Topic Summary
What Is How to Set Up Jewellery Precious Metals Trading Dubai South and Why It Matters
To set up a jewellery and precious metals trading business in Dubai South, you form a company in Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone and obtain a trade license for gold, silver, or jewellery activities. You get full foreign ownership, a legal entity, and residency visa packages.
Choosing Your Gold Trading License Dubai South Activity
Choosing Your Gold Trading License Dubai South Activity
Step-by-Step Guide to How to Set Up Jewellery Precious Metals Trading Dubai South
Choose your activity, pick a name, submit documents, complete AML/KYC onboarding, receive your license, then arrange office space and visas. Timelines depend on complete paperwork and the right activity.
AML and KYC Compliance for Precious Metals Traders in Dubai South
Precious metals dealers in the UAE are treated as high-risk under anti-money laundering rules, notably Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018. You must verify customers, identify beneficial owners, keep records, and report suspicious activity ( Ministry of Economy , 2025).
Cost Breakdown for Your Jewellery Company in a Dubai Free Zone
A jewellery company in a Dubai free zone pays for the license, registration, workspace, visas, and compliance. Dubai South licenses start from AED 12,500, and first-year totals vary with activity, visa count, and workspace.
Key Benefits of Setting Up a Precious Metals Trading Business in Dubai South
Dubai South offers full foreign ownership, trading-ready licensing, logistics access, and license-linked visas. That gives you a compliant base and a credible Dubai address.
Dubai South Versus Other Dubai Zones
Dubai South suits traders wanting flexible licensing, full ownership, and logistics access at manageable cost. Match your zone to your model, compliance capacity, and budget.
Over 25,000 businesses operate in Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, and licenses start from AED 12,500. This guide shows traders how to set up jewellery precious metals trading Dubai South style, from license choice to visas.
What Is How to Set Up Jewellery Precious Metals Trading Dubai South and Why It Matters
To set up a jewellery and precious metals trading business in Dubai South, you form a company in Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone and obtain a trade license for gold, silver, or jewellery activities. You get full foreign ownership, a legal entity, and residency visa packages.
Why Dubai South Suits Metals and Jewellery Traders
Picture a Mumbai gold jewellery exporter re-exporting pieces to Africa and the GCC. She needs a contracting entity and a logistics-friendly base, not a shopfront. That's exactly how to set up jewellery precious metals trading Dubai South works in practice.
Who Should Consider This Structure
Wholesalers and importers.
Re-exporters of finished pieces.
Silver and platinum bullion dealers selling overseas.
Choosing Your Gold Trading License Dubai South Activity

Your gold trading license Dubai South activity depends on what you handle. Bullion, wholesale, and finished jewellery are separate activities, and the license defines what you may import, sell, and re-export.
A trader selling 999 gold bars needs the non-manufactured precious metal trading license in Dubai. Someone wholesaling 22k bangles fits the gold silver jewellery trading license.
Bulk dealers can add a precious metals wholesale trading license.
Start with jewellery wholesale, then add precious stones.
Step-by-Step Guide to How to Set Up Jewellery Precious Metals Trading Dubai South
Choose your activity, pick a name, submit documents, complete AML/KYC onboarding, receive your license, then arrange office space and visas. Timelines depend on complete paperwork and the right activity.
Step 1: Select Activity and Company Name
Match the activity to your goods.
Choose a compliant trade name.
A silver wholesaler picks the wholesale activity.
Step 2: Submit Documents and Complete Onboarding
Passport copies and proof of address.
A business plan.
Source-of-funds declarations from each partner.
Step 3: Receive License, Office, and Visas
Collect your license.
Pick a flexi-desk or office.
Apply for your residency visa, tied to the license.
Wholesalers can read how to start a jewellery wholesale business in Dubai.
AML and KYC Compliance for Precious Metals Traders in Dubai South
Precious metals dealers in the UAE are treated as high-risk under anti-money laundering rules, notably Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018. You must verify customers, identify beneficial owners, keep records, and report suspicious activity (Ministry of Economy, 2025).
Core KYC Obligations for Dealers
Identify customers and beneficial owners.
Check source of funds and goods origin.
Cash deals from AED 55,000 trigger reporting.
Building a Practical Compliance Routine
Appoint a compliance officer, register on the goAML reporting platform, and train staff. A small trader can run one standard KYC checklist per client. Banks regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE will ask for it.
Estimated Setup Cost Components for a Jewellery and Precious Metals Trading Company
Feature | Cost Component | Indicative Range or Note |
|---|---|---|
Trade license (from AED 12,500) | Annual license fee | Varies by activity and tenure |
Company registration and fees | Registration and name approval | Confirm with the Dubai South team |
Flexi-desk or office space | Workspace rental | Flexi-desk costs less than an office |
Residency visa package | Per-visa fees | Scales with partner count |
AML/KYC compliance and audit | Officer time and annual review | Budget yearly, not once |
Cost Breakdown for Your Jewellery Company in a Dubai Free Zone
A jewellery company in a Dubai free zone pays for the license, registration, workspace, visas, and compliance. Dubai South licenses start from AED 12,500, and first-year totals vary with activity, visa count, and workspace.
Two partners comparing one-visa and two-visa packages will see the biggest swing there. Budget for annual renewal plus a compliance review, and expect banks to want your KYC policy. Profits above AED 375,000 face 9% corporate tax (Ministry of Finance, 2023), so confirm your position before trading.
Key Benefits of Setting Up a Precious Metals Trading Business in Dubai South
Dubai South offers full foreign ownership, trading-ready licensing, logistics access, and license-linked visas. That gives you a compliant base and a credible Dubai address.
Full ownership, with license and visas from one provider.
Logistics proximity for shipments to East Africa.
A licensed entity that eases bank onboarding.
Why does this matter? Documented compliance shortens bank questions. Read more on starting a gold and precious metals trading business.
Dubai South Versus Other Dubai Zones
Dubai South suits traders wanting flexible licensing, full ownership, and logistics access at manageable cost. Match your zone to your model, compliance capacity, and budget.
How Does Dubai South Compare for Gold Traders?
A jewellery wholesaler without refining needs usually values logistics and cost over exchange-linked ecosystems. Confirm requirements before applying.
Can I Add Activities Later?
Yes. You can amend your license, for example expanding from jewellery to precious stones wholesale.
Your Next Move
Knowing how to set up jewellery precious metals trading Dubai South style comes down to four things: the right activity, clean onboarding, AML/KYC discipline, and a realistic budget. Contact the Dubai South Business Hub team to confirm your activity, get a tailored quote, and start formation.
References
Frequently Asked Questions





