Businesses change. You might add a new activity, bring in a partner, rename the company or move offices. On a Dubai mainland licence, each of these is a licence amendment with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Do it properly and the licence is updated within days. Skip a step, such as a missing approval or an unchanged MOA, and the change can stall, or leave your licence, visas and tax records out of line with each other.
This guide covers the common types of amendment, the documents DET typically asks for, the steps, and a deadline many business owners miss.
Common types of licence amendment
| Change | What it usually involves |
|---|---|
| Add or remove a business activity | Choosing the activity code; approval from the relevant authority for regulated activities |
| Change the trade name | Reserving the new name, then an addendum to the licence and MOA |
| Add, remove or change partners | A notarised MOA amendment and, if shares move, a share transfer agreement |
| Change the manager or authorised signatory | Passport, visa and signature specimen of the new person |
| Change the address | A new or updated Ejari tenancy contract |
| Change the legal form or capital | Updated legal documents, usually a notarised MOA amendment |
Adding an activity: check the category first
A Dubai mainland licence belongs to one category, such as commercial, professional or industrial. Consultants note that new activities generally need to fall within the same category. An activity from a different category usually means a separate licence or a restructure, not a simple amendment. Look up the exact activity and its code on the Invest in Dubai portal before you apply.
Tip: regulated activities need approval from the relevant authority before DET will add them. Examples include health (DHA), education (KHDA), food (Dubai Municipality), real estate (RERA) and transport (RTA).
Documents you may need
- A copy of the current trade licence.
- The amendment application on the DET or Invest in Dubai portal.
- Passport and Emirates ID copies of the partners and the manager.
- A notarised MOA amendment for changes to partners, shares, legal form or capital.
- A shareholder or partner resolution approving the change.
- A share transfer agreement if ownership moves between partners.
- A valid Ejari tenancy contract, new or updated for an address change.
- An approval or NOC from the relevant authority for regulated activities.
- A power of attorney if a partner can’t attend in person.
How to amend a Dubai trade licence: step by step
- Decide exactly what’s changing, and check whether it also needs an MOA amendment.
- Get any external approvals first: regulator approvals for activities, and name reservation for a new trade name.
- Prepare and notarise the documents where needed, such as the MOA amendment and share transfer, at a notary public or through Dubai’s smart notary service.
- Submit the amendment to DET online through Invest in Dubai, or at a business service centre.
- Pay the fees shown on your payment voucher. They depend on the type of change and your licence.
- Receive the updated licence, or an addendum to the licence and MOA.
- Update everyone else: the FTA (if VAT-registered), MOHRE and immigration records, your bank and your Ejari.
The deadline people miss: telling the FTA
If your business is registered for VAT, changes to your registered details also need updating with the Federal Tax Authority through EmaraTax. Business guides citing FTA rules put the deadline at 20 business days from the change, and late updates can lead to administrative penalties. Do it as soon as your amended licence is issued.
Fees and timelines
DET amendment fees depend on the type of change, your licence and any linked charges, and the exact amount appears on your payment voucher before you pay. Simple changes are often processed within a few working days once the documents are complete. Changes that need a regulator’s approval, such as health or education activities, can take several weeks.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Adding an activity from a different licence category.
- Applying before getting the regulator’s approval for a regulated activity.
- Changing partners without a notarised MOA amendment.
- Forgetting to update the FTA, MOHRE or the bank after the licence changes.
- Letting the Ejari expire or not matching it to the new address.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add a new activity to my Dubai trade licence?
Usually yes, if it falls within your licence’s category and you have any approval the activity needs.
Do I need a new licence to change the company name?
No. A trade name change is an amendment: you reserve the new name and DET issues an addendum.
How long does a licence amendment take?
Simple changes often take a few working days. Changes that need outside approvals take longer.
Do I need to tell the FTA about licence changes?
Yes, if you’re VAT-registered. Update your details in EmaraTax promptly after the change.
Get your licence amendment done right
Bin Gohar PRO Services handles trade licence amendments for companies in Dubai and across all seven Emirates: activities, trade names, partners, managers and addresses. We prepare the documents and keep your FTA, MOHRE and bank records in line. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 50 178 9163, or see our company documentation services.
Also useful: Trade Licence Renewal in Dubai and VAT Registration in the UAE.
Sources: BusinessDubai — Dubai business licence amendment; Takween Advisory — Changing business activity on a Dubai licence. Fees and requirements are set by DET; always rely on your payment voucher and the Invest in Dubai portal.
This guide gives general information, not legal advice. Free zone companies follow their own free zone authority’s rules.
