How to Start a Jewellery Wholesale Business in Dubai
Topic Summary
1. Dubai Is a Foremost Global Jewellery Trading Hub
The Gold and Diamond Park, the internationally recognised jewellery souk, and Dubai's status as a major re-export centre for precious metals and gemstones make it an exceptional base for jewellery wholesale.
2. Scope Spans Gold, Silver, Diamonds, Gemstones, and Imitation
The license permits import, export, and wholesale of gold and silver jewellery, diamonds, coloured gemstones, pearls, imitation jewellery, and jewellery accessories under one entity.
3. Multiple Codes Cover Different Jewellery Segments
Activity codes cover wholesale of watches and jewellery, imitation jewellery, gold and silver jewellery, used jewellery, precious stones, pearls, jewellery designing, and appraisal activities.
4. Fully Digital Registration Process
The registration process is fully digital, with submission of application, activity code selection, workspace and visa configuration, and license documentation delivered without in-person visits.
5. Sector Requires DNFBP Compliance Considerations
As with all precious metals and stones trading, businesses should review UAE DNFBP compliance requirements including CBUAE registration and AML/CFT obligations before commencing operations.
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.
Related Activities
Watches Clocks & Jewellery Wholesale Trading Trading License
Household Goods Wholesale Trading Trading License
Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Wholesale Trading Trading License
Frequently Asked Questions
