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.
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.
Trade license amendment process allows for various modifications to ensure your license reflects your current operations. These amendments encompass:
Update your license to reflect changes in partners, including adding, removing, or modifying their details. This includes addressing inheritance situations through replacement of heirs.
Modify your trade name, company name, or legal structure (e.g., sole proprietorship to LLC) to better suit your brand or business needs.
Update your registered business address, relocate your local service agent, or adjust your company's capital (increase or decrease) within permitted limits.
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.
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).
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.
Looking for a seamless business setup experience? Trust Smart Zones® Dubai to pave the way.
To facilitate the addition or replacement of activities on your Dubai trade license, please ensure you have the following documentation readily available:
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.
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.
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.
Want to know more, talk to Smart Zones® Dubai advisory team they will be happy to help. Ready to invest in your future?