How to Start a Jewellery Wholesale Business in Dubai
Topic Summary
Choose the Right Activity Code First
Dubai's jewellery wholesale sector covers a wide range of activities, from gold and silver trading to imitation jewellery and gemstone wholesale. Selecting the correct activity codes upfront ensures your license covers everything you plan to trade without costly amendments later.
License Costs Start at AED 12,500
A jewellery wholesale license at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone starts from AED 12,500 and includes up to five activities. Additional activities can be added for AED 2,000 each, making it practical to operate across multiple jewellery categories under one license.
Registration Is Fully Digital and Straightforward
The entire setup process is handled online, from submitting your application and selecting activity codes to receiving your license documentation. Checking your preferred business name availability before applying helps avoid delays.
Free Zone Status Has Mainland Trading Limits
Free zone jewellery companies can trade internationally and within free zones, but selling directly to UAE mainland retailers or gold souk traders typically requires a local distributor arrangement. Understanding this distinction is important before choosing your business structure.
Dubai Offers Unique Competitive Advantages
Dubai's VAT-free precious metals zone, transparent gold and diamond market, and strong regulatory framework give wholesalers a genuine edge. Proximity to major jewellery manufacturing hubs in India, China, and Turkey further strengthens the emirate's position as a global trading base.
Full Foreign Ownership With No Local Sponsor
Operating through a UAE free zone means 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local sponsor or paid-up capital. Complete profit repatriation is permitted within a tax-efficient structure, making it attractive for international jewellery traders.
Dubai is one of the world's foremost jewellery trading hubs. The emirate's Gold and Diamond Park, its internationally recognised jewellery souk, and its status as a major re-export centre for precious metals and gemstones make it an exceptional base for jewellery wholesale businesses.
Understanding the cost and structure of a jewellery wholesale business in Dubai is essential for traders entering one of the world's most competitive precious goods markets.
This guide explains how to start a jewellery wholesale business in Dubai through Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, including activity codes, license costs, and the full setup process.
What Does a Jewellery Wholesale License Allow?
A jewellery wholesale license allows your business to import, export, and wholesale jewellery, precious metals, gemstones, and related accessories. This includes gold and silver jewellery, diamonds, coloured gemstones, pearls, imitation jewellery, and jewellery accessories. For related trading context, see the general trading activity hub page.
Relevant Activity Codes
The following activity codes are applicable to jewellery wholesale businesses:
4649.15 , Wholesale of Watches, Clocks and Jewellery
4771.91 , Imitation Jewellery Trading
4773.11 , Trading of Jewellery and Accessories Made of Gold and Silver
4774.94 , Used Jewellery Trading
4669.07 , Wholesale of Precious Stones
4773.12 , Pearls and Precious Stones Trading
7410.97 , Jewellery Designing
7490.04 , Appraisal Activities for Antiques, Jewellery Etc.
To explore all available codes for jewellery and precious goods, browse the business activities page.
License Cost for a Jewellery Wholesale Business in Dubai
The license cost at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone starts from AED 12,500, including up to five activities under one license. Additional activities can be added at AED 2,000 each, allowing you to expand across multiple jewellery categories under a single structure. To understand your full setup cost, use the business setup cost calculator to generate a personalised, itemised estimate.
Setting Up Your Jewellery Wholesale Business at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
The registration process is fully digital. Submit your application and select your jewellery wholesale activity codes, choose your workspace arrangement and visa requirements, receive your cost estimate and confirm payment, then receive your license documentation. Before applying, check your preferred business name using the name check tool.
Can a Free Zone Jewellery Company Trade with UAE Mainland Retailers?
Free zone companies can export internationally and trade within the free zone or between free zones. For selling to UAE mainland jewellery retailers and gold souk traders, a local distributor arrangement is typically required. Read our article on free zone trading for details.
Why Trade Jewellery from Dubai?
Dubai has one of the world's most transparent and competitive gold and diamond markets. The emirate's VAT-free precious metals zone, strong regulatory framework for precious goods trading, and connectivity to jewellery manufacturing hubs in India, China, and Turkey give Dubai-based jewellery wholesalers a significant competitive advantage. To start your jewellery wholesale business, visit the start your business page.
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers full foreign ownership, no requirement for a local sponsor, no paid-up capital, and complete profit repatriation within a tax-efficient UAE free zone structure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
