Before accepting work outside your current UAE company licence, write down what the customer will actually buy and ask your licensing authority whether the activity is already covered. If a change is needed, confirm the application route, premises conditions and any external approvals before committing to a delivery date.
A design studio gets a request to supply equipment
A studio already invoices for design services. A client now wants the studio to buy equipment and resell it as part of a project. The founder should describe the design and resale work separately, including who buys the goods, who invoices the customer, and where the items are stored and delivered. Ask the authority whether the current activity covers the proposed work or whether to add or change an activity.
What to put in an amendment brief
- Copy the exact activities and codes on your current licence.
- Describe the new deliverables, sales channel, customers and operating location.
- Identify any premises, storage or external approval questions.
- Ask what changes in the application, documents, fees and renewal scope.
- Record who will confirm each open item and when you expect an answer.
Check the process for your own authority
As one example, DMCC’s licence amendment guidance describes a change-of-activity process through its member portal and notes specific considerations for some activities and premises. Use the procedure published by your own authority and request a written quote for your circumstances.
When can you start the new work?
Ask what must be approved or issued before work begins. Keep the authority’s response, updated licence and any separate approvals with your company records. Then review whether contracts, insurance, workspace arrangements or information held by your bank should be updated.
Use Virtue’s business activity brief to describe the change and the handover checklist to keep the amended documents and decisions together.
