How to Add Activities in Trade License UAE?

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Are you wondering how to expand your business operations in the UAE by adding new activities to your trade license? As the UAE’s business landscape grows rapidly, companies often need to diversify services to stay competitive and meet market demands. Whether you operate in Dubai mainland, Abu Dhabi, or a UAE free zone, understanding how to modify your trade license is crucial.

Adding activities to your trade license ensures you stay compliant with legal requirements while expanding your revenue streams. The process may seem complex, but with the right knowledge, it becomes straightforward and manageable.

This blog will walk you through what it means to add activities, why it’s necessary, how to check eligibility, the steps involved, costs, required documents, and how to make the entire process smoother. By the end, you’ll feel confident navigating the process of adding new activities to your UAE trade license.

What Does It Mean to Add Activities to a Trade License?

Adding activities to a trade license in the UAE means officially expanding the types of business services or products your company is legally allowed to offer. The Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant free zone authority issues the trade license, listing the approved activities. Businesses may need to add activities when expanding into new sectors or offering additional services.

For example, a company with a commercial license for trading electronics may want to include home appliances under its operations. This addition requires an amendment to the existing license. It is important to note that only approved activities from the jurisdiction’s activity list can be added, and sometimes, additional approvals from specific government departments are required.

Whether you run a mainland or free zone business, adding activities involves updating your official license to reflect your evolving operations. This is not just a formality; it’s a legal obligation ensuring compliance and avoiding penalties. Always ensure that your license accurately represents your business’s full scope to stay compliant.

Why Would You Need to Update Your Trade License?

Updating your trade license by adding new activities is essential if you want to expand your business offerings, stay competitive, or meet regulatory needs. For many businesses, growth comes from diversifying services or introducing new product lines. For example, a consulting firm might add marketing services, or a retailer might introduce an online e-commerce section.

In some cases, regulatory changes require companies to update their licenses to include specific approvals or certifications. Without making these amendments, businesses risk non-compliance, which can lead to fines, license suspension, or loss of credibility. Additionally, having a license that accurately reflects your services boosts client trust and positions your company as a credible player in the UAE market.

Lastly, updating your trade license also supports long-term business goals. It opens doors to new collaborations, partnerships, and government contracts that may require specific activity approvals. So, whether for compliance, growth, or competitive edge, keeping your license up to date is a smart business move.

How Can You Check If an Activity Is Allowed on Your License?

Before adding a new activity, you need to check if it’s permitted under your current license type and by the jurisdiction where you operate. Each authority, whether mainland DED or a specific free zone, has a published list of approved business activities. You can access these lists through the official portals or customer service centers.

Here’s how you can check:

Log in to the DED or free zone authority portal
Browse or search for approved activities
Verify if the desired activity matches your license type (commercial, professional, industrial, etc.)
Check for special approvals needed for certain activities, like healthcare or financial services

It’s also recommended to consult with a business consultant or legal advisor, especially if you are unsure about the activity codes or eligibility. Checking this in advance avoids wasting time on applications that may be rejected and helps you prepare the right documents for smooth approval.

What Are the Steps to Add Activities in a Trade License?

When you decide to add activities to your trade license, it’s important to understand the process and follow each step carefully to avoid delays. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Check Allowed Activities

Start by reviewing the official list of permitted activities for your jurisdiction. This ensures the activity you plan to add aligns with your business structure and license type.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Prepare essential documents, which typically include:

Copy of current trade license
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Shareholder or partner approvals
Passport copies of owners or partners
No Objection Certificate (NOC), if needed

For LLCs, you might also need an attested addendum to the MOA, translated by a certified legal translator.

Step 3: Submit Application to DED or Free Zone Authority

Complete the amendment application form through the online portal or visit the customer service center. For Dubai, you can apply via the axs portal or visit Dubai Studio City or Dubai Knowledge Park service centers.

Step 4: Pay Amendment Fees

Pay applicable amendment fees, which usually include:

AED 500 per additional activity
AED 10 Knowledge Dirham fee
AED 10 Innovation Dirham fee

Payments can be done online or at the service center.

Step 5: Receive Updated License

Once approved, you will receive an updated license reflecting the new activity. This can be collected online or in person, depending on the authority. The process generally takes two working days, but can vary based on activity type or jurisdiction.

What Documents Do You Need for a Trade License Amendment?

To add activities to your trade license, preparing the right documents is crucial. Generally, you need a copy of the current license, an updated Memorandum of Association (if applicable), and approvals from shareholders or partners. For LLCs, you may need to submit a legal addendum to the MOA, translated and notarized.

Other essential documents include:

Completed amendment application form
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current partners or stakeholders (if required)
Passport copies of owners, partners, or managers
Office lease contract or Ejari (for mainland businesses)
Approvals from specific authorities for regulated activities (for example, healthcare, education, or finance)

Having these documents ready can significantly speed up the process. It’s recommended to check with the relevant authority or a business consultant to ensure all documentation is up to date and correctly formatted.

How Much Does It Cost to Add Activities to a Trade License?

The cost of adding activities varies depending on the authority, type of business, and number of activities added. Typically, mainland Dubai charges a base amendment fee, along with per-activity charges and small government fees.

Here’s a general cost overview:

Service	Approximate Cost (AED)
Base amendment fee	500
Per additional activity	500
Knowledge Dirham fee	10
Innovation Dirham fee	10
Special approvals (if applicable)	Varies based on activity

Keep in mind, free zones may have their own pricing structures, and some activities might require additional government or third-party approvals, which come with extra fees. Always confirm the latest cost with your licensing authority before applying.

Where Can You Apply Mainland vs. Free Zone?

Adding activities to a trade license depends on whether you operate under mainland jurisdiction or within a free zone. For mainland businesses, the Department of Economic Development (DED) handles amendments. Applications can be submitted online through the DED portal or at physical service centers like Dubai Studio City.

For free zone companies, the application goes through the respective free zone authority, such as Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), or Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). Each free zone has its own process, but generally, you’ll apply via their online portal, submit required documents, pay the fees, and receive an updated license.

Mainland offers more flexibility in conducting business across the UAE, while free zones provide benefits like tax exemptions but are limited to operating within the zone or internationally.

How Long Does the Process Take?

The time it takes to add activities to your trade license usually ranges from one to five working days, depending on the jurisdiction and type of activity.

Usual timelines for approval are around two working days if all documents are in order and no special approvals are needed. Complex activities, especially those in healthcare or finance, might take longer due to additional checks.

Factors that may cause delays include incomplete applications, missing documents, pending approvals from external authorities, or legal formalities like notarizing MOA amendments.

To avoid delays, double-check your paperwork and confirm all requirements with the licensing authority or a business consultant. Being prepared ensures a smoother, faster approval process and minimizes the risk of rejections or extended waiting times.

Tips to Make the Process Smoother

To streamline the process of adding activities to your trade license, preparation is key.

Here are some tips to help you navigate the system efficiently:

Consult with a professional business setup consultant to understand the exact requirements for your license type.
Double-check the official activity codes to ensure compatibility with your existing license.
Prepare all required documents in advance, including approvals and notarizations if necessary.
Use the online portals for faster submissions and payment processing.
Keep track of your application status and respond promptly if additional information is requested.

By following these tips, you can save time, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure your updated trade license is processed smoothly.

Conclusion

Adding activities to your trade license in the UAE is an essential step if you want to grow, diversify, and stay compliant in a competitive market. Understanding the process, gathering the right documents, and following jurisdiction-specific steps help you navigate the procedure with confidence.

Whether you are a mainland or free zone business, updating your license opens up new opportunities and ensures you meet regulatory standards. Working with professionals or using official portals further streamlines the process, saving you time and reducing stress. Stay proactive and keep your license aligned with your business ambitions to thrive in the UAE’s vibrant economy.