Business Setup in Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone (DHCC)

 Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone, commonly known as DHCC, is a free zone that was established in 2002 by the Dubai government. DHCC is the largest healthcare free zone in the world and is located in the heart of Dubai. The DHCC free zone is dedicated to providing a unique platform for healthcare professionals and companies to provide high-quality healthcare services to patients in the UAE and the wider region.

The Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone is a strategic initiative aimed at developing Dubai into a leading healthcare destination, both locally and internationally. DHCC is home to a wide range of healthcare facilities and services, including hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and research centers. The free zone provides a supportive environment for healthcare professionals and companies to set up and operate their businesses in a secure, regulatory-compliant environment.

DHCC provides a range of services to support the growth of healthcare businesses in Dubai. These services include business setup, licensing, visa, and immigration services, and legal and regulatory support. The free zone is committed to providing a supportive and collaborative environment for healthcare professionals and companies to thrive.

One of the unique features of DHCC is its focus on medical tourism. The free zone provides a platform for healthcare providers to offer specialized medical services to patients from around the world. DHCC is home to several specialized hospitals and clinics that offer a range of services, including cosmetic surgery, orthopedics, and fertility treatments.

In addition to medical tourism, DHCC is also focused on research and innovation. The free zone provides a platform for healthcare companies to collaborate and innovate to develop new healthcare technologies and treatments. DHCC is home to several research centers, including the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, which is focused on research and education in the healthcare sector.

The Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone provides a range of benefits to healthcare professionals and companies looking to set up and operate in Dubai. These benefits include:

100% foreign ownership:

DHCC allows for 100% foreign ownership of businesses, which means that investors can set up their businesses without the need for a local partner.

Tax-free environment:

The free zone provides a tax-free environment for businesses, which means that companies can operate without paying corporate taxes.

Strategic location:

DHCC is located in the heart of Dubai, making it easily accessible for patients and healthcare professionals.

Regulatory-compliant environment:

The free zone provides a regulatory-compliant environment for healthcare businesses, which means that companies can operate in a secure and compliant manner.

Range of services:

DHCC provides a range of services to support the growth of healthcare businesses, including business setup, licensing, visa and immigration services, and legal and regulatory support.

Focus on medical tourism:

DHCC is focused on medical tourism and provides a platform for healthcare providers to offer specialized medical services to patients from around the world.

Research and innovation:

The free zone provides a platform for healthcare companies to collaborate and innovate to develop new healthcare technologies and treatments.

Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone business setup costs varies depending on the type of business and the size of the company. The free zone provides a range of business setup packages to meet the needs of different businesses. These packages include business registration, licensing, visa, and immigration services, and office space rental.

Step By Step Process For Business Setup in Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone:

Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone (DHCC) is a specialized healthcare free zone located in the heart of Dubai. DHCC provides a platform for healthcare businesses to set up their operations in a supportive and well-regulated environment. In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in setting up a business in Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone.

Step 1: Determine the Business Activity

The first step in setting up a business in DHCC is to determine the type of business activity that you want to undertake. DHCC allows various business activities related to healthcare such as hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, medical laboratories, research and development centers, pharmaceutical companies, and medical device manufacturers.

Step 2: Choose a Business Entity Type

Once you have identified the business activity, the next step is to choose the type of business entity that you want to establish. DHCC allows the formation of different types of companies such as Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC), Branch of a Foreign or UAE Company, and Representative Office.

A Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) is a separate legal entity with its own shareholders and is limited by shares. The shareholders’ liability is limited to the amount of capital contributed to the company.

A Branch of a Foreign or UAE Company is an extension of the parent company and has the same legal identity and business activities as the parent company. The branch is wholly owned by the parent company and is not considered a separate legal entity.

A Representative Office is a non-trading entity that is established to promote the parent company’s activities and create business contacts.

Step 3: Choose a Trade Name

The next step is to choose a unique trade name for your business. The trade name should not be similar to any existing registered trade name in DHCC or any other jurisdiction in the UAE. The trade name should also reflect the nature of the business activity.

Step 4: Obtain Initial Approval

After choosing the business entity type and trade name, you need to obtain initial approval from DHCC. You will be required to submit the following documents for initial approval:

• Completed application form
• Passport copies of the shareholders and the proposed manager
• Business plan
• Memorandum and Articles of Association (for FZ-LLC)
• Certificate of Incorporation and Certificate of Good Standing (for Branch of a Foreign Company)
• Board Resolution (for Branch of a UAE Company)

Once the application is submitted, DHCC will review the documents and issue initial approval within 7-10 working days.

Step 5: Lease a Premises

After obtaining initial approval, the next step is to lease premises in DHCC. DHCC provides various options for leasing premises such as serviced offices, clinics, and laboratories. The lease agreement should be signed between the landlord and the company.

Step 6: Obtain a Trade License

Once the lease agreement is signed, the next step is to obtain a trade license from DHCC. You will be required to submit the following documents for a trade license:

• Lease agreement
• Completed application form
• Passport copies of the shareholders and the proposed manager
• Memorandum and Articles of Association (for FZ-LLC)
• Certificate of Incorporation and Certificate of Good Standing (for Branch of a Foreign Company)
• Board Resolution (for Branch of a UAE Company)
• Initial approval

After submitting the documents, DHCC will issue the trade license within 2-3 working days.

Step 7: Obtain Necessary Approvals and Licenses:

Once you have submitted your application and received initial approval, you will need to obtain the necessary approvals and licenses to start your business operations in DHCC. This includes obtaining a commercial license from the DHCC authority and any other necessary permits from relevant authorities such as Dubai Municipality, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and Dubai Civil Defense.

Step 8: Secure Office Space:

DHCC offers a range of office spaces including furnished and unfurnished offices, serviced offices, and co-working spaces. You can choose the type of office space that best suits your business needs and budget. Once you have selected an office space, you will need to sign a lease agreement and pay a security deposit.

Step 9: Register Employees and Apply for Visas:

If you plan to hire employees for your DHCC business, you will need to register them with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and obtain their work visas. DHCC offers a streamlined visa process through its immigration center, making it easier and quicker for businesses to obtain visas for their employees. You will need to provide relevant documents such as employment contracts, passports, and medical certificates for visa applications. It is important to note that visa regulations in the UAE are subject to change, so it is advisable to seek professional guidance in this regard.

Step 10: Visa and Residency Permit Applications

Once the company registration is completed, the next step is to apply for the necessary visas and residency permits for the company’s employees. The Dubai Healthcare City Authority issues these permits, and the process can take up to 6 weeks to complete.

The company will need to provide the necessary documents, such as the employee’s passport copies, visa application forms, medical examination certificates, and other supporting documents. Once the applications are submitted, they will be reviewed, and if approved, the visa and residency permits will be issued.

Step 11: Office Space and Facilities

The Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone offers several options for office space and facilities, depending on the company’s needs and budget. The options include fully furnished offices, serviced offices, and customizable office spaces that can be designed according to the company’s specifications.

The office space comes equipped with all the necessary amenities, including high-speed internet, phone lines, conference rooms, and access to common areas such as kitchenettes and lounges. The free zone also offers on-site facilities such as a gym, medical center, and other recreational areas.

Step 12: Opening a Corporate Bank Account

Once the company has obtained the necessary licenses and permits and has secured office space, the next step is to open a corporate bank account. The Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone has several local and international banks that provide corporate banking services.

The company will need to provide the necessary documents, such as the company’s certificate of incorporation, trade license, and other relevant documents, along with the company’s shareholders’ and directors’ personal identification documents.

Step 13: Recruitment of Staff

The Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone has a large pool of highly skilled and qualified professionals from around the world. Companies can recruit staff through online job portals or by using the services of a recruitment agency.

The free zone also has an extensive network of training and educational institutions, providing companies with access to a range of training and development programs to upskill and develop their employees.

Step 14: Business Operations and Compliance

Once the company is fully established and operational, it is essential to comply with the regulatory requirements and local laws. The Dubai Healthcare City Authority regulates and monitors the activities of companies within the free zone to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.

The company must also comply with the free zone’s regulations, such as the Code of Conduct and Ethics, Health and Safety regulations, and other relevant rules and guidelines.

Costs involved in Setting up Business in Dubai Health Care City Free Zone – DHCC

Setting up a business in Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone involves several costs that a business owner should consider before deciding to establish a presence in the zone. The costs associated with setting up a business in DHCC can be broadly categorized into the following:

1. Company Formation and Registration Fees: To set up a company in DHCC, you will need to pay various fees for company formation and registration. The cost of company formation and registration fees may vary depending on the type of company, the number of shareholders, and the amount of capital required. For instance, the registration fee for a limited liability company (LLC) with two shareholders and a capital of AED 300,000 is AED 10,000.
2. License Fees: Once you have obtained initial approval for your business, DHCC license is required to operate the license fee may vary depending on the type of activity you intend to carry out. The DHCC authority offers different types of licenses such as commercial licenses, clinical licenses, and academic licenses. The cost of license fees may range from AED 10,000 to AED 50,000 depending on the type of license.
3. Office Space Rent: DHCC offers a range of office spaces that businesses can choose from. The cost of office space rent may vary depending on the type of office space, location, and size. Furnished offices and co-working spaces may be more expensive compared to unfurnished offices. The rent for unfurnished office space may start from AED 60,000 per year, while the rent for a serviced office may start from AED 80,000 per year.
4. Visa Fees: If you plan to hire employees for your DHCC business, you will need to apply for their work visas. The cost of visa fees may vary depending on the type of visa and the nationality of the employee. DHCC offers a streamlined visa process through its immigration center, which may reduce the cost of visa fees. The visa fees may range from AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 per employee.
5. Sponsorship Fees: To set up a business in DHCC, you will need to have a local sponsor who will act as a liaison between your business and the DHCC authority. The cost of sponsorship fees may vary depending on the type of sponsor and the terms of the sponsorship agreement. The sponsorship fees may range from AED 10,000 to AED 30,000 per year.
6. Insurance Fees: Businesses operating in DHCC are required to have mandatory insurance coverage such as employer’s liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance. The cost of insurance fees may vary depending on the type and amount of coverage required. The insurance fees may range from AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 per year.
7. Miscellaneous Costs: There may be other miscellaneous costs involved in setting up a business in DHCC such as legal fees, accounting fees, and marketing expenses. The cost of these expenses may vary depending on the complexity of the business setup and the services required.

It is important to note that DHCC business setup cost may vary depending on several factors such as the type of business, the size of the business, and the services required. It is advisable to seek professional guidance to understand the costs involved in setting up a business in DHCC and to plan your budget accordingly.

Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone business setup and obtaining DHCC license streamlined and efficient process, with several benefits for companies looking to operate in the healthcare industry. The free zone offers a range of incentives, including tax exemptions, 100% foreign ownership, and streamlined procedures, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and businesses.

The process of setting up a business in the Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone involves several steps, including company registration, obtaining licenses and permits, opening a corporate bank account, and recruiting staff. With careful planning and attention to detail, companies can set up a successful and profitable business in the Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone.