A Dubai gold trading licence in 2026 requires registration with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), MOHRE labour approvals, and typically costs AED 5,000–15,000+ depending on your business structure. Mainland and free-zone options are available. Dubai Business Services handles all compliance steps end-to-end.
What Is a Gold Trading Licence in Dubai?
A gold trading licence permits you to buy, sell, and trade precious metals (gold, silver, platinum) legally in Dubai. Whether you operate as a sole proprietor, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC), you must hold a valid Dubai business setup licence with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The licence covers wholesale, retail, and import–export of gold and jewellery. Mainland licences are issued via the Dubai Department of Commerce, while free-zone options exist in Jebel Ali Free Zone and Dubai Airport Free Zone.
WhatsApp Dubai Business Services on +971 54 332 2846 for a free gold trading licence cost estimate.
2026 Registration Requirements & Authorities
In 2026, the primary regulatory bodies are:
| Authority | Role | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| DET (Department of Economy & Tourism) | Business licence approval, trade name registration | 5–7 business days |
| MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation) | Labour card, employment contract registration | 3–5 business days |
| Dubai Municipality | Health & safety, premises inspection (if required) | 2–3 business days |
| FTA (Federal Tax Authority) | VAT registration (if turnover >AED 375k annually) | 5–10 business days |
DBS expedites all authority approvals—contact us for parallel processing options.
Cost Breakdown: Mainland vs. Free Zone
Mainland Gold Trading Licence (Dubai):
- DET business licence renewal: AED 500–1,500/year
- Trade name registration: AED 300–800
- MOHRE labour approvals (first employee): AED 600–1,200
- Visa sponsorship & insurance: AED 1,500–3,500
- Legal & consultancy (full setup): AED 2,000–5,000
- Total first-year range: AED 5,000–12,000
Free-Zone Gold Trading Licence (Jebel Ali / Dubai Airport FZ):
- Free-zone business licence: AED 3,000–6,500
- Visa & labour card: AED 2,000–4,000
- Annual renewal: AED 3,000–5,500
- Legal setup & documentation: AED 1,500–3,000
- Total first-year range: AED 9,500–18,000
Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership and exemption from local sponsorship—ideal if you trade internationally.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Phase 1: Pre-Registration (Days 1–2)
- Verify proposed trade name via DET online portal
- Secure office or retail premises (or free-zone desk)
- Gather passport, visa, bank statements, CV
Phase 2: DET & Legal Setup (Days 3–7)
- Submit DET business licence application with notarised documents
- Pay licence fees (AED 500–1,500 depending on capital)
- Receive provisional approval & trade name certificate
Phase 3: MOHRE Labour Compliance (Days 8–11)
- Register employment contract for each employee
- Issue labour cards & health insurance
- Notify MOHRE of any foreign workers
Phase 4: Final Approvals & Handover (Days 12–14)
- Obtain final DET licence certificate
- Register with Dubai Chamber of Commerce (optional but recommended)
- Receive premises keys & operational clearance
DBS completes this end-to-end in 10–14 days. Email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com with your business plan today.
Capital Requirements & Bank Account Setup
The DET does not mandate a minimum capital deposit for gold trading licences as of 2026; however, banks typically require AED 10,000–50,000 in your business account to demonstrate solvency and meet anti-money-laundering compliance. If you plan to import gold, you may need a higher balance. All gold traders must open a UAE-registered business bank account (ADIB, FAB, DIB, or RAK Bank are common choices) and keep monthly bank statements for audit purposes. Your accountant will file Form 101 annually with the FTA.
Dubai Business Services arranges bank introductions and account opening—no hidden fees.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
1. Incorrect Trade Name Classification: The DET classifies gold trading under ISIC code 4753. Using a different code delays approval by 7–10 days. Always confirm your ISIC code before submission.
2. Missing MOHRE Sponsorship Documents: If you hire a manager or salesperson, you must register their employment contract within 5 days of hire. Failing to do so incurs fines of AED 500–1,000 per month per employee.
3. Vague Business Plan: The DET requires a detailed description of your sourcing, sales channels, and target market. Generic applications are rejected. DBS drafts market-compliant business plans.
4. Skipping FTA VAT Registration: Even if your turnover is below AED 375k, registering for VAT voluntarily reduces audit risk and improves credibility with suppliers.
5. No Dubai Chamber Membership: While optional, Chamber membership (AED 1,500–3,000/year) provides networking, dispute resolution, and regulatory updates.
Avoid costly delays—let DBS manage compliance. WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 now.
Why Choose Dubai Business Services for Your Gold Trading Licence?
Dubai Business Services (DBS) is a radical-transparency consultancy specialising in business setup for traders, retailers, and importers across Dubai. We charge fixed, itemised fees—no hidden charges. Our team has 15+ years’ combined experience with the DET, MOHRE, and Dubai Municipality. We handle all paperwork translation, notarisation, and submission in parallel, reducing your setup time to 10–14 days. We also provide post-setup compliance coaching and annual renewal reminders. Over 2,000 traders have launched with DBS since 2018.
Get a free setup consultation. Email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com or WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Dubai gold trading licence cost in 2026?
A mainland gold trading licence costs AED 5,000–12,000 in your first year (DET licence, MOHRE, visa, and legal fees combined). Free-zone licences cost AED 9,500–18,000 first-year. Annual renewals are AED 1,500–3,500 mainland, AED 3,000–5,500 free-zone. Exact cost depends on business structure and employee count. DBS provides an itemised quote after your initial consultation.
What documents do I need to apply for a gold trading licence?
You need your passport, UAE visa (if applicable), bank statement (AED 10k+ recommended), detailed business plan, proof of premises lease or free-zone desk booking, CV, and notarised copies of all documents. If you have a business partner, include their passport and visa. DBS handles notarisation and translation—submit originals once and we manage the rest.
Can I apply for a gold trading licence from outside the UAE?
Yes. You can apply remotely using power of attorney. DBS collects your notarised documents by post or courier, submits them to the DET, and manages all approvals on your behalf. You must visit Dubai to open your business bank account and collect your final licence—typically a 1–2 day visit. Some free-zone providers offer remote setup completion.
How long does it take to get a gold trading licence in Dubai?
The standard timeline is 10–14 business days with DBS. DET processes business licences in 5–7 days, MOHRE in 3–5 days. If you submit incomplete documents, add 5–7 days. Free-zone applications may take 12–16 days due to extra free-zone authority checks. We run all steps in parallel to minimise delays.
Do I need an Emirati sponsor to trade gold in Dubai?
On the mainland, you do not legally require an Emirati sponsor as of 2026; however, some property owners prefer a local contact. Free-zone gold trading requires no local sponsor. DBS can arrange an optional local consultant (AED 3,000–5,000/year) for credibility and relationship management if desired, but it is not mandatory for licence approval.
What are the ongoing compliance obligations after I get my licence?
You must renew your licence annually (AED 500–1,500 mainland), maintain employee MOHRE records, file annual financial statements with the DET, and register VAT returns with the FTA if turnover exceeds AED 375k. Gold traders must also keep 3 years of purchase invoices and sales records for audit purposes. DBS manages renewals and provides compliance checklists.
Can I trade gold and jewellery under the same licence?
Yes. A single gold trading licence covers both precious metal and jewellery trading. The DET classifies both under ISIC code 4753. If you also operate retail jewellery workshops or repair services, declare that separately in your business plan. DBS confirms your scope with the DET before submission to avoid future amendment costs.
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