Adding new activities to your trade license in Oman is a simple way to expand your business, increase revenue, and stay competitive in the market. Many entrepreneurs start with a single activity but soon discover additional services they want to offer. Whether you’re planning to add consultancy services, retail trading, contracting, or any other commercial activity, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) allows businesses to update or modify their trade licenses as needed.
Understanding the process helps you make the right decisions and avoid delays. This detailed guide walks you through the complete steps, requirements, documents, timelines, costs, and important considerations when adding activities to your trade license in Oman.
Table of Contents
Why Add Activities to Your Trade License in Oman?
Expanding your trade license allows your business to grow without registering a new company. This is especially helpful for entrepreneurs who want to provide additional services or diversify their offerings.
Increase Revenue Streams
When you add new commercial activities, you gain more opportunities to serve customers. For example, a trading company may add import-export, maintenance, or e-commerce services to increase income.
Save Time and Costs
Modifying an existing trade license is usually faster and more affordable than forming a new business entity. You can operate more efficiently under a single commercial registration.
Meet Market Demand
As industries evolve, businesses in Oman often need to expand the scope of their services. Updating your trade license ensures you remain competitive and compliant.
Understanding Trade License Activities in Oman
A trade license in Oman lists the commercial activities your company is legally allowed to perform. These activities are categorized by MOCIIP based on type, risk level, and sector.
Types of Business Activities in Oman
Business activities in Oman generally fall under:
- Commercial activities
- Industrial or manufacturing
- Professional and consultancy services
- Logistics and supply chain
- Retail and wholesale trading
- Contracting and construction services
- E-commerce services
Each activity has specific rules and permitted company structures.
Who Can Add Trade Activities?
Any active company registered with MOCIIP—LLCs, SPCs, branches, and partnerships—can add new activities as long as:
- The activity matches the business model
- Necessary approvals are taken
- Omanization and staffing regulations are followed
Can All Activities Be Added to Your License?
Not all business activities can be combined. Some activities require special approvals, specific legal structures, or minimum capital.
Activities That Require Approval
Some activities require external approvals from:
- Ministry of Health
- Ministry of Tourism
- Royal Oman Police
- Civil Aviation Authority
- Telecom Regulatory Authority
- Environmental Authority
These approvals depend on the nature of the activity.
Activities That Cannot Be Combined
Certain activities cannot be listed together under the same entity. For example, manufacturing and certain consultancy services may require separate licenses depending on their risk classification.
Steps to Add Activities to Your Trade License in Oman
Adding activities to your trade license involves a step-by-step process through MOCIIP’s Invest Easy portal.
Step 1: Identify the New Activity
Start by selecting the exact activity you want to add. Activities are categorized using Oman’s official classification list. Choosing the correct activity ensures smooth processing and avoids rejection.
Step 2: Check Eligibility
Ensure that the new activity is allowed under your company’s legal structure. For example:
- Some activities require an LLC
- Consultancy activities may require qualified professionals
- Industrial activities may require a separate environmental clearance
Step 3: Log Into Invest Easy Portal
Visit the Invest Easy website and log into your account using your Civil Number or digital authentication. This portal manages all licensing and commercial updates in Oman.
Step 4: Choose “Modify Commercial Registration
In the dashboard, select the option to modify your company details. Under modification options, choose “Add Business Activity.”
Step 5: Enter New Activity Details
Search and select the activity using the activity code. Make sure you add each activity exactly as listed in the official MOCIIP classification.
Step 6: Upload Required Documents
Depending on the activity type, you may need to upload:
- Passport copies
- Activity-specific approvals
- Owner or partner NOCs
- Qualification certificates (for regulated services)
Step 7: Pay the Fees
MOCIIP charges administrative fees for modifying a trade license. Fees vary depending on the activity and sector.
Step 8: Receive Updated License
Once approved, you will receive your updated commercial registration and license showing the newly added activities.
Documents Required to Add Activities to a Trade License in Oman
The exact documents depend on your company type and the activity you want to add. The general list includes:
Basic Documents
- Commercial Registration (CR) certificate
- Updated company profile
- Passport and resident card copies of shareholders
- Company seal
Activity-Specific Documents
Some activities require industry approvals such as:
- Environmental clearance for manufacturing
- Qualification certificates for consultancy work
- Ministry approvals for specialized services
- Health authority approvals for food-related businesses
Cost of Adding Activities to a Trade License in Oman
Costs vary based on several factors such as:
- Activity classification
- Number of additional activities
- External approval fees
- Legal attestation fees
- Commercial registration renewal fees
Most activities have affordable modification fees, making the process cost-effective for expanding businesses.
How Long Does It Take to Add Activities?
The typical timeline depends on the approval level required.
Standard Processing Time
If no external approvals are needed, the modification can be completed within 1–3 working days.
Extended Processing Time
If external authorities must approve the activity, it may take:
- 1–2 weeks for basic approvals
- Up to 3 weeks for activities with multiple regulatory layers
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Adding Trade Activities
Selecting incorrect activity codes leads to rejection. Use the official list provided by MOCIIP.
Not Checking Compatibility
Some activities cannot legally coexist within one trade license.
Missing External Approvals
Many entrepreneurs skip external approvals, causing unnecessary delays.
Not Updating Lease Agreements
Your company’s registered address must match all trade license activities.
Do You Need a New Trade License to Add Activities?
No. You can modify your existing commercial registration. However, if the activity is unrelated or prohibited under your structure, MOCIIP may recommend forming a new company.
When Should You Add Activities to Your License?
Adding activities is ideal when:
- You are diversifying your business
- You want to offer additional services
- You are expanding into new markets
- Your customers request more services
- You’re opening new branches or trading lines
Industries That Commonly Add Activities
Businesses often add new product lines or additional trading categories.
Consultancy Firms
Consultants may add training, advisory, or specialized services.
Contracting Companies
Many add maintenance, repair, and installation activities.
E-commerce Businesses
Many companies add online sales activities due to the rising digital market.
Why Businesses Expand Trade License Activities in Oman
Expanding the activity list makes your business more flexible and competitive. It allows you to respond to market opportunities without registering a new entity.
Improved Market Reach
Adding activities enables companies to enter new sectors.
Higher Customer Satisfaction
Offering all related services under one company boosts customer convenience.
Better Resource Utilization
Instead of forming multiple entities, companies use their existing structure to scale operations.
Conclusion
Adding activities to your trade license in Oman is a straightforward process when you understand the rules, requirements, and steps involved. By using the Invest Easy system, preparing proper documentation, selecting the right activity codes, and securing external approvals when needed, your business can legally expand and capture more opportunities in the Omani market. Whether you’re diversifying services or entering new industries, updating your license is one of the most efficient ways to scale your business operations. For professional guidance and faster setup, partnering with experts in Oman Business Setup ensures a smooth experience from start to finish.
FAQs
How do I add a new activity to my trade license in Oman?
You can add activities through the Invest Easy portal by selecting “Modify Commercial Registration,” choosing the new activity, uploading documents, and paying fees.
Can I add any activity to my existing business license?
You can add most activities, but some require external approvals. Certain activities cannot be combined legally within the same license.
How long does the process take?
If no external approvals are required, it takes 1–3 days. If regulatory authorities must approve the request, it may take up to 1–3 weeks.
Do I need a new trade license to add activities?
No. You can simply modify your existing commercial registration unless the activity is restricted.
What are the fees for adding an activity?
Fees depend on the activity type, number of additions, and required approvals. Standard fees are affordable for most business types.
