Add or Remove Partner on a Dubai Trade License: Costs, MOA Amendments & Process
As companies evolve, modifying corporate equity structures becomes necessary. Whether onboarding a new investor or retiring an outgoing shareholder, understanding the full scope of the add remove partner dubai trade license cost and legal procedure ensures seamless transition without disrupting daily operations.
Legal Requirements for Shareholder Modifications
Modifying ownership in a Dubai Mainland company requires formal approvals from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), formerly known as DED. Governed by the Ministry of Economy under UAE Commercial Companies Law, any share transfer mandates an addendum or amendment to the company’s Memorandum of Association (MOA).
Whether adjusting shares between existing founders or introducing international partners, all signatories must execute notarized amendments through accredited government notary portals or Dubai Courts.
Cost Breakdown for Adding or Removing a Partner
The total cost for shareholder modification depends on government voucher fees, notary charges, and mandatory public notice announcements.
| Cost Component | Estimated Fee Range (AED) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| DET Initial Approval Fee | 1,000 – 1,500 AED | Official clearance for license amendment |
| MOA Drafting & Legal Translation | 1,000 – 2,000 AED | Bilingual Arabic-English MOA amendment drafting |
| Public Notary Attestation | 1,500 – 3,000 AED | Varies based on capital value and partner count |
| License Amendment Voucher | 2,000 – 4,000 AED | Final DET voucher for updated license reissuance |
To manage government vouchers and avoid unnecessary surcharges during license updates, explore our specialized DET Payment Voucher Discount Service.
Step-by-Step Partner Transfer Workflow
- Pass Board Resolution: Draft an official resolution detailing share reallocation and partner changes.
- Apply for DET Initial Approval: Submit passport copies, Emirates IDs, and visa statuses through the Invest in Dubai Portal.
- Execute MOA Amendment: Sign the amended MOA at Dubai Courts or via online digital notary systems.
- Update Location & Lease Documents: Ensure your active tenancy contract is updated. Secure a compliant Cheap Virtual Ejari for 1500 AED to satisfy location requirements without high lease costs.
- Pay DET Voucher & Collect License: Settle the final voucher to receive your updated mainland trade license. Review additional setup workflows via Opseon Business Setup.
Essential Post-Amendment Compliance Actions
Once DET issues your revised commercial license, you must update secondary corporate registrations across UAE authorities:
- Immigration & Residence Visas: Cancel residence visas for outgoing partners or process new Partner/Investor visas through the GDRFA.
- Labor System Quotas: Update company records with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
- Federal Tax Authority (FTA): Update beneficial ownership records for Corporate Tax and VAT filings on the FTA Portal.
- Bank Account Updates: Submit the updated trade license and MOA to your financial institution. Learn about managing corporate bank compliance at Safi Business Service Analysis.
Restructure Your Dubai Company Ownership Seamlessly
Modify your commercial partnership structure efficiently and affordably. Visit our main Business Setup Dubai Services Hub or contact our PRO specialists today to initiate your partner transfer with fixed, transparent pricing.