WhatsApp quoteJust as important, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection company owners used to have. Dubai is the UAE's commercial capital — trade anywhere in the UAE with a Dubai DET licence, and GoldenKey registers mainland companies there with the economic department week in, week out. GoldenKey has licensed gold and jewellery trading company businesses for clients in Dubai and knows which sub-activities to list so you are not asked to amend the licence later. Typical examples of this activity include bullion trading, diamond wholesale, jewellery retail and refinery supply, which can in most cases sit together on one Dubai licence.
Why Dubai
In our experience, government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges. Dubai mainland licences are granted by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 business days. Dubai is a sensible home for gold & jewellery trading because wholesale and retail trading of gold, diamonds, precious stones and jewellery is a well-understood activity there and the approvals are routine.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
We pick the precise activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and settle on the legal form — normally a LLC, or a sole establishment for individual professionals. For gold & jewellery trading on Dubai mainland, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
Crucially, 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.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full application with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Nothing is submitted for gold & jewellery trading on Dubai mainland until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
The Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start.
Documents required
In our experience, the document list for gold & jewellery trading on Dubai mainland is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- Passport photographs on a white background
- An attested degree for professional activities such as engineering or healthcare
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- The notarised memorandum of association, which GoldenKey drafts for you
- External approvals where the activity requires them, for example from the health authority, RERA or the municipality
- AML compliance program
Pricing
The figures below for gold & jewellery trading on Dubai mainland are updated by GoldenKey whenever the registrar changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Just as important, pricing for gold & jewellery trading on Dubai mainland depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated.
- 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
In short, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes gold & jewellery trading on Dubai mainland a route to relocation as well as a business decision. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for gold & jewellery trading on Dubai mainland and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries with gold & jewellery trading on Dubai mainland, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. As we tell every client, we will tell you plainly if Dubai is not the right choice for your plan and point you to a better option, even when that option costs less. In our experience, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for gold & jewellery trading on Dubai mainland happen the same day they are ready.
Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for gold & jewellery trading on Dubai mainland, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
For most clients, with paperwork and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 business days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
To be clear, 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.
Are Dubai mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
Yes. Mainland companies pay 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000 and must register with the FTA, which GoldenKey handles as part of your setup.
Is gold & jewellery trading allowed in Dubai?
It can. Gold & Jewellery Trading is an available activity in {ent}, and {brand} lists the exact sub-activities on your licence. Ministry of Economy AML registration; Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group for retail.
What approvals does gold & jewellery trading need?
Ministry of Economy AML registration; Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group for retail. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
