DHCC Clinic License: Dubai Healthcare City Guide
Short answer: A clinic in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) needs two separate licenses from two bodies. The DHCC authority (its regulatory arm, formerly branded DHCR) issues the commercial license that lets you set up and trade in the free zone. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) issues the operating permit, which is the health facility license that lets you treat patients, through the Sheryan system.
Last verified: October 2026 against DHCC’s establishing and licensing FAQ, its Clinical Program Guide for DHCC Clinical Facilities (GL/HCO/010/01) and the DHA Manual for Licensing Health Facility (version 1.1). DHCC does not publish facility fees or timelines on those pages. Confirm the current split between DHCC and DHA with both authorities before you file.
Key Takeaways
- Two licenses, two authorities: the DHCC commercial license from the free zone authority, and the DHA health facility license (operating permit).
- The commercial license does not let you treat patients. Only the active DHA facility license does.
- Your business plan and clinical program are reviewed by DHCC at application, so they must be complete and specific.
- DHA’s two stage model applies to the operating permit: a New Facility License first, then Activate Facility License after inspection.
- Do not advertise or see patients on the commercial license alone.
Who Issues What in DHCC
| License or Approval | Issued By | What It Allows |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial license | DHCC authority (DHCA Regulations, formerly DHCR, with the Registry of Companies) | Registering and operating the business in the free zone |
| Health facility license (operating permit) | Dubai Health Authority (DHA) through Sheryan | Providing healthcare services to patients |
| Professional licenses | Dubai Health Authority (DHA), confirm for your category | Each clinician practicing under the facility |
The Journey for a DHCC Clinic
Step 1: DHCC Application and Business Plan
You submit the facility application form, a business plan and supporting documents to DHCC. These include passports and CVs for shareholders, directors and managers. Branches also need a commercial license or certificate of incorporation. DHCC reviews the application, and a provisional approval letter lists the approved services and conditions. You cannot operate yet.
Step 2: Clinical Program
The DHCC Clinical Program Guide sets out the minimum content that DHCC reviews at application. It asks for:
- A description of the treatments, therapies, procedures and services you will offer, with any international approvals or certifications.
- Support activities such as an in-house laboratory or pharmacy.
- Target population and projected patient numbers for the first 3 years of operation.
- Planned examination, treatment and consultation rooms, and any phasing with timelines.
- Healthcare professionals: credentials, the minimum and maximum number by type and specialty, and the medical director’s expertise and experience.
- Products and equipment, with supplier information, UAE MOHAP product registration numbers and supplier accreditation.
- Process flow, risk management and quality assurance.
The guide was issued on 19 January 2020 with a revision date of 18 January 2023, so use the current version on the DHCC website.
Step 3: Premises and Build-Out
You lease or buy your unit and build it out to the standards DHCC approves. DHCC’s pages describe design checks against Facility Guidelines Institute standards and confirmation that medical equipment is certified and maintained.
Step 4: DHA Health Facility License
The operating permit follows DHA’s two services on Sheryan:
- New Facility License: gives an inactive license valid for one year, based on your facility proposal, location details and a floor plan from a prequalified design consultant.
- Activate Facility License: needs a valid trade license, a medical director, professional licenses added under the facility, a NABIDH compliant EMR and a passed DHA inspection.
Full details are in our DHA facility license guide.
DHCC and Mainland Compared
| Inside DHCC | Dubai Mainland | |
|---|---|---|
| Business license | DHCC commercial license | DET trade license |
| Health facility license | DHA, through Sheryan | DHA, through Sheryan |
| Plan review at the start | Business plan and clinical program reviewed by DHCC | Facility proposal and floor plan reviewed by DHA |
| Before treating patients | Active DHA facility license | Active DHA facility license |
See also our comparison of mainland, free zone and DHCC.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Do I need a DHA license if my clinic is in Dubai Healthcare City?
Yes. The DHCC commercial license lets you set up in the free zone, but the operating permit that allows you to treat patients is the DHA health facility license.
What does the DHCC license cover?
It is the commercial license for the business in the free zone. It does not allow you to provide healthcare services on its own.
How much does a DHCC license cost?
DHCC’s pages do not publish facility fees. Ask DHCC for the commercial license cost, and use the DHA fee ranges in our DHA guide for the operating permit.
How long does DHCC licensing take?
DHCC does not publish timelines for its stages. Build-out and DHA’s inspection usually decide the calendar, so plan in months.
Can I move from DHCC to the mainland later?
It means a new commercial license on the mainland. DHA’s licensing manual requires a no objection certificate from the free zone authority and registration as a new entity on the mainland.
Where This Comes From.
How OzaniX Partners Can Help.
We run both tracks together for DHCC clinics: the commercial license and business plan with DHCC, and the DHA facility license and inspection readiness. We then set up empanelment, bookkeeping and cash planning. See licensing and regulatory advisory, company formation or book a discovery call.
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