What documents does a Chinese national need to start a medical equipment trading business in the UAE?

You will need a valid China passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in China, attested documents via Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs / CCPIT, and a business plan for your medical equipment trading venture.

How long does it take for a Chinese citizen to set up a medical equipment trading company in DHCC?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 10–13 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 20–30 business days.

Is Dubai Healthcare City good for medical equipment trading start-ups?

DHCC is well-suited for both start-ups and established businesses, offering dedicated healthcare free zone and regulated clinical environment. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 50,000 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

What business activities can I include on my DHCC licence?

Your DHCC licence can include medical equipment trading as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Most free zones allow multiple activities on a single licence, though some may charge a small fee for additional activities. IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

What documents do I need to set up a Medical Equipment Trading business in DHCC?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. As a regulated activity, you will also need to provide professional qualifications or certifications required by Ministry of Health. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Medical Equipment Trading business in Dubai Healthcare City?

The annual licence renewal for a Medical Equipment Trading DHCC company costs approximately AED 30,000, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

How long does it take to get a Medical Equipment Trading licence in DHCC?

The typical processing time for a medical equipment trading licence at DHCC is 10 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. As a regulated activity requiring Ministry of Health approval, additional time of 1-3 weeks may be required.

Medical Equipment Trading in Dubai Healthcare City for Chinese nationals

Free ZoneCommercialRegulated Activity

Medical Equipment Trading in DHCC

Starting From

AED 30,000

Setup Time

10 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Medical Equipment Trading

Setting up a Medical Equipment Trading business in Dubai Healthcare City as a Chinese citizen is a straightforward process when you understand the specific requirements that apply to China-based entrepreneurs. IBA International has helped hundreds of Chinese business owners navigate the licensing, visa, and banking procedures unique to their nationality.

The licensing process at DHCC has been streamlined significantly, with most commercial licences processed within 10 business days. As a free zone entity, you will enjoy 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local sponsor. The base licence fee is approximately AED 30,000, making it competitively priced for the services included.

At IBA International, we simplify the process of establishing your medical equipment trading business in Dubai Healthcare City. From selecting the right licence type to securing your visa and opening a corporate bank account, our experienced team ensures every detail is handled professionally and efficiently.

Why DHCC for Medical Equipment Trading?

Dubai Healthcare City is widely regarded as one of the UAE's premier destinations for commercial businesses, and for good reason.

The jurisdiction offers dedicated healthcare free zone, which is particularly valuable for medical equipment trading operations. Additionally, regulated clinical environment ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 35,000 per year for a office, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 6 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. Medical professionals network further enhances the appeal of DHCC for medical equipment trading professionals. Furthermore, international healthcare standards positions your medical equipment trading business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, DHCC remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established commercial enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Chinese nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Chinese business community.

Dedicated healthcare free zone

Regulated clinical environment

Medical professionals network

International healthcare standards

Integrated healthcare ecosystem

Visa Requirements for Chinese Nationals

Chinese nationals can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 30 days. For business purposes, a proper residence visa is recommended. Once your medical equipment trading licence is issued by DHCC, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 15–22 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Chinese Business Owners

Chinese entrepreneurs benefit from strong UAE-China trade relations. Several UAE banks have dedicated Chinese business desks and Mandarin-speaking staff. For your medical equipment trading business in DHCC, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Chinese business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any China-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Chinese Nationals

Chinese nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs / CCPIT. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for medical equipment trading), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to DHCC.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid China passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs / CCPIT

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Relevant industry experience documentation

5Signed application form from DHCC authority

6Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

7Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

8Passport-sized photographs with white background

Regulatory Note: Medical Equipment Trading is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from Ministry of Health is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	30,000
Visa Package (per visa)	6,000
Clinic Space	50,000
Office	35,000
Private Office	60,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 86,000

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your medical equipment trading business plan and the best DHCC licence options for Chinese nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from China through Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs / CCPIT and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the medical equipment trading licence application to DHCC. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official DHCC trade licence within 10–13 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Chinese nationals can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 30 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Chinese entrepreneurs benefit from strong UAE-China trade relations.

Start Operations

Your medical equipment trading business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 10 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. DHCC allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Chinese nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Medical Equipment Trading in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750