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. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What license do I need to trade medical equipment in Dubai? 

You need a free zone trade license with relevant medical equipment trading activity codes, plus MOH or DHA product registration for the devices you intend to sell. 

Do all medical devices need MOH or DHA registration in the UAE? 

Yes. All medical devices distributed in the UAE must be registered with the relevant health authority before they can be legally sold. The registration process and documentation requirements depend on device classification. 

Can a foreigner own 100% of a medical equipment trading company in Dubai? 

Yes. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone permits full foreign ownership with no UAE national partner required. 

What is the minimum cost for a medical equipment trading license? 

A trading license at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone starts from AED 12,500 per year, with product registration costs additional. 

How long does medical device registration take in the UAE? 

Registration timelines vary by device classification. Class A devices with complete documentation typically take two to four months. Higher-risk classifications require more detailed technical review and longer timelines. 

Can I trade both human and veterinary medical equipment under one license? 

Yes. Multiple activity codes covering human and veterinary equipment can be combined under one license. The first five codes are included at no additional cost. 

Do I need a physical warehouse for medical equipment trading? 

Storage requirements depend on the type of equipment you trade. Temperature-sensitive and sterile products require appropriate storage facilities. For general medical equipment, warehousing is not required for license registration but will be needed for physical distribution. 

Can a free zone medical equipment company sell to UAE mainland hospitals? 

Yes, with valid product registration. Free zone companies with properly registered medical devices can sell to healthcare facilities across the UAE. A local distributor arrangement may be beneficial for logistics and regulatory follow-through. 

What are the cold chain requirements for medical equipment trading? 

Products requiring temperature-controlled storage and transport must demonstrate compliant cold chain infrastructure as part of their health authority registration. Confirm specific requirements for your product categories. 

Are medical equipment trading profits subject to corporate tax in the UAE? 

Qualifying free zone companies may benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Confirm your specific tax position with a qualified UAE tax adviser.