How to Set Up a Clinic in Dubai: Cost, DHA License & Requirements

Opening a clinic in Dubai isn’t just a business move; it’s a chance to be part of one of the world’s fastest-growing healthcare destinations. With people from all over the world calling Dubai home, the demand for quality medical services is only rising.

If you’re thinking about a clinic setup in Dubai, you’ll find a system that’s organised, supportive, and built to help healthcare professionals succeed. From getting your DHA license to meeting facility requirements and estimating setup costs, every step is clear once you know where to begin.

And the best part? You’re building your practice in a city that values trust, technology, and top-tier care, which is exactly what every good clinic stands for.

Benefits of a Medical Clinic Setup in Dubai

Clinic setup in Dubai offers several advantages:

Thriving Market for Healthcare

Dubai’s population is growing fast & so is the demand for quality healthcare. Setting up your clinic here means stepping into a market that genuinely needs your expertise.

Supportive Government Policies

The Dubai government actively encourages medical professionals to start and grow their clinics. Licensing procedures are smooth, transparent, and designed to help healthcare businesses grow.

Tax-Free Income

You keep what you earn. Dubai offers a 0% personal and corporate tax environment, so every bit of your clinic’s profit goes directly back to you. However, the UAE introduced a 9% Corporate Tax on net profits exceeding AED 375,000 per year.

100% Profit Repatriation

You can easily transfer your profits to your home country without restrictions. It’s your hard-earned money, and Dubai lets you take it home freely.

Access to High-Net-Worth Patients

Dubai’s diverse mix of wealthy locals, expatriates, and international visitors means your clinic will attract clients who value premium healthcare and are willing to invest in it.

Global Recognition and Reputation

Operating a clinic in Dubai enhances your professional credibility. It places you on a global stage, where world-class healthcare and innovation meet.

Long-Term Financial Stability

With a strong economy and steady demand for medical services, running a clinic in Dubai offers stability, growth, and a future where your work truly pays off.

How to Open a Clinic in Dubai, UAE

To open a medical clinic in Dubai, you need to navigate all the steps below:

1. Reserve Your Trade Name

Start by choosing a suitable name for your clinic that follows the UAE’s naming rules. Once you decide, submit it online to the DET for approval.

2. Get Initial Approval from DET

After your trade name is approved, apply for the initial approval from DET. You’ll need to submit your basic documents along with a layout of your proposed clinic to the Dubai Municipality for review.

3. Apply for DHA Approval

Next, apply to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) for permission to set up your clinic. You’ll need to provide a business plan or feasibility report outlining your services and setup details.

4. Submit All Required Documents

Once you receive the initial approvals, gather and submit all necessary documents to register your clinic. Double-check every detail to avoid delays in the process.

5. Obtain Final DET Approval

You’ll now need to submit additional documents such as your NOC, building lease, details of medical directors and staff, and a copy of the DET’s initial approval. After review and fee payment, the DET will issue your trade license.

6. Apply for a DHA Medical License

Create an account on the DHA portal and upload the required details, including your lease agreement, clinic floor plan, and medical staff information. Once everything is verified, DHA will issue your clinic license.

Note: The full process of clinic setup in Dubai usually takes about 25 to 40 days, depending on the type of clinic and how quickly your documents are processed.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Clinic in Dubai?

When planning your clinic setup in Dubai, the overall cost depends on several factors, mainly the type of clinic, its size, and where it’s located.

You’ll need to account for expenses related to:

• Business registration and licensing approvals
• Approvals from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
• Registration with the MOHRE and Immigration departments
• Local agent services and corporate PRO assistance
• Annual rent for your clinic premises
• Interior design, furnishing, and medical equipment setup
• Staff recruitment, visa processing, and medical examinations
• Ongoing operational and administrative expenses

Each of these factors contributes to the total investment needed, so it’s best to plan your budget based on your specific requirements and clinic vision.

Required Documents to Set Up a Medical Clinic in Dubai

To register a medical clinic in Dubai, you’ll need the following documents to get approval from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

• Trade Name Reservation (Approved by DET)
• Initial Approval Certificate (Approved by DET)
• Lease Contract
• Floor Plan and Layout Plan of the Facility
• Owner-Signed DHA Agreement
• Affection Plan (Issued by Dubai Municipality)
• Plan Approval Document
• Copy of Passport, Visa, and Emirates ID
• Medical Director Approval (Approved by DHA)

Note: Document requirements may vary depending on your clinic’s type, size, and speciality. Always confirm the latest checklist with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) before submission.

Key Operational & Compliance Checklist (DHA Inspection Ready)

The ultimate step to receiving your operational license is passing the mandatory DHA facility inspection. This inspection confirms that your physical clinic, its equipment, and its staff are all compliant with Dubai’s healthcare standards.

Medical Director and Staff Licensing

• Mandatory Requirement: The clinic must appoint a DHA-licensed Medical Director who will oversee all clinical services.
  
• Professional Licenses: Every practising staff member (doctors, nurses, technicians) must have their individual professional license processed and approved by the DHA before the facility can be activated.
  
• DataFlow Verification: All professional licenses require a mandatory background check to verify educational certificates and professional experience.

Facility Readiness and Equipment

• DHA Guidelines Compliance: The final clinic fit-out must strictly adhere to the DHA’s specific Health Facility Guidelines regarding room sizes, ventilation, material use, and safety features (e.g., fire safety, waste disposal).
  
• Biomedical Equipment: All medical devices and equipment must be present, calibrated, and compliant. You must provide an inventory list that matches the equipment needed for the licensed medical activities.
  
• NABIDH Compliance (e-Health): You must have an electronic health records (EHR) system that complies with the UAE’s national health information standards (NABIDH). This is essential for reporting and data management.
  

How Vista Can Help You Set Up a Medical Clinic in Dubai

If you’re planning a clinic setup in Dubai and want the process to be smooth, fast, and fully compliant, Vista is here to guide you. Our team of business setup experts works closely with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and government departments to manage every step, from documentation and approvals to securing the correct location for your clinic. We simplify the legalities, save you time, and make sure you meet all regulatory standards. 

With us, setting up your medical clinic in Dubai becomes a simple, stress-free experience from start to finish.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article about clinic setup in Dubai is for general guidance and informational purposes only. Regulatory requirements, fees, and procedures may change based on updates from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and other government entities. Readers are advised to verify details with official authorities or consult a licensed business setup advisor before making any decisions.