Medical Clinic License

Yes, medical clinics can only operate in commercially zoned areas or designated healthcare zones approved by DHA. Residential buildings are generally prohibited for clinic establishment. Some specialties may have additional location requirements based on their services (e.g., surgical facilities have stricter building specifications). We conduct preliminary location assessments to ensure your proposed site meets all regulatory requirements before proceeding with lease agreements.

Yes, established international healthcare providers can open branch clinics in Dubai, which often streamlines certain aspects of the approval process. However, all branches must independently meet DHA standards regardless of the parent organization’s reputation. The process requires submission of the parent clinic’s track record, quality certifications, and operational protocols alongside standard licensing requirements. Our services include specialized branch establishment support.

Medical clinic licensing involves multiple fee components: initial DHA application fees (approximately AED 15,000), commercial license fees (AED 10,000-20,000), clinic inspection fees, medical director registration fees, and various approval certificates. Additional costs apply for specialty-specific permits (e.g., laboratory services, radiology). Annual renewal fees typically range from AED 20,000-30,000 depending on clinic size and services. Our consultation provides a comprehensive fee breakdown tailored to your specific healthcare facility.

The complete process typically takes 6-9 months from initial application to final license issuance. This timeline varies based on clinic specialty, scope of services, and readiness of your facility and documentation. The DHA review process alone can take 3-4 months. Through our specialized services and pre-approval preparations, we can potentially reduce this timeline by 30-40%, helping you launch your healthcare practice more efficiently.

For mainland medical clinics, UAE regulations require that 51% ownership belongs to a UAE national. However, recent regulatory changes allow for 100% foreign ownership structures through specific free zone options like Dubai Healthcare City. Additionally, professional service agreements can be structured to ensure foreign medical entrepreneurs maintain operational control while complying with ownership laws. We can advise on the optimal structure based on your investment goals.

Establishing a medical clinic in Dubai typically requires a minimum investment of AED 1-3 million for basic specialties, with costs increasing for multi-specialty or advanced treatment facilities. This investment covers licensing fees (approximately AED 50,000-70,000), facility setup, medical equipment, staff recruitment, and initial operational costs. Our consultants provide detailed financial planning guidance specific to your medical specialty and clinic scale.

Every medical clinic must designate a qualified Medical Director who holds DHA professional licensing and has at least 5 years of experience in the relevant specialty. Additionally, all healthcare practitioners must obtain individual DHA professional licenses before practicing. Clinics must maintain minimum staffing requirements specific to their medical specialty, including appropriate nursing and support staff ratios. We guide the entire staff licensing process.

Licensed medical facilities must undergo annual inspections by DHA to maintain their operating license. Clinics must also renew their DHA health facility license and commercial license yearly, update staff licenses as required, maintain proper medical waste management protocols, and adhere to patient record-keeping regulations. Regular compliance updates are necessary when adding new services or equipment. Our ongoing support services help manage these continuing requirements.