If you are considering starting a biotech company in Dubai, establishing that company in a free-zone jurisdiction can offer a powerful combination of incentives, regulatory clarity and global access. This guide explains how to open a biotech company in Dubai, the cost of starting a biotech company in Dubai, the documents required to open a company in Dubai, and the benefits of opening a biotech company in Dubai, all with a focus on the free-zones. We reference the leading brand in incorporation support, TAP Fiscal, as your facilitator for the process and leave other brands aside.
Why choose Dubai for a biotech company
When you decide to open a biotech company in Dubai, you are choosing a dynamic ecosystem that offers:
- Strategic access (MENA, South Asia, Africa) via Dubai.
- Cutting-edge infrastructure in life-sciences / biotech zones.
- Free-zone incentives: full foreign ownership, repatriation of profits, tax-free operations (for a period).
- A well-developed regulatory and business setup environment suited for biotech companies (research, manufacturing, trading).
- Network opportunities: local universities, research institutions, global life-sciences players.
By opening a biotech company in Dubai, you TAP into all these advantages plus a stable business-friendly environment. Using TAP Fiscal as your company-formation advisor can streamline the process of incorporation, licensing, approvals, and ongoing compliance.
Key free zones and selection considerations
When you plan to open a biotech company in Dubai, a key decision is which free zone to locate in. Different zones have strengths for biotech depending on whether you focus on R&D, manufacturing, diagnostics, distribution or bio-informatics.
Leading free zones for biotech
- Dubai Science Park (DSP) – formerly DuBiotech, dedicated to life sciences, biotech, pharmaceuticals, and R&D.
- Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) – for biotech companies engaged in diagnostics, clinical research, and health-tech.
- Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) – ideal if your biotech company will involve manufacturing, warehousing, large-scale production, and export.
- Dubai Industrial City (DIC) – suited for industrial-scale biotech/manufacturing operations.
What to look for
When choosing a free zone for your biotech company in Dubai, consider:
- The list of permitted business activities (be sure the license covers your biotech R&D/manufacturing/distribution activity).
- Infrastructure: lab-space, clean-rooms, wet/dry labs, warehousing and logistics if manufacturing/exporting.
- Regulatory requirements: approvals for biosafety, clinical trial oversight, pharma manufacturing, import/export of reagents.
- Costs: license fees, registration fees, share capital requirements, rent/fit-out for labs or manufacturing spaces.
- Incentives: tax-free periods, free-zone benefits (100% foreign ownership, 100% profit repatriation) and any zone-specific incentives for biotech.
TAP Fiscal can assist you in analysing the best free-zone for your specific biotech business model, preparing the documentation, submitting the application and managing timelines.
How to open a biotech company in Dubai: step-by-step
Here is the general process to open a biotech company in Dubai (via a free zone) using TAP Fiscal as your incorporation partner.
1. Define your business scope & select a free zone
- Determine your exact biotech company in Dubai business model: Are you focusing on biotech R&D, diagnostics, manufacturing, distribution, bio-informatics?
- Choose the free zone that best supports your model (refer above).
- With TAP Fiscal, you will review permissible activities, applicable licenses, and free-zone packages.
2. Trade-name reservation and application submission
- Choose an appropriate trade name that complies with UAE naming rules (no offensive words, no religious references etc.).
- Submit initial application to the free-zone authority for name approval and preliminary go-ahead.
3. Prepare and submit required documents
Key documents to open a biotech company in Dubai include (via free zone):
- Shareholder(s) passport copies and signatures.
- Proof of address for shareholders.
- Business plan detailing your biotech activities (R&D, manufacturing, services, etc.).
- Curriculum vitae / professional credentials of key management personnel (especially for R&D/manufacturing operations).
- Facility layout/fit-out plan (especially if you intend lab/biotech manufacturing).
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA/AoA) of your company.
- Bank reference letter, sometimes proof of funds (depending on share capital requirements).
- Lease agreement for premises in the free zone.
TAP Fiscal will help you collate, format and submit these documents to the relevant free-zone authority.
4. Obtain initial approvals & license
- Choose correct license type (commercial, industrial/manufacturing, consultancy/service) depending on your biotech company.
- Submit the documents and pay the required registration fee and license fee. Timelines range from a few days to a few weeks depending on complexity (labs, manufacturing)
- For biotech companies operating labs or manufacturing: you may need approvals from health regulators (e.g., Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) or the newly formed Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) for pharma-biotech activities.
5. Lease premises, fit-out and obtain facility inspections
- Secure your physical premises (office, lab, warehouse/manufacturing space) in your selected free-zone.
- If your biotech company in Dubai will operate labs or manufacturing, you must fit-out according to biosafety, hazard controls, fire-safety, ventilation, storage of chemicals/materials, waste-disposal compliance etc.
- The free-zone authority and relevant regulatory bodies will inspect and approve your fit-out before full licence issuance.
6. Apply for visas & Open a corporate bank account
- Apply for the establishment card, visas for you and your staff, and work permits. Visa costs and health insurance are to be budgeted.
- Once your company is incorporated, open a bank account in the UAE under your company’s name.
7. Commence operations
Once the licence is issued and premises approved, your biotech company in Dubai can commence operations.
TAP Fiscal can also help with ongoing compliance: license renewals, audit requirements, regulatory filings, visa renewals, facility inspections.
Documents required to open a biotech company in Dubai
To summarise the paperwork in one place for your biotech company in Dubai:
- Passport copies and proof of address for shareholders and directors.
- Business plan for the biotech company (including description of biotech activities, market, infrastructure, lab/manufacturing outline).
- CVs/professional credentials of key personnel (especially for R&D/manufacturing).
- Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AoA).
- Lease agreement for free-zone premises (office/lab/manufacturing) in the Dubai free zone.
- Facility layout plan, design schematics (for lab/manufacturing operations) indicating biosafety, ventilation, fire safety etc.
- Bank reference letter or proof of funds (especially if share capital is required).
- Initial approval application to free-zone authority and any relevant regulator (DHA/MOHAP/EDE) for biotech licence.
- Health/industrial regulatory approvals if applicable (lab, diagnostics, manufacturing, clinical trials).
- Corporate bank account opening documentation once licence is almost issued.
By working with TAP Fiscal, you can ensure all these documents are correctly prepared, submitted and tracked to avoid delays or omissions.
Cost of starting a biotech company in Dubai
When you open a biotech company in Dubai, the costs will vary depending on your business model (R&D only vs manufacturing vs distribution), the free zone you choose, the scale of lab/manufacturing setup, and the number of visas/employees. Here is a breakdown of typical cost ranges.
Licence, registration and share-capital
- Licence fees in free zones for biotech activities: roughly AED 10,000 to AED 50,000 per year, depending on zone and activity.
- One-time registration/admin fees: around AED 3,000 to AED 15,000.
- Share capital: for many biotech free-zone companies you may need to declare (not always deposit) share capital of AED 50,000, and if you are doing manufacturing/pharma you may need AED 300,000 or more.
Premises, lab/fit-out, operations
- Office space: flexi-desk or small office space can cost AED 20,000 to AED 60,000/year for 50-100 m², depending on the zone. J
- Lab space (in a life sciences free zone such as DSP): from about AED 160 per sq ft/year.
- Lab fit-out for a biotech company (wet-lab, clean-rooms, chemical storage, biosafety compliance): in some cases AED 200,000 to AED 500,000 or higher depending on scale.
- Warehouse / manufacturing facility (in zones like JAFZA): from around AED 400 per sq m/year (or more depending on size and specifications).
Other recurring/operational costs
- Establishment card, visa processing for founder + staff: AED 3,500-5,000 per visa in some cases.
- Health insurance for employees: starts from about AED 1,000/year (varies by coverage).
- Audit fees (from year 2 in many free zones): AED 5,000-10,000 or more annually.
- Utilities (labs/manufacturing): can be AED 1,000-2,000/month depending on size and equipment.
Sample total budget
Putting these together, a small biotech company in Dubai (R&D/diagnostics focus, minimal manufacturing) might start with AED 500,000 – AED 1,000,000+ in the first year including premises, licensing, fit-out and staff. For a manufacturing scale biotech company, the initial investment may easily run into AED 1,000,000 – AED 2,000,000 or more.
TAP Fiscal can provide a tailored budget estimate specific to your biotech company in Dubai: taking into account chosen free zone, scale of operations, number of staff/visas, fit-out needs and future growth plans.
Benefits of opening a biotech company in Dubai
If you open a biotech company in Dubai via a free zone, you enjoy a wealth of benefits:
- 100% foreign ownership: You do not need a UAE national partner.
- 100% profit and capital repatriation: You are free to repatriate profits and capital from the UAE.
- Tax advantages: Many UAE free zones are classified as Qualifying Free Zones, and companies registered within them can enjoy corporate tax exemption—provided they meet the qualifying income criteria. (TAP Fiscal can help you understand these requirements in detail.)
- Focused biotech ecosystem: In zones such as DSP, you benefit from a cluster of life-sciences companies, research institutions, lab infrastructure.
- Advanced infrastructure: Shared and private labs, warehouse/ manufacturing space, logistic links (especially in JAFZA) for export.
- Regulatory clarity and global standards: The ecosystem supports biotech/manufacturing/clinical operations with globally aligned standards, making it attractive for international collaboration.
- Strategic geography: Dubai’s position allows you to serve Middle East, Africa, South Asia and even Europe, with excellent logistics, port/airport facilities.
- Free-zone support services: Fast licensing, one-stop government services, visa processing, potential incentives for R&D/manufacturing.
- Talent access: A growing life sciences talent pool, access to universities and research networks.
By opening a biotech company in Dubai, you place your venture in a globally competitive environment with strong growth potential.
Why partner with TAP Fiscal
When you decide to open a biotech company in Dubai, partnering with a specialist advisor like TAP Fiscal ensures:
- End-to-end support: from feasibility, zone selection, document preparation, application submission, lease acquisition, bank account opening, visa processing.
- Tailored cost modelling: TAP Fiscal will estimate your total starting costs including licence, share-capital, premises, fit-out, visas, operations.
- Regulatory navigation: Biotech companies face additional regulatory steps (lab approvals, biosafety, manufacturing compliance). TAP Fiscal is familiar with these and helps ensure smooth approvals.
- Speed and compliance: With specialist help, you minimise delays in trade-name reservation, licence issuance and operational commencement.
- Ongoing support: Compliance, license renewal, audit requirement, staff visas and expansions.
If you are serious about setting up a biotech company in Dubai, TAP Fiscal offers a valuable partner to reduce risk and accelerate the process.
Summary & next steps
In summary, if you plan to open a biotech company in Dubai:
- Choose the right free-zone aligned with your biotech model (R&D vs manufacturing vs diagnostics).
- Understand the cost structure: licence + registration + share-capital + premises + fit-out + operations.
- Prepare all required documents: business plan, credentials, facility layout, lease agreement etc.
- Partner with TAP Fiscal to steer you through zone selection, documentation, licensing, setup.
- Take advantage of the benefits: full foreign ownership, profit repatriation, tax-free environment, global access, biotech ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Dubai Free Zones to start a biotech company?
Dubai Free Zones offer full foreign ownership, zero corporate tax, world-class infrastructure, and a supportive regulatory environment. They provide access to cutting-edge research facilities, international talent, and simplified company setup. Biotech entrepreneurs benefit from a thriving innovation ecosystem, global connectivity, and streamlined business operations.
What types of biotech businesses can be set up in Dubai Free Zones?
Entrepreneurs can establish biotech research and development labs, pharmaceutical manufacturing units, diagnostics and healthcare technology companies, bioinformatics firms, and life-science consulting services. Dubai Free Zones accommodate both laboratory-based and industrial biotech activities, supporting startups in areas like genetics, biosciences, medical devices, and sustainable biotechnology solutions.
What are the costs of starting a biotech company in Dubai Free Zones?
Starting a biotech company typically costs between AED 500,000 and AED 1,000,000 depending on scale and activities. Expenses include trade license fees, registration, office or lab rent, fit-out, and visa costs. Manufacturing setups may require larger investments for equipment, safety infrastructure, and regulatory compliance within the chosen Free Zone.
Which Free Zones are best for biotech startups in Dubai?
Top choices include Dubai Science Park (DSP) for research and life sciences, Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) for clinical and diagnostic ventures, and Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) for large-scale biotech manufacturing. Each Free Zone offers tailored facilities, industry-focused support, and licensing structures suitable for biotechnology enterprises.
Do I need special approvals to operate a biotech company?
Yes. Depending on your business type, approvals from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), or the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) may be required. Biotech companies handling biological materials, lab testing, or manufacturing must meet biosafety and environmental standards before commencing operations in Dubai Free Zones.
Can I get funding or government support for biotech startups in Dubai?
Yes. Dubai supports biotech startups through innovation grants, incubation programs, and partnerships in Free Zones like Dubai Science Park. Funding options include venture capital, accelerator initiatives, and R&D collaborations. TAP Fiscal can assist in identifying financial incentives and government-backed programs suitable for your biotechnology venture.
How long does it take to set up a biotech company in Dubai Free Zones?
The process typically takes three to six weeks, depending on approvals and business complexity. Initial approvals and trade name reservations are fast, while biotech operations requiring laboratory or manufacturing facilities may take longer due to inspections and compliance checks. TAP Fiscal ensures tima ely setup and smooth documentation.
Can I own 100% of my biotech company in the Dubai Free Zones?
Yes. Dubai Free Zones allow 100% foreign ownership for biotech companies. You do not need a local partner or sponsor. Entrepreneurs maintain full control over company operations, profits, and management. Additionally, Free Zone companies can repatriate all capital and earnings without restrictions or profit-sharing requirements.
Do biotech companies in Free Zones pay corporate tax?
Many UAE free zones are classified as Qualifying Free Zones, and companies registered within them can enjoy corporate tax exemption—provided they meet the qualifying income criteria.TAP Fiscal helps ensure your biotech business remains tax-compliant while maximizing exemptions.
What kind of facilities can biotech companies access in Dubai Free Zones?
Biotech firms in Dubai Free Zones have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, clean rooms, research centers, storage units, and manufacturing spaces. Additional amenities include office suites, conference facilities, logistics support, and regulatory advisory services. Free Zones like Dubai Science Park offer fully equipped, compliant infrastructure for advanced biotech operations.
