Dubai is one of the world’s strongest gold trading hubs, offering global market access, strict regulations, tax benefits, and secure business infrastructure. Getting a Gold Trading License involves choosing a business structure, registering your company, securing approvals, meeting compliance rules, and opening a corporate bank account. Costs range between AED 20,000 and AED 30,000 depending on location and activity. Dubai’s gold market benefits from strong demand, international connectivity, skilled professionals, and supportive government policies. With expert guidance from DIAC, investors can smoothly set up their company and operate confidently in the UAE’s fast-growing gold trading sector.
What is a Gold Trading License in Dubai?
A Gold Trading License is an official permit that allows individuals or companies to legally buy, sell, import, export, or store gold and precious metals in Dubai. It is issued under strict commercial and security standards because Dubai is one of the world’s most important gold markets. Investors enter a sector where The United Arab Emirates’ most prominent city has solidified its position as an international epicenter for precious metal commerce, emerging as among the planet’s foremost contributors to the gold industry. Operating within the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Free Zone, the Emirates Gold Refinery possesses the capability to process and refine gold at a remarkable yearly volume of 200 tonnes. This strong infrastructure and demand make gold trading a high-potential business activity for global entrepreneurs.
A Gold Trading License is required whether you operate through physical shops, online platforms, gold storage facilities, or wholesale import/export. The licence ensures compliance with quality, transparency, and UAE anti-money laundering regulations, protecting both traders and consumers. Dubai’s reputation for trust and safety is why international investors continue choosing the city for gold trading operations.
Why Start a Gold Trading Business in Dubai?
Dubai provides unmatched advantages for traders and investors, making it the go-to destination for starting a precious metals company. From advanced free zones to global trade hubs, the city offers a complete ecosystem for gold operations.
Strong Global Demand
Gold maintains consistent global demand, and Dubai serves as a central link between African, Asian, and European markets, ensuring traders benefit from year-round activity.
Strategic Trade Location
Dubai’s geographic position allows easy access to international suppliers and buyers, reducing shipping costs and improving logistics for any gold trading business.
Established Gold Marketplaces
Investors have direct access to well-known trading hubs like DMCC, Gold Souk, and GDP (Gold & Diamond Park), where wholesalers, refiners, and retailers operate under regulated systems.
Tax-Friendly Environment
Dubai offers a business environment without personal income tax and with clear rules for corporate tax, supporting long-term profitability for gold traders.
Reliable Storage and Refining Facilities
Modern gold vaults, refineries, and secure storage systems allow traders to safely process, refine, or hold gold without facing operational bottlenecks.
Favorable Regulations
Dubai’s government encourages investment while maintaining strict oversight, ensuring the gold sector remains safe, transparent, and globally respected.
High Liquidity Market
Gold is traded daily in massive volumes, making it easy for businesses to buy or sell quickly without waiting for market fluctuations.
How to Start a Gold Trading Business in Dubai?
Starting a gold trading company requires following legal, financial, and operational steps in a structured manner. Dubai’s framework is supportive, but precision is essential during setup.
Choose Your Trading Activity
Decide whether you will trade raw gold, bullion, jewellery, or operate wholesale or retail. Each activity has different requirements and permissions.
Select Your Business Jurisdiction
Choose between mainland, free zone, or offshore structures depending on your model. Many investors prefer Freezone company formation for simplified processes and 100% ownership.
Apply for Initial Approval
Initial approval confirms that your business activity aligns with Dubai’s commercial and compliance rules before proceeding with licensing.
Choose a Legal Structure
One of the most common structures is an LLC in Dubai, which offers flexibility, limited liability, and suitable investment protection for gold traders.
Reserve Your Trade Name
Select a unique, compliant business name that reflects your trading activity and meets local regulations.
Submit Application for Gold Trading License
Apply to obtain a gold business licence through the appropriate authority, ensuring that your documents and activity descriptions are accurate.
Register with Relevant Authorities
Depending on your location, you may need approval from the Dubai Multi-Commodities Center (DMCC) or related commercial departments.
Complete Office Setup
Gold trading companies require secure and approved office spaces to comply with regulations and receive inspections.
Open Your Corporate Bank Account
Once your licence is approved, you can open your corporate bank account, enabling smooth international and local financial transactions.
Gold Trading License Cost in Dubai
The total cost of obtaining a Gold Trading License in Dubai depends on your company structure, jurisdiction, and trading activities. On average, the full setup ranges between AED 20,000 to AED 30,000, but additional expenses may apply depending on operational needs, compliance requirements, and security standards.
Below is a fully detailed cost breakdown:
License Issuance Fees
Government fees for issuing your gold trading license. These charges cover the official approval of your business activity, along with the cost to renew the license each year. Fees vary slightly depending on whether you choose mainland or a free zone.
Registration Fees
This includes the cost of trade name reservation, commercial registration, and administrative paperwork required to legally register your gold trading company. It covers document typing, approvals, and entry into Dubai’s commercial registry.
Office Lease Costs
You must secure a physical office or an approved flexi-desk in your chosen jurisdiction. The cost depends on the business location, size, and free zone requirements. A physical address is mandatory for regulatory inspections, record keeping, and verification.
Compliance & Approval Fees
Gold trading is a highly regulated sector. You may need to pay for compliance approvals related to anti-money laundering (AML), security checks, inspections, and risk assessment procedures. These fees ensure that your business meets Dubai’s high safety and legal standards.
Bank Account Compliance Costs
Banks may charge due-diligence fees during the onboarding of your corporate bank account. These fees cover compliance checks, KYC reviews, risk evaluation, and verification of trading activities before opening the account.
Share Capital Requirements
Some free zones require a minimum share capital deposit to activate the license. The amount varies depending on the structure and size of your company. This capital may need to be shown as proof of financial capability.
Administrative and Service Fees
These include the cost of document translation, attestation, legal typing, notarization, courier fees, and any government portal charges required during the setup process. These small but essential costs ensure a smooth and legally compliant formation.
Benefits of Starting a Gold Trading Business in Dubai
Dubai offers a unique environment for gold traders, combining world-class infrastructure, strong regulations, and global trust. It is one of the safest, most profitable, and most supportive places in the world to run a gold-related business. Whether you are entering wholesale gold trading, bullion import/export, jewellery manufacturing, or retail operations, Dubai provides advantages that help your business grow steadily and operate securely for many years.
Global Trading Reputation
Dubai is known around the world as a reliable and trustworthy gold marketplace. Buyers and sellers value the city’s transparent pricing, strict quality standards, and professional trading environment. This reputation attracts international investors, giving businesses the confidence to trade large quantities of gold without concerns about authenticity or market instability.
Access to International Markets
One of Dubai’s greatest strengths is its location. The city sits between Asia, Africa, and Europe, making it a natural gateway for gold import and export. Its world-class airports, seaports, and logistics companies enable traders to move gold quickly and safely. This global connectivity helps businesses reach international suppliers and buyers with ease.
Regulated Trading Environment
The gold sector in Dubai is governed by strong regulations that promote safety, transparency, and fair business practices. These rules ensure that each gold trading business in Dubai operates under international compliance standards. The regulated environment protects investors and builds trust in the market, reducing risks related to fraud and illegal activities.
Access to Skilled Workforce
Dubai offers a large pool of professionals who specialise in all areas of the gold industry. This includes experienced jewellers, refiners, gemologists, security specialists, auditors, and financial experts. Having access to such skilled talent helps businesses maintain high-quality operations, especially in areas where precision and security matter.
Stable Economy
The UAE is known for its stable and well-managed economy. Low inflation, strong currency policies, and consistent government planning make it a safe place for long-term investments. Gold traders benefit from this stability, as it reduces financial risks and creates a predictable environment for business growth.
Supportive Government Policies
Dubai’s government actively supports gold trading through investor-friendly rules and simplified procedures. Setting up and operating a gold business is made easier with clear guidelines, quick approvals, and flexible company structures. These policies attract global traders and encourage new businesses to enter the market with confidence.
Easy Scaling Opportunities
Dubai’s gold market is diverse, allowing businesses to grow in multiple directions. A trader can begin with simple buying and selling and later expand into bullion trading, jewellery manufacturing, gold refining, or storage services. The city’s strong ecosystem, including refineries, vaults, wholesalers, and retail hubs, makes scaling smooth and efficient. As demand increases, companies can add new services or enter new markets without major obstacles.
Documents Required for Gold Trading License in Dubai
Proper documentation is essential for smooth approval and full compliance with commercial, security, and anti-money-laundering rules. Below is a more complete list you can use:
- Passport copies of all shareholders and partners
Clear, valid passport copies for every owner or partner in the company. - Passport copy of the manager / authorised signatory
Required if the day-to-day manager is different from the shareholders. - Emirates ID copy (if applicable)
For UAE residents, a valid Emirates ID is usually requested. - UAE residence visa copy (if applicable)
Required for any shareholder or manager who already lives in the UAE. - Recent passport-size photographs
Digital or printed photos of shareholders and managers as per authority requirements. - Trade name reservation certificate
Proof that your chosen company name has been reserved and approved. - Initial approval certificate
Issued by the relevant authority after reviewing your basic application and activities. - Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Document outlining shareholding, company objectives, rights, and responsibilities. - Articles of Association (AOA), if required
Sets out internal governance rules, voting rights, and management structure. - Board resolution (for corporate shareholders)
If a company is a shareholder, a resolution authorising the new entity is needed. - Power of Attorney (if using a representative)
Required when someone is signing or acting on behalf of a shareholder. - Lease agreement / Tenancy contract for office
Valid contract for your office or business space in Dubai. - Ejari (for mainland companies)
Official registration of the tenancy contract in the Ejari system, where applicable. - Proof of address for shareholders
Recent utility bill, bank statement, or government document showing residential address. - Bank reference letter (sometimes requested)
A letter from the bank confirming the relationship with the shareholder or company. - Detailed business plan
Especially important for gold trading: includes activities, markets, suppliers, clients, and risk controls. - Projected financial statements
Basic forecasts of income, expenses, and capital requirements for the first few years. - KYC and AML policy documents
Written procedures showing how the company will comply with UAE anti-money laundering regulations. - Compliance and internal control policy
Describes how the company will monitor transactions, report suspicious activity, and maintain records. - SIRA-related documents (if required)
For physical gold handling or storage, security layout, contracts with security providers, or SIRA approvals may be required. - Customs registration documents (for import/export)
Forms and IDs needed to obtain a customs code for gold import and export. - Any required NOC (No Objection Certificate)
For example, from a current sponsor, landlord, or free zone authority, when applicable.
Legal Structure of Gold Trading Company in Dubai
The legal structure you choose for your gold trading company determines how your business will operate, who can own it, how profits are shared, and what level of compliance you must follow. Dubai offers several business structures to match different investment goals, risk levels, and market strategies. Understanding these options helps you set up your company correctly from the start and avoid costly changes later.
Mainland Structure
A mainland company allows gold traders to operate anywhere within Dubai and across the UAE without restrictions on location. This structure gives you the flexibility to trade directly with local markets, open retail shops, participate in auctions, and deal with government organisations. It is ideal for businesses that want to sell gold to UAE customers and work with local distributors or wholesalers. Mainland companies are regulated by Dubai’s economic authorities, ensuring transparency and a smooth trading environment.
Free Zone Structure
A free zone structure is popular among international investors because it offers full foreign ownership, simplified paperwork, and business-friendly regulations. Free zones provide a tax-efficient environment and modern facilities designed specifically for gold traders, refiners, and jewellery manufacturers. Investors also benefit from easy import and export procedures, making free zones the preferred option for companies focused on global trading rather than retail sales within Dubai.
Branch of Foreign Company
A foreign company can establish a branch in Dubai to extend its existing operations into the UAE market. This option allows the company to conduct gold trading activities without creating a new legal entity. The branch operates under the parent company’s name and follows its management structure, but must comply with all local laws and regulations. This structure is ideal for international firms looking to test the Dubai market or expand gradually.
Representative Office
A representative office allows a foreign company to establish a presence in Dubai for marketing, research, and promotional activities. However, it cannot conduct commercial trading, buy gold, sell gold, or engage in financial transactions. This option is useful for companies that want to study the UAE market, meet potential partners, and build brand awareness before launching full trading operations.
Sole Establishment
A sole establishment is designed for individuals who want complete control over their gold trading activities. This structure allows a single owner to run the business, but it also comes with higher personal responsibility since the owner is fully liable for all obligations and debts. It is suitable for small traders or consultants, but compliance requirements must be followed carefully, especially in regulated sectors like gold trading.
LLC Structure
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is one of the most common structures for gold trading businesses. It offers limited liability protection, meaning the owners are only responsible for the company’s debts up to the amount they invested. This structure is ideal for businesses involved in physical gold trading, bullion sales, or wholesale operations. An LLC is also flexible, allowing multiple investors and giving the company room to grow.
Joint Venture
A joint venture allows two or more parties to collaborate on a gold trading project while sharing resources, expertise, investment, and risk. This structure is often used when international investors partner with local traders to enter the UAE market. It combines market knowledge, financial strength, and operational capability. Joint ventures can be temporary or long-term, depending on the agreement between partners.
What Licenses are Needed for Starting a Gold Trading Company in Dubai?
Gold businesses require specific permits depending on their structure and activities. Below is the complete list in bullet-point format:
- Commercial Trade License
Required for buying and selling gold at wholesale or retail levels. - DED Trade License
Businesses operating on the mainland need a trade license from Department of Economic Development (DED). - DMCC Gold Trading License
Issued by the DMCC free zone to support gold import, export, and refining operations. - Security Industry Regulatory Approval
Companies handling physical gold must comply with Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) safety standards. - Customs Registration
Needed for gold import, gold export, and related logistics operations. - Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Certification
Businesses must follow UAE anti-money laundering regulations to prevent illegal financial activities. - Holiday Home or Shop Permits
Retail gold sellers may require extra permits depending on the shop’s location and mall policies.
How DIAC Helps You To Obtain a Gold Trading License in Dubai
Getting a Gold Trading Company License in Dubai is a powerful opportunity for global investors. Dubai’s strong reputation, favourable tax policies, advanced infrastructure, secure environment, and access to global markets make the city one of the best places to build a successful gold enterprise. With the right structure, compliance strategy, and proper guidance, entrepreneurs can operate confidently in one of the world’s most valuable trading sectors.
For an easy and stress-free setup, many investors choose DIAC, a trusted team of business setup consultants in Dubai. DIAC handles the entire process for you paperwork, approvals, compliance preparation, and submissions ensuring your Gold Trading License in Dubai is obtained smoothly, quickly, and professionally.
