Set Up a Company in Dubai Healthcare City
Region's largest integrated healthcare free zone. Regulated by DHA. Home to world-class hospitals and clinics.
Dubai Healthcare City
DHCC Authority
- Oud Metha, Dubai, Dubai
- Regulated by DHCC Authority
- Established 2002
- Official website
Best for:
Why Choose DHCC?
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) is the Middle East's largest integrated healthcare free zone. Regulated by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), DHCC hosts world-class hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, and medical research facilities. The zone provides the regulatory framework required for healthcare businesses to operate in the UAE.
Healthcare Regulation
Regulated by Dubai Health Authority — proper licensing for medical activities.
World-Class Hospitals
Home to leading hospitals and medical centres.
Complete Ecosystem
Hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and research facilities in one location.
Medical Tourism
Strategic location for medical tourism businesses.
Research Facilities
Medical research and pharmaceutical development supported.
Wellness District
Includes wellness and complementary medicine facilities.
Important: What DHCC companies cannot do
- Limited to healthcare-related activities only
- Longer setup due to medical licensing requirements
- Higher regulatory burden compared to general free zones
- Physical presence usually required for medical licences
DHCC Setup Costs — 2026 Pricing
Prices shown are indicative of 2026 market rates. Exact costs depend on your chosen activities, visa quota, and office package. Get an exact quote →
Year 1 total: ~AED 40,000+ |Annual renewal: From AED 26,000. Year 2 onwards is typically 30–40% less as registration fees are one-off.
How to Register a Company in DHCC
Choose Your Activities
Select up to 1-3 business activities from DHCC's approved list.
Reserve Your Company Name
Choose a unique company name following UAE naming rules. Must include FZE or FZCO suffix.
Submit Documents
Passport copy, photo, proof of address. In-person submission required.
Receive Initial Approval
DHCC reviews your application. Initial approval typically takes 14 business days.
Pay & Receive Your Licence
After payment, your trade licence is issued within 14-60 working days.
Apply for Visas
With your licence, apply for UAE residence visas. Process takes 3-5 weeks with in-person medical and biometrics.
UAE Residence Visas Through DHCC
Visa Quota
With a DHCC licence you can sponsor up to 100 residence visas depending on your office package. Flexi desk packages typically allow 2 visas.
Visa Cost
Each UAE residence visa through DHCC costs approximately AED 4,500 – 7,000 including entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID, and visa stamping fees.
Visa Validity
UAE free zone residence visas are valid for 2–3 years and can be renewed. Your visa is tied to your company — if the licence lapses, visas must be renewed or cancelled.