In Dubai, ambition rarely stands still. A retailer may see an opportunity to launch an e-commerce arm. A consultancy might spot demand for IT advisory. A trader could decide to diversify into new product lines. Whatever the idea, every expansion begins with the same legal requirement: your business activity must appear on your trade licence.
Adding activities to a licence is not just bureaucracy. It is how you protect your business from penalties, align with regulators, and unlock new opportunities. Companies that operate outside the scope of their licence risk fines of up to 50,000 and even suspension. The good news is that Dubai has streamlined the process of amending a trade licence to make it faster and more predictable than ever before.
We walk you through the process of adding activities to a trade licence in the UAE, focusing first on Dubai’s free zones, including DUQE, and then on the mainland under the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Along the way, we’ll cover timelines, costs, documents, compliance considerations, and real examples of businesses that have successfully expanded.
Adding Activities: What It Means and Why It Matters
What is a Trade Licence Amendment?
Every company in the UAE operates under a government-issued trade licence. That licence sets out the exact business activities is legally permitted to carry out. Amending the licence to add a new activity ensures you can launch it legally.
Who Approves Activity Additions?
The approving authority depends on jurisdiction. Free zones process amendments internally through their respective authorities. Mainland businesses go through the Dubai DET.
How Long Does The Process Take?
In most free zones, amendments are issued in two to five working days. On the mainland, it typically takes about a week; however, external approvals can extend this timeframe to several weeks.
What Does It Cost?
Authorities charge a fee per activity, typically ranging from 500 to 750. Mainland companies also need to account for notary and translation costs.
What Kind of Activities Can Be Added?
Activity Categories in Dubai
Dubai’s system divides activities into four broad categories: commercial, professional, industrial, and tourism. Within each are hundreds of specific options, from “Mobile Phones Trading” to “Management Consultancy.”
Rules on Compatibility
Companies can usually expand within their existing category. An electronics trader can add new product lines, for example. Mixing unrelated activities, such as consultancy and trading, is typically restricted.
The Impact of Foreign Ownership Reforms
Since 2021, more than 1,000 activities on the mainland have been opened to 100% foreign ownership. Free zones, such as DUQE, have always allowed this, but they also enforce rules on category compatibility.
How Free Zones Handle Licence Amendments
Checking Eligibility Before Applying
The process begins by confirming whether the activity is permitted in the free zone and aligns with your licence type. This saves wasted time if the activity is restricted.
Submitting the Application Online
Most free zones now handle amendments digitally. At DUQE, applications are submitted via the client portal and can be completed in minutes.
Documents Usually Required
Requirements are light: a copy of the current licence, shareholder ID, and, in multi-owner companies, a board resolution approving the change.
External Approvals for Regulated Activities
Some activities demand specialist clearance. Healthcare requires DHA approval, training requires KHDA approval, and tourism activities require DTCM approval. The free zone will not finalise the amendment without these.
Timelines and Costs in Free Zones
Amendments usually take two to five working days. Fees start at around 500 per activity, but renewal costs can increase if multiple activities are added. Some free zones, such as DMCC, require an entirely new licence if the new activity falls into a different category.
DUQE’s Added Advantage
DUQE supports entrepreneurs with concierge-style assistance. From checking compatibility to handling board resolutions and coordinating approvals, the free zone minimises errors and keeps the process fast.
How Mainland Amendments Work with DET
The Role of Initial Approval
Mainland amendments begin with an application for initial approval through DET’s Invest in Dubai portal or an authorised service centre. This confirms the activity can be added.
Preparing the Documents
For LLCs, an addendum to the Memorandum of Association must be drafted, inserting the new activity into the objectives. This addendum must then be notarised. Companies also need a valid Ejari tenancy contract, partner ID documents, and—if applicable—a No Objection Certificate from the local sponsor.
External Approvals in Regulated Sectors
Certain activities trigger further requirements. DHA regulates healthcare, KHDA covers education, and DTCM oversees tourism. The approvals must be secured before DET issues the amended licence.
Submitting and Paying Fees
Once the documents are assembled, the request is submitted and the fees paid. Each added activity typically costs 500–750.
Timelines and Added Costs
Most DET amendments take about a week to complete. However, complex cases requiring external clearances can take several weeks. Mainland businesses should also budget for notary and translation fees.
Compliance and Tax
Corporate Tax Obligations
Since 2023, UAE companies must categorise revenue accurately under Corporate Tax rules. Adding activities requires ensuring the new revenue streams are properly accounted for.
Customs and Import/Export Codes
Companies that add trading activities often need to update their customs codes. Without this, import and export operations can face delays.
Aligning Operations and Documentation
Contracts, invoices, and even websites should reflect the updated scope of activities. Inconsistencies can create compliance gaps with banks and regulators.
How Companies Put This Into Practice
A Consultancy Expanding into IT
A management consultancy added “Information Technology Consultancy” to its professional licence. The partners drafted a notarised MOA addendum, applied through DET, and received an updated licence within a week.
A Retailer Moving Online
A boutique fashion store amended its commercial licence to include e-commerce. This enabled the owner to register on online trading portals and sell across the UAE legally.
When a Second Licence is Required
A marketing consultancy in a free zone sought to expand its trading activities to include promotional goods. The authority ruled that trading was a separate category and required a new licence. The lesson: always check compatibility before committing.
The Challenges Businesses Face
Starting Activities Before Approval
Some companies begin new lines of business before amending their licence, exposing themselves to fines and suspension.
Missing or Incomplete Documents
On the mainland, missing a notarised MOA addendum is a common cause of rejection. Free zones may return applications if resolutions are unsigned.
Underestimating Renewal Costs
Adding many unrelated activities can increase future renewal fees. Entrepreneurs should confirm the impact before proceeding.
Delays from External Regulators
Approvals from DHA, KHDA, or other authorities can extend the timeline from days to weeks. Planning ahead avoids frustration.
Costs and Timelines
Free Zone Costs and Timing
500–750 per activity. Processing usually takes two to five working days.
Mainland Costs and Timing
500–750 per activity, plus notary and translation fees. Processing typically takes about a week, although it may be longer if external approvals are required.
When to Consider Professional Help
For multi-shareholder structures or regulated activities, many companies hire PRO services or consultants. While this adds cost, it often saves time and prevents costly errors.
Why DUQE is the Preferred Choice
Tailored Support for Entrepreneurs
DUQE guides entrepreneurs through the amendment process from start to finish. This includes checking activity compatibility, preparing resolutions, and liaising with regulators.
Faster and More Predictable Outcomes
By handling the complexities, DUQE ensures amendments are processed quickly, often within just a few working days.
Helping Businesses Grow With Confidence
For founders focused on scaling their companies, DUQE provides the reassurance that licensing and compliance are in the hands of experts.
Expanding Your Licence: The Key to Growth
Adding activities to a trade licence is more than an administrative task. It is the legal and strategic gateway to growth in Dubai. Done correctly, it enables businesses to diversify their revenue, strengthen their credibility, and stay on the right side of regulators and tax authorities.
Whether you operate in a free zone like DUQE or on the mainland with DET, the process is accessible and business-friendly. With the proper preparation—and the right support—you can expand your licence and pursue new opportunities with confidence. Contact us today at DUQE for further information.
FAQs on Adding Activities to Trade Licence in the UAE
Can I add multiple activities at once?
Yes, as long as they are compatible. Authorities charge a fee per activity.
Do I need a larger office to add activities?
Not usually, unless the new activity requires specific premises, such as a clinic.
Can I mix trading and services on one licence?
Mainland companies can sometimes combine them within category rules. Free zones often require a separate licence.
How do external approvals work?
Some activities must be cleared by specialist regulators—DHA for healthcare, KHDA for education, DTCM for tourism—before your licence is updated.
Will my renewal fees increase?
They might. Adding unrelated activities can push your licence into a higher renewal bracket.
What if I already started the new activity?
Stop immediately and apply for an amendment. Operating outside your licence risks fines and suspension.
Does 100% foreign ownership apply to added activities?
Yes, for most, thanks to reforms. Strategic sectors such as defence and banking remain exceptions.
Is Corporate Tax affected by adding activities?
Yes. New revenue streams must be properly recorded and categorised under Corporate Tax rules.