How to Apply for Home Care License
Starting a home care business requires obtaining the appropriate license to operate legally. A home care services license ensures compliance with health regulations and guarantees high-quality services for clients. The licensing process varies by region but generally involves:
- Business Registration – Register your home care agency with the appropriate Department of Economic Development (DED) or free zone authority.
- Regulatory Approvals – Depending on your location, apply for a license from DHA (Dubai Health Authority), DOH (Department of Health Abu Dhabi), or MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention).
- Submit Required Documents – These include business plans, qualifications of healthcare providers, proof of office space, and financial statements.
- Pass Compliance Inspections – Authorities inspect business premises to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
- Receive License Approval – After meeting all requirements, you receive your home care services license and can legally operate your business.
How to Get License for Home Care Agency
Obtaining a home care agency license involves multiple steps to ensure that the business meets professional and ethical standards. Below is a step-by-step guide:
- Choose Your Business Structure – Decide if your agency will provide medical home care (nursing, physiotherapy, palliative care) or non-medical home care (assistance with daily living, companionship, and household tasks).
- Secure a Trade License – Apply for a business license through the local economic department or free zone authority.
- Apply for a Healthcare License – If providing medical services, you need approval from DHA, DOH, or MOHAP, depending on your emirate.
- Obtain Approvals for Staff – All healthcare professionals working in your agency must have valid DHA, DOH, or MOHAP licenses.
- Meet Insurance and Compliance Requirements – Secure medical liability insurance and ensure compliance with health authority standards.
- Operational Readiness Check – Authorities may conduct an inspection of your premises, documentation, and equipment before granting final approval.
- Receive Your License – After successful evaluation, you receive your home care agency license and can begin operations.
Home Care Licensing Requirements
Home care businesses must meet strict licensing requirements to ensure quality service and patient safety. The key requirements include:
- Qualified Staff – Nurses, caregivers, and medical professionals must hold relevant certifications and valid healthcare licenses.
- Business Location – A physical office is required, even if services are provided at home.
- Healthcare Provider Licensing – Must be obtained from DHA, DOH, or MOHAP, depending on the business location.
- Background Checks – Owners and employees may be required to provide police clearance and professional good-standing certificates.
- Health and Safety Compliance – Agencies must follow government guidelines for infection control, patient safety, and emergency protocols.
- Financial Proof – Some authorities require proof of financial capability to sustain operations and provide uninterrupted services.

Home Care Services Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi, home care services are regulated by the Department of Health (DOH). To provide home healthcare services in Abu Dhabi, agencies must obtain a DOH home care license and follow these requirements:
- Apply through the TAMM Portal – The TAMM system allows businesses to submit applications for healthcare licensing in Abu Dhabi.
- Ensure Medical Qualifications – All nurses and healthcare providers must hold DOH-approved licenses.
- Pass Facility Inspection – Even though services are home-based, an administrative office must meet DOH standards.
- Follow Patient Care Regulations – Home healthcare providers must comply with strict health, safety, and confidentiality guidelines.
- Secure Insurance Coverage – Medical liability and business insurance are mandatory.
Once the DOH home healthcare license is granted, businesses can legally provide home nursing, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and elderly care services in Abu Dhabi.
Home Health Care License Application
The home health care license application process varies depending on the regulatory body. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Create an Online Account – Register with the relevant licensing authority (DHA, DOH, or MOHAP) via their official portal.
- Submit Required Documents – Business plan, staff qualifications, office lease agreement, and financial records.
- Complete Primary Source Verification (PSV) – Documents like degrees and professional licenses must be verified through DataFlow.
- Schedule an Inspection – Regulatory authorities will inspect your business location to ensure compliance.
- Pay Application Fees – Licensing fees must be paid before final approval.
- Receive License Approval – Once all requirements are met, you receive your official home healthcare license.
Home Health Care License Cost
The cost of obtaining a home healthcare license varies based on location and services offered. Below is an estimated breakdown:
- Trade License (DED Registration) – AED 7,000 – 15,000 per year.
- DHA/DOH/MOHAP Healthcare License – AED 3,000 – 7,000 (depending on authority and type of care).
- Facility Inspection and Compliance Fees – AED 5,000 – 10,000.
- Medical Liability Insurance – AED 2,000 – 5,000 annually.
- Staff Licensing and Work Permits – AED 2,000 – 4,000 per healthcare professional.
The total home healthcare business startup cost can range from AED 25,000 – 50,000, depending on the scale of operations.
Frequently Ask Questions
Q. How to start a home care business in Dubai?
A. To start a home care business in Dubai, register with the Department of Economic Development (DED), obtain a DHA license, secure office space, and hire licensed healthcare professionals.
Q. How to get a DOH license in the UAE?
A. Apply for a Department of Health (DOH) Abu Dhabi license via the DOH portal, complete DataFlow verification, pass the DOH exam, and ensure compliance with healthcare facility requirements.
Q. How can I get an MOH license in UAE?
A. To get a Ministry of Health (MOHAP) license, submit your credentials via the MOHAP website, complete DataFlow verification, pass the MOH exam, and secure a job in an MOH-approved facility.
Q. How to obtain a DHA license in Dubai?
A. Apply through the Sheryan system on the DHA website, complete DataFlow verification, pass the DHA exam, and fulfill experience and qualification requirements for final approval.
Q. How much is the MOH exam fee?
A. The MOH exam fee varies by profession but generally ranges from AED 800 to AED 1,500, including the application and testing fees.
Q. What is the salary of MOH in UAE?
A. Salaries for MOH-licensed professionals in the UAE vary by role; doctors earn AED 15,000 – 50,000/month, while nurses and allied health professionals earn AED 5,000 – 15,000/month.