By the Pro24 DMCC Advisory Team — official DMCC Partner and business setup specialists in JLT, Dubai. Last reviewed August 2026.
Dubai isn’t nicknamed the “City of Gold” by accident — a significant share of the world’s physical gold moves through the emirate, and DMCC is the free zone built specifically for the precious-metals and diamond trade. If you want to import, export, refine or trade gold, diamonds or other precious commodities, a gold trading business in DMCC puts you inside the ecosystem that runs the market: vaults, a spot exchange, refiners and a dedicated trade authority. Here’s how to set one up properly.
Key takeaways
- DMCC is Dubai’s dedicated hub for gold, diamonds and precious commodities.
- You’ll need a trading licence plus, for many activities, sector compliance (KYC/AML, responsible sourcing).
- Physical trading usually carries a share-capital requirement (commonly ~AED 50,000).
- DMCC offers vaulting, a spot exchange and refiner networks on your doorstep.
Why DMCC owns the precious-metals trade
DMCC was created to consolidate Dubai’s commodity flows, and gold is its flagship. Members plug into secure vaulting, a spot exchange, accredited refiners, and a community of traders and logistics providers — infrastructure that would take years to assemble independently. For a physical-goods business, that proximity is a genuine competitive edge, not just a nice address.
The licence you need
Gold and diamond trading runs on a DMCC trading licence, with the specific activity (e.g. trading in gold, diamonds, precious stones, or jewellery) listed on it. DMCC also runs dedicated trade centres and pathways for precious metals and diamonds. Most physical-trading activities carry a declared minimum share capital — commonly around AED 50,000 — and require workspace within the free zone.
Compliance you can’t skip
Precious metals are a high-integrity sector, so expect real compliance obligations. Depending on activity, these can include KYC/AML procedures, responsible-sourcing and due-diligence standards, and record-keeping aligned with global frameworks that combat conflict minerals and money laundering. This isn’t box-ticking — banks and counterparties will judge you on it.
Reality check: Banking is the make-or-break step for gold traders. Have your AML procedures, supplier documentation and transaction rationale ready — it’s what gets your corporate account approved.
Indicative cost to start
| Component | Indicative (AED) |
|---|---|
| Trading licence + registration | ~20,000–35,000 (year one) |
| Declared share capital | ~50,000 (typically not blocked) |
| Flexi desk / office | from ~15,000 |
| Vaulting / logistics | usage-based |
See our full DMCC cost breakdown for how these fit together. Figures are indicative — confirm current fees with DMCC.
In gold, your licence opens the door — but your compliance and banking are what keep it open.
Step-by-step setup
- Fix your exact activity — bullion, jewellery, diamonds, or refining each differ.
- Reserve your name and file DMCC initial approval.
- Meet capital & workspace requirements.
- Build AML/KYC procedures and supplier due-diligence from day one.
- Get your licence, then open a bank account with your compliance pack ready.
- Plug into DMCC infrastructure — vaulting, exchange and refiner networks as needed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need share capital to trade gold in DMCC?
Most physical precious-metals trading requires a declared minimum share capital (commonly ~AED 50,000), though it is usually not deposited into a blocked account.
Is gold trading in Dubai tax-free?
Your DMCC company can pay 0% corporate tax on qualifying income as a QFZP, otherwise 9%. There’s no personal income tax, but compliance and audited accounts are required.
Can I store gold in DMCC?
Yes — DMCC offers secure vaulting and logistics as part of its precious-metals ecosystem.
Ready to trade precious metals from Dubai? Pro24 will structure your DMCC gold business — licence, compliance and banking. Official reference: DMCC (dmcc.ae).
Ready to set up in DMCC?
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