HFZA - HealthCare Free Zone Authority Abu Dhabi
Complete guide to registering your healthcare company in HFZA. Understand requirements, fees, registration process, and annual compliance obligations for medical and healthcare businesses.
About HFZA
HealthCare Free Zone Authority Abu Dhabi (HFZA) is a specialized free zone dedicated to healthcare, medical services, and life sciences. Located in Abu Dhabi, HFZA provides a world-class ecosystem for medical professionals, healthcare service providers, pharmaceutical companies, and medical technology firms with state-of-the-art facilities and regulatory support.
License Types Available
Healthcare Services License
For clinics, medical centers, diagnostic labs, physiotherapy, and specialized healthcare services.
Medical Trading License
For importing, exporting, and distributing medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare products.
Healthcare Consultancy
For medical consultancy, healthcare management, hospital administration, and health IT services.
Medical Education & Training
For medical training institutes, healthcare education, and professional development programs.
Registration Requirements
- Medical Licenses: Valid medical licenses and professional qualifications for healthcare practitioners
- Passport Copies: Certified copies of passports for all shareholders and medical staff
- Educational Certificates: Attested medical degrees, board certifications, and specialty qualifications
- Clinical Practice Plan: Detailed business plan including services, equipment, and patient care protocols
- Regulatory Approvals: DOH (Department of Health) approvals and compliance with healthcare regulations
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Select Healthcare License Type
Choose appropriate healthcare license category and submit initial application with service details
Timeline: 2-3 days
Medical Credentials Verification
Submit medical licenses, degrees, and professional certifications for verification
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
DOH Regulatory Approval
Obtain Department of Health approvals and healthcare facility permits
Timeline: 2-4 weeks
Facility Setup & Inspection
Set up healthcare facility and complete DOH facility inspection requirements
Timeline: 2-4 weeks
License Issuance & Payment
Pay license fees and receive HFZA healthcare license and establishment card
Timeline: 1-2 days
Staff Visas & Operations
Process medical staff visas and commence healthcare operations
Timeline: 3-4 weeks
HFZA Fee Structure
| Description | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Healthcare License Fee (Annual) | 25,000 - 75,000 |
| Registration Fee (One-time) | 10,000 |
| DOH Facility License | 15,000 - 50,000 |
| Office/Clinic Space (Annual) | 30,000 - 150,000 |
| Medical Staff Visa (per person) | 5,000 - 7,500 |
| Professional Indemnity Insurance | 10,000 - 30,000 |
* Fees vary based on facility type and services. Contact us for current pricing.
Annual Compliance Requirements
License Renewal
Renew both HFZA trade license and DOH healthcare facility license annually before expiry.
Medical License Renewal
Ensure all medical practitioners maintain valid DOH professional licenses and continuing medical education (CME) credits.
Facility Inspections
Pass annual DOH facility inspections and maintain compliance with healthcare standards.
Corporate Tax Filing
Register for Corporate Tax and file annual returns. QFZP status may provide 0% CT on qualifying income.
VAT Filing (if applicable)
Healthcare services may be exempt or zero-rated. Register for VAT if threshold exceeded and file quarterly returns.
Insurance Renewal
Maintain valid professional indemnity and liability insurance coverage for medical practitioners.
Tax Implications
QFZP Status Benefits
HFZA companies may qualify as Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) and enjoy:
- 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income
- 9% on non-qualifying income (mainland transactions)
- De minimis threshold of 5% or AED 5M for non-qualifying revenue
Related Free Zones
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