Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)
DHCC is a Dubai-based free zone with packages starting from AED 62,200, and moderate banking access. DHCC is Dubai's specialized healthcare and wellness free zone designed for regulated clinical operators and health-adjacent services under DHCA/DHCR oversight. It's typically more expensive than generalist free zones due to compliance requirements and prime central-Dubai real estate, but it offers a purpose-built ecosystem with dense clinical infrastructure — 10 hospitals and 168 clinical facilities.
From
AED 62,200
Established
2002
Companies
400
Max Visas
0
Banking
Moderate
DHCC Packages & Pricing
| Package | License | Visas | Office | Year 1 Total | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DHCC Non-Clinical Desk Space Package (0 Visa) | AED 22,200 | 0 | Flexi Desk | AED 62,200 | AED 55,600 Assumes annual renewal of Commercial License + Operating Permit (15,600) + continuing office lease (40,000) = 55,600. |
| DHCC Non-Clinical Desk Space Package (1 Visa) | AED 22,200 | 1 | Flexi Desk | AED 67,680 | AED 57,330 Assumes annual renewal of license+permit (15,600) + office lease (40,000) + establishment card renewal (1,730) = 57,330. Excludes visa renewal (3-year visa). |
| DHCC Non-Clinical Small Office Package (2 Visas) | AED 22,925 | 2 | Private Office | AED 87,155 | AED 73,055 Assumes renewal of license+permit (16,325) + office lease (55,000) + establishment card (1,730) = 73,055. Visa renewals occur per visa validity. |
| DHCC Clinical Outpatient Facility Baseline (3 Visas) | AED 39,650 | 3 | Private Office | AED 217,630 | AED 196,030 Assumes annual renewal of license+operating permit (~29,300) + clinic lease (165,000) + establishment card (1,730) = 196,030. |
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Highly specialized healthcare ecosystem with 10 hospitals and 168 clinical facilities in a purpose-built community.
- Established business community with more than 400 active partners across healthcare and wellness.
- Published regulator tariff schedule with transparent baseline fees: AED 15,000 commercial license for many non-clinical categories, AED 3,100 initial application fee.
- Published in-zone visa processing fees: Employment Residence Visa Package (3 years) AED 3,200, Establishment Card AED 1,730.
- Supports 'desk space' as a recognized area classification, enabling smaller service firms to operate within DHCC's regulated environment.
- Banking enablement support at incorporation — DHCR can issue a bank introduction letter for share-capital deposit.
- Mandatory health insurance can be budgeted from the DHA Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) band of AED 550–750 per member per year.
Watch out for
- High office/clinic rental market in central Dubai — yearly office rents in the DHCC area start from ~AED 40,000 and dominate total Year 1 cost.
- Clinical operators face additional one-time assessments, surveys, and operating permit fees depending on facility type and scope.
- Audited financials become a renewal requirement from the second year.
- Activity scope is limited to healthcare and wellness — many unrelated activities are not eligible for DHCC licensing.
- Banking is often slower for healthcare businesses due to enhanced KYC around claims payments, medical billing, and insurer relations. Expect 3–8 weeks.
- Professional licensing for individual healthcare practitioners is separate from company licensing and adds time and cost.
Visa Information
Max Quota
0 visas
Visa quota depends on leased space, facility type, and DHCR approvals. Quota is managed via DHCR services (Adding Employment Quota: AED 230).
Processing Time
15 days
Renewal Cost
AED 2,680
Every 3 years (visa); commercial licence renewed annually
Dependent Visa
AED 2,350
DHCR tariff includes Spouse Residence Visa Package (new) at AED 2,350. Child and student packages also available.
Available Visa Types
Visa Cost Breakdown
Employee Visa
AED 3,200
Investor Visa
AED 3,200
Medical Standard
AED 450
Medical VIP
AED 850
Emirates ID Typing
AED 390
Budget 2–6 weeks for non-clinical profiles. Clinical entities can take longer due to facility permits and surveys. Visa issuance depends on medical fitness, Emirates ID biometrics, and immigration processing.
Banking
Partner Banks
Non-clinical DHCC firms with clean UBO documentation and simple service revenue can often open accounts in ~2–6 weeks. Clinical and claims-heavy models can take ~4–8+ weeks due to enhanced KYC and insurer/payment flows. Prepare UBO, source-of-funds evidence, contracts/LOIs, and (for clinical) licensing/permits and expected payer mix.
Features
Mainland Trading
Like most UAE free zones, DHCC entities need a mainland distributor/agent or a separate mainland setup to trade directly in the UAE onshore market.
Physical Office Required
DHCR requires a Lease Reservation Letter to proceed with application. DHCC offers desk space and office solutions.
Dual License Allowed
Crypto Friendly
DHCC is healthcare-focused. Crypto activities are outside scope and require separate licensing.
Shared Ownership
100% foreign ownership is standard. DHCC supports FZ-LLC and branch structures.
Free Zone to Mainland
Online Portal
DHCR operates the Masaar client portal for licensing and employee/visa services.
Co-working Available
Audit Required
Audit report is required from the second renewal for company renewal.
Share Capital Requirement
Varies by activity. Minimum value per share is AED 1,000. Share-capital deposit required for FZ-LLC incorporation (via DHCA trust account or a bank account under formation).
Special Ecosystems
Location
Recent Developments
- Oct 2025: DHCA announced an AED 1.3 billion development plan for DHCC Phase 1.
- Aug 2025: Mediclinic City Hospital designated as a Centre of Excellence in Surgical Proctology.
- Aug 2025: DHCA organised an organ donation awareness symposium with UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention.
- Jan 2025: DHCA and AI & Quantum Intelligence Institute launched an AI-driven medical claims analysis initiative at Arab Health 2025.
- Jan 2025: DHCA partnership with Al Jalila Foundation to advance medical education and research.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a DHCC license cost in 2026?
DHCC's regulator tariff shows many desk-space and non-clinical categories at AED 15,000 for the commercial license, plus initial application (AED 3,100) and commercial registration (AED 3,500). Your Year 1 budget is usually much higher once office rent (starting ~AED 40,000/year in the DHCC area) is included.
What is the cheapest DHCC package with 0 visas?
A conservative 0-visa baseline is a non-clinical desk-space license: AED 22,200 for licensing fees plus office/desk rent (~AED 40,000+/year in the area). That puts a practical Year 1 budget around AED 62,200 before any visas.
How much is a DHCC employment visa in 2026?
The DHCR tariff lists the Employment Residence Visa Package (3 years, new) at AED 3,200. You'll also need an Establishment Card (AED 1,730) plus health insurance budgeted separately.
Is health insurance mandatory for DHCC visas and what should I budget?
Dubai requires compliant health insurance for residents. The DHA Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) sets an index-rate band of AED 550–750 per member per year for basic coverage. Higher-tier plans for executives and clinicians cost more.
Does DHCC allow a flexi desk or desk space for company setup?
Yes. DHCR's published tariff includes 'Desk Space' as an area classification for multiple non-clinical and support activities, with a commercial license of AED 15,000 and operating permit of AED 600.
Is an audit required for DHCC company renewal?
Yes. An audit report is required from the second renewal onward for company renewal. The exact requirements depend on DHCR rules and your entity type.
How long does DHCC setup take and what slows it down?
Non-clinical setups can move relatively fast once the lease reservation and documents are ready — budget 2–6 weeks. Clinical operations (facility licensing, surveys, and staff professional licensing) can add weeks, often taking 4–8+ weeks total.
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Starting From
AED 62,200 /yr