UAE MOA Amendment: How to Change Your Company’s Memorandum of Association

Q: MOA Amendment Process

Step 1: Pass a Shareholder Resolution — All shareholders (or the required majority per the existing MOA) must sign a resolution approving the specific amendment. The resolution must clearly state: what is being changed, the new text replacing the old text, and the date the change takes effect. Step 2: Draft the Amended MOA — The free zone typically provides a standard MOA template with the specific amendment highlighted. Some free zones allow you to update the relevant sections only ("amendment to MOA") rather than re-issuing the full document. Step 3: Notarise (if required) — Some free zones require MOA amendments to be notarised at a UAE Notary Public. Others accept an electronic signature or attestation by the free zone authority directly. Confirm with your specific free zone. Step 4: Submit and Pay — Submit to the free zone authority with the shareholder resolution, amended MOA draft, and KYC documents of any new shareholders. Amendment fee: AED 500–3,000 depending on the type of amendment and the free zone. Processing: 3–10 working days.

📅 Last reviewed: August 4, 2026📋 By: UAE Freezone Compare Comparison Team✅ Fact-checked by UAE Freezone Compare Editorial Team

The Memorandum of Association (MOA) of a UAE free zone company may need to be amended when shareholders change, activities are added, or share capital is modified. Here is how to amend a UAE free zone MOA.

Common Reasons for MOA Amendment

Adding new shareholders (or removing an existing shareholder)
Changing shareholder equity percentages
Adding or removing business activities from the licensed activities list
Changing the company name
Increasing or decreasing share capital
Changing the registered address
Changing the company’s financial year end

MOA Amendment Process

Step 1: Pass a Shareholder Resolution — All shareholders (or the required majority per the existing MOA) must sign a resolution approving the specific amendment. The resolution must clearly state: what is being changed, the new text replacing the old text, and the date the change takes effect. Step 2: Draft the Amended MOA — The free zone typically provides a standard MOA template with the specific amendment highlighted. Some free zones allow you to update the relevant sections only (“amendment to MOA”) rather than re-issuing the full document. Step 3: Notarise (if required) — Some free zones require MOA amendments to be notarised at a UAE Notary Public. Others accept an electronic signature or attestation by the free zone authority directly. Confirm with your specific free zone. Step 4: Submit and Pay — Submit to the free zone authority with the shareholder resolution, amended MOA draft, and KYC documents of any new shareholders. Amendment fee: AED 500–3,000 depending on the type of amendment and the free zone. Processing: 3–10 working days.