Sharjah Health Authority License: Clinic Steps and Documents
Short answer: A Sharjah Health Authority license (SHA) is required for every healthcare facility in the Emirate of Sharjah. The process has two approvals through the SHA system: an Initial Approval to open or reopen a facility, then a Final License once the facility is built to the approved layout and passes inspection. SHA lists 8 working days for each service.
Last verified: October 2026 against the SHA “Initial Approval Service” and “Permanent License Service” pages. SHA is a relatively new authority and its services are being updated, so confirm on the SHA portal before you apply.
Key Takeaways
- SHA runs facility licensing for Sharjah through its own electronic system and portal, and the initial approval applies both inside and outside Sharjah Healthcare City.
- Initial approval is not a license. It is valid for one year and must be followed by a final license request.
- The final license needs a stamped layout, WEQAYA waste management registration, a trade license, a medical director registration form, a building completion certificate and an Emergency Operation Plan approval.
- The final license is valid for one year and is renewable.
- SHA fees depend on facility type and are paid electronically.
Who Regulates Clinics in Sharjah?
The Sharjah Health Authority licenses healthcare facilities and healthcare professionals in the Emirate of Sharjah. Clinics in Dubai are licensed by DHA, clinics in Abu Dhabi by DOH, and clinics in the Northern Emirates by MOHAP or their local authorities. A license issued in one emirate does not let you operate in another, so a group opening in several emirates needs a license for each.
Sharjah Health Authority License, Step 1: Initial Approval
This service lets an investor or their representative request approval to open or reopen a healthcare facility. SHA lists 8 working days for completion.
Conditions
- The applicant must be the facility owner or an authorized legal representative.
- The facility type must be one that SHA licenses under its classification.
- The application must meet SHA requirements and standards.
Documents
- Owner Emirates ID and passport.
- Layout plan.
- Proposal letter.
- Power of attorney, if applicable.
- Trade name reservation.
- Affection plan from Town Planning, as listed by SHA.
How It Works
- Log in to the SHA system.
- Complete the electronic application form.
- Attach the required documents.
- SHA reviews and verifies the application.
- Pay any applicable fees.
- Receive the initial approval electronically.
The output is an initial approval letter and an approved, stamped layout. It is valid for one year from the date of issue, and SHA offers an Initial Approval Extension service.
Step 2: Final License (Permanent License)
This is the license to open or reopen the facility after you meet SHA standards and pass inspection. SHA lists 8 working days for completion.
Conditions
- A valid initial approval issued by SHA.
- All preparations completed according to the approved layout.
- Full compliance with design, infrastructure and safety regulations.
- A licensed Medical Director and a Technical Supervisor appointed, depending on facility type.
- A successful inspection.
Documents
- Stamped layout.
- Waste Management Registration (WEQAYA).
- Trade license.
- Facility medical director registration form.
- Building completion certificate.
- Emergency Operation Plan approval from the Emergency and Disaster Management Division.
- FANR license, if applicable.
- Equipment list.
Steps
- Log in to the SHA system with the facility account.
- Select the final license request service.
- Complete the electronic form and attach the documents.
- Schedule the technical inspection through the system.
- Undergo the field inspection.
- Pay the licensing fees, if applicable.
- If you pass and the request is approved, the final license is issued electronically.
The output is a Healthcare Facility License valid for one year, renewable. SHA also lists services to renew and to cancel a facility license.
Professional Licenses
Doctors, nurses and other clinicians need their own SHA professional licenses under the new facility’s name. The facility license must be valid and active first, and a professional assessment certificate is required for licensing. Fees run from AED 1,000 to AED 3,000 for a full-time license depending on category. See our full guide to the SHA healthcare professional license.
Sharjah vs Dubai and Abu Dhabi: Quick Comparison
| Sharjah (SHA) | Dubai (DHA) | Abu Dhabi (DOH) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Initial Approval | New Facility License (inactive) | Preliminary Approval |
| Stage 2 | Final License | Activate Facility License | Permanent License |
| Portal | SHA system | Sheryan | TAMM |
| Stage 1 validity | 1 year | 1 year | 6 months, extendable |
| Inspection | Yes, before final license | Yes, on activation | 90 percent and 100 percent |
Frequently Asked Questions.
Is Sharjah licensed by MOHAP or SHA?
SHA is the licensing authority for healthcare facilities in the Emirate of Sharjah and publishes its own initial approval and permanent license services. Some older consultancy guides still list MOHAP, so use the SHA portal as the source of truth.
How long does Sharjah licensing take?
SHA lists 8 working days for the initial approval and 8 working days for the final license. Your build and fit-out time sits between the two and usually takes much longer than either approval.
How much does a Sharjah facility license cost?
SHA states that fees depend on the facility type and are paid electronically, and does not publish a fixed amount on the service pages. Confirm the amount for your facility type in the SHA system.
Does this apply inside Sharjah Healthcare City?
SHA states that the initial approval service applies both inside and outside Sharjah Healthcare City. Confirm any free zone specific steps with SHA or the Sharjah Healthcare City team.
What happens if my initial approval expires?
It is valid for one year, and SHA offers an extension service. Request the extension before expiry rather than starting again.
How OzaniX Partners Can Help.
We help clinic owners prepare the SHA initial approval pack, coordinate layout and trade license steps, line up the WEQAYA, Civil Defence and emergency plan approvals, and get inspection ready. We then set up empanelment, bookkeeping and cash planning for the new clinic. See licensing and regulatory advisory, healthcare company formation or book a discovery call.
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