Opening a medical clinic in Dubai involves multiple steps and requires several important documents, but don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you in simple, clear steps. This article will walk you through the process, explaining each step in detail so you can understand how to get everything done. The key authorities involved are the Dubai Economic Development (DED), Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Dubai Municipality.and Dubai Civil Defence. Ready? Let’s get started!
Who Can Open a Clinic in Dubai?
First things first, who can actually open a clinic here? If you hold a medical degree from an internationally recognized institution, you’re all set to start. But, what if you don’t have a medical degree? No worries! In that case, you can be the investor, and you’ll need to appoint a Medical Director for your clinic. They’ll handle the medical side of things, while you handle the business.
What is DHA?
You’ve probably heard of DHA, the Dubai Health Authority. The DHA is the main governing body responsible for regulating and overseeing healthcare services in Dubai. They ensure that all healthcare facilities meet strict standards of safety, quality, and professionalism. If you're opening any type of medical facility, like a clinic or hospital, DHA approval is mandatory to operate legally and provide healthcare services.
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Medical Center in Dubai?
One of the most common questions when setting up a medical center in Dubai is the total cost involved. To give you a clear understanding, here is a detailed cost breakdown covering government fees, Dubai Health Authority (DHA) approvals, and compliance requirements.
By the end of this guide, you will know exactly what to expect in terms of expenses and approvals required to start your medical clinic.
Business License & Government Charges (DED Fees)
Before operating a medical center, a license from the Department of Economic Development (DED) is required. The estimated costs are as follows:
DED License Fee: AED 18,000 (approx.)
Municipality Fee: 5% of the total shop rent
For example, if the annual rent for your clinic is AED 200,000, the municipality fee would be AED 10,000.
Note: Obtaining a DED license is only the first step. To begin operations, the medical center must comply with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulations and obtain necessary approvals.
Step 2: Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Approvals
After applying for the business license, the next step is to apply for DHA approvals. This process is divided into two phases:
Phase 1: DHA Initial Approval (NOC)
Before setting up a medical clinic, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from DHA is required.
Cost: AED 3,500
This certificate confirms that the planned medical facility meets basic healthcare requirements before proceeding to the final approval stage.
Phase 2: DHA Final Approval & Medical License
Once the medical center is fully set up, a final inspection and compliance check must be completed before receiving approval to operate.
DHA License Fee: AED 16,000 per activity (approx.)
Documentation & Compliance Fee: AED 7,500
What does “per activity” mean?
Each medical service provided by the center is classified as a separate activity under DHA licensing. For example, if the clinic offers both general medicine and physiotherapy, separate approvals and fees apply for each service.
Now, let’s go step by step!
Step 1: Reserve a Trade Name and Get Initial Approval
The first thing you’ll need to do is reserve a trade name for your clinic. Once that’s done, you’ll apply for initial approval from the DED, which is the Dubai Economic Development department.
Documents you’ll need:
- Your passport
- Emirates ID (or tourist visa if you're on a visit)
- Passport-size photos
- Business plan
Once you’ve got the initial approval, you can start the process with DHA. Let's move to the next step! for next step which getting initial approval from the DHA, you don't need a full and final trade license. An initial trade name approval is enough to start the process.
Step 2: Apply for DHA License or Initial Approval from DHA
In this step, you’ll apply for initial approval from the DHA. This is a key part of setting up a clinic since it ensures you meet the necessary health and safety standards.
Documents required for DHA approval:
- Facility Layout plan, Affection plan
- Dubai Municipality approval
- Medical Director’s credentials
- Business registration documents from step 1
- DHA undertaking and Proposal Letter
Once you’ve got your DHA initial approval, you’re halfway there!
Step 3: Complete Business Registration and Get Final Approval
Now it’s time to complete the business registration process. You’ll need to get your Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA) sorted. These legal documents are important for the final approval from the DHA.
Documents needed for final DHA approval:
- No Objection Certificate (NOC)
- Final Trade License
- MoA and AoA
- Lease agreement for the clinic premises
- List of the healthcare professionals and directors
Once you’ve gathered all these documents, submit them to the DHA for their final stamp of approval!
Step 4: Create an Account on the DHA Portal and Get Your License
The last step is to create an account on the DHA portal. Here, you’ll upload all the detailed documents for the medical professionals and consultants working in your clinic.
After DHA reviews and verifies your documents, they’ll issue your DHA license, and you’ll be ready to open your clinic!
Let Us Help You!
As you can see, setting up a clinic in Dubai involves multiple steps and paperwork. It can be tricky, but don’t worry! At CSPzone, we have 15 years of experience handling these processes smoothly and professionally. Whether you need help with licensing, approvals, or just navigating the system, we’ve got you covered. Reach out today, and let us handle the hard work for you!
