Adjusting your company’s business activity in Dubai is a routine part of expansion and compliance. Whether you’re entering new markets or restructuring operations, Dubai’s authorities offer clear steps to update your activity efficiently.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Business Activity
- Review Your Current License
- Start by reviewing your existing trade license to confirm which activities are currently authorized, and determine if you need to add, modify, or fully replace an activity.
- Seek Initial Approval
- Apply for initial approval through the correct licensing authority, DET for mainland companies or your free zone authority. Regulated activities may require additional approvals from external bodies such as the DHA, KHDA, or the Central Bank.
- Certain regulated sectors (e.g., healthcare, finance) may require approval from external regulatory bodies.
- Amend Legal Documents
- If your company is an LLC, you’ll likely need to update the Memorandum of Association (MOA) to reflect the new activity.
- Prepare a board resolution (if applicable), especially for corporate entities.
- Notarize the updated MOA if required.
- Provide Supporting Documents
- Submit the amended MOA, initial approval, and current trade license.
- If adding regulated activities, attach external approvals or No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
- All documents should be in English or Arabic; other languages may require certified translations.
- Submit Your Amendment Application
- Apply through the appropriate channel (DET for mainland, or your particular free zone authority).
- For DMCC (or similar free zones), use their online portal under “Amend Existing License / License Renewal.”
- Pay Amendment Fees
- Fees depend on the type of authority and the changes you’re making. For example, adding an activity under DWTC Authority costs AED 1,500.
- Some authorities also charge for issuing a new license or updated MOA, depending on the amendment.
- Receive Your Updated License
- Once approved, you will be issued a new licence that reflects the added or revised activities.
- Once approved, you’ll receive an updated trade license showing your revised activities. Inform banks, partners, and relevant authorities to ensure your records remain compliant.
Important Notes & Considerations
- External Approvals: Some business activities (e.g., healthcare, education, financial services) require prior approval from relevant regulatory bodies.
- MOA Changes: If you’re amending the MOA, all partners typically need to sign the updated document.
- License Type Check: Make sure the new activity falls under a category allowed by your current licence.
- Free Zone Differences: Free zone authorities often handle activity changes faster, and some allow fully digital submissions.
How Safari Star Can Help
At Safari Star, we specialize in guiding companies through business license amendments in Dubai. Our services include:
- Assessing whether your desired activity is permitted under your current license
- Preparing board resolutions and updating the MOA
- Submitting applications to relevant authorities (DET, free zones)
- Managing external approval processes
- Ensuring all documentation is correctly translated and notarized
- Tracking the amendment process to minimize disruption
If you’re planning to update your business activity in Dubai, Safari Star can manage the entire process — from approvals and MOA amendments to submissions and complianceو ensuring a smooth, accurate, and fully compliant transition.