Step-by-Step Guide to Add Activity to Dubai Free Zone Licence

Ever stared at your Dubai free zone licence and thought, “I wish I could just add that new e‑commerce activity without jumping through a maze?”

You’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs hit that wall when their business evolves – maybe you started with consulting and now want to sell products, or you launched a tech startup and later added a training arm.

The good news? Adding an activity is a defined process, not a mystery. In most Dubai free zones you simply submit an amendment request, update your Memorandum of Association, and pay a modest fee. The paperwork feels a bit like updating your résumé – you highlight the new skill and the authorities approve it.

Here’s how we break it down step by step. First, check the list of permitted activities in your free zone’s catalogue. Some zones, like Dubai Internet City, are tech‑heavy, while others, such as Jebel Ali, welcome logistics and manufacturing. If your desired activity isn’t on the list, you can often request a special approval – that’s where a clear business case helps.

Second, draft a revised Business Activity Description. Keep it concise: “Provision of digital marketing services and online retail of consumer electronics.” Attach this to a formal amendment form, which you can download from the free‑zone authority portal.

Third, pay the amendment fee. It usually ranges from AED 1,000 to AED 3,000 depending on the zone and the number of added activities. Once paid, the authority will issue an updated licence within 5‑10 business days.

Real‑world example: Ahmed, a UAE‑based consultant, added ‘import‑export of building materials’ to his licence at Dubai South. He filed the amendment, paid AED 1,500, and within a week his new activity was officially recognised, allowing him to sign contracts with local contractors.

Another case: Lina’s health‑tech startup needed to include ‘medical device distribution’ alongside software development. She consulted our team, we helped her align the activity with Dubai Silicon Oasis’ allowed categories, and the amendment was approved in under two weeks.

A quick checklist to keep you on track: • Verify activity eligibility in the free‑zone handbook. • Update your MOA and activity description. • Prepare supporting documents (e.g., CVs, market study). • Pay the amendment fee. • Await the updated licence.

If you’re unsure where to start, our practical step‑by‑step guide walks you through every form and tip. And when the new licence arrives, you’ll need fresh stationery, invoices and labels – tools that JiffyPrintOnline specializes in.

TL;DR

If you need to add activity to Dubai free zone licence, the process is a straightforward three‑step dance: check eligibility, file an amendment with a revised activity description, and settle the modest fee for an updated licence in under two weeks. We’ve seen entrepreneurs like Ahmed and Lina breeze through it, and with UAE Free Zone Finder’s checklist you can avoid common pitfalls and get your new activity officially recognised fast.

Step 1: Review Your Existing Licence and Activity Scope

First thing’s first – pull out your current Dubai free‑zone licence and give it a quick once‑over. It might feel like rummaging through old paperwork, but spotting the exact activity description and the licence expiry date can save you a ton of back‑and‑forth later.

Do you remember that line that reads “Consulting services” in small print? That’s your starting point. If you’re thinking of adding “e‑commerce retail” or “logistics support,” you need to confirm whether the free‑zone handbook already lists those under the same umbrella or if you’ll need a separate amendment.

And here’s a tip: many free zones group related activities. For example, Dubai Silicon Oasis often treats “software development” and “IT training” as a single category. So, if your new service is a natural extension, you might not need a brand‑new code – just a tweak in the description.

Grab the licence’s serial number, note the issuing authority, and jot down the “Activity Code” (if there is one). Those little details are what the amendment form asks for, and missing them can stall the whole process.

Next, pull up the most recent activity catalogue for your specific free zone. Most authorities host a PDF or an online list – it’s usually found under the “Licensing” or “Business Activities” tab on their portal. Scan the list for your desired activity. If you can’t find it, don’t panic – many zones allow a “Special Approval” request, but you’ll need a concise business case to justify it.

While you’re at it, double‑check the licence validity. If your licence is set to expire in the next few months, it’s smarter to bundle the amendment with the renewal. That way you pay one fee instead of two, and you avoid the hassle of re‑issuing the whole document.

Now, let’s talk paperwork. You’ll need an updated Memorandum of Association (MOA) that reflects the new activity. Most free‑zone authorities provide a template; just fill in the new line and have it signed by the shareholders. If you’re a sole proprietor, a simple declaration often suffices.

Here’s where a quick visual helps – imagine a spreadsheet with three columns: Current Activity, New Activity, Required Document. Fill it out, and you’ll see at a glance what’s missing. It’s a tiny step that prevents a big headache.

Once you’ve confirmed eligibility and gathered the MOA, it’s time to draft the revised Business Activity Description. Keep it punchy: “Provision of digital marketing services and online retail of consumer electronics.” Avoid jargon; the authority wants clarity, not marketing fluff.

One more thing – if you’re planning to print new invoices, contracts, or labels for the added activity, you’ll eventually need fresh stationery. It’s a good moment to think about a reliable print partner that can churn out custom forms quickly.

When everything looks good, you’re ready to move to the next step: submitting the amendment form and paying the fee. If you’ve kept notes tidy, the submission will be a breeze. And remember, platforms like Business Setup – UAE Free Zone Finder can point you to the exact portal URLs for each free zone, saving you a few clicks.

Step 2: Choose the New Activity Category

Alright, you’ve double‑checked that your licence can stretch a bit farther. Now the fun part begins – picking the exact activity category that will sit on the amendment form. It sounds simple, but a mis‑step here can send you back to the drawing board for weeks.

First, pull up the free‑zone activity catalogue for your zone. Most authorities host a PDF on their portal, and you’ll see the list broken into three big buckets: commercial, industrial, and professional. Each bucket carries its own set of compliance hoops.

Why the bucket matters

If you’re a tech startup, you’ll likely land in the professional bucket. If you’re moving into warehousing, you’ll be looking at industrial. The difference isn’t just semantics – it dictates which secondary approvals you might need, the kind of premises you can lease, and even the VAT treatment.

Take Ahmed’s case from Dubai South. He wanted to add “import‑export of building materials.” The catalogue placed that under the industrial group, which meant he had to submit a separate safety‑certification document. He missed that detail the first time, and his amendment was rejected. After a quick call to the authority, he added the missing doc and got approval within eight days.

Actionable checklist for choosing the right category

• Identify the core function of your new service – is it selling, manufacturing, or consulting?
• Match that function to the catalogue’s three buckets.
• Read the sub‑category descriptions line‑by‑line. Even a single word mismatch (e.g., “distribution” vs. “logistics”) can trigger a rejection.
• Cross‑check with the latest Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025 – it opened a pathway for free‑zone entities to operate on‑shore, but only for activities that appear on the DET‑published list. If your activity is on that upcoming list, you might skip the amendment fee.
• Document the exact phrasing you’ll use on the amendment. Keep it as close as possible to the catalogue wording.

Now, let’s talk about real‑world scenarios. Imagine you run a digital marketing agency in Dubai Internet City and you want to dip your toes into e‑commerce. The catalogue groups “online retail” under the commercial bucket, but there’s a sub‑category called “e‑commerce platform services.” If you simply write “online retail” you might get a request for clarification. Instead, craft a description like “Provision of e‑commerce platform services and online retail of consumer electronics.” That tiny tweak aligns you with the catalogue and speeds up approval.

Another example: Lina’s health‑tech startup in Dubai Silicon Oasis wanted to add “medical device distribution.” The catalogue had a “medical services” umbrella, but under it, “distribution of medical devices” was a separate line item. By selecting that exact line, she avoided the need for a special approval request.

Tips from the trenches

In our experience, entrepreneurs who treat the activity catalogue like a “menu” rather than a “ruleset” tend to move faster. Scan the catalogue for any activity that resembles yours, even loosely. Then, during the amendment draft, use the same terminology.

Also, keep an eye on the DET’s upcoming activity list – it’s slated for release by September 2025. Adding an activity that will soon be on that list could save you the amendment fee entirely.

Need a deeper dive into how activity selection impacts your overall business plan? Our business feasibility study walks you through the financial and operational implications of each activity bucket, so you can forecast cash‑flow and compliance costs before you file.

Bottom line: choose the category that mirrors the catalogue word‑for‑word, verify it against the latest regulatory updates, and lock in the phrasing before you hit “submit.” That way, you’ll add activity to Dubai free zone licence without the usual back‑and‑forth.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents & PRO Services

Alright, you’ve nailed the activity category, so now it’s time to gather the paperwork that will actually move the needle. If you’ve ever felt the dread of hunting for “the one missing document,” you’re not alone – most entrepreneurs describe this stage as the “treasure hunt” part of adding an activity to a Dubai free zone licence.

First thing’s first: make a master checklist. Grab a spreadsheet, a notebook, or even a sticky‑note app on your phone, and list every document the authority asks for. In our experience the list usually looks like this:

• Original licence and amendment request form (downloaded from the free‑zone portal).
• Revised Memorandum of Association (MOA) reflecting the new activity wording.
• Shareholder passport copies and Emirates ID (or visa) – even if you’re a 100 % foreign owner.
• Proof of address for each shareholder (utility bill or tenancy contract).
• Bank reference letter – many zones want a “good standing” statement from your current bank.
• Specific approvals for regulated activities (e.g., health‑care, food & beverage, media). This is where you might need a separate licence from the Ministry of Health or the Abu Dhabi Agriculture Authority.
• PRO (Public Relations Officer) appointment letter and copy of the PRO’s trade licence.

Does that feel like a lot? It is, but the good news is you can break it down into bite‑size steps.

Step 3.1 – Draft a clean MOA amendment

Open a fresh Word document and copy the exact wording you used in the activity catalogue. For Lina’s health‑tech case, it was “distribution of medical devices.” Keep the language verbatim; the authority matches strings word‑for‑word. Once you’ve inserted the new line, have your legal advisor sign off – a quick 5‑minute review is usually enough.

Pro tip: save the MOA as a PDF with a clear file name like MOA_Updated_MedicalDeviceDist_Apr2025.pdf. It saves the clerk time and reduces the chance of a “file not found” reply.

Step 3.2 – Get your PRO on board

A PRO isn’t just a translator; they act as your liaison with the free‑zone authority, handling document stamping, fee payments, and follow‑up queries. If you don’t already have a PRO, consider hiring one now rather than later – the cost is a fraction of a delayed licence.

When you meet your PRO, hand them the checklist and ask for a “PRO services agreement.” This contract should outline their fee (usually AED 800‑1,200) and the services covered – document submission, fee payment, and status tracking.

Step 3.3 – Assemble supporting evidence

Regulated activities often need a market study or a feasibility report. For instance, Ahmed’s import‑export of building materials was approved faster because he attached a 2‑page market analysis showing demand in Dubai South’s construction sector.

If you’re unsure what evidence the authority expects, peek at the free‑zone’s FAQ page or give the PRO a quick call. They usually know the exact format – a one‑page PDF with charts is enough.

Step 3.4 – Pay the amendment fee

The fee varies by zone, but you can expect AED 1,000‑3,000. Most portals let you pay via credit card or direct bank transfer. Keep the receipt; you’ll need to upload it with the amendment packet.

After payment, the authority typically issues an acknowledgement within 24 hours. If you don’t see it, ping your PRO – they’ll chase it up for you.

Step 3.5 – Submit and track

Upload all PDFs to the amendment portal in the order the checklist specifies. Double‑check file sizes – many portals cap uploads at 5 MB. Once submitted, you’ll receive a tracking number.

Here’s where the internal link comes in handy: our step‑by‑step guide to opening a free zone company includes screenshots of the submission screen, so you know exactly where to click.

Finally, give yourself a small celebration when the updated licence lands in your inbox – usually within 5‑10 business days. Then update your company letterhead, invoices, and website to reflect the new activity.

Remember, the paperwork may feel tedious, but every document you file is a brick in the wall that lets you legally sell that new product or service. Miss one, and you’ll be back at square one, staring at the same form you filled out last week.

Need a visual reminder of what the final licence looks like? Imagine a crisp PDF with your company logo at the top, the licence number in bold, and the freshly added activity right under the “Business Activities” header.

Step 4: Submit Amendment Request, Pay Fees & Compare Costs

Now that you’ve got the right activity category and all your paperwork in order, it’s time to hit the submit button. In our experience, the actual upload feels like the final sprint of a marathon – you’re almost there, but a few small missteps can still trip you up.

1. Upload the amendment packet

Log in to your free‑zone portal, navigate to the “Amendment” section, and start a new request. The system will ask you to attach each document in a specific order – licence copy, revised MOA, shareholder IDs, PRO appointment letter, and finally the fee receipt. Double‑check the file‑size limit (usually 5 MB) and use PDF format for everything.

Once you click “Submit,” you’ll receive a tracking number. Keep that number handy; it’s your proof of filing and the key to following up later.

2. Pay the amendment fee

The fee varies by free zone and by how many activities you’re adding. Below is a quick comparison you can use to benchmark your budget:

Free Zone	Fee Range (AED)	Typical Processing Time	Notes
Dubai Internet City	1,000 – 2,500	5‑7 business days	Tech‑focused, quicker turnaround for digital services.
Dubai South	1,200 – 2,800	7‑10 business days	Industrial activities may need extra safety docs.
Dubai Silicon Oasis	1,500 – 3,000	8‑12 business days	Medical‑device or health‑tech categories often require regulator approval.

Pay via the portal’s credit‑card gateway or a direct bank transfer. After the payment is processed, you’ll see a green “Payment Received” badge next to your request.

3. Compare costs with the value you’ll gain

It helps to look at the amendment fee as an investment, not a cost. Adding “e‑commerce platform services” to a consulting licence can open up a new revenue stream that easily covers the AED 1,500 fee within a month. For entrepreneurs who are still testing the market, the lower‑end fees (around AED 1,000) are a low‑risk way to experiment.

On the flip side, if you’re adding a highly regulated activity like “medical device distribution,” expect the higher end of the range plus possible extra approvals. Those extra steps can add a few days, but they also protect you from costly compliance breaches later.

4. Checklist before you hit “Submit”

• All PDFs named clearly (e.g., MOA_Updated_E‑commerce_Apr2025.pdf).
• Fee receipt uploaded and clearly visible.
• PRO appointment letter included – many zones reject the request without it.
• Double‑check the activity wording matches the catalogue verbatim.
• Save the tracking number in a spreadsheet with your licence expiry date.

Having this mini‑audit ready saves you a frantic call to the authority later on.

5. What to do while you wait

While the authority is reviewing your amendment (usually 5‑10 days), use the downtime wisely. Update your website, tweak your marketing copy, and let your sales team know the new service is coming soon. That way, as soon as the updated licence lands in your inbox, you can hit the ground running.

And if you’re curious about how the amendment might affect your tax position, take a look at our Corporate Taxation guide. It breaks down when the new activity could trigger VAT or corporate tax obligations, so you won’t be caught off guard.

Bottom line: submit the amendment, pay the fee, and then use the waiting period to prep your go‑to‑market plan. When the updated licence arrives, you’ll be ready to roll – no more scrambling, just smooth expansion.

Step 5: Receive Updated Licence and Post‑Approval Compliance

So the amendment is submitted, the fee is paid, and you’ve got that tracking number glowing in your inbox. What happens next can feel a bit like waiting for a parcel you can’t open until it arrives – but there are ways to turn that waiting period into a proactive sprint.

1. Watch for the official acknowledgement

The authority usually sends a short email or SMS confirming receipt. It will include a reference number and an estimated processing window (most zones say 5‑10 business days). Keep that message in a dedicated folder – you’ll need the number when you follow up.

2. Prepare your “go‑live” checklist while you wait

Don’t let the silence make you idle. Pull out a fresh checklist that covers three buckets: documentation, branding, and internal processes.

• Documentation: Draft a revised letterhead template that spots the new activity right under the “Business Activities” line. Print a sample invoice and make sure the activity description matches the licence verbatim.
• Branding: Update your website’s “Our Services” page, add the new keyword phrase, and swap out any old PDFs that still show the old activity.
• Internal processes: Tell your sales and support teams the exact wording they should use when talking to prospects – it avoids the dreaded “we’re not licensed for that yet” moment.

Having these items ready means you can hit the ground running the second the updated licence lands in your inbox.

3. Verify the licence details the moment it arrives

When the PDF hits your email, open it on a computer (not a phone) and do a quick double‑check:

1. Is the licence number the same as your original one? It should stay identical; only the activity list changes.
2. Does the new activity line read exactly like the catalogue entry you used in the amendment? Even a stray comma can cause future compliance headaches.
3. Is the expiry date still correct? Some zones automatically push the expiry forward by a year; others keep the original date.

If anything looks off, pick up the phone with your PRO right away. A 24‑hour clarification usually clears the issue before it becomes a audit trigger.

4. Update statutory registers and government portals

Most free zones require you to upload the updated licence to their internal portal within 48 hours. It’s a simple “Browse → Upload → Confirm” step, but missing it can trigger a reminder notice and even a small penalty.

Don’t forget the broader UAE ecosystem: the Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) both keep records of your business activities. Log in to the DED’s “My Business” dashboard and replace the old licence file. For VAT‑registered firms, update the activity code in your VAT return so the tax authority sees a consistent picture.

5. Conduct a quick compliance audit

Now that the licence is official, run a mini‑audit to confirm you’ve covered every downstream requirement:

• Are there any sector‑specific approvals you now need? For example, adding “food‑service” often means a health‑clearance from the Dubai Municipality.
• Did your insurance policy get updated? A change in activity can affect liability coverage.
• Is your bank aware of the new activity? Some banks ask for a fresh KYC form when you broaden your service scope.

Mark each item as “Done” or “Pending” – treat it like a sprint backlog.

6. Communicate the change to external partners

Clients, suppliers, and logistics partners appreciate a heads‑up. Send a short email that says, “We’re excited to let you know we’ve added [new activity] to our licence, which means we can now offer X, Y, and Z to you.” Include a screenshot of the updated activity line (blur out the licence number if you’re cautious).

Even a quick LinkedIn post can boost credibility – the platform often flags the new keyword, improving your SEO for “add activity to dubai free zone licence.”

7. Keep the licence file safe for future audits

Print a hard copy, store it in a fire‑proof folder, and also save a backup in a cloud drive with restricted access. Auditors love to see a well‑organized file that includes the amendment request, fee receipt, and the updated licence side by side.

Remember, the licence itself is just one piece of the compliance puzzle. Treat it as a living document – every time you think about expanding again, repeat this same checklist. That way you’ll always stay a step ahead.

Bottom line: receive the updated licence, verify every detail, update all the places that reference your activity, and lock down the paperwork. Do those seven steps and you’ll turn a simple amendment into a smooth, risk‑free growth move.

Conclusion

We’ve walked through every twist and turn of how to add activity to dubai free zone licence, from checking eligibility to filing the amendment and locking the paperwork away.

So, what does that mean for you? It means you can treat the licence like a living document – one that grows with your business instead of holding you back.

In our experience, the simplest mistake entrepreneurs make is skipping the final verification step. When the updated licence lands in your inbox, open it on a computer, confirm the activity line matches the catalogue word‑for‑word, and double‑check the expiry date.

Once you’re sure everything lines up, update your letterhead, invoices, and website right away. A quick email to clients saying, “We’ve added X service to our licence,” builds trust and can even boost SEO when you sprinkle the new keyword across your pages.

Don’t forget to store the licence safely – a fire‑proof folder, plus a cloud backup with restricted access, saves you headaches during an audit.

Finally, treat this process as a repeatable checklist. Whenever you think about expanding, run through the same steps and you’ll keep moving forward without costly delays.

Ready to take the next step? Grab the free‑zone activity catalogue, run our quick checklist, and turn that new idea into a licensed reality today.

FAQ

Can I add activity to Dubai free zone licence after my business is already up and running?

Absolutely. The licence is a living document, so you can submit an amendment even if you’ve been trading for months. The key is to first verify that the new activity appears verbatim in the free‑zone’s activity catalogue. Once you have the exact wording, you’ll draft a revised Business Activity Description, attach it to the amendment form, and pay the modest fee. In practice, most entrepreneurs see the updated licence within a week or two.

What documents do I need to submit to add activity to Dubai free zone licence?

Think of it as a checklist you won’t want to miss. You’ll need the original licence copy, the completed amendment request form, a revised Memorandum of Association that reflects the new activity line, passport copies and Emirates IDs for all shareholders, proof of address, and a recent bank reference letter. If the activity is regulated – say health‑care or food – you’ll also attach the relevant authority approval. Having everything in PDF, clearly named, saves you a lot of back‑and‑forth.

How long does the amendment process usually take?

Most free zones aim for a turnaround of five to ten business days once the full packet is uploaded. The clock starts ticking after you receive the acknowledgment email with your tracking number. Some zones, like Dubai Internet City, are known for faster processing (around five days), while industrial zones may need a week or a bit more, especially if extra safety certificates are required. Use the waiting period to update your website and marketing copy.

Are there extra fees for adding multiple activities at once?

Yes, the fee is generally per activity line you add, though many authorities offer a bundled rate if you submit two or three items together. Expect AED 1,000 – 3,000 for a single amendment; adding a second activity might bump the total by about 20‑30 %. It’s still a fraction of the revenue you can generate from the new service, so we usually advise clients to bundle related activities whenever possible.

Do I need a PRO to handle the amendment?

While you could navigate the portal yourself, a PRO (Public Relations Officer) acts as a liaison who knows the exact file‑size limits, the right wording, and the follow‑up protocol. For first‑time entrepreneurs or foreign investors, hiring a PRO can shave a couple of days off the process and reduce the risk of a rejected amendment due to a minor formatting issue. The cost is typically AED 800 – 1,200, which is modest compared to a delayed licence.

What common mistakes cause my amendment to be rejected?

We see three patterns repeat: using slightly different wording than the catalogue, forgetting to include the PRO appointment letter, and uploading files larger than the portal’s limit (usually 5 MB). Even a stray comma can trigger a rejection because the authority matches strings word‑for‑word. Double‑check the activity phrase, keep each PDF under the size cap, and verify that every required signature is present before you hit “Submit”.

Once the licence is updated, what should I do next to stay compliant?

First, open the PDF on a computer and confirm the licence number, expiry date, and new activity line are spot‑on. Then upload the updated licence to the free‑zone’s internal portal within 48 hours and replace the old file on the Department of Economic Development (DED) dashboard. Refresh your letterhead, invoices, and website copy to mirror the exact wording. Finally, notify clients and suppliers with a brief email – it builds trust and can even give you a SEO boost for the new keyword.