How to Add a Business Activity to Your UAE Free Zone Licence 2026
UAE free zone companies can add business activities to their existing licence without forming a new company. This guide covers the process for adding activities in 2026 across major UAE free zones.
Why Add Activities to Your UAE Licence?
- Business has diversified beyond original scope
- Adding a new product or service line
- Entering a new market segment
- Client requires specific activity on your licence
- UAE bank requires activity on licence matching actual business
How Many Activities Can a UAE Free Zone Licence Hold?
- IFZA: up to 3 activities on standard licence; additional activities available for a fee (AED 1,000–3,000 per additional activity)
- DMCC: up to 3 activities standard; additional activities AED 500–2,000 each
- Shams: 3 activities standard
- RAKEZ: multiple activities available; activity-dependent fees
- JAFZA: activities specific to JAFZA activity categories; amendments via JAFZA portal
Step-by-Step: Adding an Activity (IFZA Example)
- Step 1: Log in to IFZA client portal
- Step 2: Navigate to “Licence Amendment” → “Add Activity”
- Step 3: Search for the activity code/name from IFZA’s activity database
- Step 4: Submit amendment request
- Step 5: Pay activity addition fee (AED 1,000–3,000)
- Step 6: IFZA reviews and approves (1–3 business days)
- Step 7: Updated trade licence issued reflecting new activity
Activities That Require Special Approvals
Some activities require regulatory approvals beyond the free zone authority before they can be added:
- Financial services activities: DFSA/FSRA/SCA approval required
- Healthcare activities: DHA/DOH/MOHAP approval
- Education activities: KHDA/ADEK approval
- Legal services: UAE legal authorities
- Pharmaceutical activities: MOHAP approval
For these activities, the free zone authority cannot add the activity until the regulator’s approval is obtained. Plan 3–12 months for regulated activity approvals.
Removing Activities from Your Licence
Activities can also be removed from UAE licences (if you no longer conduct them). Removing unused activities: simplifies your licence, may reduce annual licence fees, and avoids any perceived mismatch with actual business activities. Submit an amendment request to the free zone authority to remove activities.