The healthcare sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is worth noticing, and the demand for pharmacists is increasing day by day. So, if you are looking to build your career in the pharma industry, you need to obtain a pharmacist license in the UAE. Read this article to learn more about pharmacy licenses.
Pharmacy License in the UAE
The pharmaceutical industry in the country is expected to grow by US$ 2638 million by 2029. Different emirates in the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are set to contribute a lot more than they did in the early years of the economy. The pharmaceutical industry is exposed to a wide range of business opportunities, such as medical consultation, products and services, regular health check-ups, and many more.
How to Obtain a Pharmacist License in UAE?
Opening a UAE pharmacy business comes with obtaining a trade license first. Let us understand the process of getting a license:
Obtain Initial Approval
The first step is to fill out and submit the application to the Health Regulation Department (HRD), mentioning all the details of the business.
Application Review
HRD will review the application and will pass it through based on the authority regulations. Once the approval is passed, it will go to the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) for the mainland applications.
Complete the Application Form
Obtain the necessary application form from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and prepare all the documents providing accurate information. Make the necessary payment to obtain the license.
Issuance of License
The MOH will issue the license once the application is approved. You can start practising after obtaining a pharmacist license in the UAE.
Documents Required to be Submitted
You must submit certain documents to relevant authorities/government offices to obtain a pharmacist license in the UAE. These documents include the following:
- Approval copy for pharmacy premises
- Copy of the tenancy contract
- Blueprint and certified architectural planning
- Copy of passport of the owner
- Location and professional license issued by the Dubai Trade Register
- Certificates and list of all the employees involved in the pharmacy business
Avail BSW Assistance
Business Setup Worldwide has been a pioneer in providing corporate facilities. UAE is one of the major countries in which we provide extensive services. A pharmacy license is one of them. Reach out to us to avail yourself of our packages, which ensure a hassle-free way to obtain legal documents. Our consultants will provide you with the proper guidance required for a pharmacist license in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
The requirements for getting a pharmacy license in the UAE include a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, an attested certificate proof of the official verification service provider designated by the MOH, and a minimum number of years of experience in the field, among others.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention, United Arab Emirates, issues the trade license for a pharmacy business.
It takes 5-7 working days to obtain a pharmacy license in the UAE.
Yes, you need a local sponsor to start a pharmacy business in the UAE.

