Dubai Medical Equipment Trading Licence 2026: Cost & MOHAP Steps
A medical equipment trading licence in Dubai requires MOHAP medical device registration, DHA warehouse approval, and storekeeper qualifications. Total setup cost typically falls between AED 25,000–45,000. Processing takes 15–25 working days once MOHAP and DHA submissions are filed.
What Is a Medical Equipment Trading Licence in Dubai?
A medical equipment trading licence allows you to import, store, and distribute medical devices, equipment, and consumables across the UAE. This falls under the Dubai medical equipment trading licence 2026 framework, overseen by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DHA). To operate legally, you must hold both MOHAP medical device and establishment registration and DHA medical store or warehouse approval. Dubai Business Services specialises in Dubai business setup for healthcare and trading sectors, helping 80,000+ entrepreneurs navigate licensing since 2009.
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Understanding MOHAP Medical Device Registration
MOHAP registration is mandatory for all medical equipment traders. The ministry categorises devices into Classes I–IV based on risk level. Your company must register as an establishment (distributor/importer) and each device must receive individual market approval. Classes I and II typically clear faster (10–15 days), while Class III–IV devices undergo stricter review (20–30 days). You must provide quality dossiers, manufacturing certificates, and conformity documentation. Registration covers the UAE market; re-export requires additional permits from destination authorities.
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DHA Medical Store and Warehouse Licence Requirements
In addition to MOHAP, you require a DHA medical store or warehouse licence if you operate in Abu Dhabi or store inventory there. The DHA conducts facility inspections covering storage conditions, temperature control, segregation of medicines from devices, staff competence, and security. Warehouses must meet GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards for medical devices. The DHA approval process takes 10–15 working days after facility inspection. If your trading hub is in Dubai only, DHA approval is not required; however, if you serve the broader UAE market, it is compulsory.
Storekeeper and Staff Qualification Requirements
UAE law mandates that you appoint a qualified storekeeper (sometimes called a medical device manager or responsible person). This individual must hold a relevant diploma or bachelor's degree in pharmacy, biomedical sciences, or healthcare management, recognised by MOHAP or an international accreditation body. The storekeeper must complete MOHAP-approved training on handling, storage, and traceability of medical devices. They are legally responsible for inventory accuracy, expiry management, and adverse event reporting. Larger operations may require additional trained staff; the DET (Dubai Economy and Tourism) confirms staffing requirements during business registration.
Recruiting a storekeeper? DBS can assist with qualification verification and MOHAP letters of appointment.
Cost Breakdown: All-In Medical Equipment Trading Licence 2026
| Component | AED Range |
|---|---|
| Trade Licence (DET) | 2,000–4,500 |
| MOHAP Establishment Registration | 3,500–8,000 |
| MOHAP Per-Device Registration (1–3 devices) | 5,000–15,000 |
| DHA Medical Store/Warehouse Approval | 2,500–5,000 |
| Office/Warehouse Lease Deposit (3 months) | 6,000–12,000 |
| Total (All-In, 2026) | AED 25,000–45,000 |
Costs exclude inventory, utility deposits, and insurance. Premium consultancy adds AED 3,000–7,000. Free zones (e.g. DMCC, Jebel Ali Free Zone) may have different fee structures; contact your zone authority directly.
Step-by-Step Setup Timeline
Timeline for a medical equipment trading licence typically follows this sequence: (1) Company name approval and initial DET registration (2–3 days); (2) Premises inspection and office agreement (5–7 days); (3) Trade Licence issuance (5–7 days); (4) MOHAP establishment application and device dossier submission (3–5 days); (5) MOHAP technical review and approvals (15–25 days); (6) DHA facility inspection and warehouse licence (10–15 days); (7) Final permits and operational readiness (2–3 days). Total elapsed time: 40–65 working days. Expedited pathways exist for Class I/II devices or if you use a Dubai business setup consultants with pre-existing MOHAP relationships.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a medical equipment trading licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
Total all-in cost ranges AED 25,000–45,000, including DET trade licence (AED 2,000–4,500), MOHAP establishment and device registration (AED 8,500–23,000), DHA warehouse approval (AED 2,500–5,000), and office lease deposits (AED 6,000–12,000). Premium consultancy can add AED 3,000–7,000. Exact cost depends on device class, number of SKUs, and facility size.
Do I need MOHAP registration to trade medical devices in the UAE?
Yes, MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention) registration is legally mandatory. You must register your company as a medical device establishment and obtain individual market approval for each device or product line. Devices are classified I–IV; higher classes require longer review periods (up to 30 days). Operating without MOHAP approval incurs fines and business closure.
What is a medical warehouse or store licence in Dubai?
A DHA (Department of Health – Abu Dhabi) medical store or warehouse licence permits you to hold inventory of medical devices in approved facilities. It confirms compliance with GMP storage standards, temperature control, segregation, and security. Required if you operate in Abu Dhabi or serve the broader UAE market. Obtained after facility inspection (10–15 days).
Can a free zone company import medical equipment to the UAE?
Yes, but with conditions. Free zones like DMCC and Jebel Ali Free Zone allow medical equipment trading; however, you still require MOHAP establishment and device registration, plus DHA approval if inventory is stored on mainland UAE. Free zone fee structures differ; contact your zone authority. Re-export outside the UAE may have simplified approval.
How long does medical device registration take in 2026?
MOHAP device registration typically takes 15–25 working days after submission of a complete technical dossier. Class I/II devices clear faster (10–15 days); Class III/IV undergo stricter review (20–30 days). DHA warehouse approval adds another 10–15 days. Full business setup (including trade licence and staffing) spans 40–65 working days.
What qualifications must a medical equipment storekeeper have?
Your storekeeper must hold a diploma or bachelor's degree in pharmacy, biomedical sciences, healthcare management, or equivalent, recognised by MOHAP. They must complete MOHAP-approved training on device handling, storage, and adverse event reporting. The storekeeper assumes legal responsibility for inventory accuracy, expiry management, and regulatory compliance. Larger operations may require additional qualified staff.
Is a free 20-minute scoping call available to assess my medical equipment business setup?
Yes. Dubai Business Services offers free 20-minute scoping calls to clarify your medical equipment trading licence pathway. Contact us via WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com. We've served 80,000+ entrepreneurs since 2009 and specialise in healthcare and activity-specific licensing.
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