If you work in healthcare, you may have thought about opening your own clinic in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dubai is a great place for healthcare entrepreneurs because of its thriving economy and diversified culture. 

Dubai Healthcare City may be the right destination for your medical clinic. There are many benefits to starting your business in Dubai Healthcare City. 

After all, before starting this journey, it is essential that you become aware of requirements and procedures. 

The goal of this post is to give you a comprehensive overview of the necessary paperwork, processes, and permissions needed for medical clinic setup in Dubai. 

You will have a thorough grasp of the steps required to open a profitable clinic in the vibrant metropolis of Dubai by the end of this article.

Understanding the Healthcare Landscape in Dubai

About 5% of the emirate’s GDP comes from Dubai’s healthcare sector, which is among the most developed in the Middle East. With over half of all healthcare spending going to the private sector, the private sector is a significant player. 

The potential for new players in this market was highlighted by the AED 10.1 billion in private sector funding in 2022.

Steps for Medical Clinic Setup in Dubai

You need to have a medical degree or be a director with the necessary credentials in order to do a clinic setup in Dubai. Keep in mind that opening a private clinic in Dubai requires more than just a standard medical degree. 

Every employee should have full certification from the Dubai Healthcare Authority (DHA). Additionally, you must obtain permission from the Dubai Healthcare Authority in order to open a clinic in Dubai.

The main procedures for obtaining permission to setup a medical clinic in Dubai are listed below.

1. Reserve a Trade Name

Getting a medical clinic license in Dubai and registering a trading name are the first steps in setting up a clinic in Dubai. In order for the trade name to be registered, the investor must complete an online application and submit it to the Department of Economic Development. The candidate can then continue with the process after this. We can help you with trademark registration. 

2. Obtain Initial Approval

You must apply for the DED‘s initial approval after getting your trade name. This requires submitting a number of documents, such as:

• A valid passport copy
• A detailed business plan
• Any other relevant documentation as specified by the DED

This stage typically takes ten days or so.

3. Get Approval from DHA

Getting approval from the DHA is the third step because they are the main controlling body that regulates all healthcare services in Dubai, and their approval is the most important of all. However, the following documents are required for the initial approval and must be provided by you:

• Visa copies and passport
• Emirates ID
• Copy of the Trade Name issued by the authority
• Affection plan
• The layout or Floor Plan
• DHA Undertaking and Proposal Letter

4. Submit Required Documents

Following initial approval and DHA permission, you need to provide the following more documents:

• Lease agreement for your clinic location
• Memorandum of Association (MOA)
• Any other documents requested by the DHA or DED

These documents will be examined prior to receiving final approval.

5. Get the Final Approval

The investor must provide a photocopy of the first approval, the registration fee, and other necessary documentation.

• A valid building
• Final Trade License
• No Objection Certificate
• List of the healthcare professionals and directors

6. Get a License

To obtain a DHA license, the final step is to register for an account on the official DHA website. All of the comprehensive documentation for the doctors and consultants who are expected to work in the clinic must be submitted by the candidate. 

You will receive a clinic license in Dubai to open a private clinic following the DHA’s review of your documentation.

Required Documents to setup a medical clinic in Dubai

• A current medical certification issued by the DHA or international organizations. Choose a medical director for your company if you lack a medical degree and certification.
• Copies of each participant’s passport are required, including those of the medical director, commercial partners, and local sponsors (sometimes referred to as UAE nationals, Emirati partners, or local agents).
• The entry stamp sheet and tourist visa of each participating member. A copy of your Emirates ID and the resident visa page can also be submitted.
• MoA signed by the local sponsor and all of the foreign partners.
• Your trade name and the type of business you are in. For example, you can open your own private clinic in gynaecology, dentistry, urology, and cosmology.
• A professional license issued by DED.
• All permits acquired from DHA have been approved. These licenses are different for general practitioners, specialists, trainees, student interns, and resident physicians.

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

The cost will depend on the location and the facilities needed, but the registration and legal fees will stay the same, as shown below:

• Approximate License Registration and approvals Fees: AED 12,500.00
• DHA Approval Fees: AED 10,000.00
• MOHRE and Immigration registration Fees: AED  1,750.00
• UAE national Agent Fees with Corporate PRO Services: AED 15,000.00

Additional costs based on investor requirements are as follows:

• Rent for the premises per year
• 5% of the rent every year is used for Dubai Municipality costs.
• Charges for interior design
• Fees for medical examinations and the DHA registration fees for each medical consultant, director, and nurse
• All employees and managers under the facility must pay the visa fee.
• All operating expenses

Challenges and Considerations to Setup Medical Clinic in Dubai

There are many advantages to setting up a clinic in the UAE, but there are challenges as well:

• Regulatory Compliance: It can be challenging to navigate through several regulatory standards.
• Market Competition: Differentiating your services is essential in the competitive healthcare industry.
• Cultural Sensitivity: When giving care, it’s essential to understand regional traditions and customs.

Conclusion

Setup of a medical clinic in Dubai necessitates thorough preparation, compliance with legal regulations, and knowledge of the healthcare system in the area. Dubai is a desirable location for aspiring healthcare entrepreneurs due to its expanding population and rising need for high-quality healthcare services. 

In this dynamic city, you can effectively open your medical clinic by following the steps listed and being well-prepared.

For more detailed information on how to setup a medical clinic in Dubai, consider consulting with JSB Incorporation.