Opening a medical clinic in Dubai is a great option, but it requires proper plans, compliance with legal regulations, and a large investment. Dubai is known as a major destination for global healthcare, so there is a strong demand to open clinics here. The main authorities you need to work with are Dubai Economic Department (DED), Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Dubai Municipality and Dubai Civil Defense. Setting up a medical clinic in Dubai needs several stages and some major documents, but don't worry - we will guide everything in clear, easy-to-follow stages to set up the clinic business in Dubai, licence costs, requirements, and step by step process. 

So, let's get started!

What Is A Clinic License?

A clinic license in Dubai gives you the right to open and run a medical clinic that provides healthcare services. Clinics are smaller than hospitals and mainly provide outpatient care. This means that patients come for check-up, treatment or advice but do not live overnight.

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) regulate the medical sector. They ensure that each clinic adheres to the rules of good care, safety measures and fair practices. To run a clinic, you must obtain a clinic license. These include:

• General clinics

• Dental clinics

• Cosmetic clinics

• Physiotherapy clinics

• Dermatology clinics

• Specialist medical clinics

Steps to Set Up a Medical Clinic in Dubai

To open a medical clinic in Dubai, you must have a medical degree or be a qualified director. Just having a degree is not enough to set up a private clinic in Dubai.

Every doctor, nurse or staff member must have a valid certificate from the Dubai Healthcare Authority (DHA). You must also obtain permission from DHA before running the clinic.

Here are the main steps to get approval to set up a medical clinic in Dubai.

1. Reserve a Trade Name

The first step is to obtain a medical clinic license and book a trade name. To do this, you will need to fill out an online form and send it to the Department of Economic Development (DED). Once the name is approved, you can proceed to the next stage. We also guide you through trade names and trademark registration.

2. Get Initial Approval

After reserving your trade name, you must apply for initial approval from DED. For this, you need to submit:

• Passport copy

• Business plan

• Other documents requested by DED

• This process usually takes about ten days.

3. Get Approval From DHA

The third step is to get DHA approval. DHA is the main authority that manages all healthcare services in Dubai. Their approval is very important. For this, you need to submit:

• Passport and visa copies

• Emirates ID

• Trade name approval copy

• Connection plan

• Floor plan or layout of the clinic

• DHA proposal letter and undertaking

4. Submit Required Documents

After obtaining DED and DHA approvals, you must provide some additional documents:

• Lease agreement for the clinic premises

• Memorandum of Association (MOA)

• Other documents if requested by DHA or DED

The officials will check all the documents before granting the final approval.

5. Obtain Final Approval

For the final round of approval, you will need to provide:

• Copy of the first approval

• Registration fee along with other documents

• Valid building papers

• Final trade license

• No Objection Certificate (NOC)

• List of doctors and directors working in the clinic

6. Obtain The License

The final step is to apply for the DHA license. You will need to open an account on the DHA portal and upload documents of all the doctors and consultants working in the clinic.

Once DHA checks and confirms the details, they will issue your medical clinic license in Dubai, and you can start your private practice.

Why Choose Dubai For Your Medical Clinic Setup?

Dubai’s healthcare market is showing steady growth. It is driven by new technology, a better lifestyle, and strong support from the government to bring in skilled doctors and staff from around the world. In this growing city, setting up a medical clinic works well, as it serves people from many countries, provides access to modern hospitals and equipment, and makes the healthcare business more profitable.

Best Places to Start Aesthetic Clinics in Dubai

If you want to run a successful beauty and wellness clinic in Dubai, you can set up in upscale areas such as:

• Umm Al Sheif,

• Dubai Hills Estate, and

• Jumeirah, where affluent clients seek premium cosmetic care.

Benefits of Opening a Clinic in Dubai

Growing Healthcare Industry

Dubai's healthcare sector is growing rapidly as more people require private medical care, medical tourism is increasing, and population is increasing. The UAE government is making huge investments in new healthcare facilities, making Dubai clinics and healthcare businesses a good destination.

Tax-Free Environment

Starting a clinic in the Dubai Free Zone provides many benefits, such as zero corporate tax, 100% foreign ownership, and complete repatriation of profits. These rules reduce financial stress on medical businesses and help them to focus on developing and serving patients better.

Global Reach

Dubai’s location and the strong image in medical tourism offers clinics an opportunity to attract patients from many countries. The UAE is already popular for dental, skin care and special treatment in cosmetic services, and patients travel from different parts of the world to receive treatment here.

Advanced Infrastructure

The clinic in Dubai benefits from state-of-the-art medical facilities such as modern hospitals, laboratories and research centers. The government also supports digital health and telemedicine, which provides access to new techniques to clinics that improve the care of the patient.

Read Next: E-Trader License in Dubai: How to Get, Costs, Permitted Activities

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

The cost mainly depends on the location you choose and what kind of setup you want. But the basic registration and legal fees remain the same, as shown here:

• License registration and approval fee: AED 12,500.00

• DHA approval fee: AED 10,000.00

• MOHRE and immigration fee: AED 1,750.00

• UAE local agent fee with PRO services: AED 15,000.00

Other Costs Will Vary According to Your Needs, Such As:

• Annual rent for the clinic space

• 5% of the rent paid to Dubai Municipality every year

• Interior design and setup fee

• Medical test and DHA registration costs for each doctor, nurse and clinic director

• Visa costs for all staff and managers working in the clinic

• Day-to-day running costs

Start Your Clinic in Dubai With DBS Business Setup Group

Starting a general clinic, beauty clinic or hospital in Dubai is not difficult. DBS Business Setup Consultancy Group is your trusted partner for a smooth process. We help you obtain licenses, handle visa work and comply with all legal regulations, as well as guide you step by step.

With DBS Business Setup Group, you get full support to register your clinic, obtain the appropriate permits and simplify the setup process. We put your healthcare business in Dubai on the right track, so you can focus on providing the best care to your patients.

Also Read: How to Setup a Cloud Kitchen in Dubai: License Cost & Step by Step Process