHCX from AED 35,000 / yr | Available | Available (general) |
| Development plan | AED 1.3bn (Phase 2) | Ongoing expansion | Ongoing |
| Regulatory body | DHCA Specialist healthcare
|
TECOM / MBRSG | Free zone authority (general) |
For a business specifically in clinical healthcare, medical education, or wellness, DHCC’s regulatory framework is uniquely suited. The combination of a dedicated healthcare regulator, purpose-built clinical spaces, and a community of established international healthcare names creates a credibility and networking premium that general free zones simply cannot match. If your business is in a healthcare-adjacent field (IT, logistics, general consulting) and does not need clinical premises, a general-purpose free zone such as IFZA, DMCC, or RAKEZ may offer lower entry costs. But for clinical operators, DHCC’s infrastructure and regulatory environment are the appropriate choice.
Tips:
- Apply early for clinical facility fit-out approval: if you are establishing a clinical practice, the fit-out approval process runs separately from your licence application and can take additional time. Engage DHCA’s property management team on fit-out requirements before you sign your lease.
- Use DHCX to test the market before committing to a full lease: if you are new to the UAE market, starting with an executive desk or private office at DHCX gives you a DHCC business address, visa allocation, and sector network access at a fraction of the cost of a permanent clinical unit. You can convert to a larger space once you have established your client base.
- Book a MASAAR account early: the MASAAR portal is central to every step of setup and ongoing compliance. Registering and familiarising yourself with the system before you begin the formal application saves time during the process.
- Confirm mainland trading rights for your specific licence: DHCC partners are permitted to operate on the Dubai mainland, but this right is tied to the licence type and business activity. Confirm the scope of your mainland trading entitlement with DHCA at the application stage to avoid restrictions later.
- Budget for professional licence fees in addition to the commercial licence: clinical healthcare practitioners (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other licensed professionals) operating in DHCC need individual professional licences in addition to the company commercial licence. Budgeting for professional registration with DHCA adds a cost line that non-clinical businesses in other free zones do not face.
Ready to Set Up Your Business in Dubai Healthcare City?
Dubai Healthcare City is the UAE’s most focused and prestigious free zone for the healthcare, wellness, and medical education sectors. Whether you are a clinical operator looking for purpose-built space, a healthcare startup testing the market via DHCX, or an international organisation establishing a regional headquarters, DHCC offers a combination of 100% ownership, mainland trading rights, a world-class sector network, and a dedicated regulatory framework that no general-purpose free zone can replicate.
businesssetuphq.com has years of combined experience helping businesses establish in DHCC and across UAE free zones and mainland jurisdictions. We manage the entire process, from initial feasibility and activity selection through to licence issuance, visa processing, and ongoing PRO services, so you can focus on building your business.
Frequently Asked Questions about Business Setup in DHCC
DHCC stands for Dubai Healthcare City. It is governed by Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), a government entity in Dubai responsible for regulating, licensing, and managing the free zone. All company licences, professional licences, and government services are processed through DHCA and its MASAAR e-services portal.
Yes. While DHCC is designed around healthcare and wellness, it also welcomes businesses in adjacent sectors that serve the healthcare community, including hotels and hospitality, restaurants and retail, management consultancies, IT companies, and healthcare recruitment agencies. However, the primary focus is on businesses with a meaningful connection to health, wellness, or medical education.
Yes. According to DHCA’s official website, DHCC partners are permitted to operate within the Dubai mainland. This is a distinct advantage over many other UAE free zones where mainland trading requires either a separate mainland licence or a commercial agent arrangement. The scope of mainland activities permitted is tied to your specific licence type and should be confirmed with DHCA for your particular business.
Yes. DHCC is a free zone, and 100% foreign ownership is permitted for all entities incorporated within it. There is no requirement for a UAE national sponsor, shareholder, or local agent to hold equity in a DHCC-registered company.
MASAAR is DHCA’s dedicated e-services platform, available both as a website (dhcr.gov.ae) and as a mobile app on iOS and Android. It is used for all interactions with DHCA, including new licence applications, annual renewals, visa applications, establishment card requests, PO box management, amendments to company details, and document attestation. All prospective DHCC partners should register on MASAAR before beginning their application.
The timeline varies by business type and the complexity of the regulatory approvals required. For non-clinical businesses, the process can be completed relatively quickly once all documents are in order and submitted via MASAAR. For clinical operators, additional regulatory steps, including professional licence checks and potential facility inspections, mean the timeline is typically longer. DHCA advises applicants to factor in additional time for clinical setups and to engage early with the business team via the enquiry form on dhcc.ae.
DHCX is Dubai Healthcare City’s dedicated business accelerator, located in the Al Razi Building (Building 64) in Phase 1. It offers co-working executive desks from AED 35,000 per annum and private office packages from AED 60,000 per annum. DHCX is designed for healthcare-focused SMEs, startups, and freelancers who want a professional business address in DHCC, access to the wider healthcare network, visa allocation, and support services, without committing to a full-size lease.
DHCA does not publish a single minimum share capital figure applicable to all licence types on its public website. The requirement depends on your specific business activity and licence class. Clinical operators may face higher requirements for patient protection purposes. The exact figure for your chosen activity can be confirmed through a DHCA enquiry or via the MASAAR portal during the application process.
In case you are willing to setup a company in DHCC or anywhere in UAE, feel free to reach out to us for a consultation.
