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  1. Home
  2. ›Free zones
  3. ›Dubai
  4. ›DHCC

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DHCC rules at a glance

Licensing authority
DHCC Authority
Sector regulator
Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCCA)
Legal system
UAE Civil Law
Can qualify for 0% Corporate Tax (QFZP)
Yes
Audited accounts required
Yes
Foreign ownership
Up to 100%
Licence renewal
Commercial licence renews annually; practical renewal cost includes licence + operating permit, office continuation, establishment card, visa renewal and mandatory insurance.

Setting up in DHCC?

Setup costs, licence packages, visas and banking

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Other free zones in Dubai

  • Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
  • Dubai Auto Zone (DUCAMZ)
  • Dubai CommerCity (DCC)
  • Dubai Design District (D3)
  • Dubai Flower Centre (DFC)
  • Dubai Free Zone at Mina Rashid (DUQE)
  • Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)
  • Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
  • Dubai Internet City (DIC)
  • Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP)
  • Dubai Maritime City (DMC)
  • Dubai Media City (DMC)

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Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)Free zone tax status and compliance

Dubai

DHCC Authority

The Verdict

The Sovereign Health Node; Specialized Research & Clinical Hybrid.

I. Statutory Basis

As a Qualifying Free Zone Person, this jurisdiction requires strict adherence toCore Income-Generating Activities.Operates under the DHCC Authority (DHCCA). Article 18 QFZP status is strictly applied to research-based 'Qualifying Activities.' Clinical operations must monitor the 5% de-minimis threshold with mathematical precision.

Compliance Roadmap

01

Revenue Characterization Audit: Forensic segregation of clinical service fees (9%) from research/laboratory R&D (0%)

02

Laboratory CIGA Verification: Documenting that high-value diagnostic and research activities are physically performed within the DHCC perimeter

03

R&D Tax Credit Mapping: Aligning eligible research expenditure with the new 2026 UAE R&D tax incentives to maximize refundable credits

Audit Hotspots

Assuming all 'Medical License' fees are automatically Qualifying Income

Inadequate substance documentation for 'Tele-Health' services rendered to mainland patients

Failing to track laboratory consumables as part of the CIGA expenditure audit

Jurisdictional Connectivity

Check your DHCC setup

Scout scores Dubai Healthcare City against your activity, ownership and visa needs, with full setup costs, and compares it with every other free zone and mainland.

See costs and setup options
Global Parent

15%

DHCC

0%

Live Node
Dubai Mainland

9%

Forensic Brief

Qualifying Income requires physical CIGA within the zone boundaries. Article 18 mapping is mandatory to maintain 0% status.