How to Add Activities to your UAE Trade License: Step by Step Guide

Selecting the right trade license during the application process ensures your business activities are accurately reflected. As your business expands and offers new services, you may need to amend your trade license. For further information on this process, Please consult Smart Zones® UAE.

  • Diversified Revenue Streams
  • Enhanced Market Competitiveness
  • Adaptability and Growth
  • Operational Adjustments
How to Add Activities to your Trade License in Dubai - Smart Zones UAE

Obtaining a Dubai trade license marks a significant step towards regional and potentially global expansion. However, it represents just the first chapter in your business journey. As your company evolves and expands its service offerings, it becomes crucial to ensure your trade license reflects your current operations. Amending your license to incorporate new activities involves adhering to specific government regulations and following a defined process. Understanding these requirements is essential for Dubai business owners.


Why You Need to Amending Your Trade License in Dubai, UAE ?

The Department of Economic Development (DED) recognizes the need for businesses to adapt and evolve. Trade license amendments empower businesses to adapt to changing market conditions, pursue growth opportunities, and maintain compliance with regulations. By leveraging these options effectively, you ensure your business license accurately reflects your current operations and supports your future endeavors.

Types of Businesses Trade License Amendments Allowed in Dubai, UAE

Trade license amendment process allows for various modifications to ensure your license reflects your current operations. These amendments encompass:

Changes in Ownership:

Update your license to reflect changes in partners, including adding, removing, or modifying their details. This includes addressing inheritance situations through replacement of heirs.

Business Name and Structure:

Modify your trade name, company name, or legal structure (e.g., sole proprietorship to LLC) to better suit your brand or business needs.

Operational Adjustments:

Update your registered business address, relocate your local service agent, or adjust your company's capital (increase or decrease) within permitted limits.

Activity Management:

Expand your business scope by adding new activities to your license, or streamline operations by removing activities that no longer align with your core business.

License Management:

In specific situations, you may request a temporary freeze on your business license or explore the possibility of assigning or merging your license with another entity (subject to regulations).

Advantages of Expanding Business Activities to Your Trade License in Dubai, UAE - Smart Zones UAE

Benefits of Adding Business Activities to Your Trade License in Dubai, UAE

  • Diversified Revenue Streams: Adding new activities fosters revenue diversification by enabling you to access new markets and reduce dependence on existing offerings.
  • Enhanced Market Competitiveness: By expanding your activities, you can offer a broader product or service portfolio, potentially increasing your market share and competitive edge.
  • Adaptability and Growth: Amending your trade license to incorporate additional activities provides your business with the flexibility to adapt to evolving market trends and pursue new growth opportunities.

Business Activity Selection for Trade License Amendment in Dubai, UAE

  • When adding activities to your Dubai trade license, ensure they align with your current license category. This avoids the need for a completely new license application.
  • Each licensing authority has its own amendment process and regulations. While all authorities allow some form of amendment, the extent of permissible changes may vary. It's crucial to understand the specific regulations applicable to your authority.
  • Certain industries, such as construction, healthcare, food services, and chemical manufacturing, require additional regulatory oversight due to their sensitive nature. Adding activities in these sectors may necessitate approvals from relevant external bodies beyond the primary licensing authority.

Steps to Apply for Add Or Change Of Business Activity in Dubai, UAE

Applying for Add Or Change Of Business Activity in Dubai involves several steps:

Consider seeking assistance from business setup specialistsof adding activities to your trade license. These professionals can manage your application, guide you through the required documentation, and ensure it aligns with the regulations of the relevant UAE government authorities and Dubai Economic Department agencies specific to your business activities.

Involves obtaining approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED) to modify your business license. This application process initiates the amendment process.

Following DED's initial approval, you'll need to complete and submit the official business license amendment application (BR1 Form). Ensure all directors or shareholders (if applicable) sign the form.

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is a legal document required by the DED, confirming no objections exist regarding adding specific activities to your trade license.

For Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), this step involves completing an addendum to the existing LLC Agreement, translated by a legal professional. The DED Notary Public then needs to attest to this addendum. Additionally, your company needs to complete a Court Agreement at the Notary. These legal documents are crucial for completing this step.

Submit the attested addendum and all required documentation to a DED branch in Dubai. Required documents include: (i) Amendment to the Memorandum of Association (MOA) reflecting the change in business activity. (ii). Previously submitted documents for DED's initial approval

Upon DED approval for adding activities to your trade license, you'll receive email notifications outlining payment instructions for your new license. Once finalized, you can collect your updated trade license.

Remember that the process may vary depending on your chosen jurisdiction and business activities. Consulting legal and business experts familiar with Dubai's business setup landscape is highly recommended.

Operating since 2013, Smart Zones® UAE provides on-going support to obtain Business Services License in Dubai, UAE.

Looking for a seamless business setup experience? Trust Smart Zones® Dubai to pave the way.

Documents Required to Add Activities to your Trade License in Dubai, UAE

To facilitate the addition or replacement of activities on your Dubai trade license, please ensure you have the following documentation readily available:

  • Completed License and Registration Application
  • Copy of your Valid Office Lease Agreement
  • Proof of Reserved Trade Name Documentation
  • Board Resolution from Parent Company (if applicable, for foreign branches not registered with the Ministry of Economy) authorizing the change in business activity
  • Original Trade License
  • Permission from the Department of Economic Development (DED) (if applicable, for foreign branches registered with the Ministry of Economy)
  • Original Registration Certificate

Submitting incorrect documents can lead to immediate rejection. Our consultants at Smart Zones® UAE ensure you have the right documents, avoiding any complications in the process.


Cost Of Amending or Adding Business Activities In Dubai, Uae

The expenditure associated with amending your Dubai trade license to incorporate an additional activity is influenced by several factors. These factors encompass the specific geographic area (jurisdiction) where your business operates, the inherent nature of the new activity itself, and the classification of your existing trade license. The total cost can include government levies, processing charges for the application, administrative fees, and any other applicable expenses.

For a precise quotation, reach out to Smart Zones® UAE to obtain an updated estimate tailored to your specific requirements. This ensures that you are securing the most competitive rate for the services essential to your business.

Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Department of Economic Development (DED) recognizes the importance of businesses adapting and evolving. Amending your trade license empowers your business to adjust to changing market conditions, pursue growth opportunities, and maintain regulatory compliance.

Trade license amendments in Dubai encompass various modifications, including changes in ownership, business name and structure, operational adjustments, activity management, and license management.

Adding new activities to your trade license fosters revenue diversification, enhances market competitiveness, and provides adaptability and growth opportunities for your business in Dubai.

Ensure that the activities you add align with your current license category to avoid the need for a completely new license application. Different industries may have additional regulatory requirements.

Partner with Smart Zones® UAE for assistance, obtain initial approval from the DED, submit the business license amendment application, obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC), complete legal agreement formalities, submit required documents, and receive the updated trade license upon approval.

Ensure you have completed license and registration application, valid office lease agreement, proof of reserved trade name documentation, board resolution from parent company (if applicable), original trade license, and other necessary permissions.

The cost varies based on factors such as geographic area, nature of the new activity, and classification of the existing trade license. Contact Smart Zones® UAE for an updated estimate tailored to your specific requirements.

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Want to know more, talk to Smart Zones® Dubai advisory team they will be happy to help. Ready to invest in your future?

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