Medical Equipment Trading in Dubai: License Cost and Setup Guide
Topic Summary
What a Medical Equipment Trading License Covers
A medical equipment trading license authorises your business to import, export, and wholesale medical devices, surgical instruments, diagnostic equipment, and healthcare consumables. It covers both lower-risk Class A devices and higher-classification equipment requiring more detailed regulatory approval.
MOH and DHA Registration Is Mandatory
All medical devices sold in the UAE must be registered with either the Ministry of Health and Prevention or the Dubai Health Authority, depending on the emirate of distribution. This health authority approval runs alongside your free zone registration and should be planned for early.
Device Classification Shapes Your Documentation
Medical devices are classified by risk level from Class A to Class D, and documentation requirements scale accordingly. Higher-classification devices require more detailed technical files, which can extend the product registration timeline to several months.
Foreign Manufacturers Need an Authorised Representative
Foreign medical device manufacturers typically must appoint a registered UAE authorised representative to apply for product registration. This is a distinct requirement from standard free zone documentation such as passport copies and proof of address.
License Costs Start From AED 12,500 Per Year
A trading license at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone starts from AED 12,500 annually. MOH and DHA product registration fees are additional and vary based on device classification and the number of products being registered.
Free Zone Setup Offers Strong Ownership Benefits
Once your license is issued, you operate with 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and full profit repatriation with no UAE national sponsor required. The free zone license registration itself is fully digital and can be completed within one business day.
Multiple Activity Codes Support Diverse Healthcare Trading
Businesses can select from several relevant activity codes, including wholesale of pharmaceutical and medical goods, medical and surgical equipment trading, and even veterinary equipment trading. Medical engineering services are also available as an activity code for businesses offering technical support alongside trading.
The UAE healthcare sector is expanding at a pace matched by few markets in the region. Hospital construction, clinic roll-outs, diagnostic centre openings, and a growing home care market are all creating sustained demand for medical equipment of every category, from large imaging systems to surgical consumables and rehabilitation devices. For businesses looking to enter medical equipment trading, the regulatory requirements are more involved than for general goods, and the approval process from the relevant UAE health authorities runs alongside your free zone registration. Getting both right from the start is what this guide is for, with specific reference to setup costs and structure at Dubai South.
What Does a Medical Equipment Trading License Cover?
A medical equipment trading license authorises your business to import, export, and wholesale medical devices, surgical instruments, diagnostic equipment, hospital furniture, rehabilitation equipment, and related healthcare consumables. This covers both Class A lower-risk medical devices and higher-classification medical equipment requiring more detailed regulatory approval. For a broader look at healthcare-related licensing, the healthcare hub page covers the full spectrum of health sector activities available at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone.page covers the full spectrum of health sector activities available at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone.
Medical Equipment Trading License Requirements in Dubai
In addition to standard free zone documentation, medical equipment trading requires registration and approval from the relevant UAE health authority:
MOH or DHA registration, all medical devices sold in the UAE must be registered with the Ministry of Health and Prevention or the Dubai Health Authority depending on the emirate of distribution
Medical device classification, devices are classified by risk level (Class A to Class D) and documentation requirements scale accordingly
Authorised representative, foreign medical device manufacturers typically need a registered UAE authorised representative to apply for product registration
Standard free zone documents: passport copy, proof of address, proposed company name
Allow for the health authority approval timeline when planning your launch. Product registration can take several months depending on device classification and the completeness of your technical documentation.
Relevant Activity Codes
Activity codes for medical equipment trading businesses at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone:
4649.08, Wholesale of Pharmaceutical and Medical Goods
4772.91, Medical, Surgical Articles and Requisites Trading
4772.95, People of Determination Equipment Trading
4773.b1, Medical, Surgical Equipment and Instruments Trading
4773.b2, Veterinary Equipment and Instruments Trading
7110.28, Medical Engineering Services
Browse the full list of healthcare and trading codes on the business activities page.
Cost of a Medical Equipment Trading License
A trading license at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone starts from AED 12,500 per year. MOH and DHA product registration fees are additional and vary by device classification and the number of products being registered. Use the cost calculator to generate an itemised estimate for your license and setup costs.
Setting Up Your Medical Equipment Trading Company
Confirm your company name with the name check tool before starting your application. The free zone license registration is fully digital and can be completed within one business day. Health authority product registration runs in parallel and requires dedicated preparation of technical files. With your license issued, you operate with 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and full profit repatriation, with no UAE national sponsor required.
Related Activities
Printing Equipment & Instruments Trading Business
Veterinary Equipment & Instruments Trading Business
Power Generation, Transmission & Distribution Equipment Trading Trading License
Frequently Asked Questions
