You can change your company activity in Dubai by following the right steps through the authorities. Whether you’re licensed on the mainland or in a free zone, the framework for updates is clear and achievable. With the right guidance, it’s also far less complicated than many assume.
Dubai’s business landscape moves fast. Ranked number one globally for entrepreneurship in 2023–2024, the city thrives on companies that adapt quickly. That means licenses often need to evolve. Adding or revising activities is how businesses stay competitive, keep up with regulations, and seize new opportunities.
Picture a construction business expanding into renewable energy projects, or a shop turning into a hybrid of physical retail and online sales. In other cases, it’s about compliance: regulations change, and so must your license. Updating your activities makes sure your company stays credible, can bid for contracts without hurdles, and remains in step with Dubai’s fast-moving economy.
This guide explains the process step by step, highlights how rules differ in free zones, outlines common reasons for making changes, and breaks down typical costs and timelines. And you’ll see why Creative Zone is the right partner to help you through it.
How can I change my company activity in Dubai: Step-by-step
Changing your business activity starts with reviewing your existing license, then applying for initial approval, updating the Memorandum of Association, sending your paperwork to government authorities, paying the licensing fees, and ends with getting your updated trade license in your hands. Here are the steps in detail:
Step 1: Review your existing license
Begin by checking which activities are listed on your trade license. Each is tied to an official code, and this will show you whether your plan is a simple addition or a full amendment.
Don’t worry: our team of specialists is highly experienced in this.
Step 2: Apply for initial approval
Once you know what you want to add, you’ll need initial clearance from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or your free zone authority. This step confirms the activity is permitted and aligns with UAE regulations. Some sectors – like healthcare, education, or finance – require extra approval from external regulators.
Step 3: Update or amend the Memorandum of Association (MOA)
If your business is an LLC, the Memorandum of Association may need updating. That means drafting an amendment and notarizing it at a Dubai public notary. The MOA is the foundation of your company, and it must always match the way you operate.
Step 4: Submit documents to the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or free zone authority
Next, gather your paperwork: the amended MOA, initial approval, your existing license, and the application form. Attach any external approvals if they apply. The DET or free zone authority will review these before moving forward.
Step 5: Pay required fees and obtain approval
Finally, settle the required fees. Once everything is approved, you’ll receive your updated license, now listing the new activities. At this point, your company is officially authorized to trade or operate under its revised scope.
Changing company activity in Dubai free zones
Free zones follow the same overall idea but handle the details differently. The principles of review, approval, documentation, and fee payment are still there, but the process tends to be more streamlined.
Key differences
Instead of the DET, you work directly with your free zone authority. Each zone publishes its own list of permitted activities and has internal procedures that companies must follow. In some free zones, you can submit activity change requests entirely online, which reduces the turnaround time to just a few days. In others, the process is more formal: you may be asked to provide a board resolution, amend your Articles of Association, or even attend a meeting with the authority to explain the reason for the change.
Free zones also differ in how flexible they are with mixed activities. Some zones allow you to combine trading, service, and consultancy activities under one license, while others insist you keep them separate. This flexibility is one of the reasons entrepreneurs often choose free zones when they anticipate future diversification.
Popular free zones that allow activity changes
Free zones like DMCC, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and JAFZA are well-known for their adaptability. For example, a fintech company operating in DMCC may decide to expand into blockchain services. The process of adding that activity is relatively straightforward compared to the mainland, provided it falls under the zone’s approved list. Similarly, Dubai Internet City, designed for technology and media companies, actively encourages businesses to broaden their scope as industries evolve.
Some newer free zones have also built reputations for speed and efficiency. IFZA, for instance, has positioned itself as a business-friendly hub where activity amendments can be handled with minimal red tape. For international entrepreneurs who want to pivot quickly without getting bogged down in lengthy approvals, this kind of environment is a major advantage.
Common reasons to change a business activity in Dubai
The four main reasons business owners update their activities are expansion into new markets, adapting to industry demand, alignment with new regulations, and shifts in business strategy.
1. Expanding into new markets
Growth often means diversification. A logistics firm might add e-commerce fulfillment, while a café could branch into catering. Many companies start small and later discover opportunities to cross-sell or bundle services. For example, a fitness studio may add nutrition consulting or wellness coaching as new activities to serve the same client base. This not only increases revenue streams but also creates stronger customer loyalty.
2. Adapting to industry demands
Markets shift, and businesses need to shift with them. Tech firms, for example, have moved from hardware sales to cloud solutions as digital adoption soared. In the same way, retail businesses that once relied solely on foot traffic are now compelled to add online trading activities to capture digital sales. In sectors like education, the rise of e-learning has pushed training institutes to update their licenses to cover online delivery. Companies that fail to adapt risk being left behind.
3. Aligning with new regulations
New classifications or compliance requirements sometimes force businesses to update their licenses. Doing so keeps them on the right side of the law. For instance, if the government reclassifies certain activities – such as financial advisory services or sustainability-focused operations – companies must update their license to avoid penalties. These regulatory updates are usually part of the UAE’s efforts to raise standards and align with international best practices, so they’re a sign that the economy is maturing.
4. Shifting business strategy
Sometimes the decision comes from within. A startup may abandon its first niche in favor of a more profitable direction, which requires officially amending its license. For example, a small events management company might pivot into digital marketing because of stronger long-term demand. Making the switch official on the license ensures the business can market itself correctly, secure contracts, and reassure clients and partners that it is fully compliant.
Strategic pivots like these are especially common among SMEs and startups, which make up the majority of businesses in Dubai. The ability to shift legally recognized activities without having to start over is one of the strengths of the UAE’s business framework.
Costs and timelines for changing your company activity
The cost and timeline for changing company activity in Dubai vary depending on the jurisdiction and the activity involved.
For mainland companies, fees typically fall between AED 3,000 and AED 10,000. Free zones set their own charges, usually in a similar range.
The timeline is equally flexible. Straightforward changes with no external approvals can be finished in three to five business days. If your amendment involves a new MOA or approvals from regulators, it may take two to four weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add multiple new activities to my company license in Dubai?
Yes. You can add several, provided they’re on the approved list and permitted by your authority. Some can be grouped under one license, while others require separate approval.
How long does it take to change a business activity?
Simple changes may take less than a week. More complex ones can extend to several weeks, depending on external approvals.
Do I need a new license to change my company activity?
No. Your existing license is updated with the new activities – there’s no need for a brand-new license unless you’re restructuring the company.
Can free zone companies add mainland activities?
No. Free zone entities are restricted to their own jurisdictions unless they set up a mainland company or work through a local distributor.
Why choose Creative Zone
The process of changing your company activity in Dubai can be smooth, but only if you know every step – and every shortcut. That’s where Creative Zone comes in.
With more than 15 years of experience, our team has handled thousands of amendments for both mainland and free zone businesses. We take care of the details, from initial approvals to MOA changes and fee payments. That means no wasted time, no unnecessary delays, and no surprises.
When you work with Creative Zone, you’re not just hiring a service – you’re gaining a partner who makes sure your business setup in Dubai remains compliant, flexible, and future-proof.
If you’re ready to change your company activity, let’s make it simple. Contact our team today and we’ll get you started.
