Getting a gold trading license in Dubai can be a profitable business opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors.
How to Get a Gold Trading License in Dubai (2026)
A gold trading license in Dubai is a commercial license that allows you to buy, sell, import, and export gold, precious metals, and jewellery. Entrepreneurs, foreign investors, and business owners planning to launch or run a retail, bullion, or jewellery trading business can obtain it either from Dubai’s mainland authority (DET) from about AED 25,000 or through DMCC, the dedicated commodities free zone, from about AED 40,000 all-in. Setup usually takes 2–8 weeks depending on the route, and traders must register with goAML before starting operations.
This guide helps you compare mainland and free zone options, understand the setup steps, documents, costs, VAT and tax treatment, and AML compliance rules that apply to gold trading in Dubai. That matters in a market where Dubai’s global gold trade links, tax advantages, and customer reach create strong opportunity, but only for businesses that choose the right license structure and meet the required compliance standards.
Why Dubai for gold
Dubai handles one of the world's largest gold trade flows — the "City of Gold" runs from the Deira Gold Souk's retail counters to DMCC's bullion vaults and the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange. For a trader, the practical advantages are simpler: no personal income tax, duty exemptions inside free zones, a hallmarking system buyers trust, and a customer base that spans South Asia, Africa and Europe.
LocationsWhere to set up: Gold Souk vs Gold & Diamond Park vs DMCC
| Gold Souk (Mainland) | Gold & Diamond Park | DMCC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Authority | DET (Dubai mainland) | Free zone (JAFZA-linked) | DMCC free zone |
| Best for | Retail walk-in trade | Manufacturing + retail | Bullion, B2B, international trading |
| Market access | Anywhere in the UAE | Zone + export | Zone + global trade, DGCX access |
| Facilities | Souk shopfronts | 118 custom-built manufacturing units | Vaults, exchange, commodity ecosystem |
| Ownership | 100% foreign ownership | 100% foreign ownership | 100% foreign ownership |
The short version: a shopfront serving walk-in buyers in the gold souk market wants the mainland (Gold Souk); a jewellery maker wants Gold & Diamond Park, which includes 118 custom-built manufacturing units; a bullion or B2B trader wants DMCC for the exchange access, vault infrastructure, and Dubai’s strategic location.
Simple processHow to start a gold business in Dubai — 6 steps
- Choose your activity and jurisdictionGold trading, jewellery retail, bullion trading and refining are different business activities. Your business setup choice between Dubai Mainland and DMCC or other free zones affects market access and costs, while comparing DMCC vs mainland Dubai for business setup shows how Dubai free zones can offer 100% foreign ownership and a simpler setup for a trading business in Dubai.
- Reserve the trade name and get initial approvalNames clear in a day or two; mainland applications go through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, while free zone applications go through the free zone authorities for initial approval.
- Prepare the documentsPassport copies for all shareholders, MOA, tenancy contract (Ejari for mainland; flexi desk or office for DMCC), NOCs where a shareholder holds a UAE residence visa, and a detailed business plan are commonly required for company registration in Dubai.
- Secure special approvalsRetail locations dealing in gold need SIRA security compliance (CCTV, safes, guards). Refining and some manufacturing activities need extra permits, and some mainland structures may require a local partner or service agent depending on the activity and legal form, with further approvals from relevant authorities.
- Pay fees and collect the licenseYour business license should reflect the approved scope, and trade license issuance in Dubai on the mainland typically takes 1–2 weeks after approvals; DMCC takes 2–4 weeks including the establishment card.
- Register for compliance before tradingTraders must register with the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit using the goAML system before starting gold trading activities, then complete corporate tax registration with the FTA and VAT registration once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000. This trade license process also requires meeting UAE anti money laundering requirements and local and federal regulations. Skipping this step is the most common — and most expensive — mistake new gold traders make.
What does a gold trading license cost in 2026?
| Item | Mainland (DET) | DMCC free zone |
|---|---|---|
| License + registration | AED 20,000–30,000; AED 28,040 is a typical baseline | AED 40,000–50,000 incl. flexi desk |
| Office / shop | Dedicated office space usually required; a physical office can start from AED 20,000–50,000+ (Souk retail higher) | Flexi desk from ~AED 15,000 (often bundled) |
| Visas | AED 3,000–7,000 each | AED 3,000–7,000 each |
| SIRA compliance (retail) | Varies by fit-out | Usually N/A for B2B |
| Realistic year-one total | AED 25,000–70,000+ | AED 40,000–60,000 |
For traders planning to handle a broader range of products beyond gold, it can be worth comparing these figures to the costs and flexibility of a general trading license in Dubai. All figures 2026 estimates. Bank guarantees, insurance and inventory financing are extra. DED licenses allow trading anywhere in the UAE, which helps explain the pricing gap versus some free zone options.
2026 rulesTax and VAT rules gold traders must know (most guides skip this)
Corporate tax
0% on profits up to AED 375,000, 9% above. A DMCC company that qualifies as a free zone person pays 0% on qualifying income — and commodity trading in designated zones often qualifies. For gold trading entrepreneurs, corporate tax treatment can differ for businesses operating in free zones versus mainland structures, so the setup matters from day one if you want to build a successful gold trading business. Registration with the FTA is mandatory either way.
VAT — this is where gold is special
Investment-grade gold (99% purity or higher, tradeable form) is zero-rated. For everything else, the UAE applies a reverse-charge mechanism on B2B sales between VAT-registered traders — the buyer accounts for the VAT, so cash flow isn't tied up in 5% charges through the supply chain. The mechanism was extended in 2025 to cover precious metals, stones and jewellery more broadly. These rules matter whether you're trading physical gold, dealing in gold bullion, or selling gold to end customers, so understanding the UAE reverse charge mechanism for VAT is essential. Retail sales to consumers still carry 5% VAT on the full price of jewellery.
AML — non-negotiable
Documents required
Passport copies for every shareholder and manager, visa or entry-stamp copies where applicable, the signed MOA, trade name reservation and initial approval certificates, tenancy contract (Ejari) or DMCC flexi-desk agreement, and NOC from the current sponsor for UAE residents are the core documents that support the entire licensing process for a gold trading company, including corporate bank account opening support. Corporate shareholders add their license, MOA and a board resolution, and support services may also cover post-license banking documentation, especially where a gold trading firm sits under a wider investment or holding company structure in Dubai. For the tenancy-contract requirement, the authority will ask for proof of office space and, where applicable, a physical office.
Common questionsGold Trading License FAQs
How much does a gold trading license cost in Dubai?
From about AED 15,000–16,000 for the cheapest free zone routes, AED 25,000–30,000 for a mainland license before office costs, and AED 40,000–50,000 all-in at DMCC. Retail locations add SIRA compliance and Souk-level rents. The right setup depends on the approved business activities and whether you will handle physical gold, gold bars, or retail jewellery, and recent rules even allow some free zone businesses to operate in Dubai mainland under additional approvals. [VERIFY]
How do I start a gold business in Dubai as a foreigner?
Choose mainland or free zone, reserve a trade name, submit documents through the licensing portal, complete SIRA approvals if retail, and register with goAML and the FTA for a company dealing in gold and precious metals or other precious metals, depending on the licensed activity. 100% foreign ownership applies in both mainland and free zones. Total time: 2–8 weeks, similar to other regulated financial activities such as starting a forex trading company in Dubai.
Do I pay VAT on gold trading in Dubai?
Investment-grade bullion (99%+) is zero-rated. B2B trades between VAT-registered dealers use the reverse-charge mechanism, so no VAT changes hands. Retail jewellery sales carry 5% VAT.
Do gold traders need AML registration in the UAE?
Yes. Precious-metals dealers must register on goAML before trading and report cash transactions of AED 55,000+. This applies to mainland and free zone companies equally.
Which is better for gold trading: mainland or DMCC?
Mainland (DET) is better for the local market and access to global markets; DMCC suits precious metals trading and wholesale trading. Dubai Multi Commodities Centre also offers an established ecosystem for gold and precious stones, precious stones trading, and jewelry manufacturing units. DMCC costs more up front but its qualifying companies can keep 0% corporate tax on qualifying income.
Can I trade gold online in Dubai?
Yes — e-commerce gold sales need the e-trading activity on your license, and the same goAML and VAT rules apply. The same rules apply if gold sold online is delivered physically after purchase. Physical delivery logistics and insurance are the practical hurdles to plan for.
Is Dubai Gold Souk still a good location for retail gold business?
Yes — Dubai Gold Souk remains a strong retail choice for gold shopping and selling gold, while Gold and Diamond Park suits brands handling precious stones.
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