With its booming economy and government incentives, Dubai is a popular destination for business investment and setup. The free zones in Dubai have become a significant area for business setup, mainly because these are tax-free zones. Anyone wanting to get away from taxes can start a business here. One of the many free zones is the Dubai healthcare city, which is also one of the largest healthcare-free zones in the world.
Established back in 2002, Dubai healthcare city has attracted the best local and global names. With first-class facilities for business setup and an active regulatory body, DHCC is home to more than 100 medical facilities. Want a business setup in Dubai healthcare city? Here is your guide!
Why Setup a Company in Dubai Healthcare City?
The DHCC, Dubai Healthcare City, is an ideal location for setting up a company because of its special incentives for investors. This jurisdiction ensures that your land is used optimally to integrate the UAE’s medical community. If you are still unsure about starting your company, here below are the reason to convince you of your decision.
- Complete foreign ownership (100%).
- No personal, corporate, or income taxes
- Full repatriation of profits and capitals
- Ideal connectivity with its strategic location
- Top-class facilities and perfect infrastructure for business setup
- Quick, simple, and hassle-free setup
- Set up business with several shareholders
- Assistance with bank account setup
- No customs for services and goods
- International and location healthcare professionals access
- Low costs of operation
- Security facilities are available 24/7
- No restrictions regarding currency
- Zero quotes and trade barriers
Dubai Healthcare City Legal Structures
Specific legal structures are permitted in Dubai Healthcare City. These include the following.
- Free Zone Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- UAE company establishment branch
- Foreign company branch
Requirements to Set up a Company in Dubai Healthcare City
Before you set up your Dubai healthcare city clinics or other businesses, you need to be aware of the basic requirements. Here are the requirements enlisted below.
- The minimum capital requirement for opening a free zone company in DHCC is AED 300,000 for a clinic facility.
- For a commercial office opening in DHCC, the minimum requirement is AED 50,000.
Other than the minimum capital requirements, you also need to apply with DTMFZA for any of the business licenses given below.
- The Facility License (Renewal needed every two years)
- The Commercial License (Renewal required yearly)
- Individual Licenses for nurses and doctors (Renewal needed every two years)
Establishing Your Company in Dubai Healthcare City: The Process
The company formation in UAE Dubai healthcare city isn’t very hard. It is relatively simple. Here we will take you through the steps.
1. Confirm your Business Activity
The first step in setting up your company is to decide which business activities you’re going to conduct. You can select from the options below.
- Healthcare management
- Healthcare support
- Publishing
- Healthcare consultancy
- Management and professional development training
- Clinical inpatient
- Educational service provider
- Academic service provider
- Event management
- Executive research
- Development and research
- Regional headquarter
With the business activity decided, it becomes easier to get the relevant license.
2. Decide Upon the Company’s Corporate Structure
After deciding on the business activities, you need to select a corporate structure for your business to give more clarity. The two main business entity types are branch offices and FZLLC, free zone limited liability companies.
3. Choose a Suitable Business License
Now you need to go ahead with your business license. You need to get a suitable license based on your business. For setting up a business in Dubai, you have the following options for business licenses.
- The Commercial License – needs to be renewed yearly
- The Facility License – needs to be renewed after every 2 years
- The Individual License for nurses and doctors – needs to be renewed after every 2 years
The costs of getting a license in the Dubai Healthcare City free zone start at approximately 15,000 AED.
4. Decide the Trade Name for Your Company
After selecting the business license, you need to decide upon a name for your company. The trade name must be unique and not already taken by any other company. After selecting the name, register it with the Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone Authority.
5. Get Your Company Registered
Under the process of getting your business registered, there are several steps you must follow, as given below.
- Sign the reservation agreement and pay the required administration fee. You also need to pay a 10% annual rent deposit to preserve your facility in DHCC
- Submit the reservation application along with your business plan. Also, pay the processing fee.
- Submit the necessary documents for the registration of your company. Pay the license and registration fee.
- Sign all the constitutional documents. Then take your board resolution and bank letter.
- Return your capital letter proof to DHCC and deposit your share capital
- Sign your business lease agreement. Collect your business license.
Permitted Business Activities in Dubai Healthcare City
Setting up your company in Dubai Healthcare City allows your multiple business activities that come under two main categories; non-clinical and clinical. Here are the activities permitted under both types.
1. Clinical Activities
- Clinical outpatients and inpatients (hospitals)
- Pharmaceutical
- Non-diagnostic labs and diagnostic centers
- Patient escort services
2. Non-Clinical Activities
- Consultancy
- Hotel Services
- Event Management
- Educational Services
- Beverages and Food
Required Documents
To open your company in Dubai Healthcare City, you need the following documents to be submitted.
- Business License prescribed application form.
- Articles and Memorandum of Association of the company.
- A board resolution in the case of a shareholder is a company.
- For natural persons, the founder’s passport copies are needed.
The Verdict
Dubai is always on the list when it comes to setting up a business. This is because of the many benefits offered to business investors. Setting up a company in Dubai Healthcare City also provides multiple benefits. Whether clinical or non-clinical, you are welcome to set up your company here through the simple steps covered above. Just follow the steps, hand in your documents, and start your business today!