Topic Summary
What Is a Gold Trading License Dubai Free Zone Traders Need?
A gold trading license dubai free zone is a free zone trade license that authorises a company to buy, sell, import and export gold and related products from within the zone. It sits alongside separate AML duties, because gold dealers are treated as DPMS and must register, verify customers and report as required.
Are You a DPMS and What Does DPMS AML UAE Require?
Are You a DPMS and What Does DPMS AML UAE Require?
How Do You Register on goAML and File Reports?
Dealers register on goAML, the UAE FIU's reporting platform, so they can file suspicious transaction reports and other required reports, including cash transaction reports above the current threshold. Verify the threshold and report types with the UAE FIU, because rules can change.
What KYC and Record Keeping Do Gold Dealers Need?
Gold dealers need to identify and verify customers, understand beneficial owners, screen against sanctions lists and keep transaction and due diligence records for the period set by UAE rules. Confirm the exact period with the Ministry of Economy and keep records retrievable on request.
What Steps Should You Take to Set Up Under a Gold Trading License Dubai Free Zone?
Set up by choosing the activity, applying for a free zone company, receiving the license, appointing a compliance officer, registering on goAML, adopting an AML policy and starting KYC before the first sale. Each step needs documents, so confirm current requirements first.
What License, Hallmarking and Import Basics Apply to Jewellery Traders?
A jewellery trading license uae covers the commercial activity, while hallmarking, purity marking and import rules sit with the relevant authorities. Confirm current hallmarking and customs requirements before stocking or shipping, and keep purity and origin documents with each lot.
What Does a Gold Trading License Cost and How Long Does It Take?
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone licenses start from AED 12,500. Final cost depends on activity, visa needs and add-ons. Timelines depend on document readiness and approvals. Confirm a current quote with DSBH, and budget separately for compliance tools, training and record systems.
What Is a Gold Trading License Dubai Free Zone Traders Need?
Are You a DPMS and What Does DPMS AML UAE Require?
How Do You Register on goAML and File Reports?
What KYC and Record Keeping Do Gold Dealers Need?
What Steps Should You Take to Set Up Under a Gold Trading License Dubai Free Zone?
What License, Hallmarking and Import Basics Apply to Jewellery Traders?
What Does a Gold Trading License Cost and How Long Does It Take?
A gold trading license dubai free zone is the trade license that lets your company buy and sell gold and jewellery from inside a free zone. It also puts you under DPMS AML duties: goAML registration, KYC, cash reporting and record keeping. Dubai processed an estimated USD 75 billion in gold trade in 2023 (Ministry of Economy, 2024), so regulators watch this sector closely.
This guide is for gold, diamond and jewellery traders, wherever you're based. You'll see what the license covers, whether you count as a dealer in precious metals and stones, how reporting works, what a set-up looks like and what it costs. Rules are stated as of 2026. Confirm every threshold with the Ministry of Economy and the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) before you trade.
What Is a Gold Trading License Dubai Free Zone Traders Need?
A gold trading license dubai free zone is a free zone trade license that authorises a company to buy, sell, import and export gold and related products from within the zone. It sits alongside separate AML duties, because gold dealers are treated as DPMS and must register, verify customers and report as required.
What the License Covers
The license covers your commercial activity. It doesn't register you for AML, so you need both. Picture a jewellery wholesaler choosing between a gold bullion trading activity and a jewellery wholesale activity. The choice changes what you can invoice, so check the gold silver jewellery trading license dubai page, or the precious metals wholesale trading license dubai page if you deal in bulk.
Where Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone Fits
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers company formation, a free zone trade license and residency visa packages tied to that license. Licenses start from AED 12,500. Don't assume the structure makes you exempt from every obligation, because tax and compliance rules still apply. For a full walkthrough, read how to set up jewellery precious metals trading dubai south.
Are You a DPMS and What Does DPMS AML UAE Require?
A DPMS is a dealer in precious metals and stones. In the UAE, gold and jewellery dealers fall under AML supervision by the Ministry of Economy, which expects registration, a risk-based AML programme, customer due diligence and reporting. Confirm current thresholds with the Ministry before trading.
How DPMS Status Is Triggered
You're a DPMS when you buy and sell gold, diamonds or jewellery as a business. Free zone location doesn't remove the duty. I've seen free zone traders assume only mainland retailers are covered. They're wrong, and it's an expensive mistake.
Core Duties in Plain Terms
Appoint a compliance officer, run a business risk assessment, screen customers and file reports. A small trader can name the managing partner as compliance officer, as long as the decision is documented. Our guide to AML duties for UAE dealers in precious metals goes deeper.
Writing a Basic AML Policy
Your policy should cover risk, KYC, reporting, training and records. A one-page policy approved by the owner and reviewed yearly beats a 40-page template nobody reads.
How Do You Register on goAML and File Reports?
Dealers register on goAML, the UAE FIU's reporting platform, so they can file suspicious transaction reports and other required reports, including cash transaction reports above the current threshold. Verify the threshold and report types with the UAE FIU, because rules can change.
goAML Registration Basics
Register after your license is issued, with your license and compliance officer details ready. Do it before your first large sale, not after.
Cash Transaction Reporting Threshold
A cash reporting threshold applies to DPMS. We won't quote a figure here, because you should confirm the current rule with the UAE FIU and the Ministry of Economy. Flag linked or split payments too. Take a customer paying for jewellery in several cash instalments on the same day: treat it as one transaction.
Suspicious Activity Reporting
Report without tipping off the customer, and keep internal escalation notes. A buyer who refuses to give ID details for a high-value gold purchase is a textbook trigger.
What KYC and Record Keeping Do Gold Dealers Need?
Gold dealers need to identify and verify customers, understand beneficial owners, screen against sanctions lists and keep transaction and due diligence records for the period set by UAE rules. Confirm the exact period with the Ministry of Economy and keep records retrievable on request.
Customer Due Diligence in Practice
Check ID and trade licenses, identify the beneficial owner and ask for source of funds on larger deals. Take a corporate bullion buyer from overseas: collect full ownership documents before you quote. Higher-risk customers need enhanced checks.
Records to Retain
Keep invoices, ID copies, screening results, filed reports and training logs. Organise the folder by customer and by date. The guide on AML record keeping shows a workable layout.
What Steps Should You Take to Set Up Under a Gold Trading License Dubai Free Zone?
Set up by choosing the activity, applying for a free zone company, receiving the license, appointing a compliance officer, registering on goAML, adopting an AML policy and starting KYC before the first sale. Each step needs documents, so confirm current requirements first.
Steps 1 to 3: Activity, Application and License
Step 1: Choose your activity, such as bullion trading or jewellery wholesale. See the gold and precious metals trading business guide.
Step 2: Submit your company application with passports and shareholder details.
Step 3: Receive your trade license. A well-prepared trader can move from license issue to goAML within the first week.
Steps 4 to 6: Compliance Set-Up
Step 4: Appoint your compliance officer and register on goAML.
Step 5: Adopt your AML policy.
Step 6: Prepare KYC forms. Have policy and templates ready before the first invoice.
Cost and Compliance Items for a Gold Trading License
Item | What to Expect |
|---|---|
Trade license | Starts from AED 12,500; final price depends on activity |
Residency visa package tied to license | Quote-based; varies by number of visas |
goAML registration | Needs license and compliance officer details; fees vary |
AML policy and KYC set-up | Varies; in-house or outsourced |
Ongoing record keeping and training | Recurring cost; varies by deal volume |
What License, Hallmarking and Import Basics Apply to Jewellery Traders?
A jewellery trading license uae covers the commercial activity, while hallmarking, purity marking and import rules sit with the relevant authorities. Confirm current hallmarking and customs requirements before stocking or shipping, and keep purity and origin documents with each lot.
Hallmarking and Purity Marking
Hallmarking supports customer trust and compliance. Verify current requirements with the Ministry of Economy rather than relying on hearsay. A retailer should check purity marks on a consignment before listing it.
Import, Origin and Supplier Checks
Ask a refiner for origin papers before you buy. Supplier due diligence protects you as much as any customer check. For broader context, see general trading license requirements.
What Does a Gold Trading License Cost and How Long Does It Take?
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone licenses start from AED 12,500. Final cost depends on activity, visa needs and add-ons. Timelines depend on document readiness and approvals. Confirm a current quote with DSBH, and budget separately for compliance tools, training and record systems.
Cost Factors Compared
Consider a two-partner company comparing license-only against license plus visas. The license is the fixed starting point; visas and compliance costs are quote-based and vary. Check the business activities list before you price.
Timing and Common Delays
Delays usually come from incomplete KYC documents or unclear activity selection. A missing passport copy can stall formation for days. Submit complete files the first time.
Conclusion
A gold trading license dubai free zone gives you the right to trade, but DPMS AML duties (goAML, KYC, cash reporting and records) keep you in business. Rules are as of 2026, so confirm them with the Ministry of Economy and the UAE FIU. Ready to start? Contact Dubai South Business Hub to discuss company formation, a free zone trade license and a visa package for your gold or jewellery business.
References
dubailand.gov.ae
Frequently Asked Questions
