A Dubai jewellery trading licence costs AED 30,000–55,000 all-in and is regulated by the Department of Economic and Tourism (DET). You must choose between DMCC (Diamonds Park) or Gold & Diamond Park for precious metals compliance. All dealers must register with AML/CFT frameworks and comply with Dubai Central Laboratory hallmarking standards.
What Is a Dubai Jewellery Trading Licence?
A jewellery trading licence permits buying, selling, and warehousing precious metals—gold, diamonds, gemstones, and silver—in Dubai. The Department of Economic and Tourism (DET) oversees licensing; the Dubai Gold and Diamond Park and DMCC specialise in commodity oversight. Whether you choose a Dubai business setup on the mainland or within a free zone, hallmarking via the Dubai Central Laboratory is mandatory for all jewellery exports and domestic sales above specified thresholds.
Jewellery Licence Cost Breakdown: AED 30,000–55,000
Total all-in costs for a jewellery trading licence in 2026 fall within AED 30,000–55,000, depending on your chosen zone and business structure:
| Cost Category | Mainland | DMCC | Gold & Diamond Park |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade licence fee | AED 1,500–3,000 | AED 3,500–5,500 | AED 2,500–4,000 |
| Registration & admin | AED 2,000–4,000 | AED 1,500–2,500 | AED 1,200–2,000 |
| Office/warehouse setup | AED 10,000–20,000 | AED 8,000–15,000 | AED 8,000–12,000 |
| Hallmarking & compliance | AED 5,000–10,000 | AED 4,000–8,000 | AED 3,500–6,000 |
| AML/CFT registration | AED 3,000–8,000 | AED 2,500–6,000 | AED 2,000–5,000 |
| Visa, insurance, misc. | AED 5,000–12,000 | AED 4,000–10,000 | AED 4,000–9,000 |
Exact fees vary by emirate and business scale; contact DBS for a tailored quote.
DMCC vs. Gold & Diamond Park vs. Mainland: Which Route?
Your choice shapes cost, compliance, and growth potential. DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) offers free-zone status, 100% foreign ownership, and streamlined precious metals trading under international standards. Gold & Diamond Park specialises in jewellery manufacturing and trading with dedicated hallmarking labs on-site; ideal for mid-to-large operators. Mainland Dubai (via DET) suits smaller traders and those seeking local emirate roots; requires 51% UAE/GCC ownership unless exempted (check latest DMCC foreign investment rules). All three mandate AML/CFT compliance and Dubai Central Laboratory certification.
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Hallmarking, Dubai Central Laboratory & Compliance Standards
The Dubai Central Laboratory is the official testing body for all gold, silver, and diamond purity verification. Every precious metal item must carry a certified hallmark before sale or export. Traders must submit batch samples quarterly and maintain chain-of-custody records. Non-compliance incurs fines (AED 5,000–50,000) and licence suspension. The Laboratory also enforces Kimberley Process Certification for diamonds to prevent conflict-stone trading—mandatory for all export shipments.
AML/CFT Registration: Anti-Money Laundering Essentials
The UAE’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) requires all precious metals dealers to register under Anti-Money Laundering & Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) frameworks. Registration costs AED 2,000–8,000 and includes customer due diligence (CDD), Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, and suspicious transaction reporting. Jewellery traders must retain sales records for 7 years and report cash transactions above AED 55,000 to the FIU. MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation) and the Compliance Department of your chosen free zone oversee audits.
100% Ownership & Visa Allocations
DMCC permits 100% foreign or expat ownership via a free-zone company structure; no local Emirati partner required. Gold & Diamond Park and mainland setups typically require a 51% UAE national stake, though exemptions exist for certain investor categories. Each structure includes 1–2 visa allocations (founder/manager); additional staff visas cost AED 2,500–4,500 each. Sponsorship is your company; no separate local agent needed in a free zone.
Getting Your Licence in 2026: Timeline & Next Steps
End-to-end setup takes 7–14 days if documents are ready. DBS guides you through: (1) trade licence application to DET, (2) hallmarking enrolment via Dubai Central Laboratory, (3) AML/CFT registration with FIU, (4) safe custody insurance (AED 1,500–3,000/year). You’ll need a valid trade name, office lease (or free-zone desk), passport copies, proof of funds, and detailed business plan. Start now to ensure 2026 compliance with updated FTA import/export rules on precious metals sourcing.
Why Choose Dubai Business Services?
Since 2009, Dubai Business Services (DBS Documents Clearing LLC) has guided 80,000+ entrepreneurs through jewellery licensing. We handle trade licence applications, hallmarking liaison, and AML/CFT paperwork—saving you weeks. Our transparent, all-in fee model (no hidden charges) covers DET filing, compliance checklists, and free zone co-ordination. Book a free 20-minute scoping call to lock in your 2026 setup timeline.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a jewellery trading licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
Total all-in cost ranges from AED 30,000–55,000, including trade licence (AED 1,500–5,500), office setup (AED 8,000–20,000), hallmarking registration (AED 3,500–10,000), and AML/CFT compliance (AED 2,000–8,000). Exact cost depends on your chosen zone (DMCC, Gold & Diamond Park, or mainland) and business scale. DBS provides a tailored quote after a 15-minute consultation.
Do I need DMCC or mainland for a jewellery business in Dubai?
DMCC suits traders seeking 100% foreign ownership, lower zone fees, and international commodity standards. Mainland (via DET) works for smaller dealers and those wanting emirate presence but typically requires 51% UAE ownership (exemptions apply). Gold & Diamond Park is best for manufacturers and high-volume traders with on-site labs. Your choice depends on capital, ownership structure, and export volume—DBS can model both scenarios.
What is the role of the Dubai Gold and Diamond Park?
The Dubai Gold and Diamond Park is a dedicated free zone hosting jewellery manufacturers, traders, and exporters. It provides on-site hallmarking labs, secure vaults, and dedicated compliance teams. Traders benefit from AED 2,500–4,000 licence fees, fast lane registration, and integrated supply-chain oversight. It’s ideal for mid-to-large operations; smaller traders often favour DMCC or mainland for lower overhead.
Do jewellery traders need to register with the Kimberley Process?
Yes. All diamond traders must comply with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme to prevent conflict diamonds. Registration is handled via the Dubai Central Laboratory and your chosen free zone or DET office. There is no separate fee, but compliance is audited quarterly. Failure to certify diamonds can halt export licences and incur fines up to AED 50,000.
Can I get 100% ownership of a jewellery trading company in Dubai?
Yes, via DMCC or other free zones. DMCC explicitly allows 100% foreign and expat ownership under UAE free-zone law. Mainland setups typically require a 51% UAE national partner, though certain investor categories may qualify for exemptions (check latest DET guidelines). DBS can advise your ownership structure and visa strategy based on your profile.
What hallmarking standards apply to Dubai jewellery traders?
The Dubai Central Laboratory is the sole authority for purity certification and hallmarking. All gold must meet Assay Office standards (14K, 18K, 22K, 24K); diamonds and gemstones are certified for weight and clarity. Traders must submit batch samples quarterly and maintain 7-year records. Export requires certified hallmarks; breaches result in fines (AED 5,000–50,000) and licence suspension.
What is AML/CFT registration and why is it mandatory?
AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering & Counter-Financing of Terrorism) registration with the UAE’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is required for all precious metals dealers. You must implement Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, report suspicious transactions, and retain records for 7 years. Registration costs AED 2,000–8,000 and is overseen by MOHRE and your free zone. Non-compliance risks heavy fines and licence revocation.
Get expert help in 20 minutes
Need clarity on your Dubai setup? Talk to DBS Documents Clearing LLC — 80,000+ entrepreneurs served since 2009. WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a free 20-minute scoping call.
