Business changes. New activities get added, shareholders change, companies move offices or change their names. All of these require a formal amendment to your Dubai mainland license — and each type of amendment has its own process and cost.

Most Common Licence Amendments

Adding a Business Activity — the most frequent amendment. Costs AED 100 to 500 per new activity plus government processing fees.

Changing Company Name — requires DED approval, notary re-signing of MOA, and reissue of all related documents. Takes 7 to 10 days typically.

Changing Shareholding or Adding Partners — requires an MOA amendment, notarised and DED-approved. All shareholders must sign. Takes 10 to 14 days.

Changing Legal Structure — for example, converting a sole establishment to an LLC. More complex, requires a new MOA and potentially a new licence number.

Changing Registered Address — requires a new Ejari and DED address update. Straightforward if documents are ready.

Changing Manager or Authorised Signatory — requires board resolution and DED update. Usually 3 to 5 working days.

Can You Trade While an Amendment Is Pending?

Yes. An amendment does not suspend your existing licence. You continue trading normally under your current licence until the amendment is finalised.

However, you cannot conduct the newly added activities until the amendment is complete. Doing so risks regulatory violation.

Process Overview

1. Prepare supporting documents (varies by amendment type)

2. Submit application through DED portal or typing centre

3. Pay government fees

4. Collect amended licence

For complex amendments (shareholding changes, structural changes), a public notary is involved and the timeline extends.

Cost Estimates

• Activity addition: AED 1,500 to 3,500 all-in

• Name change: AED 3,000 to 5,000 all-in

• Shareholding amendment: AED 5,000 to 10,000 depending on complexity

• Address change: AED 1,500 to 2,500

These are indicative — always get a specific quote based on your situation.

Conclusion

Amendments are a normal part of business life. The key is not to delay them — conducting unlicensed activities, even temporarily, creates compliance exposure. Process amendments as soon as the business change occurs.