Dubai Jewellery Trading Licence 2026: Cost & Setup Guide
A Dubai jewellery trading licence costs AED 30,000–55,000 all-in (2026), depending on your chosen jurisdiction. You'll register with the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) or your free-zone authority, complete AML/CFT registration with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and comply with Dubai Central Laboratory hallmarking standards. DBS has guided 80,000+ entrepreneurs through this process since 2009.
Dubai Jewellery Trading Licence: The 2026 Overview
A Dubai jewellery trading licence allows you to buy, sell, and deal in precious metals, diamonds, and jewellery within the Emirates. The licence cost sits between AED 30,000 and AED 55,000 all-in, covering registration, compliance, and initial documentation. Your choice of jurisdiction—mainland Dubai, DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre), or the Gold & Diamond Park—affects your timeline, fees, and operational scope. Dubai Business Services has partnered with the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM), the General Department of Residency & Foreign Affairs (GDRFA), and sector regulators to streamline Dubai business setup for jewellery traders. The FTA (Federal Tax Authority) now mandates VAT registration for most jewellery dealers, and the Dubai Central Laboratory enforces strict hallmarking rules on all precious metals.
WhatsApp DBS on +971 54 332 2846 to confirm your exact licence cost and timeline.
DMCC Jewellery Licence vs. Gold & Diamond Park vs. Mainland
The three primary routes differ significantly:
| Route | Cost (AED) | Best For | Key Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|
| DMCC | 35,000–55,000 | High-volume trading, international clients, bullion dealing | DMCC Authority |
| Gold & Diamond Park | 30,000–48,000 | Retail/wholesale jewellery, design workshops, mid-market | Gold & Diamond Park Authority |
| Mainland (DTCM) | 28,000–42,000 | Local retail, small-to-mid jewellery stores, limited export | DTCM, DET |
DMCC offers maximum regulatory prestige and access to global commodity markets; your company can hold a dealership licence and manage precious metals on the DMCC exchange. Gold & Diamond Park (located in Jebel Ali) provides a purpose-built cluster with shared hallmarking labs, import/export facilitation, and a lower cost of entry—ideal for established jewellery manufacturers and retailers. Mainland registration via the Department of Economic Development (DED) is simplest for single-location retail or e-commerce traders, though it carries restrictions on bullion dealing and international commodity trading.
DBS Dubai business setup consultants recommend DMCC for traders targeting gold bullion or certified diamonds; Gold & Diamond Park for jewellery craftspeople.
Jewellery Licence Cost Breakdown (AED 30,000–55,000)
Your all-in cost includes:
- Registration & Trade Name: AED 1,500–3,000 (DET or free-zone authority)
- Licence Application & Inspection: AED 2,000–5,000
- Initial Security Deposit (if trading bullion): AED 5,000–15,000
- AML/CFT Registration & Compliance Setup: AED 3,000–6,000 (FIU-mandated for precious metals dealers)
- Dubai Central Laboratory Hallmarking Registration & Initial Testing: AED 2,500–4,500
- Visa Sponsorship (1 manager/partner): AED 5,000–8,000
- VAT Registration (FTA): AED 0–500 (if threshold-eligible)
- Legal Documentation & PSA Drafting: AED 3,500–8,000
- Free-Zone or Mainland Membership (if applicable): AED 2,000–5,000
Actual costs vary by entity structure (sole trader, partnership, LLC), imported inventory volumes, and which authority oversees your licence. DBS provides transparent, itemised quotes with no hidden fees.
Hallmarking & Dubai Central Laboratory Requirements
All jewellery and precious metals sold in Dubai must be tested and hallmarked by the Dubai Central Laboratory, a DTCM-accredited facility. This ensures authenticity and purity. Traders must:
- Register with the Laboratory before trading begins (AED 500–1,000 annual fee).
- Submit all gold, silver, and platinum items for mandatory purity certification (assay fees: AED 10–50 per item depending on weight).
- Maintain hallmarking certificates alongside sales invoices for audit and consumer protection compliance.
The Laboratory also enforces the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) for diamond traders, requiring proof-of-origin documentation for all rough and polished diamonds. Failure to comply attracts fines of AED 5,000–50,000 and potential licence suspension.
AML/CFT Registration for Precious Metals Dealers
The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), overseen by the Ministry of Finance, classifies jewellery traders as Designated Non-Financial Businesses & Professions (DNFBPs). You must complete AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering & Countering the Financing of Terrorism) registration, which includes:
- Submitting a Business Risk Assessment form.
- Designating a Compliance Officer (can be your manager or yourself).
- Installing transaction monitoring for sales >AED 55,000 or suspicious patterns.
- Filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) where required.
- Annual compliance training for staff (AED 1,500–3,000 per workshop).
This registration is non-negotiable for any precious metals dealer in the UAE and is verified during your DTCM or free-zone licence audit. Non-compliance results in warnings, fines, or licence revocation.
Contact DBS to arrange your FIU AML/CFT package—we handle documentation and training coordination.
100% Foreign Ownership & Licence Timeline
Yes, you can own a 100% jewellery trading licence in Dubai if you choose a free zone (DMCC or Gold & Diamond Park). Mainland licences (DED/DTCM) typically require a UAE-resident sponsor or 49/51 local partnership, though some exemptions exist for certain nationalities under new FTA guidelines (2025–2026). Processing timelines are:
- DMCC: 7–14 days from application approval to licence issuance.
- Gold & Diamond Park: 10–21 days (includes hallmarking lab registration).
- Mainland: 14–28 days (DED processing, visa sponsorship adds 5–7 days).
Expedited routes (DBS Premium) reduce this to 3–7 days by pre-clearing all documents with the relevant authority.
Next Steps: Launch Your Jewellery Business
Your Dubai jewellery trading licence application should include:
- Completed trade licence application form (authority-specific).
- Passport copies & visa pages (all owners/managers).
- Bank reference letter and initial capital proof (AED 50,000+ recommended).
- Premises lease agreement (or free-zone unit confirmation).
- AML/CFT declaration and Compliance Officer appointment letter.
- DMCC/Gold & Diamond Park membership certificate (if applicable).
DBS has guided 80,000+ entrepreneurs since 2009 and offers a free 20-minute scoping call to clarify your jewellery licence route, cost, and timeline. Talk to Dubai Business Services—WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com today.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a jewellery trading licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
A complete jewellery trading licence costs AED 30,000–55,000 all-in, depending on your chosen jurisdiction. Mainland Dubai (DED/DTCM) ranges from AED 28,000–42,000; Gold & Diamond Park costs AED 30,000–48,000; DMCC ranges from AED 35,000–55,000. The cost covers registration, compliance, AML/CFT setup, hallmarking registration, visa sponsorship, and legal documentation. DBS provides itemised quotes with no hidden fees.
Do I need DMCC or mainland for a jewellery business in Dubai?
Choose DMCC if you trade bullion, precious metals on international exchanges, or serve high-volume wholesale clients—it offers maximum regulatory prestige and 100% foreign ownership. Choose Gold & Diamond Park for jewellery manufacturing, design workshops, and mid-market retail with shared hallmarking facilities. Mainland (DTCM/DED) suits small retail stores or e-commerce, though it may require a UAE sponsor for non-GCC nationals. DBS consultants can advise on your best fit.
What is the role of the Dubai Gold and Diamond Park?
The Gold & Diamond Park is a free zone in Jebel Ali dedicated to precious metals and diamond trading. It provides tenancy, shared accredited hallmarking labs, import/export facilitation, and a 30–50% lower regulatory cost than DMCC. It's ideal for jewellery retailers, craftspeople, and wholesalers. Your licence cost is AED 30,000–48,000, and processing takes 10–21 days including hallmarking registration with the Dubai Central Laboratory.
Do jewellery traders need to register with the Kimberley Process?
Yes, if you trade rough or polished diamonds. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is enforced by the Dubai Central Laboratory and DTCM. You must maintain proof-of-origin certificates for all diamonds and file annual compliance reports with the FTA. Failure to comply attracts fines of AED 5,000–50,000 and potential licence suspension. AML/CFT registration (FIU) also covers KPCS compliance.
Can I get 100% ownership of a jewellery trading company in Dubai?
Yes, if you register in a free zone—DMCC or Gold & Diamond Park both permit 100% foreign ownership. Mainland licences (DED/DTCM) typically require a UAE-resident sponsor or 49/51 local partnership, though recent FTA guidelines (2025–2026) offer limited exemptions for certain nationalities. DBS can confirm eligibility based on your nationality and business model.
What is AML/CFT registration and why is it mandatory for jewellery traders?
AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering & Countering the Financing of Terrorism) registration is mandated by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Jewellery traders are classified as DNFBPs (Designated Non-Financial Businesses). You must submit a Business Risk Assessment, appoint a Compliance Officer, monitor transactions over AED 55,000, and file Suspicious Activity Reports where required. Cost is AED 3,000–6,000; non-compliance risks licence revocation.
How long does it take to get a Dubai jewellery trading licence in 2026?
Processing timelines are: mainland (DED/DTCM) 14–28 days; Gold & Diamond Park 10–21 days; DMCC 7–14 days. Visa sponsorship adds 5–7 days. DBS Premium expedited routes reduce timelines to 3–7 days by pre-clearing all documents. Your timeline depends on document readiness, authority workload, and whether hallmarking registration is concurrent. WhatsApp DBS on +971 54 332 2846 for a real-time estimate.
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.