Telephone Numbers
Telephone Numbers
For detailed information +90 542 381 3868'Call.
Starting a gold trading business in Dubai is more than just buying and selling gold. It requires the right company structure, appropriate license, bank account, import-export documentation, VAT compliance, corporate tax assessment, AML/KYC procedures, and responsible supply chain management. This guide is designed for entrepreneurs, investors, jewelers, wholesalers, exporters, and international trading companies looking to establish a gold trading business in Dubai.
Dubai has positioned itself as one of the world's most powerful centers for physical gold trading. The city's strategic location at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Europe, combined with its investor-friendly policies and world-class logistics infrastructure, makes it the premier destination for precious metals trade. In 2026, the UAE's non-oil trade volume exceeds USD 170 billion, with gold playing a central role.
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) hosts over 1,500 precious metals companies, making it the global benchmark for structured, compliant gold trading. The Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX) provides access to futures contracts, while the Dubai Good Delivery (DGD) standard ensures internationally recognized quality certification.
To legally trade gold in Dubai in 2026, you need one of the following licenses depending on your business model:
The choice between DMCC Free Zone and DED Mainland depends on your target market, business model, and banking needs:
| Cost Item | Estimated Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Name Reservation | 500 – 2,000 | One-time fee |
| DMCC Company Registration | 9,020 | One-time |
| Business License (DMCC) | 20,000 – 30,000 | Annual renewal |
| Office / Flexi-Desk | 15,000 – 20,000 | Annual, minimum required |
| Investor Visa (per person) | 5,000 – 8,000 | Per visa, 2-3 year validity |
| Bank Account Setup | 0 – 5,000 | Varies by bank |
| AML/KYC Compliance System | 3,000 – 10,000 | Annual |
| Responsible Sourcing Audit | 5,000 – 15,000 | Required for DMCC gold trading |
Gold trading in the UAE falls under the category of Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs). This means gold trading companies are subject to strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations under UAE Federal Law No. 20 of 2019 and its 2024 amendments.
Key compliance requirements include:
Understanding the UAE tax framework is essential for gold trading businesses in 2026:
Bank account opening is one of the most challenging aspects of gold trading company setup in Dubai. Due to the high-risk nature of precious metals trading, banks apply enhanced due diligence. Key factors that improve your chances:
World Company Setup has been supporting entrepreneurs and corporations in establishing precious metals trading companies in Dubai since 2015. Our team of specialists in UAE company law, tax compliance, AML/KYC, and banking provides end-to-end support:
Contact us today to receive a personalized quote for setting up your Dubai gold trading company in 2026.
Trading physical gold in Dubai, when properly structured, offers an exceptionally profitable business model. With DMCC's 0% corporate tax advantage on qualifying income, customs duty exemptions, and an ecosystem of 23,000+ member companies, Dubai remains one of the most advantageous gold trading centers in 2026.
At World Company Setup, we manage the entire process — from company formation to bank account opening, AML/KYC compliance to tax planning — in Turkish, English, and German. Contact our expert team today and receive your personalized quote.
+90 542 381 3868
+971 58 5204103