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

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

How long does it take for a Filipino 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.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my DHCC Medical Equipment Trading licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from DHCC, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Free zone companies can bank with most major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAKBank, and Mashreq. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

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 tax implications for a Medical Equipment Trading business in Dubai Healthcare City?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in DHCC may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the substance requirements and do not conduct business with the mainland. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

Can I get a residence visa with my Medical Equipment Trading licence from DHCC?

Yes, your medical equipment trading licence from DHCC entitles you to apply for residence visas. The standard package includes 6 visa(s), with the option to apply for additional visas based on your office space. Each visa costs approximately AED 6,000.

Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a Medical Equipment Trading company in DHCC?

Most of the setup process for a medical equipment trading business in DHCC can be completed remotely, with documents submitted online or via courier. However, you may need to visit the UAE for Emirates ID biometrics and bank account opening. IBA can coordinate to minimise your required visits.

Medical Equipment Trading in Dubai Healthcare City for Filipino 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

As a Filipino national looking to establish a Medical Equipment Trading business in Dubai Healthcare City, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Philippines has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Filipino professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a free zone entity regulated under Dubai's commercial laws, your Medical Equipment Trading business will benefit from dedicated healthcare free zone and regulated clinical environment. The DHCC licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 30,000.

With over two decades of experience in UAE business formation, IBA International provides end-to-end support for your medical equipment trading setup in DHCC. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.

Why DHCC for Medical Equipment Trading?

There are several compelling reasons why Dubai Healthcare City continues to attract medical equipment trading entrepreneurs from around the world.

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

Dedicated healthcare free zone

Regulated clinical environment

Medical professionals network

International healthcare standards

Integrated healthcare ecosystem

Visa Requirements for Filipino Nationals

For Filipino entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Filipino nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your medical equipment trading business in DHCC.

Banking for Filipino Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your medical equipment trading company in DHCC: Filipino entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation. A solid business plan helps expedite the process. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Filipino business structures.

Document Attestation for Filipino Nationals

Document attestation for Filipino nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Philippines, (2) Attestation by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to medical equipment trading businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Philippines passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Professional qualification certificates or approvals from Ministry of Health

5Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

6Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

7Detailed business plan or activity description

8No Objection Certificate (NOC) if applicable

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 Filipino nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Philippines through Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) 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. Filipino nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Filipino entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation.

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 Filipino 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