The free zone of Dubai Healthcare Metropolis (DHCC) is a healthcare community situated in the heart of the city. This is also the largest healthcare-free zone in the world.

 

Hospitals, wellness centres, medical institutes, and a variety of other amenities make up the DHCC free zone. DHCC intends to be a mixed-use development that focuses on high-quality healthcare and wellness, as well as exquisite hotels and apartments.

 

It will also boost educational organisations in the healthcare field. Dubai Healthcare City is home to a diverse group of medical tourists, students, and residents.

 

Dubai was ranked 17th in the world for medical tourism by the Medical Tourism Destination Index (MTDI) in 2014. Nonetheless, Dubai hopes to place itself among the top 15 destinations by putting a strong emphasis on the medical industry.

 

In the healthcare industry, the city also wants to set new market trends. The DHCC free zone, which is backed by the Dubai government, has been acknowledged as a global medical tourism destination.

 

Benefits of company setup in Dubai Healthcare City free zone:

 

1. The Dubai Healthcare City aims to provide high-quality, multi-use healthcare and wellness centres that are suitable for both residential and commercial use. Since its inception in 2002, the DHCC has grown to become a centre for healthcare-related businesses.

 

1. In Dubai, DHCC is the finest place to start a free zone business. The jurisdiction provides the most efficient use of land in order to integrate the UAE medical community's network. Some of the benefits of company formation in DHCC free zone include:

 

• 100% foreign ownership

• No personal, income, or corporate taxes

• Full repatriation of capital and profits

• Strategic location providing seamless connectivity

• Simple and quick set up process

• World-class infrastructure and facilities

• Business setup with multiple shareholders

• Bank account assistance

• Access to local and international healthcare professionals

• Low operating costs

• 24/7 security facilities

 

Dubai Healthcare City free zone license renewal

Businesses in DHCC can renew their licences in a straightforward and cost-effective manner. Beginning with your company's second annual renewal, you will be obliged to submit an audit report.

You will need to pay the renewal cost and submit the completed lease agreement of your facility to complete the renewal procedure. One advantage is that renewal does not require your actual presence in the UAE and can be handled through an agency.

​

Business liquidation in DHCC

Similar to renewal, company liquidation does not require the physical presence of the owner and can be completed through an agent. To complete the liquidation process, you will need to pay the government fee.

The company liquidation process takes about a month and includes the following steps:

• Cancellation of visas

• Termination of the lease agreement

• Closure of bank account

​
 

Legal structures permitted in DHCC free zone

• Free zone limited liability company

• Branch of foreign company

• Branch of UAE company establishment

 

Facilities in the DHCC free zone

The various options of facilities for business setup include: 

• Leasing solutions

• Clinical spaces

• Non-clinical (retail) spaces

• Business centre

• Executive desk

• Executive office 

 

Business setup process in DHCC free zone

The following stages are involved in establishing a business in the DHCC free zone:

• Submission of the application form

• Obtaining prior authorization from the appropriate authority

• Payment of the requisite fee and submission of legal documents

• Issuance of e-agreement

• Sign e-agreement and share capital letter (FZCO)

• Issuance of e-license

 

Business activities permitted in DHCC free zone

In the Dubai Healthcare City free zone, a variety of business activities are permitted under two categories:  clinical and non-clinical activities. These activities under each category include: 

Activities under clinical category:

• Pharmaceutical

• Clinical inpatient and outpatients (hospitals)

• Diagnostic centres and non-diagnostic medical labs

• Patient escort services

Activities under non-clinical category:

• Hotel services

• Events management

• Consultancy

• Food and beverages

• Educational services

 

Dubai Healthcare City license 

There are various licenses available at DHCC free zone including:

• Consultancy

• Trading

• Media

• Industrial

• Freelance

 

The cost of obtaining a licence in the DHCC free zone starts at around AED 15,000 and goes up from there.