In the UAE, your trade license is the foundation of your business—it defines what you’re legally allowed to do and how you operate. But as your business evolves, you may find the need to change the business activity or even rebrand with a new trade name. Fortunately, the UAE offers a relatively streamlined process for making such changes, but it’s important to understand the steps, documentation, and regulations involved. In this blog, we break down everything you need to know about changing the activity or name on your trade license, whether you’re operating on the mainland or in a free zone.
- Why You Might Need to Make Changes
Businesses change over time. Here are some common reasons to update your trade license:
- Expanding services or products (e.g., adding digital marketing to a design agency)
- Rebranding for marketing or positioning purposes
- Legal or compliance requirements
- Switching from a commercial to a professional license, or vice versa
- Changing the Activity on Your Trade License
To change or add an activity, you must ensure it’s legally permissible under the license category issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or your respective free zone authority. Steps to follow:
- Check Activity Eligibility
- Apply for Initial Approval
- Submit Required Documents
- Copy of existing trade license
- Passport copies of all partners/shareholders
- MOA or LSA amendment (if required)
- Tenancy contract (Ejari for mainland businesses)
- Pay the Fees
- Receive Updated License
- Changing the Trade Name on Your License
Changing your business name involves a few more steps, particularly to ensure that your new name complies with UAE naming conventions and isn’t already in use. Steps to follow:
- Reserve a New Trade Name
- Obtain Initial Approval
- Amend Legal Documents
- Advertise the Name Change
- Pay Applicable Fees
- Receive the Amended Trade License
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re adding a new service or rebranding entirely, changing the activity or name on your trade license is a strategic move that requires careful planning and compliance with UAE regulations. By following the proper channels and ensuring documentation is in order, you can make these changes efficiently and keep your business aligned with your evolving goals.
