Trade License Amendment Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah Mainland is an essential process of compliance if there has been any change in the business operations, structure, or name. If there has been any change in the business information that is registered with the Department of Economic Development, Abu Dhabi DED, or Sharjah Economic Development Department, it is essential to update it.
The changes that can take place in the mainland trade license include: change of business activity, addition or withdrawal of shareholders, change of share capital, change of legal structure, or change of name of the company. These changes are necessary for maintaining the accuracy of the company’s records with respect to various government departments such as immigration, banks, VAT, and corporate tax.
Failure to update the amended information can cause fines, disqualification of visa services, freezing of bank accounts, issues in audits, and non-compliance with the UAE Commercial Laws. Every emirate has its set of rules and requirements based on the type of amendment.
The trade license amendment services offered by 365 Day PRO Corporate Services are comprehensive, covering Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah Mainland. Our PRO consultants are well-experienced to ensure trade license amendments are carried out smoothly, error-free, and in the shortest possible time.
Whether you are embarking on expansion activities, restructurings of ownership, rebranding exercises of your business entity, or upgrading your legal structure, it is important to have professional PRO support in order to ensure smooth changes in the mainland licenses.
Why Choose 365 Day PRO Corporate Services for Trade License Amendment
With 365 Day PRO Corporate Services, you are guaranteed accuracy and speedy approval of trade license changes in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah Mainland. We are experts in dealing with difficult mainland change requests while fully complying with UAE trade laws.
Our seasoned team members are aware of the amendment-specific requirements in all mainland jurisdictions. Right from activity approvals to shareholder restructuring, MOA amendments, and name reservations, we facilitate the entire procedure through a single window system.
We perform a pre-amendment compliance check to determine the approvals, capital effects, and third-party approvals required for every change. This helps avoid the rejection of applications and delays.
The 365 Day PRO Corporate Services will handle the notarization, court certification, and legal drafting if necessary. Our clear pricing, defined timeframe, and assigned account manager will facilitate the process.
After the amendment, we help with immigration record updates, establishment cards, bank profiles, VAT, and company taxes, as well as contracts, to ensure your company is fully compliant with all departments.
Step by Step Procedure for Trade License Amendment in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Sharjah Mainland
The process for change in the trade license in mainland UAE involves formal approval, legal paperwork, and validation by the authority. The procedure for each kind of change is different, and the formalities for the paperwork are set by Dubai DED, Abu Dhabi DED (ADDED), and Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD).
Change of Business Activity – Detailed Process
Step 1: Activity Feasibility & Eligibility Check
The trade license is analyzed for the proposed business activity. This is done to check whether the proposed business is permissible under the mainland regulations. Certain business activities might not be allowed depending upon the type of business, the number of offices, or the nationality of the shareholders.
Step 2: Initial Approval from Mainland Authority
Application is made to DED/ADDED/SEDD for initial approval for the new or additional business activity.
Step 3: Third-Party Approvals (If Required
Regulated activities need certain approvals from the concerned authorities, which include:
- DHA/MOH (Medical)
- KHDA (Education
- RTA (Transport
- SIRA (Security
- Municipality / Civil Defense
Step 4: MOA Amendment (If Applicable)
If it has any bearing on ownership, liability, or capital, then the Memorandum of Association is altered and notarized.
Step 5: Payment & License Issuance
The approval process is followed by the payment of fees for the changes and the issuance of the updated mainland trade license.
Adding or Removal of Shareholders
Step 1: Shareholder Consent & Resolution
A notarized shareholder resolution for adding or deleting shareholders is drawn up.
Step 2: KYC & Compliance Verification
The passport, visa, Emirates ID, and background verification of the incoming or outgoing shareholders are checked.
Step 3: MOA Restructuring & Notary
The MOA is re-drafted based on the new shareholding structure, and it is attested by a notary.
Step 4: Authority Submission
The amended MOA and accompanying documents are submitted to DED / ADDED / SEDD.
Step 5: Updated Trade License Issuance
Upon approval, the trade license with the new shareholders is issued.
Change of Share Capital: Step by Step Process
Step 1: Capital Assessment & Justification
The proposed increase or decrease in capital is evaluated in terms of activity and legal form.
Step 2: Board/Shareholder Resolution
The resolution for the capital change is drafted and signed.
Step 3: MOA Capital Clause Amendment
The “capital” clause in the MOA is updated and notarized.
Step 4: Submits to Mainland Authority
The documents are submitted for approval to the concerned authority.
Step 5: License Update
The revised capital is reflected in the revised mainland trade license.
Change of Legal Type of Company
Step 1: Legal Feasibility Study
Determine if the existing license can be converted (for example, Sole Establishment to LLC).
Step 2: Initial Approval by Authority
The formal approval is sought from DED / ADDED / SEDD.
Step 3: Drafting New MOA/LSA (If Required)
New legal documents are drawn up and notarized.
Step 4: Immigration & Labor File Updates
The MOHRE and immigration data are harmonized with this legal framework.
Step 5: Issuance of New Legal-Type Trade License
The renewed license shall be issued on the basis of the new legal form.
Change of Company Name
Step 1: Availability & Reservation of Trade Name
The proposed new name is searched for and registered with the relevant authority.
Step 2: Initial Approval
The approval for the name change is acquired.
Step 3: MOA Amendment (If Applicable)
The name of the company is reflected in the MOA. It is notarized.
Step 4: Fee Payment & License Amendment
The government fees are paid, and the new trade license is issued.
Step 5: Post-Name Change Updates
- Bank accounts, immigration, VAT, contracts, and invoices are affected.
- Trade License Amendment Documents Needed
- Individual Shareholders
- Copy of Passport
- Emirates ID
- Residence Visa
- Existing Trade License
- Shareholder Resolution
- Tenancy Contract & Ejari
- Corporate Shareholders
- Parent Company Trade License
- BOARD RESOLUTION
- MOA / AOA
- Passport Copies of Authorized Signatories
- Passport
- Power of Attorney (if applicable)
FAQ – Trade License Modification in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Sharjah Mainland
Is trade license amendment mandatory for changes in activity?
Yes, all activity changes must be officially amended.
A mainland license modification takes how many months?
2 to 10 working days depending on the type of amendment.
Can shareholders be changed without MOA amendment?
No, it is mandatory for MOA amendment.
Is notarization compulsory in the process of capital change?
Yes, for most people.
Can there be more than one amendment at a time?
Yes, the cost and time are reduced by the bundled amendments.
Does company name change affect visas?
Yes, immigration records need to be updated.
Are third-party approvals needed for changes in activity?
Only for regulated activities.
Can amendments be done remotely?
Yes, through authorized PRO services.
Consequences of Not Updating Amendments:
The consequence of not updating an amendment is that
Fines, Visa problems, and Legal non-compliance.
Why use PRO services for trade license amendment?
To ensure accuracy, compliance, and faster approvals.