License Amendments & Re-Issuance

Modify your corporate structure legally. We handle trade name changes, partner additions or removals, share transfers, activity updates, and license re-issuance with DET and Free Zone authorities.

1. Overview of License Amendments

As your business expands or undergoes structural changes, updating your legal registration becomes essential. Under DED and Free Zone regulations, any structural change—such as modifying the company activity, changing the manager, or modifying the corporate name—requires formal amendment applications and DED typing approvals.

Legally modify corporate shareholder structures
Official trade name amendment procedures
Authorized activity additions or removals
Up-to-date registry information maintenance

2. Share Transfers & Partner Modifications

Transferring shares between partners or introducing new investors involves drafting and signing an Addendum to the Memorandum of Association (MOA). Our document specialists coordinate with the Dubai Court Notary Public or Free Zone registries to ensure that all share sales, equity transfers, or partner exits are fully legalized.

Addendum to MOA drafting and typing
Share sale agreements coordination
Dubai Court Notary appointment support
Registry updates for new partners

Share Transfers and Corporate Structuring

3. Lost License Re-Issuance & Renewals

If your physical trade license certificate, corporate registers, or establishment cards are lost, damaged, or stolen, obtaining duplicates is mandatory for legal compliance. We handle the process of getting police reports, publishing public notices where required, and submitting portal applications for immediate re-issuance.

Re-issuance of lost or damaged licenses
Dubai Police lost-certificate reporting
Official portal replacement filings
Duplicate establishment card collection

4. Activity Amendments & Regulatory Clearance

Adding new business activities to an existing trade license is an excellent way to diversify operations. However, specific activities (like healthcare, transport, or real estate) require external approvals from respective UAE ministries. Our team coordinates directly with the ministries to secure necessary clearances before license amendment.

Activity addition and DED typing support
Ministry-level clearances coordination
Compliance checks for added activities
End-to-end DET amendment collection

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Trade License Amendment?

A trade license amendment is the official process of updating or modifying the legal, structural, or ownership details of an existing company registered in the UAE mainland or a Free Zone.

How do I add a new partner to my DED license?

To add a partner, you must draft an Addendum to the Memorandum of Association (MOA) detailing the new share structure, obtain passport and visa copies of the new partner, sign the document at the Dubai Court Notary (or via e-notary), and submit it to the DET.

Can I change my company's trade name?

Yes. Changing the company name requires reserving a new trade name with the DET, obtaining initial approval for the name change, drafting an MOA amendment, and publishing a public notice if required by law.

What is required to change a company manager or director?

You will need a Board Resolution or Shareholder Resolution announcing the change, the passport and visa copies of the incoming manager, and an updated MOA or corporate registry document submitted to the licensing authority.

What should I do if I lose my physical Trade License certificate?

If lost, you must apply for a "Re-Issuance of lost license" through the licensing portal. For mainland licenses, a police report confirming the loss may be required before DED prints the duplicate copy.

Do all activity additions require external government approvals?

No. Many trading and service activities can be added immediately via DED typing. However, regulated sectors like medical (DHA), transport (RTA), education (KHDA), and real estate (RERA) require explicit NOCs from those regulators.

Does a share transfer affect active employee residency visas?

No. Active employment visas sponsored under the company's establishment card remain valid during share transfers, as the legal entity itself remains unchanged.

How long does a license amendment take in Dubai?

Simple amendments (like changing manager or activity) take 2 to 4 working days. Amendments involving share transfers or notary appointments generally take 5 to 7 working days.

What is the cost of amending a DED trade license?

DED amendment fees range depending on the nature of the amendment. Simple name reservations or activity updates cost around AED 1,500 to AED 3,000, while share transfers involve court notary fees and corporate typing fees.

Can a Free Zone company amend its license details?

Yes. Each Free Zone authority has its own process and portal for executing amendments, including share transfers, name changes, or activity updates, subject to their respective fees and regulations.