Establishing a Psychology Clinic in Dubai

by Beyond View

Setting Up a Psychology Clinic in Dubai | DHA License & Setup Guide 2025

Our all-inclusive handbook will lead you through the processes required to launch a profitable clinic.

Setting Up a Psychology Clinic in Dubai

A Complete Guide to Starting Your Mental Health Practice Legally and Successfully

With growing awareness of mental health and wellness in the UAE, there is an increasing demand for qualified psychology professionals and clinics. Dubai offers a supportive healthcare ecosystem, making it an ideal place to start a psychology clinic or mental health counseling center.

However, opening a psychology clinic in Dubai requires compliance with strict regulatory and licensing frameworks — particularly from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Department of Economic Development (DED).

📋 Steps to Set Up a Psychology Clinic in Dubai

1. Understand the License Requirements

To legally operate, you will need:

DHA Clinical License for the facility
DHA Professional License for the practicing psychologist(s)
DED Trade License for healthcare-related activity (Mainland setup)

2. Meet the Eligibility Criteria

Must hold a recognized degree in psychology (clinical, counseling, or educational)
Minimum 2 years of experience (in some cases 5+)
Attested academic and professional documents
Valid DataFlow report, good standing certificate, and passport copy

3. Secure an Approved Clinic Location

The premises should comply with DHA layout guidelines for healthcare facilities, including:

Waiting area
Consultation rooms
Record storage
Emergency safety features (fire exits, alarms, etc.)

4. Get DHA Facility Approval

Submit clinic design and layout plans for approval, followed by inspections to ensure compliance with DHA’s Facility Design & Health Regulation Standards.

5. Apply for DED Trade License

Activity: Mental Health Services / Psychology Clinic / Counseling Center
Submit tenancy contract (Ejari), initial approvals, and documents
Pay licensing fees to obtain the trade license

6. Complete Staff Licensing & Visa Processing

Apply for DHA licenses for each professional staff member
Get establishment card, then process employment visas and labor contracts

💰 Estimated Costs (2025):

Component	Approximate Cost (AED)
DED Trade License	10,000 – 15,000
DHA Clinic Approval & Licensing	20,000 – 30,000
Facility Fit-Out & Equipment	50,000 – 100,000
DHA Professional License	3,000 – 6,000 per staff
Staff Visas & Admin Expenses	10,000 – 20,000

Permits & Authorizations:

– Get a business license from the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai.
– Obtain Dubai Health Authority (DHA) approval for your psychology clinic.
– Adhere to international laws and guidelines, such as ISO 9001

Setting Up the Facility:

– Find a suitable location to rent or lease in a designated healthcare area (such as Dubai Healthcare City). – Design the space and furnish it with the furnishings and equipment that are required.
– Verify adherence to DHA’s facility specifications

Personnel and Instruction:

Employ licensed therapists and psychologists
– Offer continuing instruction and training to stay current with new methods and findings.

🧑‍⚕️ Services You Can Offer:

Individual therapy sessions
Family & couples counseling
Child & adolescent therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Psychological assessments and diagnosis
Corporate wellness & stress management workshops

🌍 Why Start a Psychology Clinic in Dubai?

Rising demand for licensed mental health services
Growing corporate wellness and expat community
Government-supported healthcare growth
Access to international clientele in a multicultural environment
High-income market willing to invest in mental wellness

🚀 Need Help Launching Your Psychology Practice?

We help healthcare professionals like you open fully licensed psychology clinics in Dubai, guiding you through every step — from DHA approvals to trade licensing, interiors, and staffing.