A Dubai jewellery trading licence costs AED 30,000–55,000 all-in (2026), depending on free-zone vs. mainland and entity size. You’ll register with either the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) or the Gold and Diamond Park, comply with Dubai Central Laboratory hallmarking standards, and file AML/CFT paperwork with the Financial Intelligence Unit. The Dubai Economy and Tourism authority oversees mainland licensing.
Dubai Jewellery Trading Licence: 2026 Overview
A Dubai business setup in precious metals requires a dedicated trading licence issued by either a free zone (DMCC or Gold & Diamond Park) or the Dubai mainland regulator, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). All jewellery traders handling gold, diamonds, pearls, and gemstones must comply with the Central Bank of the UAE’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework, plus Dubai’s hallmarking standards enforced by the Dubai Central Laboratory. As of 2026, the all-in cost band for a jewellery trading company—including licence fees, registration, and initial compliance—sits at AED 30,000–55,000 for small-to-medium traders.
Ready to explore your options? Contact DBS for a free 20-minute scoping call: WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
DMCC vs. Gold & Diamond Park: Which Free Zone?
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and the Gems and Jewellery Park (Gold & Diamond Park, located in Jebel Ali) are the two specialist free-zone hubs for jewellery traders in Dubai. DMCC offers broader commodities trading flexibility and attracts larger regional and international dealers; it charges a registration fee of AED 3,000–5,000 plus an annual trade licence fee of AED 8,000–15,000 depending on the activity classification code. The Gold & Diamond Park, operated under the Free Zones Corporation umbrella, focuses exclusively on precious metals and gemstones, charging slightly lower entry fees (AED 2,500–4,000 registration) and annual licence costs of AED 7,000–12,000, but with tighter sectoral scrutiny. Both zones grant 100% foreign ownership and zero import duties on precious metals within the zone; however, goods intended for re-export or local sale must clear Customs and meet Dubai Central Laboratory hallmarking certificates before leaving the zone.
Not sure which zone fits your trading model? Our Dubai business setup consultants can benchmark your costs in 20 minutes.
Mainland vs. Free-Zone Jewellery Trading
Setting up on the Dubai mainland (under DET licensing) costs less upfront—typically AED 8,000–18,000 in licence and registration fees—but requires a local UAE national sponsor holding 51% equity, or, since 2020, a direct licence from DET if you qualify as a strategic investor or large-scale trader. Mainland traders enjoy easier retail footfall access and lower overheads but face higher compliance reporting to MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) for employment, customs duties on imported precious metals, and mandatory quarterly AML/CFT filings with the FIU. Free zones eliminate the sponsorship requirement and duties but impose zone-rental overheads (typically AED 5,000–8,000 annually per office unit) and stricter import/export documentation. For traders planning to establish a showroom and retail sales, mainland is often more cost-effective; for import/re-export or wholesale operations, DMCC or Gold & Diamond Park is standard.
Hallmarking, Testing & Dubai Central Laboratory Requirements
All precious metals traded in Dubai—whether gold (22K, 18K, 14K), diamonds, or other gemstones—must carry a Dubai Central Laboratory hallmark certificate confirming authenticity, purity, and weight. The DCL operates under the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments (GAIAE) and charges per-item assay fees of approximately AED 50–150 depending on the item’s weight and material. Jewellery traders must either send items to DCL before sale or hold a valid goods-on-hand inventory audited by DCL quarterly; failure to do so risks licence suspension. All free-zone traders are required to use DCL or approved testing partners; mainland traders may use GFIC-certified private labs but must still hold DCL certificates for retail sale. This compliance is non-negotiable and is included in the all-in cost estimate through ongoing testing and certification expenses.
DCL hallmarking is a legal requirement for all Dubai jewellery sales. Confirm your testing SOP with DBS: inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com.
AML/CFT Registration & Precious Metals Dealer Compliance
The Central Bank of the UAE, through its Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), mandates all precious metals dealers to register and file Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) records. As of 2026, jewellery traders must integrate transaction monitoring software (or outsource to a compliance provider), maintain Know-Your-Customer (KYC) records for all buyers of items valued above AED 100,000, and file quarterly AML/CFT attestations with the FIU. The cost of AML/CFT compliance (software, training, filing) ranges from AED 8,000–16,000 annually for a small trader and is a critical line item in your operating budget. Many new traders overlook this cost; it is not optional and will be requested during your licence issuance. MOHRE also cross-checks jewellery businesses for Emiratisation compliance if you employ UAE nationals.
100% Foreign Ownership in Dubai Jewellery Trading
Under Dubai’s 2020 foreign direct investment reforms and free-zone autonomy, a 100% foreign-owned jewellery trading company is permissible in DMCC and Gold & Diamond Park. On the mainland, a foreign national must either secure a strategic investor licence from DET (requiring a minimum investment of AED 500,000–1 million) or partner with a UAE national sponsor retaining 51% equity. Free zones eliminate the sponsor requirement entirely, making them the default choice for international traders. However, 100% ownership does not exempt you from local labour compliance (MOHRE), tax registration (FTA for mainland; VAT clearance mandatory since 2018), and AML/CFT filing. Formation timelines for a free-zone jewellery entity range from 10–15 working days once all documents are authenticated; mainland registration typically takes 7–10 days.
All-In Cost Breakdown & 2026 Budget Planning
A realistic all-in cost for launching a jewellery trading company in Dubai in 2026 is AED 30,000–55,000, structured as follows:
| Cost Category | Free Zone (DMCC/Gold & Diamond Park) | Mainland (DET) |
|---|---|---|
| Company registration & trade licence | AED 5,000–7,000 | AED 3,000–6,000 |
| Bank account opening & initial deposit | AED 5,000–10,000 | AED 5,000–10,000 |
| Office/zone rental (first 3 months) | AED 5,000–10,000 | AED 2,000–5,000 |
| Hallmarking (DCL accreditation & initial audit) | AED 3,000–5,000 | AED 3,000–5,000 |
| AML/CFT software & compliance setup | AED 4,000–8,000 | AED 4,000–8,000 |
| Legal & document preparation | AED 5,000–8,000 | AED 4,000–6,000 |
| Customs clearance & import permits | AED 2,000–4,000 | AED 2,000–4,000 |
| Total (All-In) | AED 29,000–52,000 | AED 23,000–44,000* |
*Mainland costs exclude UAE national sponsor fees (typically AED 5,000–10,000 one-time) and do not include licensing under strategic investor exemption.
These figures assume a sole proprietorship or small private company structure with annual stock turnover of AED 1–5 million. Larger trading operations (AED 10 million+ stock value) may incur additional audit, compliance, and regulatory fees, pushing all-in costs to AED 60,000–80,000.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a jewellery trading licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
A Dubai jewellery trading licence costs AED 30,000–55,000 all-in for a small-to-medium trader, inclusive of registration, trade licence, bank deposit, office setup, hallmarking accreditation, and AML/CFT compliance. Free-zone (DMCC or Gold & Diamond Park) licences range AED 29,000–52,000; mainland licences (DET-issued) range AED 23,000–44,000 excluding sponsor fees. Annual operating costs (zone rental, compliance, testing) add AED 15,000–25,000 per year.
Do I need DMCC or mainland for a jewellery business in Dubai?
Choose DMCC or Gold & Diamond Park if you want 100% foreign ownership, zero import duties on precious metals, and lower compliance barriers. Choose mainland (DET) if you have a local UAE partner, need a retail showroom, or prefer lower setup fees. Free zones suit import/export and wholesale; mainland suits retail. Both require identical hallmarking and AML/CFT compliance via Dubai Central Laboratory and the Financial Intelligence Unit.
What is the role of the Gold and Diamond Park in Dubai jewellery trading?
The Gold and Diamond Park (Gems and Jewellery Park, Jebel Ali) is a dedicated free-zone cluster for precious metals and gemstone traders, offering lower entry fees (AED 2,500–4,000 registration, AED 7,000–12,000 annual licence) than DMCC, 100% foreign ownership, and zero customs duties on goods held in the zone. It is operated under the Free Zones Corporation and focuses exclusively on jewellery, diamonds, and metals, with mandatory Dubai Central Laboratory hallmarking and quarterly compliance audits.
Do jewellery traders need to register with the Kimberley Process?
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is not a mandatory registration requirement in Dubai as of 2026, but if you trade in conflict diamonds (rough diamonds from specific regions), you must comply with KPCS origin documentation and UAE Customs declaration rules. Most retail and wholesale jewellery traders do not trigger KPCS mandates unless trading bulk rough diamonds. Your Dubai Central Laboratory certificate supersedes KPCS for finished goods; verify your commodity classification with DET or your free-zone authority.
Can I get 100% ownership of a jewellery trading company in Dubai?
Yes. In free zones (DMCC and Gold & Diamond Park), 100% foreign ownership is automatic with no sponsor requirement. On the mainland, you must either hold a DET strategic investor licence (minimum AED 500,000–1 million investment) or retain a UAE national sponsor at 51% equity. Free zones are the simplest path to sole foreign ownership; both structures remain subject to AML/CFT filing, MOHRE employment rules, and hallmarking compliance.
What are the hallmarking and Dubai Central Laboratory rules for jewellery traders?
All precious metals (gold, diamonds, gemstones) sold in Dubai must carry a Dubai Central Laboratory (DCL) hallmark certificate confirming authenticity, purity, and weight. Traders must register with DCL, submit items for assay (AED 50–150 per item), and maintain quarterly inventory audits. Free-zone and mainland traders are equally bound. Failure to hallmark results in licence suspension and Customs penalties. Costs for hallmarking accreditation and initial audit are AED 3,000–5,000.
What is AML/CFT registration for precious metals dealers in Dubai?
The Central Bank of the UAE requires all jewellery and precious metals dealers to register with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), maintain Know-Your-Customer records for purchases over AED 100,000, implement transaction monitoring software, and file quarterly Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs). Non-compliance risks licence suspension and financial penalties. Setup and annual compliance costs are AED 8,000–16,000, and this is a mandatory line item in your operating budget.
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.
