Business Setup in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) Free Zone : A Hub for Medical Services in the UAE
Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone is an urban Healthcare Landmark facilitating individuals and corporations to advance their Healthcare Services, Contact Smart Zones® UAE today and start Your journey towards Healthcare Business Success!
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Easy Business Setup
- Thriving Medical Hub
- State-of-the-Art Infrastructure
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), the largest medical center and the world's pioneering healthcare free zone, is gaining increasing recognition as a global healthcare hub. Both medical tourists and regular tourists are discovering the seamless integration of healthcare services with vacation and leisure experiences. Situated in the central area of Dubai, DHCC is conveniently located just 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from Dubai International Airport.
Why Business Setup in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) Free Zone?
DHCC boasts an extensive network of approximately 160 clinical collaborators, encompassing hospitals, outpatient medical centers, and diagnostic laboratories spanning over 150 specialties. This diverse pool of licensed professionals hails from nearly 90 countries, enhancing the breadth of DHCC's medical tourism offerings. Complementing its healthcare facilities, the free zone is supported by almost 200 retail and non-clinical establishments. Additionally, DHCC is the proud host of the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, an academic institution within the Mohammed Bin Rashid Academic Medical Center.
The governance of the free zone falls under the purview of the Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), with regulatory oversight provided by the independent Dubai Healthcare City Authority – Regulation (DHCR). The quality standards set by DHCR are accredited by the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua).
Types of Business Activities permitted in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) Free Zone
Establishing a business in Dubai Healthcare City Freezone provides a variety of activities that cater to both the medical and non-medical sectors. Here is a list of potential business activities for your consideration:
Medical Industry Activities:
- Health care support
- Healthcare management
- Healthcare consultancy
- Pharmaceutical
- Clinical inpatient and outpatient services (hospitals)
- Diagnostics centers and non-diagnostic medical labs
- Patient escort services
Non-Medical Industry Activities:
- Professional and management development training
- Educational service provider
- Publishing
- Academic service provider
- Non-academic service provider
- Executive research
- Event management
- Regional headquarters
- Hotel services
- Food & Beverages
- Research and development
Benefits of Establishing a Business in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) Free Zone, UAE
- Streamlined Establishment Process: Businesses operating in the healthcare and related sectors find Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) to be an ideal fit. In addition to its world-class medical facilities, the free zone offers a straightforward and expedited company setup process, minimizing bureaucratic hurdles. To begin, leasing premises in DHCC requires reserving the preferred unit. The size and type of unit depend on the nature of the business, with spaces available from approximately AED 185 per sq ft. After signing the reservation agreement, the subsequent steps include submitting the initial application, applying for a commercial license, and, if necessary, obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Dubai Health Authority. Once approvals are secured, the lease agreement is signed, enabling businesses to commence operations.
- Regulatory Compliance: While the array of regulations such as the Medical Liability Regulation and Health Data Protection Regulation may seem overwhelming, businesses in DHCC typically find them to be standard practice, especially for those already operating in the healthcare industry.
- Collaboration with Industry Leaders: Entrepreneurs often choose DHCC to work alongside industry leaders. The exceptional facilities and strategic location attract medical professionals and healthcare companies worldwide, including renowned entities like Boehringer Ingelheim and Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
- Flexible Visa Options: DHCC allows companies to obtain multiple visas, with the number linked to office size and business nature. The general guideline is 100-150 sq ft of space per visa, providing flexibility for business growth.
- Sponsorship for Dependents: DHCC facilitates the visa sponsorship process for dependents, making it convenient for business owners to sponsor spouses, children, or domestic staff. Meeting salary requirements and ensuring sufficient housing space are crucial, and seeking advice from experts in Smart Zones® UAE business setup is recommended.
- Multiple Shareholders Setup: DHCC's popularity extends to large multinational businesses due to its allowance for company formation with up to 50 shareholders, including individuals, corporate entities, or a combination of both.
- Support for Corporate Bank Account Opening: DHCC offers assistance in opening corporate bank accounts, guiding businesses on suitable banks and facilitating meetings with chosen financial institutions if desired.
Available Facilities in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) Free Zone
- Contemporary office spaces and business hubs
- Shared amenities and collaborative workspaces
- Retail establishments and dining options
- Educational institutions and training venues
- Recreational amenities and lush outdoor areas
- State-of-the-art technology infrastructure
- Specialized support services
Types of Business Licenses Available in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) Free Zone
The primary requirement for a healthcare organization to establish its presence in the Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) free zone is obtaining a license. Depending on their nature, healthcare and pharmaceutical companies have the option to apply for three types of business licenses within the DHCC free zone. This service allows facility operators to initiate the application process for a new Commercial License in Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone.
Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)
An independent legal entity, the Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) is established with individual(s) and/or corporate(s) shareholders, subject to a minimum capital requirement based on the business activity. To form an FZ-LLC, a minimum of one shareholder and one director is essential.
Branch of UAE Company/Branch of UAE Establishment
Considered a legally dependent entity, a Branch of a UAE Company is an extension of its UAE-registered parent company located outside the DHCC jurisdiction. Any company established beyond DHCC, whether licensed as a company or establishment, can acquire a branch license within DHCC. The Branch Company must be fully owned by its parent company, and there is no minimum capital requirement.
Branch of Foreign Company
A Branch of a Foreign Company is a legally dependent entity of its parent company outside the UAE, even if its operational base is not at the parent company's headquarters. There is no minimum capital requirement for this type of license.
The Process to Start a Healthcare Business in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) Free Zone
Setting Up a Healthcare Business in Dubai involves a structured process. The following steps guide you through the establishment process:
Embark on the journey of opening a business in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) Free Zone by partnering with Smart Zones® UAE. Our adept company formation specialists will guide you through the business license application and setup process, liaising with relevant government and municipal authorities on your behalf.
The next step is to select the company structure. Dubai offers various options to choose from, catering to the specific needs of your business. It is crucial to decide on a corporate structure based on factors such as the number of shareholders and the initial capital investment.
You must choose a trading name for your company. The name should be non-offensive and unique. After deciding on the company name, approvals from Dubai Government Authorities are required.
The choice of location is a fundamental factor in business success. Setting up a company in an area without the target audience could result in losses. Dubai offers specific areas like Mainland, Free Zones, and Offshore, each adhering to distinct rules for company incorporation.
Identify the company's shareholders and general manager. Submit application forms, along with passports and legal documents of shareholders, to the Department of Economic Development Dubai.
Simultaneously with the DED Application, seek approval from Dubai's Department of Health Authority (DHA) for conducting the business activity. DHA scrutinizes the planned business activities before granting approval.
Draft essential documents like Memorandum and Articles of Association, containing pertinent details about the business activities. These documents are necessary for presentation to Government Authorities to obtain required licenses and approvals.
Upon compliance with incorporation documents and regulations, the final approval is issued by the DED, leading to the issuance of licenses.
Following approval, the final step is to obtain licenses for business operations. For instance, a clinic license in Dubai is necessary for starting a clinic. With the required permits in hand, business operations can commence legally.
Complete the process by opening your corporate bank account for your Dubai Business with Smart Zones® UAE. This final step paves the way for the successful opening of your Business.
Remember that the process may vary depending on your chosen jurisdiction and business activities. Consulting legal and business experts familiar with Dubai's business setup landscape is highly recommended.
Looking for a seamless business setup experience? Trust Smart Zones® Dubai to pave the way.
Documents Required to Start a Business in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) Free Zone, UAE
- DHCC application form
- Approvals from external government authorities
- Comprehensive business plan
- Copy of the existing company brochure or profile (if available)
- Passport copies for each director, shareholder, and general manager
- Emirates ID copies for directors, shareholders, and general manager (for UAE residents)
- Completed personal information sheets for each director, shareholder, and general manager
- Lease agreement for the business facility
- For corporate shareholders: Certified true copies of all parent company incorporation documentation (e.g., certificate of registration), attested by the appropriate authority
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA/AOA) of the parent company, attested by the appropriate authorities
- For corporate shareholders: Board resolution affirming the establishment of a company in DHCC free zone and the appointment of a manager, attested by the appropriate authority
- An attested and notarized power of attorney designating Creation Business Consultants as the representative to act on behalf of you and/or shareholders during the company incorporation process.
Submitting incorrect documents can lead to immediate rejection. Our consultants at Smart Zones® UAE ensure you have the right documents, avoiding any complications in the process.
Cost of Establishing a Company in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) Free Zone
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) grants commercial licenses for both clinical and non-clinical facilities. The expenses associated with company setup are subject to variations based on factors such as the company type (free zone or non-free zone), distinct free zone company setup packages, license type, legal structure, ownership type, and business facilities.
For a comprehensive understanding of the costs associated with setting up your company in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), reach out to Smart Zones® UAE Business Setup Consultants in Dubai, UAE.
DHCC is the largest medical center and a leading healthcare free zone globally. It is gaining recognition as a premier healthcare hub, offering seamless integration of healthcare services with vacation and leisure experiences. With a strategic location just 2.5 miles from Dubai International Airport, DHCC provides a conducive environment for medical and non-medical businesses.
DHCC allows a variety of business activities catering to both the medical and non-medical sectors. Medical industry activities include health care support, healthcare management, pharmaceuticals, clinical services, diagnostics centers, and patient escort services. Non-medical industry activities encompass training, education, publishing, event management, hotel services, and more.
Some key advantages include a streamlined establishment process, regulatory compliance in the healthcare industry, collaboration with industry leaders, flexible visa options, sponsorship for dependents, the option for multiple shareholders setup, and assistance in opening a corporate bank account.
DHCC offers modern office spaces, shared facilities, retail outlets, educational institutions, recreational amenities, advanced technology infrastructure, and specialized support services.
DHCC provides three types of business licenses: Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC), Branch of UAE Company/Branch of UAE Establishment, and Branch of Foreign Company. Each has its specific requirements and benefits.
The process involves partnering with Smart Zones® UAE, determining the company structure, reserving the company trade name, selecting a strategic location, applying for approvals from the Department of Economic Development Dubai (DED) and the Department of Health Authority (DHA), drafting relevant documents, obtaining final approval from DED, obtaining relevant licenses, and opening a corporate bank account.
Essential documents include the DHCC application form, external government approvals, a detailed business plan, existing company brochure or profile, passport and Emirates ID copies for directors, shareholders, and general manager, completed personal information sheets, lease agreement, and relevant documents for corporate shareholders.
The cost varies based on factors such as the company type, setup packages, license type, legal structure, ownership type, and business facilities. For detailed information, consult Smart Zones® UAE Business Setup Consultants in Dubai.
Want to know more, talk to Smart Zones® Dubai advisory team they will be happy to help. Ready to invest in your future?
