UAE Free Zone Activity Codes — How to Find the Right Activity for Your Business 2026
Every UAE free zone company must select the right activity/activities for its trade licence. Here is the 2026 guide on how to find and select the correct activity codes.
In this guide:
What Are Activity Codes?
- Activity: A defined business operation that your company is licensed to conduct
- Code: Each free zone maintains a list of approved activities; some use their own codes; others use national codes
- Importance: Your company can ONLY conduct activities listed on its trade licence; unlicensed activities can lead to licence suspension
How to Find Your Activity
- Free zone portal: Log in to your free zone’s online portal; search for your activity by keyword (e.g., “marketing”, “software”, “trading”)
- Ask the free zone: Call or email the free zone authority; they can guide you to the correct activity code
- Formation agent: Agents are familiar with activity lists; they can recommend the correct activity
Single vs Multiple Activities
- Single activity: Most affordable; limited to one type of business
- Multi-activity licence: Pay additional fee (AED 500-2,000) to add more activities
- Example: “Management Consulting” + “IT Consulting” + “Marketing Consulting” — three activities on one licence
Common UAE Free Zone Activity Categories
- General trading: Widest scope; covers trading in almost all goods
- Professional services: Consulting, advisory, management
- Technology: Software development, IT consulting, app development
- Creative/media: Design, photography, content creation, advertising
- Financial services: Consulting only from standard free zone; regulated services require DFSA/FSRA
Adding Activities Later
- Possible anytime: You can add activities during the licence term; not just at renewal
- Cost: AED 500-2,000 per additional activity
- Timeline: 1-5 business days