How to Add a Business Activity to Your UAE Free Zone Licence — Guide 2026
UAE free zone licences can be amended to add new business activities at any time. Here is the step-by-step 2026 guide.
In this guide:
When to Add Business Activities
- Expanding your services: Adding new service offerings not covered by your current activities
- New revenue stream: Starting a new business line under the same company
- Compliance: Your current activities do not cover what you are actually invoicing for
How to Add Activities — Process
- Step 1: Log in to your free zone client portal
- Step 2: Navigate to Licence Amendment or Business Activity Amendment section
- Step 3: Browse the activity list and select new activity/activities to add
- Step 4: Submit amendment request
- Step 5: Pay amendment fee (AED 500-2,000 depending on free zone)
- Step 6: Receive updated licence: Typically 3-7 working days
- Step 7: Update bank records: Send updated licence to your bank if required
Activity Limits
- Most free zones: Allow 3-5 activities on one licence
- Additional activities fee: Some charge per additional activity beyond 3; AED 500-1,000 each
- Activity groups: Some free zones organize activities into groups; you may need to select within one group only
Restricted Activities Requiring Special Approval
- Financial services: Require DFSA, FSRA, or CBUAE licence
- Healthcare: Require DHA/DOH clinical licence
- Food: Require Dubai Municipality food licence
- Legal practice (courts): Require Ministry of Justice admission