Dubai Medical Clinic Licence 2026: Complete Setup Guide
A Dubai medical clinic licence is issued by the Department of Health – Dubai (DH) under DET oversight, with MOHRE staff approvals required. Licence costs range AED 15,000–45,000 depending on clinic size and specialisms. Processing takes 14–21 business days once all documentation is submitted.
What Is a Dubai Medical Clinic Licence?
A Dubai medical clinic licence is mandatory regulatory permission from the Department of Health – Dubai (DH), administered under Dubai's Healthcare Authority framework. It authorises you to provide outpatient medical services—GP consultations, minor procedures, diagnostics—across a defined premises. All clinic operators must hold this licence; operating without one incurs penalties up to AED 500,000 and premises closure. Dubai Business Services guides you through DH requirements, MOHRE staff registration, and fee structures to ensure compliant, transparent setup.
Licensing Authority & Regulatory Bodies
The Department of Health – Dubai (DH) is the sole issuing body. Your application routes through:
| Body | Role | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Health – Dubai (DH) | Licence issuance, facility inspection, renewal | 7–14 days (post-approval) |
| Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) | Medical staff work permits, qualification verification | 5–10 days |
| Dubai Municipality (DM) | Trade licence, lease agreement endorsement | 3–5 days |
| Dubai Economic Department (DED) | Company registration (if new entity) | 1–2 days |
Contact DBS WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 to co-ordinate all authority submissions in sequence.
Medical Clinic Licence Costs & Fees 2026
Transparent fee structure varies by clinic classification:
| Clinic Type | Licence Fee Range (AED) | Annual Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| General Practice (1–2 doctors) | 15,000–22,000 | 12,000–18,000 |
| Multi-Specialty (3–5 doctors) | 25,000–35,000 | 20,000–28,000 |
| Specialist Clinic (Dermatology, Dentistry, etc.) | 20,000–28,000 | 16,000–22,000 |
| Diagnostic Centre (Lab + Imaging) | 30,000–45,000 | 24,000–36,000 |
Additional costs: facility inspection (AED 1,500–3,000), MOHRE work permits per doctor (AED 500–1,200 each), trade licence (AED 800–2,000). DBS itemises all costs upfront—no hidden charges.
Documentation & Eligibility Requirements
DH and MOHRE require:
- Clinical staff credentials: Medical degree (recognised by MOHRE), continuous professional development (CPD) certificates, valid medical licence from country of origin, UAE ID/visa copy.
- Facility documentation: Lease agreement (minimum 12 months), premises floor plan (layout, sterilisation area, pharmacy), equipment list with serial numbers, health and safety compliance report.
- Business documentation: Company registration from DED, trade licence from DM, bank account statement (3 months), insurance policy (professional indemnity, minimum AED 500,000 cover).
- Operational plan: Clinic protocols (infection control, emergency procedures), staff roster with roles, opening hours, patient confidentiality policy.
DBS collates and submits all documents to DH and MOHRE simultaneously—typical approval: 14–21 days.
Application Process & Timeline
Step-by-step pathway:
- Pre-approval (Days 1–3): Consultation with DBS; eligibility check; documentation gathering.
- DED Company Registration (Days 4–5): File new company or use existing entity.
- DM Trade Licence (Days 6–8): Submit lease and business plan; obtain trade name approval.
- MOHRE Staff Submission (Days 9–13): Upload doctor CVs, degrees, work permits to MOHRE portal; obtain approval letter.
- DH Licence Application (Days 14–18): Submit complete application to Department of Health with MOHRE clearance; facility inspection scheduled.
- DH Inspection & Issuance (Days 19–21): DH inspects premises (safety, equipment, cleanliness); licence issued within 48 hours of sign-off.
- Go-live (Day 22+): Collect licence certificate; register with DH portal; begin operations.
DBS manages every step—email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a bespoke timeline.
Compliance & Renewals
Once licensed, clinics must:
- Renew licence annually (60 days before expiry); renewal costs AED 12,000–36,000 depending on type.
- Maintain CPD for all clinical staff (40 hours/year minimum per MOHRE).
- Submit quarterly incident reports if any adverse events occur.
- Pass DH surprise inspections (minimum 2 per year).
- Hold valid professional indemnity insurance at all times.
Non-compliance penalties: fines AED 5,000–50,000, suspension (up to 6 months), or permanent closure. DBS offers annual compliance audits (AED 2,500–4,000) to keep your clinic regulation-ready.
Why Choose Dubai Business Services?
DBS has facilitated 200+ medical clinic setups across Dubai and Abu Dhabi since 2015. We hold direct relationships with DH, MOHRE, and DED officials, ensuring your application processes without delays. Our flat-fee model (no hidden costs), real-time updates via WhatsApp, and dedicated account manager mean you focus on clinical readiness, not bureaucracy. We also handle renewals, compliance audits, and staff registration changes. Contact us today for a free 30-minute consultation on your clinic's pathway.
WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a no-obligation setup quote.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a medical clinic in a free zone (e.g. TECOM, Dubai Silicon Oasis)?
No. Medical clinics must be licensed by the Department of Health – Dubai and operate in mainland Dubai under DH jurisdiction. Free zones (TECOM, DSO, Jebel Ali) fall outside DH's purview. However, you may register your company in a free zone and operate the clinic on the mainland under a special arrangement—DBS advises this route for some multi-entity operators.
How long does MOHRE doctor approval take?
MOHRE typically processes medical staff applications within 5–10 business days. Speed depends on document completeness—missing CPD certificates or unclear qualification verification can extend timelines to 15 days. DBS pre-screens all CVs and credentials to accelerate MOHRE's review and avoid rejections.
What if my doctor's qualification is not from a GCC country?
MOHRE recognises medical degrees from 150+ countries, but non-GCC qualifications require credential evaluation by the Ministry of Health (MoH) Credential Committee—an extra 7–14 days. Doctors from UK, USA, India, and Australia typically clear this easily. DBS co-ordinates the evaluation and fast-tracks it where possible.
Do I need a separate licence for a pharmacy inside my clinic?
Yes. If you dispense medicines on-site, you must apply for a separate pharmacy licence from the Department of Health. Clinic + pharmacy combo licences cost AED 30,000–50,000 combined. The pharmacy section requires a registered pharmacist (MOHRE work permit) and additional storage/security compliance.
What is the minimum lease duration for a clinic premises?
DH requires a minimum lease of 12 months. Shorter leases (6–11 months) may trigger rejection at inspection stage. Ensure your landlord provides a clear, notarised lease agreement endorsed by Dubai Municipality before submitting to DH. DBS verifies lease terms on your behalf.
Can I operate a clinic while my licence application is pending?
Absolutely not. Operating without a valid DH licence is illegal and incurs penalties up to AED 500,000 plus premises closure. Always wait for the DH licence certificate before seeing patients. During the application phase (14–21 days), you may recruit staff and purchase equipment, but clinical services cannot commence.
What happens if DH rejects my clinic licence application?
Rejections are rare if documentation is complete. Common reasons: facility non-compliance (unsafe equipment, inadequate infection control), unverified doctor credentials, or lease issues. DBS requests a detailed rejection letter, remediates the issue (e.g. equipment upgrade, staff replacement), and resubmits within 10–15 days at no extra charge.