Changing Your UAE Registered Business Address
A registered business address is a legal requirement for all UAE companies. Any change of address must be formally updated with the licensing authority — simply moving offices is not sufficient.
Why This Matters
- An outdated registered address can cause VAT and CT registration mismatches with the FTA
- Banking correspondence and government notices may not reach you
- MOHRE and your Establishment Card reference your registered address
- Customs authority and other government registrations may be linked to the old address
Mainland (DED) Address Change Process
- Obtain a new tenancy contract for the new premises
- Register the tenancy in Ejari (Dubai) or the equivalent tenancy registration system in your emirate
- Submit a licence amendment application to DED with the new address and Ejari registration
- Pay the amendment fee (typically AED 500–1,500)
- Receive the updated trade licence reflecting the new address (3–7 business days)
Free Zone Address Change Process
Free zone address changes are handled by your specific free zone authority. Requirements typically include:
- New lease agreement for the updated unit
- Letter of no-objection from the existing unit (if applicable)
- Completed amendment application form
- Timeline: 5–10 business days
Critical Follow-Up Updates After Changing Address
The licence change does not automatically update other registrations:
- EmaraTax / FTA — update within 20 business days to avoid mismatch penalties (AED 1,000 fine)
- MOHRE and Establishment Card — update address in MOHRE system
- Bank(s) — notify all business banks with updated KYC
- Customs authority — if you import/export
- DIFC/ADGM registry (if applicable)
Kounted handles the full address change process including the FTA update and MOHRE notifications.