Adding new business activities to an existing UAE free zone trade licence is a straightforward process that allows you to expand your business scope without forming a new company.
Why Add Activities?
- Expand into a new service or product category legally
- Bill clients for a wider range of services under one entity
- Meet a contract requirement that specifies a particular licensed activity
- Comply with free zone regulations if you have been conducting unlicensed activities
Step 1: Check Activity Availability
Confirm the activity you want to add is permitted by your free zone. Not all activities are available in all free zones — for example, healthcare activities cannot be added to a DMCC licence (they require a DHCC licence). Check the free zone’s approved activity list through their portal or by contacting their business services team.
Step 2: Submit the Amendment Application
Log into the free zone client portal and select “Licence Amendment” → “Add Activity.” Upload a brief description of the new activity, explain how it relates to your existing business, and pay the activity amendment fee (AED 500–2,000 depending on the free zone and number of activities added).
Step 3: Receive Updated Licence
The free zone reviews and approves the amendment, then issues an updated trade licence listing all activities (existing and new). Processing typically takes 3–7 working days. Some free zones charge an additional annual activity fee for each activity beyond the base licence.
Limitations
Most UAE free zones allow 3–5 activities on a single licence. Adding more activities than the maximum requires a second licence or separate entity. Regulated activities (financial services, healthcare, aviation) may require additional approvals beyond the free zone amendment process.