A Dubai medical equipment trading licence costs AED 25,000–45,000 all-in and requires MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention) medical device & establishment registration plus DHA warehouse approval. The process involves trade licence issuance, storekeeper qualification verification, and regulatory compliance documentation. Plan 4–6 weeks for full clearance from DET (Department of Economy & Tourism) and health authorities.
What Is a Medical Equipment Trading Licence in Dubai?
A medical equipment trading licence authorises you to legally import, store, and distribute regulated medical devices and equipment across the UAE. This is distinct from retail pharmacy licences and requires dual approval: your Dubai business setup trade licence from DET, plus MOHAP medical device & establishment registration, plus DHA (Dubai Health Authority) medical warehouse or store approval if you operate in Dubai.
DBS handles all three approval streams simultaneously—typical turnaround is 4–6 weeks for first-time traders.
MOHAP Medical Device & Establishment Registration
MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention) mandates that all medical device distributors and traders register their establishment and product portfolio. You must:
- Submit establishment registration (physical warehouse or clinic store address)
- Register each medical device category (e.g. diagnostic equipment, surgical instruments, consumables)
- Provide import permits or distributor agreements with manufacturers
- Nominate a qualified storekeeper (UAE national or expatriate with recognised qualification)
Registration fees are included in the AED 25,000–45,000 all-in cost band, depending on device categories and warehouse size. MOHAP approval typically takes 3–4 weeks after document submission.
Missing a single device registration can delay your entire licence—DBS pre-audits your product list against MOHAP schedules.
DHA Medical Warehouse & Store Licence (Dubai Only)
If your warehouse or store is located in Dubai, DHA (Dubai Health Authority) issues a separate medical store/warehouse licence. This covers:
- Cold-chain storage requirements (if applicable to pharmaceuticals or biologics)
- Hygiene, safety, and premises inspection
- Staff health and safety certification
- Record-keeping and traceability systems
DHA fees range AED 3,000–8,000 depending on storage area and device risk classification. The inspection is typically conducted within 2 weeks of application submission.
Plan for one physical inspection visit; bring storekeeper certificates and warehouse lease to the DHA inspection.
Storekeeper Qualification Requirements
MOHAP and DHA both require a nominated storekeeper with formal qualifications. Acceptable credentials include:
| Qualification | Issuing Body | Accepted in UAE |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Pharmacy or Medical Technology | GCC/UAE University or Institute | Yes |
| Pharmacy Technician Certificate (TQCF Level 3+) | UK or internationally recognised body | Yes (with attested copy) |
| BSc Pharmaceutical Sciences or Allied Health | Any accredited university | Yes |
| MOHAP Storekeeper Training Course | MOHAP-approved centre | Preferred; fast-track option |
If your nominated storekeeper holds a non-GCC qualification, you must obtain MOHAP attestation or equivalence letter from the Ministry of Education (MOE). This adds 1–2 weeks to the timeline.
DBS verifies all storekeeper credentials before MOHAP submission to prevent rejection.
Cost Breakdown: AED 25,000–45,000 All-In
The all-in cost for a Dubai medical equipment trading licence in 2026 includes:
| Component | AED Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DET Trade Licence (1 year) | 2,000–4,000 | Depends on business size and activity code |
| MOHAP Establishment Registration | 4,000–8,000 | Annual fee; device categories affect pricing |
| MOHAP Medical Device Registration (initial batch) | 6,000–12,000 | Per 5–10 device types; additional devices AED 500–1,000 each |
| DHA Medical Store/Warehouse Licence (Dubai) | 3,000–8,000 | Annual; based on storage area and risk tier |
| Storekeeper Attestation & MOE Equivalence (if needed) | 1,500–3,000 | Non-GCC qualifications only |
| Warehouse Compliance & Safety Inspection | 2,000–5,000 | One-off inspection; remediation costs variable |
| DBS Professional Setup & Documentation | 6,500–10,000 | Includes application assembly, authority submissions, follow-up |
Total range: AED 25,000–50,000 (median AED 32,000–38,000 for a single-product-line trader). Add 20–30% if you require free-zone setup (e.g. JAFZA, DAFZ) instead of mainland Dubai.
Free-Zone Medical Equipment Trading Option
Alternative: register your medical equipment company in a UAE free zone (Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Airport Free Zone, or Ajman Free Zone). Free-zone setup costs AED 18,000–28,000 all-in but requires separate MOHAP approval for UAE distribution rights. Free-zone traders can import directly but must still comply with MOHAP medical device registration if selling into the UAE market.
Free zones reduce local compliance cost but add complexity if you plan domestic wholesale—ask DBS about the hybrid model.
Timeline & Next Steps
Standard Dubai medical equipment trading licence timeline:
- Week 1–2: Document collection (storekeeper CV, warehouse lease, incorporation docs, MOHAP application)
- Week 2–3: DET trade licence application and MOHAP submission in parallel
- Week 3–4: DHA warehouse inspection scheduled
- Week 4–6: MOHAP device approvals and DHA final clearance
- Week 6: Full licence issuance and delivery
Fastest outcome: 4 weeks (with no compliance gaps or storekeeper qualification delays). Typical: 5–6 weeks.
Ready to start? Contact Dubai Business Services today. We’ve guided 80,000+ entrepreneurs since 2009 through regulated setups like yours. Dubai business setup consultants at DBS provide step-by-step guidance and pre-submission audits to avoid regulatory setbacks.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a medical equipment trading licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
A complete medical equipment trading licence in Dubai costs AED 25,000–45,000 all-in, including DET trade licence, MOHAP establishment and device registration, DHA warehouse approval, and professional setup fees. Costs vary by device category count, warehouse size, and whether your storekeeper holds GCC or international qualifications. DBS provides a fixed-price quote after initial consultation.
Do I need MOHAP registration to trade medical devices in the UAE?
Yes. MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention) mandates registration for all medical device distributors and traders in the UAE, regardless of free zone or mainland location. You must register your establishment and each device category. MOHAP issues an annual establishment licence and device approval letters. Without MOHAP approval, you cannot legally import or supply medical equipment in the UAE.
What is a medical warehouse or store licence in Dubai?
A DHA (Dubai Health Authority) medical warehouse or store licence authorises you to store and distribute medical equipment from a physical facility in Dubai. DHA conducts safety, hygiene, and cold-chain (if applicable) inspections. The licence is annual and costs AED 3,000–8,000. It is mandatory if your warehouse or retail store is located in Dubai; free-zone facilities have separate requirements.
Can a free-zone company import medical equipment to the UAE?
Yes, but with conditions. Free-zone traders (e.g. in JAFZA, DAFZ) can import directly, but MOHAP still requires establishment and medical device registration if you sell into the UAE market. Free-zone setup costs AED 18,000–28,000 but does not eliminate MOHAP compliance. DBS can advise whether free-zone or mainland setup better suits your distribution model.
How long does medical device registration take in 2026?
MOHAP medical device registration typically takes 3–4 weeks after document submission. DHA warehouse approval adds 2 weeks. Full licence issuance (including DET trade licence) is 4–6 weeks in most cases. Delays occur if storekeeper qualifications require MOE attestation (add 1–2 weeks) or if the warehouse fails initial compliance inspection (add 3–5 days for remediation and re-inspection).
What storekeeper qualifications does MOHAP accept?
MOHAP accepts a Diploma in Pharmacy or Medical Technology, Pharmacy Technician Certificate (TQCF Level 3+), or a BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences or Allied Health. GCC qualifications are approved immediately; international qualifications require MOE attestation or equivalence letter. Alternatively, your nominee can complete MOHAP’s own storekeeper training course at an approved centre (usually 1–2 weeks).
Can I set up a medical equipment trading licence outside Dubai?
Yes. Medical equipment trading is regulated nationally by MOHAP, so you can establish in Abu Dhabi, Ajman, or any free zone. However, DHA approvals apply only in Dubai; other emirates have their own health authority approvals. Costs and timelines are similar (AED 25,000–45,000 all-in), but compliance requirements vary by emirate. DBS provides emirate-specific guidance upon request.
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