Dubai handles 15-25% of the world’s physical gold trade. DMCC’s gold ecosystem — vaults, refineries, DGCX exchange, and 1,500+ precious metals members — gives your trading company infrastructure no other hub can match.
Dubai isn’t just a gold trading hub — it’s the gold trading hub. The emirate handles approximately 15-25% of global physical gold trade, connecting African, South Asian, and European markets through one of the world’s most sophisticated trading ecosystems.
0% customs duty on gold bullion and raw materials. No import duty means your margins are protected from day one. This single policy makes Dubai more cost-effective than India (15% duty), the UK (0% but with 20% VAT on non-investment gold), and most competing hubs.
0% personal income tax. 100% profit repatriation. Free zone companies qualifying for QFZP status pay 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. No withholding tax. Your entire margin stays in the business.
100% foreign ownership. No local partner or sponsor required in DMCC or any Dubai free zone. Full equity control from day one.
UAE-India CEPA advantage. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement gives UAEGD-certified gold bars a 1% reduced customs duty into India (14% vs 15%) for up to 150 tonnes annually. If you trade with India — the world’s largest gold consumer — this is a significant edge.
Investment-grade gold is VAT-exempt in the UAE. Since the 2020 reversal, gold bullion traded for investment purposes is not subject to 5% VAT — preserving your competitive pricing.
Annual gold exports from Dubai
Customs duty on gold bullion
of Dubai's total exports = gold
Precious metals companies in DMCC
DMCC doesn’t just issue gold trading licenses — it provides the complete infrastructure to trade, store, finance, refine, and now tokenise gold. No other free zone in the world offers this under one roof.
Middle East’s first and largest derivatives exchange. Gold futures, physical delivery, and the Shariah-compliant Gold Spot Contract (DGSG) — which saw a 199% value increase in H1 2025.
The largest non-sovereign vault in the Middle East, managed by Brink’s (150+ years of expertise). Secure storage for bullion, jewelry, art. Located in JLT, connected to major gold trading routes.
4+ operational gold refineries within DMCC. Emirates Gold, Al Etihad Gold, and Sam Precious Metals are UAEGD-certified. Full processing from raw material to finished bars.
Fully digital registry for commodity possession and ownership. Enables collateral financing, jewelry financing, and Islamic finance solutions. Backs tokenised gold products.
DMCC is pioneering gold tokenisation — backing crypto assets with physical gold verified on Tradeflow. Bridging traditional physical gold trade with digital innovation.
National quality certification for 1kg gold bars (995 fineness). Required for UAE-India CEPA duty benefits. Overseen by the Emirates Bullion Market Committee under the Ministry of Economy.
This is the first and most consequential decision. It determines your costs, market access, infrastructure, and growth path.
| Factor | DMCC Recommended | Mainland (DED) | Gold & Diamond Park |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Wholesale, bullion, import/export, refining, institutional | Retail (Gold Souk, malls), local distribution | Jewelry manufacturing + retail showroom |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% Yes | 100% | 100% |
| Corporate Tax | 0% on qualifying income (QFZP) | 9% on profits above AED 375K | 9% on profits above AED 375K |
| License Cost | AED 20,000 – 40,000 | AED 15,000 – 50,000 | AED 20,000 – 45,000 |
| Office Requirement | Flexi-desk or physical office | Physical office + Ejari mandatory | Showroom or workshop |
| DGCX Access | Yes – direct | No | No |
| Vault Access | Yes – Almas Tower | No | No |
| Refinery Access | Yes – on-site | No | Limited |
| Retail to Public | Only within free zone | Yes – UAE-wide | Yes – within G&DP complex |
| Customs Duty | 0% on imports | Standard 5% (gold bullion 0%) | Standard 5% (gold bullion 0%) |
| Visa Quota | 1–6 per office (flexi = 1–3) | Based on office size (unlimited) | Based on space leased |
| Setup Timeline | 7–14 days | 5–10 days | 7–14 days |
| Key Advantage | Complete gold ecosystem | Direct retail access | Manufacturing + retail combo |
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) was purpose-built for commodities trading. Named the world’s #1 free zone by the Financial Times for nine consecutive years, it’s home to 26,000+ companies across 180+ countries — with 1,500+ specifically in precious metals.
Why DMCC dominates gold trading: Access to DGCX for derivatives and physical gold trading. On-site vault (managed by Brink’s) for secure bullion storage. 4+ operational refineries within the zone. Tradeflow digital registry for trade finance and Islamic finance. DDE (Dubai Diamond Exchange) precious metals membership. Single-window customs clearance system for import/export.
What DMCC requires: DMCC company registration (FZ-LLC or branch). Share capital: AED 50,000. DDE precious metals membership (automatic for gold activity licenses). AML/KYC compliance policies. Flexi-desk minimum — physical office for larger operations.
Timeline: License issuance in 7-14 days. Full operational setup including bank account and visa: 3-6 weeks.
A mainland gold trading license from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED/DET) allows you to sell gold directly to the public anywhere in the UAE — Gold Souk, shopping malls, retail outlets, and warehouses. This is the only option if your core business is walk-in retail.
Key advantages: No restriction on selling to UAE residents and tourists. Can operate in the Gold Souk (Deira) — 400+ retailers, millions of annual visitors. Unlimited visa quota based on office size. Accepted by all UAE banks for corporate accounts.
What mainland requires: DED commercial license. Physical office or showroom with Ejari. Trade name reservation. Gold may require additional approvals from SIRA (Security Industry Regulatory Agency) for certain activities.
Typical cost: AED 30,000-80,000 total Year 1 (license + showroom lease + visa). Gold Souk showroom rentals: AED 100,000-500,000+ annually depending on size and location.
Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the Gold & Diamond Park is a modern shopping and business complex designed specifically for gold and jewelry businesses. It combines purpose-built manufacturing workshops with retail showrooms — ideal for businesses that design, produce, and sell jewelry.
Key advantages: Purpose-built workshops with manufacturing infrastructure. Retail showrooms for direct customer sales. Sheikh Zayed Road visibility and foot traffic. Community of jewelers, gemologists, and designers. Training and development facilities.
Best for: Custom jewelry manufacturers. Businesses combining production with retail. High-end jewelry brands wanting a prestigious address. Gemstone dealers who also create finished products.
Typical cost: AED 20,000-45,000 for license. Workshop/showroom lease varies significantly by size and location within the park.
Not sure which jurisdiction fits your gold business? Tell us your model — we'll recommend the right path.
Not all gold businesses are alike. Your license type depends on what you’ll actually do — and different activities map to different jurisdictions and cost structures.
Covers buying and selling gold in bulk — bars, bullion, coins, and raw gold. This is the most common gold license in Dubai. Best jurisdiction: DMCC (access to DGCX, vault, refineries, Tradeflow, and 1,500+ precious metals network). Cost: AED 20,000-40,000 for DMCC license + registration. Timeline: 7-14 days. Also requires DMCC DDE (Dubai Diamond Exchange) precious metals membership.
Covers selling gold jewelry, coins, and small bars directly to end consumers. Best jurisdiction: Mainland (DED) if operating in Gold Souk or shopping malls — gives direct access to walk-in retail customers. Gold & Diamond Park for a modern retail + manufacturing environment on Sheikh Zayed Road. Cost: AED 15,000-50,000 for license. Showroom lease adds AED 25,000-200,000+ depending on location.
Covers international gold trade — sourcing from Africa, India, Asia and re-exporting globally. DMCC recommended for free zone import/export benefits (0% customs, single-window clearance, proximity to Jebel Ali Port and Dubai Airport). Mainland needed if you also sell locally within the UAE. Cost: AED 20,000-50,000. Requires customs code registration and may require additional approvals depending on source countries.
Covers melting, purifying, and processing raw gold into bars and products. Highly specialized — requires dedicated facility, UAEGD certification, and mandatory compliance with Ministry of Economy’s Due Diligence Regulations for Responsible Sourcing (OECD 5-step framework). DMCC is the only practical jurisdiction (refinery infrastructure, DGCX delivery certification). Cost: AED 500,000+ depending on facility scale. Annual third-party audit mandatory since Jan 2023.
Covers designing, crafting, and producing gold jewelry and ornaments. Gold & Diamond Park on Sheikh Zayed Road offers purpose-built workshops and manufacturing facilities alongside retail showrooms. DMCC also supports manufacturing with dedicated facilities. Cost: AED 25,000-60,000 for license + workshop lease. Additional approvals may be required from Dubai Municipality for manufacturing activities.
Covers digital gold trading platforms, gold-backed tokens, and blockchain-based gold products. DMCC is pioneering this space — Tradeflow backs tokenised gold with physical gold stored in the DMCC Vault. If you’re building a gold-backed crypto product, DMCC provides the infrastructure (physical + digital). May require VARA NOC if the tokenised product qualifies as a virtual asset. Cost varies significantly based on model.
Note: Multiple activities? Extension fee = 50% of the lower application fee. Since Oct 2024, unauthorized crypto marketing in Dubai carries fines up to AED 10 million.
Disclaimer: License costs shown are indicative starting figures. Actual costs vary depending on business activities, office type, visa requirements, and case-by-case assessment by the relevant authority. Contact Consultycs for a personalized quote.
Disclaimer: All costs and estimates shown are indicative and based on publicly available fee schedules and market rates as of early 2026. Actual costs may vary depending on your specific business model, documentation complexity, visa count, and case-by-case assessments by the relevant authorities. Contact Consultycs for a personalized quote.
DMCC license + registration
Share capital (DMCC)
DDE membership (precious metals)
Office (flexi-desk or physical)
Visa (1-2 persons)
Banking + AML setup
Estimated Year 1
DED license + activity fees
Trade name + initial approvals
Showroom / Ejari
Visa (1-3 persons)
Banking + insurance
Estimated Year 1
DMCC license + registration
Refinery facility lease
Equipment + setup
UAEGD certification
Compliance + third-party audit
Estimated Year 1
Note: Year 1 totals are estimates based on typical setups. Your actual cost will depend on the number of activities selected, office/showroom location, visa count, DDE membership tier, and any additional regulatory requirements. Gold Souk showroom rents vary enormously by location and size.
Gold trading companies face additional KYC scrutiny from banks. Budget for a banking consultant, minimum balance requirements (AED 25K-100K typical), and expect multiple bank meetings. DMCC-registered companies have an easier path. Consultycs provides banking introductions.
If importing/exporting gold, you need a customs code from Dubai Customs. Registration typically costs AED 2,000-5,000. DMCC’s single-window clearance simplifies this for free zone companies.
Gold is classified as high risk under UAE AML regulations. You need documented AML/CFT policies, a designated compliance officer, KYC procedures, and transaction monitoring. Budget AED 10,000-50,000+ for initial setup.
If storing physical gold in the DMCC Vault (Almas Tower), costs depend on volume and storage duration. Contact DMCC directly for current vault rates.
Tell us your gold activity, volumes, and jurisdiction preference — we'll send an itemized budget within 48 hours.
Wholesale, retail, import/export, refining, manufacturing, or digital gold? Each activity maps to a specific license category and jurisdiction.
DMCC for wholesale/bullion/international. Mainland for retail. Gold & Diamond Park for manufacturing + showroom.
Choose a compliant trade name and submit your license application with all required documents.
DMCC: flexi-desk or physical office in JLT. Mainland: showroom or office with Ejari. Refinery: dedicated facility in DMCC.
Once approved, your trade license is issued. For DMCC precious metals activities, DDE membership is activated.
We introduce you to banks experienced with gold trading accounts. Visa processing for you and your team.
Customs code registration for import/export. AML/KYC compliance policies established. VAT registration if applicable.
Want Consultycs to manage your entire gold company setup end-to-end?
Dubai’s position as a global gold re-export hub is built on one foundation: 0% customs duty on gold bullion and raw materials. This applies to all gold imported into the UAE for trading, refining, or re-export.
What you need for gold import/export: A valid gold trading license. A registered customs code with Dubai Customs. AML/KYC documentation. Source documentation for all gold shipments. For DMCC companies: single-window clearance.
UAE-India CEPA: UAEGD-certified gold bars shipped to India benefit from 1% reduced customs duty (14% vs 15%) for up to 150 tonnes annually.
VAT on gold: Investment-grade gold bullion is VAT-exempt. 5% VAT applies to gold jewelry and manufactured gold products.
Disclaimer: Import/export regulations, CEPA benefits, and VAT rules are subject to change.
Gold is classified as a “high risk” sector under UAE anti-money laundering regulations. Every gold trader must have documented AML/CFT policies, a designated MLRO, CDD for all counterparties, transaction monitoring, 5-year record keeping, and staff training.
For gold refiners: The Ministry of Economy’s Due Diligence Regulations require OECD 5-step framework compliance with mandatory annual third-party audits since January 2023.
Consultycs helps you establish compliant AML/KYC infrastructure before you start trading.
We understand the gold ecosystem. DGCX, vault access, DDE membership, Tradeflow, refinery connections.
Gold companies face extra KYC scrutiny. We introduce you to banks that work with gold traders.
Gold is high risk under UAE AML. We set up your AML/KYC infrastructure from day one.
Customs code registration, CEPA documentation, source-of-gold verification, and logistics coordination.
DMCC gold trading license in 7-14 days. Full operational readiness in 3-6 weeks.
If DMCC isn’t the right fit, we’ll recommend the best alternative. We advise based on your business model.
Wholesale, retail, import/export, refining, manufacturing, or digital gold? We assess your activity, volumes, and target markets.
DMCC for ecosystem access. Mainland for retail. Gold & Diamond Park for manufacturing. We explain why.
An itemized breakdown: license fees, office, visa, banking, compliance, customs. No vague ranges.
License application, office setup, bank account, visa processing, DDE membership, customs registration, AML setup.
Four steps from enquiry to clarity. No pressure, no obligation.
A DMCC gold trading license costs AED 20,000-40,000 for the license alone. Total Year 1 cost: AED 50,000-120,000. Mainland retail is AED 70,000-250,000+. Refinery setups start from AED 500,000+.
Define your gold activity. Choose your jurisdiction. Register your company. Set up AML/KYC compliance. Open a corporate bank account. Register with customs. The entire process takes 2-6 weeks with Consultycs.
DMCC is better for wholesale, bullion, and international trade. Mainland is better for retail. You can set up both.
DMCC provides a complete gold value chain: DGCX, Almas Tower Vault, refineries, Tradeflow, DDE membership, and 1,500+ precious metals members.
Dubai’s structural advantages make gold trading highly competitive: 0% import duty, 0% personal income tax, 100% profit repatriation, VAT-exempt investment gold.
Your gold trading license covers import/export if listed as business activities. You additionally need a customs code from Dubai Customs.
The Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX) is the Middle East’s first and largest derivatives exchange, operated by DMCC. Over 1 million contracts were traded in H1 2025.
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is permitted in DMCC, Gold & Diamond Park, and on the mainland. No Emirati partner required.
Every gold trader must have documented AML/CFT policies, a designated MLRO, CDD for all counterparties, transaction monitoring, 5-year record keeping, and staff training.
DMCC license issuance takes 7-14 days. Full operational readiness takes 3-6 weeks.
