Leverage the benefits by starting a pharmacy store in Dubai and secure the early mover advantage. Pharma businesses are rapidly expanding their footprint in the healthcare sector in the Dubai region. Meanwhile, it has become an attractive investment opportunity for international investors as the laws allow foreign direct investment into the pharmacy company setup in Dubai.
Dubai region is experiencing a growth in the demand for pharmacies and drug stores as the international expat population is steadily increasing year by year. Notwithstanding the fact that population growth in the region reflects on the numerous employment and business opportunities that have been created in Dubai, The massive surge in the population levels residing in various neighborhoods is in need of decent pharmacy stores for buying medical supplies and prescribed drugs.
Understanding the Pharmacy License in Dubai
The Dubai Healthcare Authority (DHA) is the premier healthcare regulatory government agency that envisions fulfilling the strategic goal of creating a world-class integrated healthcare system in Dubai.
A pharmacy license in Dubai is an official permit from the DHA that authorises the following categories:
- Partnership,
- Corporation,
- An individual,
- Government,
- Limited Liability Company (LLC),
- Other forms of business to legally set up pharmacy operations in the Emirate of Dubai.
As a business owner, you must understand that the medical, pharmaceutical, and healthcare industries as a whole are directly supervised by this authority.
As a result, the DHA is responsible for the following activities for a pharmacy company formation in Dubai:
- Establishing regulations,
- Setting pharmaceutical standards,
- Implementing healthcare policies, and
- Issuing licenses for companies operating in the healthcare sector in Dubai.
Why Do You Need a Pharmacy License in Dubai?
- The Pharmaceutical and healthcare industry in Dubai is strictly regulated, and any individual or company wishing to operate in it must obtain proper licensing and permits by complying with the rules, laws, and regulations set by the Dubai Healthcare Authority and the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention.
- Moreover, licensing is essential to maintaining the permits that authorize you to operate a drugstore or pharmacy in the Dubai region.
- Above all, it is essential to know that the pharmacy license has an expiry date and needs to be renewed before expiry by meeting all the criteria set by the authorities.
- After acquiring the license, specifically, you, as a licensed pharmacy owner, are required to upkeep and maintain the standards set by the governmental agencies & authorities, as failing to do so can result in officials revoking your pharmacy license.
Activities Allowed with the Pharmacy License in Dubai
- According to Federal Law No.4 in 1993 UAE, the pharmacy license in Dubai allows you or your company to commence manufacturing or buying or selling pharmaceutical products in UAE.
- Pharmacy licensing is valid for private stores set up and registered in the UAE according to the UAE Company Laws.
- The pharma license allows you to sell medical products to retail customers based in residential areas, individual housing areas and residential complexes.
How to Obtain a Pharmacy License in Dubai?
The pharmacy license can be obtained by applying to the Dubai Healthcare Authority (DHA) with all the required documents. Acquiring a pharma license for a company setup in Dubai includes a simple three-step process.
Step 1: Prepare the Necessary Documents
First, you need to collect and prepare the list of documents that are essential for submitting to the DHA when applying for licensing.
Step 2: Get Initial Approval
Register your pharmacy business to get initial approval from the agency. For initial approval, you need to submit the prepared documents to the UAE Ministry of Health, Regulation and Prevention and get approval from the Dubai Municipality for commercial use of the premises chosen for pharmacy business setup in Dubai. Finally, submit the documents for review to the HRD for issuing the initial approval letter.
Step 3: Obtain the Final Approval
At this level, after acquiring initial approval, you need to apply for final approval from the DHA and Health Regulations Department (HRD). The final approval stage contains several processes of its own until your business has been granted the licensing.
Furthermore, at this stage, officials from the Drug Control Department will come and conduct an on-site assessment of your pharmaceutical facility. The agency can issue a license within twenty-two days if all the stringent requirements are met.
Although the process is streamlined, it can sometimes be confusing for even seasoned business people to figure out the correct procedures at this stage. Hence, in the final stage, it is suggested to get assistance from Business Setup Worldwide which can handle the complicated processes on your behalf.
Contact us to get professional assistance for acquiring a pharmacy license in Dubai; our experts are experienced in assisting numerous clients who have successfully started their business ventures in UAE with our constant guidance and support.
Here is the list of documents required to Obtain a Pharmacy License
- Initial approval
- Location License
- Filled application form
- Tenancy contract with the owner of the premises
- Copies of passports of owner, shareholder or investors
- Blueprints of the premises prepared by a certified architectural planner
- Certificates along with the list of employees that are working the store
- Preliminary approval of the premises in which the pharmacy is supposed to be set up
As the hub for business and finance in the MENA region, the Emirate of Dubai offers unique opportunities for companies to operate in the area with numerous advantages. Establishing a Pharmacy is a profitable venture in Dubai; however, you need to satisfy a long list of requirements that are set by the Dubai Healthcare Authorities (DHA).
Furthermore, the process of registering and starting a pharmacy is quite a task and requires considerable time and effort for a pharmacy company setup in Dubai to operate and make it a successful business venture.