How to Add a Second Business Activity to UAE Free Zone Licence 2026
Most UAE free zone licences allow 1–3 business activities. As your business evolves, you may need to add or change activities. This guide explains the process for adding activities to your UAE free zone licence, associated costs, and key considerations.
Can You Add Activities to a UAE Free Zone Licence?
Yes — most UAE free zones allow adding additional activities to an existing licence. The process varies by free zone:
- IFZA: up to 3 activities per licence; adding activities increases annual licence fee
- DMCC: can add activities; each additional group of activities has an incremental fee
- Shams: multiple activity packages available from initial setup or amendment
- RAKEZ: activity amendments possible; new licence or activity addition charges apply
Activity Addition Process
- Step 1: Check your current licence and identify which activities you want to add
- Step 2: Review the free zone’s activity list to find the correct activity codes
- Step 3: Submit an amendment application to the free zone authority
- Step 4: Pay activity amendment fee
- Step 5: Receive updated trade licence reflecting new activities
- Timeline: 3–10 business days
Cost of Adding Activities
- IFZA: 1-activity: AED 11,900; 3-activity: AED 14,900 per year (amendment mid-year: pro-rated)
- Shams: 1-activity: AED 5,750; 3-activity: ~AED 9,000 per year
- DMCC: activity addition fee: AED 1,000–3,000 per new activity group
- Most free zones: amendment fee of AED 500–2,000 plus any licence tier upgrade cost
Can You Change Your Main Activity?
Yes — if your business has shifted focus, you can change the primary activity on your licence through the same amendment process. Some free zones require a new licence rather than an amendment if the activity type changes significantly (e.g., from service to manufacturing). Check with your specific free zone authority.
UAE CT Implications of Adding Activities
For QFZP (0% UAE CT) purposes, all activities on your licence are reviewed against the qualifying activities list. Adding a non-qualifying activity (e.g., selling to UAE mainland domestic customers) could affect QFZP status if it generates more than the de minimis threshold of non-qualifying income (5% of revenue or AED 5M). Consult a UAE CT adviser before adding activities that include UAE mainland sales.