Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) is the world’s largest free zone dedicated to healthcare, spanning 4.1 km² in the Al Jadaf area of Dubai. It is the UAE’s only free zone where licensed healthcare facilities providing direct patient care can operate.
What Makes DHCC Unique?
DHCC is the only UAE free zone that: allows licensed clinical facilities (hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, diagnostic labs) to operate within a free zone, has its own dedicated healthcare regulator (DHCA — Dubai Healthcare City Authority), and provides a campus-style ecosystem where patients, doctors, hospitals, medical suppliers, and health insurers coexist. DHCC is home to: Harvard Medical School Dubai Centre, American Hospital Dubai, Manchester Clinic, and 200+ specialist clinics across 120+ medical specialties.
Types of Licences at DHCC
Healthcare Provider Licence: For facilities providing direct patient care (hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, diagnostic labs). Requires DHCA clinical inspection and approval. Processing: 60–120 days. Healthcare Support Licence: For companies supporting the healthcare ecosystem (medical equipment trading, health IT, healthcare consulting, medical education). Standard free zone professional/commercial licence. Processing: 5–10 working days. Wellness Licence: For spas, fitness centres, nutrition counselling — separate DHCA wellness facility approval.
DHCC Costs
Healthcare Support Licence (non-clinical): AED 15,000–25,000/year. Healthcare Provider Licence (clinical): AED 20,000–50,000/year for the free zone element + DHCA clinical facility fee (varies by facility type and size).
DHCC Location
DHCC is located in Al Jadaf, central Dubai — adjacent to the Dubai Creek and 5 minutes from Dubai International Airport. Dubai Healthcare City Metro Station (Green Line) provides direct public transit access.
Pricing Evidence & Source Notes
Use this profile as a planning guide, not a final invoice. Confirm the current package, activity wording, visas, office or flexi-desk requirement and renewal amount before payment.
| Free Zone | Package | Year 1 Cost | Renewal Cost | 3-Year Total | Visa Option | Office / Flexi Requirement | Year 1 Confidence | Source Type | Conflict Status | Last Reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Healthcare City | Commercial licence application and registration components | AED 5,050 published one-time application and registration components before licence and facility costs Confidence: Indicative public price |
Quote-based renewal - licence, permits and premises depend on activity Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Quote-based 3-year total - depends on licence, permits, premises and renewal Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Visas and professional/facility permits are separate | A lease reservation, lease agreement, purchase agreement or title deed is a prerequisite | Indicative public price | Official DHCC commercial licensing service page; partial fee components | Current package / renewal confirmation required | August 2026 |
| What is included | The current service page lists AED 1,550 initial application and AED 3,500 one-time registration fees. |
|---|---|
| What is not included | Commercial licence fee, operating or professional permits, premises, visas, insurance, external approvals, innovation/knowledge fees and advisory support. |
| Hidden-cost risk | AED 5,050 is not a complete setup total. Clinical segment, facility, professional licensing and regulatory requirements can materially increase the invoice. |
| Banking difficulty | Medium to high |
| Best fit | Healthcare, wellness, education and supporting businesses that need the DHCC regulatory ecosystem. |
Source evidence: Review source | Methodology | Corrections.
Prices can change based on free zone authority updates, activity selection, visa count, office or flexi-desk requirement, shareholder structure, establishment card, immigration file, medical test, Emirates ID, insurance, banking support and consultant service fees. Last reviewed August 2026. Always request a current quote before payment. View methodology or compare all rows in the UAE Free Zone Cost Index.