How to Start a Gold Trading Business in Dubai

Gold trading business in Dubai is not just another business idea; it is a high-potential opportunity. If you plan to trade gold locally, online, or internationally, getting a gold trading license in Dubai is your first step.  

The world cannot get enough of Dubai gold, and numbers prove it. Rightly called the “City of Gold”, Dubai exported $53.4 billion worth of gold in 2024 – 2025 alone. Given Dubai’s strategic location, minimal customs duties, lowest taxes, and business-friendly environment, investors have strong confidence in Dubai’s gold market.   

This comprehensive blog explains the gold trading business in Dubai, popular locations, costs, and the actual legal setup process.   

Dubai’s unmatched legacy in gold  

Gold is deeply embedded in Dubai’s economy and culture. Since the early 1940s, when the city became a key trading port, Dubai has been closely linked to the gold trade.  

With its strategic location between the East and the West, Dubai has become a major hub for gold imports and exports over the years.   

And Dubai is not stopping there. The government has recently announced a gold street project. Real gold elements will be used in a street located in the Dubai Gold District – a hub that is home to thousands of gold retailers.  

If you are thinking of a gold trade business in Dubai, you are already on the right path!  

Key regulations and requirements for the gold trade business in Dubai  

Here is a quick list of legal requirements for starting a gold trading business in the Emirate of Dubai:

Gold trading license in Dubai:

For any kind of gold-related business activity, obtaining a gold trading license in Dubai is the first requirement. Based on the license issuing authority and business location, types of gold trading licenses in Dubai include:  

• DET gold trading license: A mainland license which allows both local and international trading.
• Free zone gold trading license: Issued by free zone authorities such as DMCC and Dubai Gold & Diamond Park.   

AML law compliance:

Gold businesses need strict adherence to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws. This prevents illegal trading of gold. Measures include:  

• Conducting KYC diligence
• Maintaining transaction and invoice records (typically for 5 years) for audits, taxes, and overall business administration   

Gold quality assurance:

As a gold business in Dubai, you must follow both international and local UAE gold benchmarks to ensure the purity and legitimacy of gold products.  

VAT and customs compliance:

Mandatory VAT registration is required if your annual turnover is expected to exceed AED 375,000*. Along with that, for importing and exporting of gold, you need to comply with customs laws, including proper documentation, duty fees, and inspections.  

Insurance coverage:

Providing insurance for shipments, stored bullion, or gold inventory to protect against risks of theft or damage.  

Secure storage measures:

Gold inventory should be secured in a safe and certified vault or storage facility. Security measures should be as per the required standards.  

Cost of starting a gold trading license in UAE  

The cost of starting a gold trading business in Dubai includes a gold trading license ranging from AED 15,000 to AED 25,000*, along with SIRA approval costing approximately AED 4,000*.  

Typical investment breakdown (cost elements):  

• Trade license fee 
• Office rent
• Visa and an establishment card
• Bank account setup
• Insurance and compliance   

For a personalised setup cost of your gold trading company in Dubai, please contact our business setup expert.   

Documents needed for a gold trading company license  

To get the gold trading company license, you will generally need the following documents:  

• Application form
• Passport-sized photographs
• Passport and visa copies of the owner/shareholders 
• CV of the manager 
• Trade name registration certificate 
• Initial approval certificate 
• Attested articles of the company 
• Tenancy contract, if any
• Other documents as may be asked for

Business plan, KYC forms, and UBO declaration are some of the other legal requirements. For more documentation support, you can contact our experts at Dubiz Business Setup. 

How to start a gold trading business in Dubai?  

To successfully start a gold trading company in Dubai, follow these steps:  

Step 1. Create your business Plan  

Create a thorough business plan wherein you will explain your objectives, target market, financial forecasts, and operational plans. Your company’s decisions will be guided by this blueprint, so make sure it is clear and practical.   

Step 2. Pick a business structure in UAE  

Taking ownership and liability into account, pick the best legal structure for a gold trading business, which can be:  

• Sole proprietorship: Own business as a single person. Take full responsibility for its liability and profits.
• Joint stock company: Ideal for larger businesses planning to sell shares to the public (IPO) or private investors.
• Partnership: Collaborate with one or more partners. Share losses and responsibilities after mutual agreement.
• Free zone entity (establishment/company): 100% ownership rights and access to premium co-working spaces.
• Mainland Limited Liability Company (LLC): Do business inside and outside the UAE. Apply for flexible visas.  

Step 3. Choose a prime location  

Decide on the suitable location for your business – Gold Souk (mainland), DMCC, Gold & Diamond Park, or other. Study factors like foot traffic, visibility, and leasing rates while choosing the location.    

Step 4. Obtain gold trading licenses and approvals  

Get a gold trading license from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in case of mainland setup, or the appropriate free zone authority. Please note that gold trading in Dubai may need approval from the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA).  

Steps to obtain a gold trading license in Dubai:  

1. Register trade name: Submit your desired trade name to DET or the free zone.
2. Finalise business activities: It can be trading, refining, manufacturing, importing, or exporting.  
3. Get an office: You can rent a physical office or choose a co-working space, depending on the mainland or the free zone.  
4. Get SIRA approval: Gold businesses in Dubai need approval from the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA).   
5. Submit license application: Submit SIRA approval, passport copy, and other documents to DET or the respective free zone to formally request a gold trading license. Pay the necessary license fee. 
6. License approval: The authority will review your application and then issue your license after final approval.  

Additional points:  

• An import/export permit is needed for international selling or importing gold.
• Follow all the local and federal rules, including those established by the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX).  

Step 5. Secure funding for your gold trading business  

There is no minimum capital requirement for starting a gold trading business in Dubai. However, you must have adequate funds for operations, whether it is buying gold, renting office space, paying salaries, or covering day-to-day expenses. Practical options include seeking investors, taking out loans, or investing in your own capital.  

Step 6. Open a corporate bank account  

For managing the financial transactions of your gold business Dubai, opening a corporate bank account is important. While the paperwork can be lengthy, working with consultants often eases the process.  

Step 7. Respect the UAE gold business regulations  

Comply with local UAE commercial laws and industry-specific regulations. This includes maintaining accurate records, completing timely audits, renewing the trade license on time, and paying applicable taxes where required.

Step 8. Growth and expansion

• Collaborate with reliable logistics partners.
• Make connections with clients and other business leaders.
• Invest in a solid e-commerce platform with secure payment gateways, real-time gold rates, and more.
• Participate in popular industry events like the Global Gold Convention and the Dubai Precious Metals Conference.
• Gradually, you can start trading other precious metals like silver and platinum.   

Start and grow your gold trading business in Dubai by following these guidelines and steps. Or skip the complexity. Connect with Dubiz Business Setup for expert guidance on setting up your gold trading company in Dubai, the right way from day one.  

Popular locations for establishing a gold trading business in Dubai  

Popular among gold traders, these are the top-rated locations where you can set up your gold trading company in Dubai:  

1. Dubai mainland – Gold Souk  

You can get the gold trading license from the Dubai Economic Development (DED) and operate in one of the world’s largest gold markets, the Gold Souk Market in Deira. Starting a company on Dubai mainland gives you the advantage of conducting business across the UAE.    

There are more than 380 retailers, the majority of them being gold traders, already established in the Dubai Gold Souk. The market’s top-notch geographic location also makes it ideal for exporting and importing gold and precious metals.  

2. DMCC freezone – most popular  

The Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) is a free zone located in the Jumeirah Lake Towers district of Dubai, UAE. The freezone strongly supports the trading of gold, diamonds, and precious metals.   

Over 26,000 companies, including gold businesses, tech giants and many more belonging to diverse industries. Here, you get modern facilities and an environment suitable for a gold trading company. The license here would be issued by the zone’s respective government authority.  

3. Dubai Gold and Diamond Park:  

Governed by Jebel Ali Freezone Authority, Dubai Gold, and Diamond Park hosts more than 95 shops and brands. It is a top destination for trading the world’s finest jewellery, gemstones, precious stones and gold.   

Located on the Sheikh Zayed Road, the zone offers exclusive benefits like 100% business ownership, tax incentives, hiring of expat workers, and wide business license options.  

4. International Free Zone Authority (IFZA):  

Almost everyone is familiar with the International Free Zone Authority, IFZA, now. The free zone is considered a strong hub for businesses. State-of-the-art infrastructure, affordable setup options, and tax exemptions make IFZA a good option for starting a gold trading business in Dubai.  

Gold trading business in mainland vs free zone – a quick comparison   

Selecting the right business location is essential for your gold trading business in Dubai:

Criteria	Mainland	Free Zone
Ownership	100% (subject to activity)	100% foreign ownership
Tax	0% up to AED 375,000 annual income	0% for qualifying income
Office	Physical office space mandatory	Co-working, flexi-desk, or workspace options
Regulatory body	Department of Economy and Tourism	Respective free zone authority
Market scope	Local + international access	Primarily within the free zone + international. For mainland operations, a DET license is required

Benefits of starting a gold trading business in Dubai  

There is a wide range of advantages to company formation in Dubai, especially the one that deals with gold. Here is a closer look at the benefits of starting gold trading business in Dubai:  

Strategic location: A lot of gold purchasers are drawn to Dubai because of its strategic location and status as a major international tourist destination.

100% foreign ownership: Even if you are a foreigner, Dubai allows you to own 100% of your company. No need to engage any local partner.   

100% repatriation of profits and capital: You can take back your full profits and capital to your home country. Dubai ensures smooth and secure repatriation, even in case of business closure.  

Good tax environment: In Dubai, taxes are not usually a concern for businesses. 0% corporate tax (subject to qualification) and very low VAT rates of 5%, which is the lowest compared to many other countries globally.    

Robust infrastructure: The gold trading business is supported by Dubai’s top-notch infrastructure, generally hard to find anywhere else.   

Thriving tourism, large client base: Over 19 million tourists visited Dubai in 2025. Many of them consider Dubai a luxury destination and a must-visit for gold shopping.  

Start a Dubai gold business with Dubiz Business Setup  

Dubai unveiled the world’s first ever gold street recently. Only Dubai could do it. The city exactly knows how to make gold businesses thrive. And we are here to help you launch.  

Dubiz Business Setup has been helping free zone and mainland clients set up their businesses in Dubai for the past 8 years. Our experts have mastered the art of business setup in UAE, working with over 7000 clients. From assisting you with your Dubai business visa and trade license to helping you start a business in Dubai, we can sort it all for you.  

Still wondering how to start gold business in Dubai? Contact us today to secure your Dubai gold trading business license at the earliest:  

📞 Call: +971 56 369 5485  

💬 WhatsApp: +971563695485  

📧 Email: info@dubiz.co  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)