Dubai is widely known as the “City of Gold,” a global hub for trade, luxury, and investment. Entrepreneurs and investors from around the world are drawn to the city’s thriving economy and flourishing jewellery market. For anyone considering a jewellery business in dubai the opportunities are immense. From gold and diamond trading to bespoke luxury boutiques, Dubai offers a dynamic marketplace supported by strong infrastructure, strategic location, and a wealthy customer base.
Before diving in, one of the first questions every investor asks is: how much cost to start a jewellery business in Dubai? The answer depends on various factors, including the type of jewellery activity, licensing requirements, location, and compliance costs.
In addition to expenses, it’s also crucial to understand how to start a jewellery business in Dubai and the legal requirements for jewellery business in Dubai. From obtaining trade licenses and approvals to meeting security standards, compliance ensures smooth operations and builds customer trust.
At Tap Fiscal, we help entrepreneurs navigate every aspect of setting up your jewellery business—from cost planning to legal procedures—ensuring that your jewellery business startup in Dubai is successful, compliant, and positioned for growth.
Dubai as the City of Gold – Why It’s the Best Hub for Jewellery
Dubai has earned its global reputation as the “City of Gold” because of its deep-rooted connection with precious metals and gems. For decades, the emirate has been a leading marketplace for gold, diamonds, and luxury jewellery, with over 40% of the world’s gold trade passing through Dubai. This makes it an unmatched destination for jewellery entrepreneurs.
One of the biggest advantages of starting a jewellery business in Dubai is its strategic location. Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, the emirate provides businesses with access to a wide range of international markets. Whether you want to focus on retail, wholesale, or global trading, Dubai offers the ideal platform.
The city also boasts a wealthy customer base with high purchasing power. Luxury spending is ingrained in the culture, and tourists flock to Dubai every year with jewellery purchases being a significant part of their travel experience.
Moreover, Dubai’s jewellery industry is supported by strict quality standards and hallmarking regulations, ensuring authenticity and customer confidence. Combine this with a tax-free trading environment, advanced infrastructure, and government support, and it’s clear why jewellery businesses flourish in Dubai.
For entrepreneurs, this environment translates into growth, profitability, and long-term sustainability. With Tap Fiscal by your side, you can seamlessly establish your jewellery business startup in Dubai and tap into one of the world’s most lucrative luxury markets.
How Much Cost to Start a Jewellery Business in Dubai?
- Initial Approval Certificate:
The first step in launching a business is securing the initial approval certificate. For companies on the mainland, this document generally costs between AED 300 and AED 700, serving as official confirmation that your chosen activity is permitted.
- Trade Name Reservation:
Choosing and reserving a trade name for a mainland Limited Liability Company (LLC) comes with fees that typically range from AED 700 to AED 1,000, depending on the uniqueness and classification of the selected name.
- Business License Fees:
Licensing is one of the most significant expenses in business setup. The cost varies depending on whether the company is established on the mainland or within a free zone, along with factors such as activity type, shareholder count, and visa quota. Fees usually start from AED 7,500 and can rise up to AED 50,000.
- Office Lease Costs:
Mainland businesses are required to rent physical office space. Rental rates are based on size and location, typically falling between AED 100 and AED 300 per square meter annually. For example, leasing a 50 m² office could range from AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 per year. Free zone companies, in contrast, may opt for budget-friendly flexi-desk packages.
- MOA Drafting & Notarization:
Preparing and notarizing the Memorandum of Association is a mandatory legal requirement for mainland companies. The cost of this process is generally between AED 1,000 and AED 2,000, depending on the complexity of the document.
- Visa Expenses:Visa issuance for employees or partners involves costs that usually range from AED 8,000 to AED 10,000 per person, with variations depending on business activity and the company’s structural setup.
Starting a jewellery business requires more than investment—it requires following a structured process. Here’s a detailed guide on how to start a jewellery business in Dubai:
1.Obtain Initial Approval
Secure initial approval from the government, confirming there are no objections to your business activity.
2. Decide Activity
Choose the type of jewellery business—retail, wholesale, gold trading, diamond jewellery, or bespoke luxury products. This decision impacts licensing and compliance requirements.
4. Choose Structure
Select between a mainland company or a free zone setup. Mainland allows direct trade in the UAE market, while free zones offer 100% ownership and tax exemptions.
5. Register Trade Name
Register your business name with the DED or relevant authority. It must align with UAE naming rules and reflect your jewellery business identity.
6. Draft MOA / Incorporation Documents
For mainland setups, drafting an MOA is mandatory. It defines business ownership and activities. Free zones may provide standard incorporation documents.
7. Lease Shop or Office
A physical premise is essential. Jewellery retail stores benefit from high-traffic locations like malls, while trading companies can opt for business districts or free zone offices.
8. Apply for Licenses & Permits
Submit all documents, MOA, and approvals to obtain your jewellery trade license. Additional permits may be required from security and hallmarking authorities.
9. Compliance & Security Standards
Jewellery businesses must comply with anti-money laundering regulations, hallmarking, and strict security standards. Installing CCTV and safes is mandatory.
With Tap Fiscal, each step of your jewellery business startup in Dubai is simplified, ensuring timely approvals and full compliance.
Legal Requirements for Jewellery Business in Dubai
Meeting the legal requirements for jewellery business in Dubai is essential for compliance and credibility. Authorities enforce strict rules to ensure transparency and protect consumers.
Hallmarking Regulations
All gold and precious metal jewellery must be hallmarked, ensuring authenticity and purity.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance
Jewellery businesses must comply with UAE’s AML laws, including customer verification and transaction reporting.
Insurance Requirements
Businesses must obtain insurance to cover theft, loss, or damages, safeguarding both investors and customers.
Security Measures
Mandatory installation of CCTV, alarms, and safes ensures protection against risks.
At Tap Fiscal, we ensure your jewellery business meets all regulatory standards without delays.
Costs Breakdown
- Initial Approval Certificate:AED 300 – AED700 for a mainland company
- Trade Name Reservation: AED 700-1000 for a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the mainland
- Business License Fees:Business license fees in Abu dhabhi depending on the type of company- free zone or mainland, as well as the number of shareholders, business activities and number of visa required from the company. Fees generally ranges from AED 7500 AND CAN GO UP TO aed 50,000
- Office Lease Costs: If registered in a free zone, you can opt for a flexi desk. For mainland companies, the cost depends on the location and the office size, typically ranging from AED 100 to 300 per square meter.For example, a 50 m² office on the mainland may cost between AED 5,000 and AED 15,000 per year, depending on the area.
- MOA Drafting & Notarization: between AED 1,000 – AED 2,000 for mainland companies
- Visa Fees (per person): AED 8,000 to AED 10,000 or more,depending on the business and company structure
This comprehensive breakdown gives entrepreneurs clarity when setting up your jewellery business.
Benefits of Jewellery Business Startup in Dubai
Thriving Market – High demand for gold, diamonds, and luxury items.
- Strict Quality Standards – Hallmarking ensures customer trust.
- Tax-Free Environment – Maximize profits with zero corporate tax.
- Strategic Location – Access to Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- Wealthy Customer Base – High purchasing power ensures steady sales.
- Tourism Advantage – Millions of tourists buy jewellery in Dubai.
- Free Zone Benefits – 100% ownership and simplified procedures.
- Advanced Security – Government mandates ensure safe business operations.
- Diverse Product Range – Opportunities in gold, diamonds, gems, and watches.
- Government Support – Pro-business policies boost growth.
At Tap Fiscal, we help you leverage these benefits while ensuring compliance and cost efficiency
Setting up Your Jewellery Business with Tap Fiscal
At Tap Fiscal, we specialize in guiding investors through every stage of a jewellery business startup in Dubai. From choosing the right structure to handling approvals, drafting documents, and ensuring compliance, our team makes setting up your jewellery business smooth and stress-free.
We also provide detailed cost breakdowns, so you know exactly how much cost to start a jewellery business in Dubai before committing. Our experts ensure your business complies with hallmarking, AML laws, and security measures, avoiding unnecessary delays.
With Tap Fiscal, you gain a trusted partner who ensures efficiency, transparency, and long-term success.
Conclusion
Dubai’s reputation as the “City of Gold” makes it the ideal destination for entrepreneurs seeking to establish a jewellery venture. With its thriving market, tax-free benefits, and global connectivity, starting a jewellery business in Dubai offers immense opportunities.
However, success depends on understanding how to start a jewellery business in Dubai, complying with the legal requirements for jewellery business in Dubai, and preparing for the associated costs.
At Tap Fiscal, we simplify the entire process of setting up your jewellery business, ensuring smooth approvals, full compliance, and transparent cost planning. Whether you’re opening a retail store, wholesale outlet, or trading company, we make your jewellery business startup in Dubai efficient, compliant, and profitable.
1. Can a foreigner start a jewellery business in Dubai?
Yes. Foreigners can establish a jewellery business in Dubai by choosing a free zone for 100% ownership or partnering with a local sponsor for a mainland setup. Tap Fiscal guides international investors through legal requirements, licensing, and compliance, ensuring smooth entry into Dubai’s thriving jewellery market.
2. What licenses are required to open a jewellery business in Dubai?
A jewellery trade license is mandatory, issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) for mainland businesses or relevant free zone authorities. Additional permits from security, hallmarking, and regulatory bodies may be required depending on your activity. Tap Fiscal ensures you secure all necessary approvals quickly and efficiently.
3. How much investment is required to start a jewellery business in Dubai?
Obtaining initial approval and preparing the Memorandum of Association (MOA) may involve notary services and documentation fees. You can expect costs to range between AED 500 to AED 4,000.
4. Is it mandatory to get approvals from authorities?
Yes. Jewellery businesses require approvals from the DED or free zone authority, along with compliance with hallmarking, anti-money laundering (AML), and security standards. These approvals protect both investors and consumers. Tap Fiscal manages all approval processes to ensure your jewellery business startup in Dubai is legally compliant and efficient.
5. What are the popular places to set up a jewellery business in Dubai?
Dubai offers prime retail hubs such as the Gold Souk in Deira, luxury malls like Dubai Mall, and commercial areas such as Jumeirah and Business Bay. Free zones also attract wholesalers and traders. Tap Fiscal helps identify the most strategic location for setting up your jewellery business successfully.
6. Can I sell jewellery online in Dubai?
Yes. Entrepreneurs can sell jewellery online by securing an e-commerce license along with a jewellery trade license. Online jewellery businesses must also meet hallmarking, AML, and security regulations. Tap Fiscal assists with licensing and compliance to help investors expand both retail and online jewellery business operations in Dubai.
7. Are there taxes on jewellery businesses in Dubai?
Dubai offers a tax-friendly environment. There is no personal income tax or corporate tax on most jewellery businesses. However, Value Added Tax (VAT) at 5% applies to sales. Tap Fiscal provides expert tax compliance services, ensuring your jewellery business in Dubai meets all regulatory obligations smoothly.
8. What documents are required to start a jewellery business in Dubai?
Required documents typically include passport copies, visa copies, Emirates ID (if applicable), trade name reservation certificate, initial approval, MOA, lease agreement, and NOC (if needed). Additional documents may be required based on activity. Tap Fiscal ensures complete documentation support for setting up your jewellery business without delays.
9. How long does it take to get a jewellery trade license in Dubai?
Obtaining a jewellery trade license usually takes 7 to 14 business days, depending on approvals, documentation, and compliance with security standards. Tap Fiscal accelerates the process by handling paperwork, approvals, and regulatory requirements efficiently, ensuring your jewellery business startup in Dubai is operational within the shortest possible timeframe.
10. Is Dubai a good place to start a jewellery business?
Absolutely. Dubai’s reputation as the “City of Gold,” combined with a thriving market, wealthy customer base, tax-free benefits, and strategic location, makes it one of the best places globally for jewellery ventures. Tap Fiscal provides expert guidance to ensure your jewellery business startup in Dubai achieves long-term success.
