How to Add Activities in Trade License UAE
As businesses grow in the UAE, expansion often means introducing new services, products, or operational lines. However, UAE regulations clearly state that a business may only operate activities that are officially listed on its trade license. Any activity carried out without proper approval can result in penalties, license suspension, or renewal issues.
This guide explains how to add activities to a trade license in the UAE, covering eligibility, procedures, documentation, costs, timelines, and compliance considerations.
What Does Add Activities in Trade License UAE Mean?
Adding activities to a trade license in the UAE is a formal process of amending an existing business license to include additional government-approved activities. Each trade license is issued with specific activity codes, and businesses are legally restricted to operate only within those approved codes.
If your company expands operations without updating the license, it is considered a regulatory violation.
Who Can Add Activities in Trade License UAE?
A business can apply to add activities if:
The trade license is active and valid
There are no major compliance or regulatory violations
The new activity is permitted under the license type
Any required external approvals can be obtained
This applies to:
Mainland companies
Free Zone companies
Professional firms
LLCs, sole proprietorships, and partnerships
Why Businesses Add Activities in Trade License UAE
Businesses commonly add activities when they:
Expand or diversify services
Introduce new product lines
Add consultancy, advisory, or digital services
Start trading or e-commerce operations
Align actual operations with regulatory and tax records
Types of Activities That Can Be Added
Commercial Activities
General or specialized trading
Import and export
E-commerce activities
Professional Activities
Management consulting
Accounting and bookkeeping
IT and software services
Marketing and business advisory services
Industrial Activities
Manufacturing
Assembly or packaging
(subject to additional approvals)
Some activities are regulated and may require approval from sector-specific authorities before license amendment.
Step-by-Step Process to Add Activities in Trade License UAE
Step 1: Review Your Existing Trade License
Confirm the license type, legal structure, and currently approved activities.
Step 2: Select Approved Business Activities
Choose activities from the official activity list issued by:
Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) for mainland companies
The relevant Free Zone authority
Step 3: Obtain External Approvals (If Applicable)
Certain activities require approval from government or regulatory bodies before submission.
Step 4: Submit License Amendment Application
Applications are submitted through:
DET portal for mainland licenses
Free Zone authority portal for Free Zone companies
Step 5: Pay Government Fees
Fees vary based on:
Number of activities
License type
Jurisdiction and approvals required
Step 6: Receive Updated Trade License
Once approved, the amended license will officially reflect the newly added activities.
Documents Required to Add Activities in Trade License UAE
Commonly required documents include:
Copy of the existing trade license
Passport copies of shareholders
Emirates ID (if applicable)
Memorandum of Association (if amendment is required)
External approval certificates (if applicable)
Exact requirements may vary by emirate or Free Zone.
Cost of Adding Activities in Trade License UAE
The cost depends on:
Number of activities added
Mainland or Free Zone jurisdiction
External approval requirements
Estimated cost range: AED 1,000 to AED 5,000+, depending on the complexity of the amendment.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Without external approvals: 1–3 working days
With external approvals: 5–10 working days
Processing time may vary depending on the authority workload and activity type.
Impact on VAT and Corporate Tax Compliance
After you add activities in the trade license UAE, it is important to:
Update VAT registration details (if applicable)
Align Corporate Tax records with the revised business scope
Ensure proper revenue classification
Maintain accurate accounting records
Failure to update tax records may lead to compliance risks during audits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Adding activities not permitted under the license type
Starting new activities before official approval
Overlooking external approval requirements
Not updating VAT or Corporate Tax records
Using incorrect or vague activity descriptions