How can I track my application status after submission?

You can track your application status through your account on the Ministry’s electronic system. You will receive a notification with the update, if any.

What is the Initial Approval service for licensing or re-licensing a health facility?

It is a service that allows health facilities to obtain the initial approval required to complete licensing procedures for providing healthcare and treatment services in the country.

How can I apply for licensing a new facility (medical center, hospital,….)?

you can find the steps to apply for initial approval in the link: 
https://mohap.gov.ae/w/initial-approval-for-licensing-re-licensing-health-facility

How can I apply for licensing a facility with expired license for more than 180 days?

you can find the steps to apply for initial approval in the link: 
https://mohap.gov.ae/w/initial-approval-for-licensing-re-licensing-health-facility

Who is the target audience for this service?

The target audience is investors in the healthcare sector who own or intend to establish health facilities of various types.

What types of health facilities are covered by this service?

It covers general and specialized clinics, medical centers, diagnostic and rehabilitation centers, emergency and home healthcare centers, fertility centers, one-day surgery centers, and hospitals of various types.you can see the list of all healthcare facility type mentioned in Cabinet Resolution No. (29) of the year 2020 on the Executive Regulations of Federal Law No. (4) of the year 2015 on Private Health Facilities

Does the initial approval allow me to start operating the facility?

No, the initial approval does not allow the facility to operate or practice healthcare activities. It is granted only to complete the procedures and requirements for final licensing.

How long is the initial approval valid for?

The initial approval is valid for one year only to complete all conditions and requirements needed for the final license.

Can the initial approval be extended?

Yes, the initial approval can be extended, provided that the extension request is submitted before the original approval expires.

What are the main required documents for submitting the application?

The main required documents include trade name reservation, facility drawing plan, location photos, and a site assessment report for certain specified categories. you can find more details about the list in this link: https://mohap.gov.ae/w/initial-approval-for-licensing-re-licensing-health-facility

What documents are required if the owner is an individual?

They usually include a profile photo, passport, family book for UAE citizens, introductory statement, and memorandum of facility or authorization letter depending on the case. you can find more details about the list in this link: https://mohap.gov.ae/w/initial-approval-for-licensing-re-licensing-health-facility

What documents are required if the owner is a company?

The required documents include the memorandum of facility or authorization letter, trade license, and the appointment of an authorized representative for the company. you can find more details about the list in this link: https://mohap.gov.ae/w/initial-approval-for-licensing-re-licensing-health-facility

Is it mandatory to appoint an authorized representative for the company?

Yes, if the owner is a company, an authorization letter must be uploaded designating a natural person as the company’s authorized representative.

Can non-UAE nationals own a health facility?

Yes, non-UAE nationals may own a health facility, subject to approval from the relevant local authority regarding the permitted percentage of foreign ownership.

Where can I find the site Self -Assessment criteria and standard guidelines of healthcare facilities?

The site criteria are shown within the system during the application process, and the site self-assessment checklists and guidance materials are also available on the official service page. you can find more details about the list in this link: https://mohap.gov.ae/w/initial-approval-for-licensing-re-licensing-health-facility

How long does the service process take?

The process usually includes auditor review within 1 to 2 business days and engineer review within 4 to 7 business days, depending on the facility type.you can find more details  in this link: https://mohap.gov.ae/w/initial-approval-for-licensing-re-licensing-health-facility

How can I track my application after submission?

You can track your application status through your account on the Ministry’s electronic system, and you will receive notifications when there are updates.

What are the initial approval fees?

The initial approval fee is AED 2,000 for certain categories such as hospitals, one-day surgery centers, fertility centers, oncology centers, endoscopy centers, ambulance services, home healthcare centers, and long-term healthcare homes, and AED 1,000 for all remaining types.you can find more details  in this link: https://mohap.gov.ae/w/initial-approval-for-licensing-re-licensing-health-facility

How can the service fees be paid?

The fees are paid through the approved e-payment channels.

Can the facility operate or hire medical staff before obtaining the final license?

yes, you can hire medical or technical staff needed to operate the facility before starting the final approval process, but this not allow you to operate without the final approval of the lisnense. 

Who is eligible to manage the health facility?

This depends on the type of facility. Hospitals may be managed by a licensed physician or by an administrator qualified in hospital or healthcare management, while some other facility types must be managed by a licensed physician or a qualified professional depending on the activity.you can find more details  in this link: https://mohap.gov.ae/w/initial-approval-for-licensing-re-licensing-health-facility

Where can I review the laws and regulations related to health facility licensing?

You can refer to the legislations and legal references page on the Ministry’s website to review the laws and regulations related to health facility licensing and applicable fees.

When can I sign the property lease/ownership contract for the proposed healthcare facility location?

It is recommended to sign the property lease/ownership contract only after validating the compliance of site criteria and requirements as per the facility type to avoid financial and legal concerns.

Do I need to refer a specialized engineering consultancy to prepare the facility’s drawing plan? Is there a recommended list of Engineering consultants?

Yes, you are advised to work with a qualified engineering consultancy experienced in healthcare facility design and planning, and there is recommended suggested list of specialized Engineering consultations published by MOHAP. you can find the list in following link:

https://mohap.gov.ae/w/initial-approval-for-licensing-re-licensing-health-facility

Can I begin construction work before receiving initial approval of the drawing plan?

No, construction works shall not start before obtaining the Initial Approval for Licensing a Medical Facility. 

If I encountered an issue, whom should I contact?

You can contact the Ministry’s Call Center at: 80011111, or through the email address shown on the service page.

How can I review all the laws and requirements related to health facilities and medical staff?

The health facility must review all laws and regulations issued regarding the licensing of healthcare facilities and the applicable service fees, by referring to the legal references page on the Ministry’s website: https://mohap.gov.ae/en/references/legislations 

Do I need to submit a new application in the updated system if I already have an application in progress in the previous system?

No, if your application is already under process in the old system, you do not need to submit a new one in the new system.

Where can I find the standard guidelines for healthcare facilities?

The standard guidelines are available on the official website of the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) or through the user manual provided with the application system.

Can non-UAE nationals own a healthcare facility?

Non-UAE nationals may own a health facility, provided that they obtain approval from the local authority in the jurisdiction where the facility is located regarding the percentage of foreign ownership.

What is the validity period of the initial approval?

The initial approval is valid for one year only. This is the grace period granted to the owner to fulfil all technical and regulatory requirements to obtain a license from the Ministry of Health and Prevention. It does not authorize the commencement of healthcare activity, but rather facilitates completion of the licensing process.

Can the initial approval be extended?

The initial approval may be extended, provided that the extension request is submitted before the original approval expires.

What are the licensing fees?

The fees vary based on the type of facility. It’s available on the service portal and is calculated automatically during the application process.

Can the facility start operation before final approval is granted?

The facility must obtain final licence to commence service delivery and employment of medical or technical staff. The facility must also recruit the necessary medical and technical personnel according to its classification and in line with applicable laws and standards.

Who is eligible to manage the health facility?

Management of private health facilities is determined based on the facility’s classification:

• Hospitals:
  • A physician licensed by the health authority to practice medicine in one of the specialties listed under the facility’s activities; or
  • An administrator with a university degree in hospital administration or healthcare management from a recognized institution in the UAE.
• Outpatient care facilities, diagnostic centers, and specialised clinics:
  • A physician licensed by the health authority to practice medicine in one of the specialties listed under the facility’s activities.
• Traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine centers, and ancillary health services centers:
  • A qualified professional with an accredited academic qualification in the relevant field.

• Long term care facilities:

  • A qualified professional with an accredited academic qualification in the relevant field.

Where can I find the Site Self-Assessment criteria for healthcare facilities?

The site criteria are outlined within the new released system through the initial approval application process where Site Self-Assessment checklist is previewed and tailored to facility's category, to be marked and confirmed with the guidance of specialized engineering consultants.

For large scale facility categories a facility assessment report and consent form, shall be prepared and approved by specialized engineering consultants in healthcare design and planning and uploaded through the system.

Additionally, the Site Self-Assessment checklists are provided through official MOHAP online service card under the resources section.

When can I sign the rental contract for the proposed healthcare facility location?

It is recommended to sign the rental contract only after your site has been evaluated and approved through the initial approval application to avoid financial and legal issues.

Do I need to refer a specialized engineering consultancy to prepare the facility’s drawing plan? Is there a recommended list of consultants?

Yes, you are advised to work with a qualified engineering consultancy experienced in healthcare facility design and planning. Yes, there is recommended suggested list of specialized Engineering consultations published by MOHAP. 

What is the estimated time required to complete the drawing plan review and verification process?

Applicant shall expect a replay on the submitted request within 4 to 7 working days from the request date based on the facility type.

Can I begin construction before receiving initial approval of the drawing plan?

No, construction must not begin before obtaining the Initial Approval for Licensing a Medical Facility.