WhatsApp quoteJust as important, below you will find a practical, step-by-step explanation of the cost of starting gold & jewellery trading in Dubai Mainland, followed by answers to the questions clients ask us most. In short, this guide from GoldenKey explains the cost of starting gold & jewellery trading in Dubai Mainland in plain language, with the costs, papers and timelines you should expect in 2026.
Key takeaways
- Licence packages in Dubai Mainland start from AED 15,000; visas, office and approvals are added on top.
- Gold & Jewellery Trading is a commercial activity, so check for external approvals before budgeting.
- Renewal in year two is lower than the first-year total because registration fees are one-off.
- Ask for a written total that separates government fees from GoldenKey's service fee.
Background
In practice, businesses that benefit most from How Much Does It Cost to Start Gold & Jewellery Trading in Dubai Mainland? (2026 Guide) mainland licensing include retail, restaurants, contracting, real estate brokerage and consulting with government customers, because they serve customers on site across the emirate. Government and semi-government tenders in How Much Does It Cost to Start Gold & Jewellery Trading in Dubai Mainland? (2026 Guide) require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges. How Much Does It Cost to Start Gold & Jewellery Trading in Dubai Mainland? (2026 Guide) mainland licences are issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 working days.
What to do, in order
Step 1Activity and legal form
Put simply, we select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, usually a LLC or a sole establishment.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
Your trade name is reserved and initial approval secured from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), together with any external approvals the activity requires. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to the cost of starting gold & jewellery trading in Dubai Mainland.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
The memorandum of association is signed (online or before the notary), your tenancy is registered and the complete file is submitted to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Your How Much Does It Cost to Start Gold & Jewellery Trading in Dubai Mainland? (2026 Guide) mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. If the authority raises a query on the cost of starting gold & jewellery trading in Dubai Mainland at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Documents you will need
Keep these ready before you start:
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- The notarised memorandum of association, which GoldenKey drafts for you
- A tenancy contract for an office or shop registered with the emirate's system (Ejari in Dubai)
- Passport photographs on a white background
- The existing visa copy and NOC if a shareholder is on another UAE visa
Costs
Prices for the cost of starting gold & jewellery trading in Dubai Mainland are drawn from GoldenKey's live price list and confirmed in writing before you pay. Government fees change from time to time; the figures on this page update automatically when they do.
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
| Additional visa | AED 3,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 12,000 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
To be clear, english is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies the cost of starting gold & jewellery trading in Dubai Mainland for international founders. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for the cost of starting gold & jewellery trading in Dubai Mainland and makes international pricing simple.
How GoldenKey helps
GoldenKey's consultants have handled the cost of starting gold & jewellery trading in Dubai Mainland for traders, consultants, tech business owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves fast. In practice, after your How Much Does It Cost to Start Gold & Jewellery Trading in Dubai Mainland? (2026 Guide) licence is issued, the same team handles renewals, visa additions, amendments and tax registrations, so you never have to explain your business twice.
From day one, message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for the cost of starting gold & jewellery trading in Dubai Mainland, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a How Much Does It Cost to Start Gold & Jewellery Trading in Dubai Mainland? (2026 Guide) mainland company?
For most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a How Much Does It Cost to Start Gold & Jewellery Trading in Dubai Mainland? (2026 Guide) mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
How much office space do I need for a How Much Does It Cost to Start Gold & Jewellery Trading in Dubai Mainland? (2026 Guide) mainland licence?
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) requires a registered tenancy for most licences. A small office or a desk in a business centre is enough for a few visas, and the visa quota increases with the floor area.
What is the difference between How Much Does It Cost to Start Gold & Jewellery Trading in Dubai Mainland? (2026 Guide) mainland and a free zone?
For most clients, mainland companies can trade directly with any UAE customer and take government contracts; free zone companies have lower costs and customs benefits but trade with the mainland through distributors. GoldenKey compares both for your specific activity.
Can I convert my free zone company to a How Much Does It Cost to Start Gold & Jewellery Trading in Dubai Mainland? (2026 Guide) mainland company?
In short, you cannot convert directly, but you can open a mainland branch of your free zone company or set up a new mainland LLC and transfer the business. GoldenKey advises on the most tax-efficient route.
