How Can You Start a Healthcare Business (Hospital, Clinic) in Dubai, UAE?

The Healthcare Industry is one of the growing industries in the todays world. The United Arab Emirates is well known for its healthcare facilities. There are number of people visiting Dubai for various treatments due to its most advanced medical and healthcare technologies which provides prime medical services to the people not only restricted to its treatment for medical illness but also includes physical fit, wellness and mental health.

Dubai welcomes both expats and residents for healthcare business setup. Starting a healthcare company in Dubai is advantageous in several ways and hence a profitable option. It has its own features and benefits includes transport between places, proximity to your client base and affordable real estate.

Dubai has a business-friendly environment and easy to start up a business. It allows 100% foreign ownership for your company. It also offers exemption from taxes, strategic location.

What business can you start in healthcare?

If you are planning to invest or start a healthcare business in Dubai there are different fields you can choose to invest in such as private clinics and hospitals, healthcare supports, clinical outpatients, clinical inpatients, child skill development training, healthcare consultancy, healthcare investment management, ambulatory centres etc.,

Steps Involved in starting up Healthcare Business in Dubai Mainland UAE:

Before starting a healthcare business in Dubai, understanding the important aspects of how to start a healthcare company in Dubai will be essential to avoid unwarranted issues.

If you are deciding to invest in healthcare sector or planning to start a healthcare business you need to follow certain steps.

1. Choose the company Structure: Decide the legal entity or business type. It can either be a branch or a Limited Liability Company.
2. Choose a company Name: Your name is not being used by any other business. You can get the help of the Department of Economic Development (DED) on choosing the company name.
3. Get Approval from DED: Submit a copy of your business plan along with required documents to the DED with the passport copies of all the individuals related to the business along with the other essential documents.
4. Get Approval from DHA: In addition to DED approval, the approval from Dubai Health Authority is a mandatory requirement. The authority will assess the firm’s capability, including the qualification of the personnel and infrastructure proposed, before approving.
5. Sign the Documents: Submit Memorandum and Article of Association duly signed by all the shareholders. Get a legal agreement signed before the setting up of a business.
6. Issuance of License: Once all the approvals are granted from DED and DHA your business license can be issued, and the process of on-boarding staff and operating your business can begin
7. Open a corporate bank account: Once you are fully set up as a business, you should set up a bank account for your operations. This will make it easier to handle your company finances and tax filing in the future.
8. Once your application and business plan are approved, pay the required fee and start the business operation and process of on-boarding staff etc,.

What documents are required to start a company healthcare business in Dubai Mainland, UAE?

In order to start your healthcare business in mainland Dubai you must need the below documents:

1. Trade name reservation proof or Trade certificate of the business
2. Certificate of initial approval for the activities form DHA and DED
3. Passport copies of all the shareholders and the partners.
4. Memorandum of Association signed by all shareholders
5. Copy of the manager’s resume.
6. Personal information documents of each shareholder and the manager.
7. All kind of lease and rent agreements
8. Proof of financials and account balances of the owners
9. Notarized Memorandum of Association
10. Power of attorney for appointing the business advisor.
11. Articles of Association from the UAE Embassy at the current location.
12. Address details of the business

What is The Cost for Opening a Healthcare Business in Dubai?

The cost for opening a healthcare business is completely depends on the required facilities and location, however the initial registration and legal costs would remain the same as below:

• Dubai Health Authority Approval Fees: approximately AED 10000
• Licence Registration and approval Fees: approximately AED 12500
• MOHRE and Immigration Registration Fees: approximately AED 2000

In addition to the above You would need to bear the additional cost for the initial investment, capital, rent of the premises, Municipality Fees, Interior decoration charges, Visa costs for all the staff and other operational costs.

To make it easier, once you have your business plan ready in your hand, you can always take help form the expert business setup consultants who will assist you through the process to obtain a licence for your healthcare business in Dubai, UAE.

Infographic on how to start your healthcare business in mainland Dubai