Dubai · DHCC Authority · Est. 2002
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) is a specialized free zone dedicated exclusively to healthcare, medical, education, and wellness operations, governed by the Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA). Packages start from AED 57,500, supporting up to 3 visa allocations and moderate banking access. DHCC is designed specifically for regulated clinical and non-clinical healthcare providers, research facilities, and medical consultations seeking an established clinical ecosystem.
Fees last checked · Licensing authority: DHCC Authority. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the authority before you pay.
From
AED 26,800
Year 1 (estimated)
Quick facts
0 Visa Executive Desk Package
AED 57,500
FZ-LLC · Executive Desk · 0 visas
Renews at AED 52,450
1 Visa Executive Desk Package
AED 61,658
FZ-LLC · Executive Desk · 1 visa
Renews at AED 55,130
2 Visa Executive Desk Package
AED 65,817
FZ-LLC · Executive Desk · 2 visas
Renews at AED 57,810
3 Visa Private Office Package
AED 94,975
FZ-LLC · Private Office · 3 visas
Renews at AED 85,490
Advisory Estimate
AED 26,800
— · 0 visas
Renews at AED 17,000
Estimated
Physical office is mandatory: the current DHCC new-licence page requires a lease reservation, lease agreement, purchase agreement or title deed at setup. Cheapest official route is DHCX coworking (executive desk) from AED 35,000/year; private office from AED 60,000/year. Commercial licence renews annually; practical renewal cost includes licence + operating permit, office continuation, establishment card, visa renewal and mandatory insurance.
DHCC suits healthcare businesses. Confirm your exact activity is on the zone's list before you apply.
Comparing with a mainland licence? Health & Social Work
Features
Mainland trading
Dual licence allowed
Crypto-friendly
Shared ownership
Coworking available
Online portal
Audit required
Tax and compliance analysis
Substance
High
Audit risk
Moderate
Forensic ease
8/10
The Sovereign Health Node; Specialized Research & Clinical Hybrid.
DHCC is a dual-layered jurisdiction. For 2026, the primary forensic challenge is 'Revenue Characterization.' While DHCC is a Free Zone, standard clinical fees (patient care) derived from mainland residents are typically Non-Qualifying Income (9%). However, income from 'Healthcare Research and Development' or services provided to other Free Zone Persons can qualify for 0%. Entities must implement a forensic P&L split to prevent clinical 'leakage' from disqualifying their entire 0% research tax-base.
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.
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Tax and compliance
DHCC tax status and QFZP rules →
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How much does it cost to set up in DHCC?
The cheapest published package for Dubai Healthcare City is Advisory Estimate at AED 26,800 for Year 1, renewing at AED 17,000. Costs scale with visa count, office type, and licensed activities.
How long does DHCC setup take?
Typical processing time is 3–10 business days, though bank account opening usually adds further time.
Is banking easy to set up with a DHCC licence?
Banking difficulty for DHCC is rated "Moderate". Known banking partners include Wio Bank, Emirates NBD, Mashreq, RAKBANK.
How many visas can I get with a DHCC licence, and what do they cost?
DHCC allows 3 visas per desk. Published packages include up to 3 visas (3 Visa Private Office Package, AED 94,975 for Year 1). A dependent (family) visa costs about AED 2,350. Commercial licence renews annually; practical renewal cost includes licence + operating permit, office continuation, establishment card, visa renewal and mandatory insurance.
How much is the DHCC licence renewal each year?
Annual renewal runs from AED 14,000 to AED 25,000, depending on the package, office and visa count.
What is the minimum share capital in DHCC?
DHCC sets no minimum share capital for a standard company, though some activities and entity types carry their own requirement.
Do I need a physical office in DHCC?
Physical office is mandatory: the current DHCC new-licence page requires a lease reservation, lease agreement, purchase agreement or title deed at setup. Cheapest official route is DHCX coworking (executive desk) from AED 35,000/year; private office from AED 60,000/year. The smallest office we hold for DHCC is 20 sq m.
Can a DHCC company trade on the UAE mainland?
Not directly. A DHCC company trades inside the zone and abroad; selling to mainland customers usually needs a distributor or a separate mainland licence.