How Much Does a DHA Facility License Cost in Dubai? Complete Cost Guide 2026

If you are planning to open a clinic, medical center, diagnostic facility, laboratory, rehabilitation center or other healthcare business in Dubai, one of the first questions you may have is:

How much does a DHA facility license cost in Dubai?

The DHA facility license cost in Dubai varies according to the type and category of healthcare facility. There is no single fixed fee applicable to every clinic or medical establishment.

For 2026, Dubai Health Authority’s current Sheryan fee schedule shows that initial approval charges for a new healthcare facility can generally range from approximately AED 500 to AED 2,000, depending on the facility category. Once the facility is ready for activation, annual facility licensing fees vary much more widely and can range from approximately AED 2,500 to AED 40,000 for one year, depending on the type of healthcare facility.

These figures represent DHA-related fees only. The complete cost of opening a healthcare facility can also include company registration, premises, medical fit-out, engineering plans, equipment, professional licensing, staffing, inspections and other operating expenses.

This guide explains the DHA facility license cost Dubai, approval process, inspection fees and other expenses you should consider when planning your healthcare business in 2026.

What Is a DHA Facility License?

A DHA facility license authorizes an eligible healthcare establishment to operate under the jurisdiction of the Dubai Health Authority.

Healthcare establishments that may require DHA facility licensing include:

• Medical clinics
• Specialty clinics
• Multi-specialty medical centers
• Dental clinics
• Diagnostic centers
• Medical laboratories
• Physiotherapy centers
• Rehabilitation centers
• Home healthcare facilities
• Day surgical centers
• Hospitals
• Aesthetic and dermatology clinics
• Occupational therapy centers
• Speech therapy centers
• Psychology facilities
• Chiropractic facilities
• Other approved healthcare establishments

The appropriate facility category determines the licensing requirements, design standards, staffing requirements and applicable DHA fees.

DHA Facility License Cost Dubai 2026

The cost of a DHA facility license depends primarily on the type and scale of healthcare establishment.

According to DHA’s current fee schedule, annual facility licensing fees include amounts ranging from approximately:

The exact amount depends on the healthcare facility category selected in Sheryan. DHA also states that Knowledge and Innovation fees may apply at checkout.

Therefore, businesses should obtain a cost calculation based on their specific activity rather than relying on one standard DHA license price.

What Is Included in the DHA Facility License Cost?

When calculating the total cost of opening a healthcare facility, it is important to separate the DHA licensing charges from the complete business setup cost.

A typical healthcare project can involve the following cost categories.

1. DHA Initial Approval Fee

The first stage is applying for a new healthcare facility license through DHA’s Sheryan portal.

DHA currently lists initial approval fees ranging from approximately AED 500 to AED 2,000, depending on the facility type.

An approved application results in an inactive facility license. The facility cannot begin healthcare operations until the license is subsequently activated.

2. DHA Facility License Activation Fee

After completing the required setup, staffing and inspection requirements, the facility applies to activate its inactive license.

DHA currently lists one-year facility licensing charges across different healthcare categories ranging from approximately AED 2,500 to AED 40,000.

The fee varies according to the facility type.

Larger or more complex healthcare facilities generally have different licensing charges from smaller outpatient healthcare facilities.

3. DHA Inspection Fee

Before an active facility license is issued, DHA may inspect the healthcare facility.

Current inspection fees listed by DHA vary by facility category and generally range from approximately:

AED 1,000 to AED 4,000

If the facility does not pass inspection, another inspection may be required.

Re-inspection charges shown by DHA generally range from approximately:

AED 500 to AED 2,000.

Careful planning of the clinic design, medical equipment, rooms and operational requirements can therefore help avoid unnecessary delays and additional re-inspection costs.

4. Clinic Fit-Out Cost

Medical fit-out is often one of the largest expenses when establishing a clinic in Dubai.

Healthcare premises need to comply with applicable DHA healthcare facility design guidelines.

Costs can vary according to:

• Facility size
• Number of consultation rooms
• Treatment rooms
• Medical specialty
• Plumbing requirements
• Medical gases
• Electrical works
• Infection-control requirements
• Accessibility
• Fire and life safety requirements
• Medical equipment
• Flooring and wall finishes

DHA’s Health Facility Guidelines establish minimum standards for healthcare facility planning and design and form an important basis for facility approval and licensing.

5. Engineering Layout and Design Cost

An engineering layout is required as part of the new healthcare facility license application.

DHA currently lists an engineering layout from an engineering/design company among the required documents for a new facility application.

The design should therefore be prepared according to the applicable healthcare facility requirements before expensive construction or fit-out work begins.

6. Company Setup and Commercial Registration

The DHA license is only one part of establishing a healthcare business.

Depending on the business structure, entrepreneurs may also need to budget for:

• Company formation
• Business name reservation
• Commercial registration
• Premises
• Tenancy documentation
• Establishment-related requirements
• Immigration services
• Investor or employee visas

These costs vary according to the legal structure, location and size of the healthcare business.

7. DHA Professional Licensing Cost

Healthcare professionals working inside the facility may also require appropriate professional licenses.

This expense is separate from the healthcare facility license.

DHA’s current professional licensing schedule lists different fees based on the professional category. For example, some full-time professional licenses are listed from AED 1,000 per year, while other categories are listed at AED 3,000 per year.

Your final staffing cost therefore depends on the number and categories of healthcare professionals employed.

DHA Facility License Application Process

A typical DHA healthcare facility licensing process involves several stages.

Step 1: Select the Healthcare Facility Type

Choose the appropriate healthcare activity and facility category.

Examples may include a:

• Medical clinic
• Dental clinic
• Specialty clinic
• Medical center
• Laboratory
• Physiotherapy center
• Diagnostic center
• Rehabilitation center

Selecting the correct facility type is important because the requirements and fees vary.

Step 2: Prepare the Engineering Layout

Prepare the healthcare facility layout according to applicable DHA standards.

DHA specifically requires an engineering layout from an engineering or design company for new healthcare facility applications.

Step 3: Apply Through Sheryan

The new facility application is submitted through DHA’s Sheryan portal.

Typical requirements include:

• Owner or partner passport copies
• Emirates ID, where applicable
• Engineering layout
• Facility proposal
• Trade license, if available

DHA currently notes that obtaining the trade license before the initial new-facility application is optional.

Step 4: Receive the Inactive Facility License

Following review and approval, DHA issues an inactive facility license.

This does not yet allow the healthcare facility to begin operations.

Step 5: Complete Fit-Out and Staffing

The premises are then prepared according to applicable standards.

The facility must also arrange appropriate healthcare professionals and nominate the required Medical Director where applicable.

Step 6: Apply for Facility Activation

Before activation, DHA states that professional licenses must be added and activated under the facility and a Medical Director must be selected.

Step 7: DHA Inspection

DHA coordinates the facility inspection.

If the healthcare facility passes the final inspection, the active facility license can be issued.

If it fails, another inspection must be scheduled and the applicable re-inspection fee paid.

How Long Does a DHA Facility License Take?

DHA currently lists an average processing time of 5 working days for the New Facility License service.

For the Activate Facility License service, DHA lists an average processing time of 1 working day once the relevant application requirements and inspection process are satisfied.

However, this does not mean a complete clinic can be opened in six working days.

The overall healthcare facility setup can take considerably longer because the project may involve:

• Finding suitable premises
• Engineering design
• Layout approvals
• Medical fit-out
• Equipment installation
• Professional licensing
• Recruitment
• Commercial registration
• Inspection scheduling

The total project timeline depends on the complexity and facility category.

What Factors Affect DHA Facility License Cost in Dubai?

The final cost can vary significantly based on several factors.

Type of Healthcare Facility

A small outpatient facility will generally have different regulatory requirements from a hospital, medical center or surgical facility.

Number of Specialties

Adding multiple healthcare specialties may require additional rooms, equipment and healthcare professionals.

Facility Size

A larger facility increases rental, fit-out, equipment and operational costs.

Number of Medical Professionals

Doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists and other healthcare workers may each require professional licensing.

Medical Equipment

Diagnostic imaging, laboratory, dental, surgical and specialist equipment can substantially increase the investment required.

Fit-Out Requirements

Complex healthcare facilities may require extensive electrical, mechanical, infection-control and medical infrastructure.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Clinic in Dubai?

The DHA facility license fee is only one part of the total clinic setup cost.

The overall investment may include:

• DHA initial approval
• DHA facility licensing
• DHA inspection
• Company setup
• Office or clinic rent
• Healthcare facility design
• Medical fit-out
• Equipment
• Professional licensing
• Staff visas
• Medical Director
• Insurance
• IT and medical record systems
• Other operational expenses

Because these costs depend heavily on the clinic type and size, it is better to obtain a customized setup estimate based on the intended medical activity rather than relying on a generic price.

How to Reduce Delays and Additional Costs

Healthcare facility projects can become expensive if the layout or fit-out is completed before regulatory requirements are properly considered.

Before committing to major construction expenses:

• Confirm the correct healthcare facility category
• Review DHA facility guidelines
• Prepare an appropriate engineering layout
• Confirm minimum staffing requirements
• Identify required medical equipment
• Verify room and space requirements
• Plan for inspection criteria
• Calculate licensing and professional fees

Proper preparation can reduce redesign work and the risk of re-inspection.

Get Support With DHA Facility Setup in Dubai

Setting up a healthcare facility requires coordination across healthcare licensing, business setup, design, documentation, staffing and inspection stages.

Professional consultancy can help healthcare investors understand the relevant requirements, prepare applications and coordinate the setup process.

Whether you are planning a clinic, medical center, laboratory, dental clinic, physiotherapy center, rehabilitation center or diagnostic facility, understanding the likely costs at the beginning can make budgeting and planning much easier.

Planning to open a healthcare facility in Dubai?

Get assistance with DHA facility license requirements, application documentation, setup planning and approval coordination based on your proposed healthcare activity.

All healthcare licenses, registrations and approvals are issued by the relevant authorities and remain subject to their applicable requirements and approval procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the DHA facility license cost in Dubai?

The fee varies by facility category. DHA currently lists initial approval fees between approximately AED 500 and AED 2,000, while one-year active facility license fees across different healthcare categories range from approximately AED 2,500 to AED 40,000. Additional inspection and other fees may apply.

How much is the DHA inspection fee?

Current DHA inspection charges vary by facility type and generally range between approximately AED 1,000 and AED 4,000.

How much is DHA re-inspection?

DHA currently lists re-inspection charges ranging from approximately AED 500 to AED 2,000, depending on facility category.

Do I need a trade license before applying for DHA facility approval?

DHA currently states that obtaining a trade license before applying for the New Facility License service is optional. A valid trade license is, however, required for facility activation.

Does a DHA facility need a Medical Director?

For facility activation, DHA currently lists selecting a Medical Director among its prerequisites. The specific staffing requirements depend on the facility category and services provided.

How long does DHA initial approval take?

DHA currently lists an average processing time of 5 working days for the New Facility License service.

Can a clinic operate with an inactive DHA license?

No. DHA states that the new facility license must subsequently be activated before the healthcare facility begins operating.

Is DHA professional licensing included in the facility license?

No. Healthcare professionals have separate registration and professional licensing requirements. Their fees should therefore be calculated separately from the facility licensing cost.