The Ultimate Guide to Setting Up A Medical Equipment Trading Company in Dubai

The current COVID-19 pandemic situation has turned to be an eye-opener for realizing the importance of healthcare in a country’s development. Therefore, the UAE government is striving hard to build a world-class healthcare system for improving the quality of life for its population. As a part of this reformative movement, the country is establishing many super specialty hospitals with the most advanced medical equipment. This opens up a great scope of medical equipment trading company in Dubai.

Before setting up your medical equipment business, it is mandatory to obtain a commercial license from the Department of Economic Development (DED) for registering your business in Dubai mainland. Foreign nationals can register their businesses only as Limited Liability Companies (LLC). For starting an LLC in Dubai, it is essential to have a local sponsor with 51% ownership.

Documentation Requirements for Starting A Medical Equipment Trading Company in Dubai

For registering your medical equipment trading company in Dubai, it is necessary to submit the following to DED:

• Trade Name Choices: Minimum 3 name choices for the company.
• Business Activity: Mention the type of business activity. The main business activities for medical equipment trading company are:

Medical, Surgical Articles, and Requisites Trading

Medical, Surgical Equipment, and Instruments Trading

• Passport copy of all shareholders.
• Entry stamp or visa page if a partner is on Visit Visa or Residence Visa for a partner residing in the UAE.
• Emirates ID of the Local Sponsor.

List of Activities Permitted for Importing Medical Equipment under DED

Medical, Surgical Articles, and Requisites Trading

Instruments and medical apparatuses used for the treatment of specific diseases can be imported under this activity license. For example, hearing aids, pulse regulators, medical shoes, etc.

Medical, Surgical Equipment, and Instruments Trading

Imports and reselling of instruments and equipment used in hospitals and clinics are classified under this business activity. These include equipment used for diagnosis, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation and blood preservation.

Application Process for Starting A Medical Equipment Trading Company

Obtain Initial Approval from DED — It is mandatory for every business owner to get this approval.

Get Trade Name Approval from DED — The DED should approve any of the three trade name choices submitted.

Preparing and signing the Memorandum of Association (MOA) — the Local Sponsor and at least one partner, if not all, must be present during the process.

Due to the current pandemic situation with travel restrictions, signing of MOA is performed electronically.

Rent a physical office or desk facility — A Dubai mainland company is supposed to have a physical office location.

Submit the tenancy contract.

Get all additional approvals, if any.

Steps Involved in the Import of Medical Equipment in the UAE

Step 1: Select the appropriate business activity related to nature of the business. Then, register with the customs to get the import/export code for shipping the medical devices into the country.

Step 2: Register the Medical Products with the Ministry of Health

The company’s medical products must be registered with the Ministry of Health in Dubai. Concerned health authorities must approve the right business activities and medical products before selling them in the UAE.

Step 3: Working with a Local Distribution or Commercial Agent

The company can assign local distribution agents or commercial agents who are registered with the Ministry of Health for carrying out imports and distribution of medical products in Dubai.

If you are planning to set up a medical equipment trading company in Dubai, Corpin Consultants can assist you from start to end. Contact us to know more.