Healthcare businesses in the UAE can be set up on the mainland (through the Department of Economy and relevant health authority) or in a free zone that allows medical activity (e.g. Dubai Healthcare City, some other free zones). Each has implications for ownership, licensing, and tax.
Mainland allows direct access to the local market and no restriction on where you can provide services; ownership may require a local partner in certain structures. Free zones often allow 100% foreign ownership and may offer tax benefits; however, serving patients outside the free zone may require additional licensing or constraints.
We help investors and doctors choose the right structure and navigate the relevant trade and healthcare licensing for both mainland and free zone setups.