What types of changes are covered by a trade licence amendment in Dubai?

Changes covered include business activities, trade name or legal entity name, registered business address, ownership and shareholding structure, local sponsor or service agent arrangements, and manager or authorised signatory details. Certain changes, such as adding regulated activities or restructuring ownership, require prior approval from the relevant government authority before the DET will process the application.

What do government fees for a licence amendment in Dubai cover?

Amendment fees vary by the type of change requested, the company's legal form, and whether external approvals are involved. Standard DET fee components include the amendment request fee, activity or name change fees where applicable, administrative charges, and publication fees for certain amendment types. Fees are set by the DET and are current as of the date of publication, subject to change. EGSH provides a full fee breakdown specific to the amendment type prior to submission.

Can I add new business activities to my existing trade licence?

Yes. Business activities can be added to an existing DET trade licence through a formal activity amendment, provided the proposed activities appear on the DET's approved activities catalogue and are compatible with the current licence category and legal form. Adding activities that fall into a different licence category, or that are regulated by a sector-specific authority, may require additional approvals or MoA amendments before the DET can process the application.

What documents are required to change a registered business address?

An address amendment requires a new tenancy contract registered with Ejari reflecting the new premises. A copy of the current trade licence and identification documents for the authorised representative are also required. Where the business operates in a sector subject to additional regulatory oversight, a No Objection Certificate or initial approval from the relevant authority may be required alongside the DET application.

What should I do if there is an error on my trade licence?

Minor technical errors, such as a formatting or spelling issue, may be correctable through a simplified request without a full amendment. If the error affects core licence data, including the trade name, registered activities, or ownership details, a formal amendment application must be submitted and approved by the DET. EGSH can assess the nature of the discrepancy and determine the correct procedure before submission.

Can a trade licence amendment and renewal be processed at the same time?

In some circumstances, an amendment and a renewal application may be submitted and processed together, particularly when the licence is approaching its expiry date. The applicable procedure depends on the amendment type and the specific status of the licence. EGSH can advise on whether simultaneous processing is available based on the circumstances of the case.

Trade Licence Amendment in Dubai

Trade Licence Amendment in Dubai

Official DET Registration of Changes to Your Business Licence

Any material change to a Dubai mainland trade licence requires a formal amendment approved by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) before the change takes legal effect. Changes covered include business activities, trade name, registered address, ownership structure, and authorised signatories. An amended licence replaces the current document and is binding across all regulatory, banking, and contractual contexts in which the original was used.

Operating with licence details that no longer reflect the actual structure or activities of the business constitutes a compliance breach. Under the DET's Commercial Compliance Manual, conducting business activities not listed on a valid licence carries an administrative fine of AED 2,000 per violation. Timely amendment is therefore a legal obligation, not an administrative option.

EGSH is an authorised Dubai Economic Department centre. EGSH consultants verify proposed changes, confirm compliance with DET amendment procedures, and manage documentation. EGSH submits the application; the DET approves and issues the amended licence.

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Processing timelines vary by amendment type and are determined by the DET upon submission of a complete and compliant application.

Amend Your Trade Licence in Dubai

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Visit the EGSH centre during working hours or book your appointment online, with no queues and immediate assistance from a dedicated consultant.

Document Review

An EGSH consultant reviews your current trade licence, identifies the required amendment type, and verifies all supporting documents against DET amendment requirements.

Application Submission

EGSH submits the application through the official DET systems, ensuring all changes are correctly classified and documented for DET approval.

Receive Your Amended Trade Licence

The DET issues an updated trade licence reflecting the approved changes, which are then officially registered in the DET’s licensing records.

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Current Trade Licence

A clear copy of your valid Dubai trade licence is required for verification and as the basis for processing the amendment application.

Shareholder Identification Documents

Valid passport copies and Emirates ID documents for all shareholders and authorised signatories must be submitted as part of the amendment file.

Legal Company Agreements

The company’s Memorandum of Association or Local Service Agent contract must be submitted, along with any required addendum reflecting the proposed structural changes.

Supporting Documents

Additional documents may include a new Ejari-registered tenancy contract, activity reclassification forms, or external authority approvals, depending on the amendment type requested.

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What Is a Trade Licence Amendment in Dubai

A formal application submitted to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to update one or more registered details on an existing mainland business licence constitutes the formal procedure administered by the DET for recording changes to the licensing record. No change becomes legally effective until the DET has approved the application and issued an updated licence document. The amended licence carries the same licence number and annual renewal date as the original; an amendment does not reset or extend the validity period.

All mainland businesses in Dubai are subject to this framework, regardless of legal form, whether structured as a limited liability company, sole establishment, civil company, or branch office.

Types of Amendments

Activity amendments involve adding, removing, or substituting business activities listed on the licence. Each activity must correspond to a code on the DET's approved activities catalogue. Adding activities that fall into a different licence category or that require sector-specific regulatory clearances may necessitate additional steps before the DET can process the amendment.

Trade name amendments cover changes to the registered trade name or legal entity name. The proposed name must comply with UAE naming conventions and be reserved through the DET before the amendment application is submitted. For certain company types, a newspaper publication requirement may apply; the applicable procedure should be confirmed with the DET or an authorised service centre prior to submission.

Address amendments apply when a business relocates its registered premises within Dubai. A new tenancy contract registered with Ejari is required as a supporting document. Where the business operates in a regulated sector, relocation may also require clearance from the relevant supervisory authority.

Ownership and shareholding amendments cover changes to the composition of shareholders, the transfer of shares, or adjustments to ownership percentages. These amendments typically require an updated Memorandum of Association notarised at the Dubai Courts or a licensed Notary Public. Where the business operates in a regulated sector, prior approval from the competent authority may be required before the DET will process the application.

External Approvals

Certain amendment types require pre-clearance from sector-specific regulatory bodies before the DET will approve the application. Adding activities regulated by the Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority, or other competent bodies requires obtaining the relevant initial approval or No Objection Certificate in advance. Ownership changes in entities operating under a regulatory licence may also require a parallel notification or approval with the relevant authority.

Government Fees

Amendment fees vary by amendment type, the company's legal form, and the number of changes processed in a single application. Standard government fee components include the amendment application fee, activity or name change fees where applicable, administrative charges, and, for certain amendment types, publication fees. Applicable fees are set by the DET and are current as of the date of publication, subject to change. EGSH provides a detailed fee breakdown specific to the amendment type before submission.

Compliance Risk

Conducting business activities not listed on a valid DET licence is a commercial violation, carrying an administrative fine of AED 2,000 per unlicensed activity under the DET's Commercial Compliance Manual. Continued non-compliance may result in further penalties or licence suspension. Identified discrepancies between actual operations and registered licence details should be addressed through an amendment application without delay.

Validity and Renewal

An amendment does not affect the annual renewal date of the trade licence. If the licence is approaching its expiry date at the time the amendment is required, the renewal and amendment applications may in some cases be submitted and processed together. The applicable procedure depends on the amendment type and the specific status of the licence.

Dubai Economy & Tourism (DET) Services Consultant

Explained by

Shaimaa Sayed Awais

Dubai Economy & Tourism (DET) Services Consultant

Shaimaa Sayed Awais is a DET Services Consultant with 7 years of experience in business setup in Dubai. She specialises in trade licence procedures, including trade name reservation, initial approval, MOA preparation, and licence issuance, ensuring compliant and efficient company formation.

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Trade Licence Registration

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Great service and quick turnaround time with EGSH Emirates Government Services Hub. A special thank you to Maria Claudia Garcia for the support throughout — very knowledgeable about the process, very responsive with proper follow up. Thank you.

Excellent service! Ms. Zara was very professional, kind, and helpful throughout the entire process. Everything was handled smoothly and efficiently. Highly recommended. Thank you, Zara!

I had a fantastic experience processing visa applications for my wife and three children at EGSH. The entire process was incredibly smooth, and the team provided helpful guidance at every step of the way.

Hassle-free experience at this center! Mr. Amir was really helpful and professional! And about the center itself, it has a good capacity and the infrastructure to handle a lot of clients at the same time so your time will not be wasted, waiting in line here.

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Best place for all government cases

Excellent service, very smooth and fast. Maria was taking care of my case and she did an amazing work! Muchas gracias

Our license renewal experience was excellent: very efficient and great service (thank you Jessica). Will definitely use this service center only going forward.

Zara efficiently expedites visa, trade license, and various government-related work requests through a single communication channel.

Fantastic customer service, Zara was very professional and extremely helpful. What a great experience, Ejari done in no time at all.

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I Had a Great Experience with EGHS. Mr Amir was my advisor and the person who handled my documents Fast and efficiently for process of Golden Visa

Dear Team EGSH I would like to sincerely express my appreciation and gratitude for the outstanding support and assistance provided by Zara Moshiri

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I had a great experience with Emirates Government Services Hub. Huge thanks to Ms. Zara Moshiri for being incredibly supportive, and professional during the entire process. She followed up with us carefully and made sure everything was handled smoothly and quickly.

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One of the best place for your government services in UAE, I would like to share my personal experience, I wanted my PCC for my previous stay in UAE. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to get through online system, as I was located outside UAE. I approach them, they handled with high professionalism and provided me with PCC within same day. I highly recommend their service. Thank you so much.

I had a very smooth and positive experience with EGSH. I would especially like to thank Maria Claudia Garcia for her outstanding support throughout the entire process of getting my ID.

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Received amazing service from Maria Claudia Garcia. She is was knowledgeable and got my application processed in few days.

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This is probably the best government service hub in Dubai. You come in, asked to be seated, and the staff will come to you instead of standing on the reception and on queue. They will offer you tea and water are available at each table. Really embodies the Emirati hospitality and what seamstresses Dubai is known for.

I was here the morning of this post. The concierge like service with a contact person arranging for you all the difeerent interactions is making the interactuon as smooth as possible. A truly delightful experience and a true commitment to service excellence, thank you for the great experience and for the initiative to present government interactions in this way!

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I’ve been here for the first time and I can say that this organization definitely worth to come here and make all proceeds with their help! We were changing the owner and such difficult process was really easy for us with your help and most of the time it was done online. So I’m very grateful to Mrs Zara and her support during all the process❤️

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Zara is the best always attentive to every requests and helping with a solving problems without delay thank you Zara❤️🌸 …

Absolutely stunning office, i am awestruck. No one can beat Dubai for the kind of hospitality you get in a government office… Its mind-blowing 😍 i wish i could give a 10 star rating (double) on 5 🤩

I had a great experience with EGHS. I was assisted by Sarah Almeida and she delivered an amazing service. Very attentive, promptly responded my messages and guided me throughout the process. It was all very smooth and done very quickly. I highly recommend and I’ll definitely use their services again.