The healthcare industry has always been an important sector for any country. It has become even more important now, with the world going through a global pandemic. With technological advancements, there’s always a need for new, advanced medical equipment. Starting a medical equipment trading llc in the UAE has great scope because the country’s vision is to become one of the best healthcare providers and medical tourism destinations in the world. 

In Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, the governments of the respective emirates have developed neighbourhoods dedicated to health and wellness. They are Dubai Healthcare City, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, and Sharjah Healthcare City. Here you will find world-class international and regional hospital groups, specialty clinics, wellness centers, and medical training centers. 

To meet the demands and standards of these healthcare cities as well as those of the many clinics and hospitals across the seven emirates, there is a need for licensed medical equipment trading companies in UAE. You can only import medical equipment or trade medical devices if your company as well as the equipment and pharmaceutical products are registered with the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention. 

If you want to start a medical equipment trading llc in Dubai, you need a commercial license issued by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), the government agency authorized to issue business licenses in the emirate. You must also identify the type of activity your trading company will undertake. 

Types of business activities for trading medical devices 

There are two groups under which you can sell medical equipment in the UAE: 

Medicines Trading – this group includes the trading of medical instruments, surgical articles, and related apparatuses for treating specific medical conditions. 

Mechanical & Engineering Equipment Trading – this group includes trading equipment and instruments used in hospitals and clinics for x-rays, physiotherapy, surgical operations, etc. 

Steps to register a medical equipment trading llc in Dubai 

In order to begin the registration process of your trading company with the DED, you must complete the following requirements: 

  • Submit 3 trade name options. 
  • Determine the business activity your company will undertake 
  • Submit the passport copies along with visa details of all the company shareholders 
  • Submit the Emirates ID of the local sponsor 

Once you have submitted the above details, you must carry out the following steps to apply for the commercial trade license for your company.  

  • Get the initial approval 
  • Get approval for one of the 3 trade names submitted 
  • Draft and sign the Memorandum of Association 
  • Rent an office space and submit the tenancy contract 
  • Get any additional approvals that your business may need 
  • Pay the fees and get your trade license 

However, getting a trade license alone does not authorize you to commence your business. In the case of medical equipment trading llc in the UAE, you must register your newly licensed company, and all the equipment you wish to trade, with the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention. If you will be importing your equipment into the UAE, you will also have to register your company with Dubai Customs or the ports & customs authority of the emirate where you plan to operate.

Author Clare Louise