Dubai Medical Equipment Trading Licence 2026: Cost & MOHAP Registration
A Dubai medical equipment trading licence costs AED 25,000–45,000 all-in and requires MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention) medical device registration plus DHA (Dubai Health Authority) medical warehouse approval. Your business must employ a qualified storekeeper and comply with storage, handling, and documentation standards. Registration typically takes 15–25 working days once all documents are submitted to MOHAP and DHA.
What Is a Dubai Medical Equipment Trading Licence?
A Dubai medical equipment trading licence authorises your company to legally import, store, distribute, and sell medical devices and equipment within the UAE. This is a regulated activity overseen by MOHAP and the DHA. Unlike general trading licences, medical equipment licensing involves dual approval pathways: establishment registration with MOHAP and operational approval from DHA. To understand the broader context of Dubai business setup, medical equipment trading is classified as a controlled professional activity. The licence covers wholesale distribution, retail supply, and warehouse operations.
Not sure if your medical products need MOHAP registration? Contact our specialist team for a free 20-minute scoping call—WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
MOHAP Medical Device Registration: The First Approval
MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention) is the national regulatory body responsible for medical device classification, approval, and establishment registration. Before you can trade any medical device in the UAE, your company must register as a medical device establishment with MOHAP. This registration confirms your business is compliant with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards and UAE Ministerial Order 63/2021 (Medical Device Regulation).
MOHAP registration requires:
- Completed establishment registration form (Form MD-1)
- Certificate of incorporation and trade licence
- Facility inspection (premises, storage, and handling areas)
- Quality and compliance documentation
- Appointment letter for a qualified responsible person (pharmacist or engineer)
MOHAP approval typically takes 10–15 working days after inspection. Once approved, you receive an establishment registration number, valid for three years (renewal required thereafter).
DHA Medical Store and Warehouse Licence
If you operate in Dubai, the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) issues the medical store/warehouse licence—a complementary authorisation to MOHAP registration. This licence confirms your premises meets DHA's physical and operational standards. The DHA conducts a separate facility inspection focusing on temperature control, security, record-keeping, and staff competency.
The DHA medical store licence covers:
| Licence Type | Scope | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Equipment Warehouse | Bulk storage and wholesale distribution | AED 8,000–15,000 |
| Medical Equipment Retail Store | Direct-to-customer sales (pharmacy or clinic supply) | AED 6,000–12,000 |
| Medical Equipment Trading (No Premises) | Import/export and distribution via third-party warehouses | AED 4,000–8,000 |
DHA approval typically takes 7–10 working days post-inspection. Both MOHAP and DHA approvals are mandatory for legal operation.
Total Cost of Medical Equipment Trading Licence (2026)
The all-in cost to obtain a Dubai medical equipment trading licence in 2026 ranges from AED 25,000 to AED 45,000 depending on your business model. This breakdown includes:
- MOHAP establishment registration: AED 4,000–6,000 (application and inspection fees)
- DHA medical store licence: AED 4,000–15,000 (warehouse or retail; includes inspection)
- Dubai Municipality trade licence: AED 3,000–5,000 (professional activity fee)
- DET (Dubai Economy and Tourism) registration: AED 2,000–3,000
- Professional consultant/agent fees: AED 8,000–12,000 (optional but recommended for first-time applicants)
- Initial medical device approval dossier (if required): AED 2,000–5,000
Costs vary if you use a free-zone location (e.g. Jebel Ali Free Zone) instead of mainland Dubai, which may reduce municipal fees but add free-zone membership costs. Our Dubai business setup consultants can help you identify the most cost-effective route for your product category.
Storekeeper Qualification Requirements
Both MOHAP and DHA mandate that your business employ a qualified storekeeper who takes responsibility for proper storage, handling, inventory management, and record-keeping of medical devices. The storekeeper must hold one of the following qualifications:
- Pharmacist diploma or degree (most common and preferred)
- Bachelor's in Pharmacy, Medical Sciences, or Health Administration
- Diploma in Medical Device Management or Hospital Administration (from a recognised institution)
- Relevant experience: Minimum 2–3 years in medical equipment handling, if degree-level qualification is not held (subject to MOHAP discretion)
The storekeeper's passport, education certificates, and employment contract must be notarised and submitted to both MOHAP and DHA during licence application. The storekeeper also undergoes MOHAP/DHA compliance training, usually conducted online or at the authority's training centre (cost typically AED 500–1,000).
Missing a qualified storekeeper? We can guide you on hiring, documentation, and MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) requirements—email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com.
Timeline: How Long Does Registration Take?
End-to-end medical equipment trading licence approval typically takes 20–35 working days in 2026, broken down as follows:
| Step | Authority | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Trade licence issuance (DET + Dubai Municipality) | DET, Dubai Municipality | 3–5 days |
| MOHAP establishment registration (incl. inspection) | MOHAP | 10–15 days |
| DHA medical store licence (incl. inspection) | DHA | 7–10 days |
| Post-approval compliance documentation | MOHAP/DHA | 2–5 days |
Delays often occur if document defects are detected during inspection or if your premises do not meet initial GDP/storage standards. Professional guidance from a licensed setup consultant can accelerate the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
How much does a medical equipment trading licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
A complete medical equipment trading licence costs AED 25,000–45,000 all-in. This includes MOHAP registration (AED 4,000–6,000), DHA medical store licence (AED 4,000–15,000), municipality and DET fees (AED 5,000–8,000), and optional consultant fees (AED 8,000–12,000). Exact cost depends on whether you operate a warehouse, retail store, or trading entity without premises.
Do I need MOHAP registration to trade medical devices in the UAE?
Yes, absolutely. MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention) registration is mandatory for any medical device trading, import, or distribution. MOHAP classifies devices, approves establishments, and ensures compliance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards under UAE Ministerial Order 63/2021. Without MOHAP approval, your licence is not legally valid.
What is a medical warehouse/store licence in Dubai?
A medical warehouse/store licence, issued by DHA (Dubai Health Authority), authorises you to operate a physical location for storing and distributing medical devices. It complements MOHAP registration by confirming your premises meets DHA's standards for temperature control, security, record-keeping, and staff competency. DHA approval is required only if you maintain a Dubai-based facility.
Can a free-zone company import medical equipment to the UAE?
Yes, a free-zone company (e.g. Jebel Ali Free Zone) can import medical equipment, but it must still obtain MOHAP establishment registration and DHA approval if it holds stock within Dubai or supplies the local market. Free-zone locations offer cost savings on municipal fees but may have higher free-zone membership costs. MOHAP/DHA regulations apply regardless of zone status.
How long does medical device registration take in 2026?
Medical equipment trading licence approval takes 20–35 working days. Trade licence issuance takes 3–5 days, MOHAP establishment registration (including facility inspection) takes 10–15 days, and DHA medical store licence takes 7–10 days. Delays occur if documents are defective or if your premises require remedial work to meet GDP standards.
What qualifications does my storekeeper need?
Your storekeeper must hold a Pharmacist diploma, Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy or Medical Sciences, or a Diploma in Medical Device Management. If neither qualification is held, a minimum of 2–3 years' verifiable experience in medical equipment handling may be accepted (subject to MOHAP discretion). Notarised certificates and employment contracts must be submitted to both MOHAP and DHA.
Do I need both MOHAP and DHA approvals to operate in Dubai?
Yes. MOHAP approval is national-level establishment registration required for all UAE medical device trading. DHA approval is Dubai-specific and mandatory if you operate a physical warehouse or store in Dubai. If you trade without holding stock in Dubai (pure import/export), DHA approval may not be required, but MOHAP registration remains compulsory. Consult with DBS specialists to confirm your exact requirements.
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