DHCC company setup cost (2026)
Headline: Quote required for an exact figure.
Year-one budget: Quote required.
There is no reliable public price list for this zone, so we do not publish a number. Request a written quote and we will get one for your exact activity.
Not included: professional-service fees, residence visas beyond the package, office upgrades, bank minimum balances, and external approvals for regulated activities.
Benefits of the DHCC licence
- Purpose-built healthcare regulatory framework through its own regulator
- Ecosystem of hospitals, clinics, labs and medical-education providers
- Clinical and non-clinical licence categories
- Facilities designed for medical and wellness operators
- 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation
Who is DHCC best for?
- Clinics, hospitals and specialist practices
- Diagnostic and wellness providers
- Healthcare service and education companies
Typical permitted activities
- Clinical services
- Diagnostics and laboratories
- Wellness and rehabilitation
- Medical education and training
Always check your exact activity against the zone’s permitted list. Regulated activities need separate approvals.
What to watch out for
- Clinical activities need healthcare-regulator approvals and qualified professionals
- Costs depend on facility size and clinical scope — a quote is essential
How to set up a company in DHCC
- Choose the zone and activityMatch your business activity to the zone’s permitted list and your budget. Check whether you need physical space or a specific licence type.
- Reserve the trade nameSubmit two or three name options; zones typically approve within one to three working days.
- Submit documents and applicationPassport copies, photos, proof of address and shareholder details. Corporate shareholders provide attested documents.
- Pay fees and sign the incorporation documentsFees are paid to the free zone authority; sign the Memorandum/Articles digitally or in person.
- Receive your licence and certificatesYou receive the trade licence, certificate of incorporation and a desk or lease agreement.
- Establishment card, visas and Emirates IDGet the immigration card, then entry permit, medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID for each visa holder.
- Open the bank account and register for taxApply for a corporate bank account, and register for corporate tax and, if required, VAT.
DHCC compared with similar UAE free zones
| DHCC | DIC | SHCC | Meydan | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Dubai | Dubai | Sharjah | Dubai |
| Best for | Healthcare & wellness | Technology & software | Healthcare & wellness | Digital, e-commerce & SME |
| Licence cost | Quote required — healthcare licensing and facility fees vary by activity | Sector band about AED 25,000–50,000 in year one (quote required) | Quote required — healthcare licensing varies by activity | From AED 12,500 (zero-visa) · about AED 20,670 with one visa |
| Setup time | Several weeks (healthcare approvals apply) | 1–3 weeks | Several weeks (healthcare approvals apply) | Within days; fully digital |
| Banking ease | Good | Good | Moderate | Good |
| Fee data | Quote required | Indicative band | Quote required | Published |
FAQs: Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) company formation
Can non-medical companies set up in DHCC?
DHCC primarily licenses healthcare and wellness activities. Non-clinical companies should confirm eligibility for their specific activity.
How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)?
There is no reliable public price list for DHCC, so the cost depends on your activity, office type and visas. Request a written quote — ZoneWise can get one for you. Year-one totals: Quote required. Residence visas, office upgrades, professional-service fees, bank minimums and renewals are extra.
How long does DHCC company setup take?
Typically Several weeks (healthcare approvals apply) once documents are complete. Residence visa stamping (medical test, Emirates ID) adds further working days and requires you to be in the UAE.
Can foreigners own 100% of a company in DHCC?
Yes. UAE free zones allow up to 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits and capital. You do not need a UAE national partner or local sponsor.
Can companies licensed in DHCC trade in the UAE mainland?
Not freely. A free zone company generally cannot sell directly to mainland customers without a distributor, a dual-licence arrangement where the zone offers one, or a separate mainland licence or branch. If most of your customers are in the UAE, compare with a mainland licence.
Do I need a physical office in DHCC?
Many packages include a flexi-desk or smart desk. Larger visa quotas, industrial activity, warehousing, or regulated activities usually need a dedicated office or unit — confirm for your activity and visa count.
Are DHCC companies eligible for 0% corporate tax?
The UAE applies 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 of taxable income. A Qualifying Free Zone Person can access 0% on qualifying income, but only if strict conditions are met, and it is not automatic. Only some zones are also VAT Designated Zones. Get tax advice for your structure.
Can I open a corporate bank account for my company in DHCC?
UAE banks assess each application on the shareholders, business model and documents — not only on the zone. Our banking-ease view for DHCC is “Good”. No zone or consultant can guarantee an account.
What documents are required to set up in DHCC?
Typically: colour passport copies of shareholders and directors, passport photos, proof of address, a completed application, and a business plan for some activities and zones. Corporate shareholders need attested incorporation documents. Regulated activities need approvals from the relevant authority.
Who is DHCC best for?
Clinics, hospitals and specialist practices; Diagnostic and wellness providers; Healthcare service and education companies.
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