How to Obtain a Pharmacy License in Dubai

How to Get Your Pharmacist License in Dubai

If you are a pharmacist looking to get registered to practice in the UAE, this article will guide you through the necessary steps to obtain a pharmacy license in Dubai. A license issued by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and regulated by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is required. The registration procedure is quite smooth and can be completed in a few steps.

What can you do with a pharmacy license in Dubai?

Roadmap to Obtaining a Pharmacist License in Dubai

Required Documents for a Pharmacy License in Dubai

DHA requirements to consider when setting up a pharmacy business

Pharmacy license renewal in Dubai

What can you do with a pharmacy license in Dubai?

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulates the pharmacy profession in the emirate, and all pharmacists must be licensed by the DHA. With a DHA pharmacy license, you are permitted to engage in a range of activities, including:

• Dispensing prescription medications.
• Selling over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.
• Providing pharmacological advice and information.
• Pharmaceutical compounding.
• Administering vaccinations.

Roadmap to Obtaining a Pharmacist License in Dubai

The process of obtaining a pharmacy license in Dubai is detailed, but it is certainly achievable if all necessary requirements are met.

Step 1: What are the necessary requirements?

The requirements for a pharmacy license in Dubai include the following:

• The applicant must be a UAE citizen or hold a valid UAE residence visa.
• The applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
• The applicant must have a bachelor's degree in pharmacy.
• The applicant must have at least 2 years of work experience as a pharmacist.
• The applicant must have passed the pharmacy licensing examination.

Step 2: License Registration and Initial Approval

• Gather and prepare the list of documents that must be submitted to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) when applying for a pharmacist license.
• Obtain initial approval from the agency to register your pharmaceutical business. You must submit the prepared documents to the UAE Ministry of Health and Regulation for this initial approval.
• Secure permission from the Dubai Municipality for the commercial use of the chosen pharmacy location.

Step 3: Applying to DHA and HRD for Final Approval

After receiving the initial approval, you must apply to the DHA and the Health Regulation Department (HRD) for final approval. This final step involves a series of separate procedures before your company is granted the license. Additionally, at this stage, representatives from the Pharmaceutical Control Department will personally visit and evaluate your facility. If all stringent standards are met, the agency can issue a license within twenty-two days.

Required Documents for a Pharmacy License in Dubai

The documents required to obtain a Dubai pharmacy license are as follows:

• A completed application form.
• A copy of the applicant's UAE residence visa and passport.
• A copy of the applicant's pharmacist license from their home country (if applicable).
• A copy of the candidate's curriculum vitae (CV).
• A good-standing letter from the applicant's previous or current employer.
• Area permit and layout plan.
• Initial approval letter.
• Approval for the proposed location of the pharmacy.
• Certificates and a list of all pharmacy employees.
• A medical fitness examination if the candidate is 65 years of age or older.
• Once your DHA license application is approved, you must also submit:
• A certificate from your recruitment facility for malpractice insurance.
• An offer letter from your recruitment facility.

DHA requirements to consider when setting up a pharmacy business

• When establishing your pharmacy business in Dubai, you must be aware of several rules issued by the Dubai Health Authority.
• The name and address of the pharmacy, the DED license number, and the duration of the license must be included on the license.
• The DHA pharmacy license must be prominently displayed in the establishment.
• The pharmacy must also prominently post the facility's operating hours.
• The total area of the rental property for the pharmacy must be at least 30 square meters.
• In addition to the DHA license, if you are operating on the mainland, a local UAE sponsor is required to obtain a trade license for your company.

Pharmacy License Renewal in Dubai

The DHA pharmacy license is valid for only one year. You can apply to renew your license by applying three months before its expiration date. The following steps must be followed for license renewal:

• The e-licensing platform, Sheryan, must be used to submit the renewal application.
• The license must meet all prerequisites for renewal.
• If the license is not renewed, it expires on the last day it was valid. The pharmacy will then be subject to financial penalties.
• Upon completion of the HRD criteria for the license renewal exam, the DHA Pharmacy license will be renewed for one year.

A pharmacy license that is not renewed within six months is considered invalid.

When planning to open a pharmacy in Dubai, it is important to consider ownership restrictions to avoid penalties and violations. While a case can be made in most jurisdictions to exceed the number of licenses one person owns, obtaining an exemption from local ownership restrictions is more difficult.

It is better to utilize the services of a business consultant who is well-versed in the legal requirements of this field. At World Company Setup, we can not only help you obtain a pharmacy license but also assist in setting up a pharmacy in Dubai.