A Dubai jewellery trading licence costs AED 30,000–55,000 all-in for sole traders and limited companies in 2026. The Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) oversees mainland licences, while DMCC and the Gold & Diamond Park operate as separate free zones with distinct fee schedules and hallmarking oversight. AML/CFT registration is mandatory for all precious metals dealers.
What Is a Jewellery Trading Licence in Dubai?
A jewellery trading licence permits you to buy, sell, and trade precious metals, diamonds, gemstones, and finished jewellery items in Dubai. The licence is issued by the Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) for mainland operations, or by free-zone authorities (DMCC and Gold & Diamond Park) for zone-based businesses. Whether you import rough diamonds, operate a retail showroom, or wholesale gold bars, you must hold the correct licence and meet hallmarking standards set by the Dubai Central Laboratory. Our Dubai business setup guides cover all activity-specific licensing pathways.
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All-In Cost: AED 30,000–55,000 (2026 Pricing)
| Setup Component | Mainland (DET) | DMCC | Gold & Diamond Park |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Licence (Annual) | AED 500–2,500 | AED 3,000–8,000 | AED 2,500–6,500 |
| Company Registration (LLC/SP) | AED 1,500–4,000 | AED 2,000–5,000 | AED 1,800–4,500 |
| Office/Showroom Deposit (6 months rent) | AED 15,000–30,000 | AED 8,000–20,000 | AED 10,000–18,000 |
| Hallmarking Registration & Lab Testing | AED 2,000–4,500 | AED 1,500–3,500 | AED 1,500–3,500 |
| AML/CFT Registration (AMLC/FTA) | AED 1,000–2,000 | AED 800–1,500 | AED 800–1,500 |
| Legal & Documentation | AED 2,000–5,000 | AED 2,000–5,000 | AED 2,000–5,000 |
| TOTAL (Approx.) | AED 22,000–48,000 | AED 17,300–43,000 | AED 18,600–39,000 |
These figures are indicative; actual costs vary by business structure, premises location, and whether you require additional certifications. Mainland setups in central Dubai are typically 10–15% higher due to premium real estate. All prices are in AED and exclude VAT (5%) where applicable.
Transparent pricing guaranteed—no hidden levies. Contact DBS for an itemised quote.
DMCC vs Gold & Diamond Park: Which Licence Is Right?
Both DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) and the Gold & Diamond Park are specialist free zones designed for precious metals and gems traders. DMCC operates under its own regulatory framework, offers 100% foreign ownership, faster company setup (5–7 working days), and has a larger ecosystem of service providers. The Gold & Diamond Park, located within Dubai, also offers free-zone benefits but typically has lower annual fees and suits smaller traders with lower turnover. Mainland licences (DET-issued) grant broader operational freedom but require UAE partnership (51% local ownership) unless you hold golden visa status, which permits 100% ownership. All three jurisdictions enforce hallmarking rules and AML/CFT compliance identically.
Hallmarking, Dubai Central Laboratory & Quality Assurance Rules
Every jewellery trader in Dubai must register with the Dubai Central Laboratory (DCL), part of the Department of Economy & Tourism. The DCL certifies precious metal purity (carats for gold, fineness for silver and platinum) and maintains hallmarking records. If you import finished jewellery, each batch must be tested and hallmarked before sale; failure to do so incurs fines of AED 5,000–50,000 and potential licence suspension. If you source from certified suppliers (e.g., LBMA-accredited gold refineries or GIA-certified diamond dealers), hallmarking costs are lower. Registration fees at DCL are approximately AED 2,000–3,500 per annum, plus AED 100–300 per item tested. This is a non-negotiable compliance cost and is included in the all-in band above.
Hallmarking queries? Our Dubai business setup consultants liaise directly with DCL.
AML/CFT Registration for Precious Metals Dealers
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards, adopted by the UAE, require all precious metals and gems traders to register with the Anti-Money Laundering & Countering Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) unit at the Ministry of Finance or via the designated free-zone authority. This registration involves submitting beneficial ownership documentation, proof of funds source, and customer due-diligence (CDD) procedures. Failure to register can result in licence cancellation and criminal penalties. Registration is typically completed within 10–15 working days and costs AED 800–2,000 as a one-time fee, then annual compliance reviews (AED 500–1,000). All jewellery businesses, regardless of size or location, must comply; this is not optional.
Who Needs a Kimberley Process Certificate?
If you import or trade rough (uncut) diamonds or diamond rough materials, you must comply with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) to ensure diamonds are conflict-free. The KPCS is managed globally but enforced locally by the Dubai Customs Authority and the DET. You will need a Kimberley Process Certificate for each shipment of rough diamonds; finished diamonds and jewellery do not require separate certification if the rough was certified. Certificate applications take 5–10 working days and cost approximately AED 500–1,200 per shipment. If you trade only finished jewellery, this step is not required, though transparency documentation is still advisable for AML/CFT compliance.
Can You Own 100% of a Jewellery Trading Business in Dubai?
Yes, under three pathways: (1) DMCC Free Zone—100% foreign ownership permitted; (2) UAE Golden Visa—qualified investors (typically those investing AED 1 million+) can hold 100% mainland ownership; (3) Free-Zone Entity at Gold & Diamond Park also allows 100% foreign ownership. Mainland licences without a golden visa require a 51% local UAE partner and a 49% maximum foreign stake. Using a UAE national or established local partner is common; costs for partnership agreements range from AED 2,000–5,000 in legal fees. If 100% foreign ownership is critical to your business model, DMCC is the fastest path and typically adds only AED 500–1,500 to setup costs versus the gold park option.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a jewellery trading licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
A complete jewellery trading licence setup in Dubai costs AED 30,000–55,000 all-in for 2026, depending on business structure (sole trader vs. LLC), location (mainland vs. DMCC vs. Gold & Diamond Park), and office rental. Licence fees alone (DET or free-zone annual fee) range from AED 500–8,000, but you must also budget for company registration (AED 1,500–5,000), hallmarking registration (AED 2,000–4,500), AML/CFT compliance (AED 1,000–2,000), and office security deposit (AED 10,000–30,000). Dubai Business Services provides transparent, itemised quotes with no hidden charges.
Do I need DMCC or mainland for a jewellery business in Dubai?
It depends on your priorities. DMCC offers 100% foreign ownership, faster setup (5–7 days), and a specialist ecosystem but charges higher annual fees (AED 3,000–8,000). Mainland (DET-issued) is cheaper annually but requires a 51% UAE partner unless you hold a golden visa. The Gold & Diamond Park sits between the two: free-zone benefits, lower fees than DMCC (AED 2,500–6,500 annually), and 100% foreign ownership. For large-scale importers, DMCC is preferred; for boutique traders, the gold park or mainland with a partner is cost-effective.
What is the role of the Gold & Diamond Park in Dubai?
The Gold & Diamond Park is a free zone within Dubai dedicated to precious metals and gems traders. It offers free-zone tax advantages, 100% foreign ownership, lower annual licence fees than DMCC (AED 2,500–6,500), and exemption from the 51% local partnership rule. It serves as a hub for refineries, wholesalers, exporters, and retailers of gold, diamonds, and gemstones. Companies established in the park must still comply with Dubai Central Laboratory hallmarking rules and AML/CFT registration via the free-zone authority.
Do jewellery traders need to register with the Kimberley Process?
Only if you trade rough (uncut) diamonds or diamond materials. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is mandatory for rough diamond imports to ensure conflict-free sourcing; each shipment requires a certificate (AED 500–1,200, 5–10 working days). Finished diamonds and jewellery do not require separate Kimberley certification. However, all precious metals dealers must register with AML/CFT authorities regardless of whether they handle rough diamonds, to prevent money laundering.
Can I get 100% ownership of a jewellery trading company in Dubai?
Yes, through three routes: (1) DMCC free zone—100% foreign ownership automatically permitted; (2) UAE Golden Visa—investors qualifying for residence can hold 100% on mainland with DET; (3) Gold & Diamond Park free zone—100% foreign ownership allowed. Mainland licences without a golden visa require a 51% UAE national partner. Partnership agreements cost AED 2,000–5,000 in legal fees. If 100% ownership is essential, DMCC or the gold park are faster and transparent options.
What happens if my jewellery fails hallmarking inspection at the Dubai Central Laboratory?
If goods fail purity testing, the DCL will reject hallmarking certification, and you cannot legally sell those items in Dubai. You must either have the jewellery re-refined (adding AED 200–500 per gram) or return it to the supplier. Selling unhallmarked or failed jewellery incurs fines of AED 5,000–50,000 and potential licence suspension. To avoid this, source from LBMA-accredited refineries or certified suppliers and budget AED 2,500–4,000 annually for hallmarking registration and routine testing. Dubai Business Services can connect you with compliant suppliers.
What is AML/CFT registration and why is it mandatory for jewellery traders?
AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering / Countering Terrorist Financing) registration is a compliance requirement imposed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the UAE government. All precious metals and gems traders must register with the Ministry of Finance or their free-zone authority, submit beneficial ownership and fund-source documentation, and implement customer due-diligence (CDD) procedures. Registration costs AED 800–2,000 one-time, plus AED 500–1,000 annual compliance reviews. Failure to register results in licence cancellation and criminal penalties. This applies to all traders, whether mainland, DMCC, or gold park–based.
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