What documents does a Canadian national need to start a gold & jewelry trading business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Canada passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Canada, attested documents via Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication, and a business plan for your gold & jewelry trading venture.

How long does it take for a Canadian citizen to set up a gold & jewelry trading company in ADGM?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 5–8 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 15–25 business days.

How long does it take to get a Gold & Jewelry Trading licence in ADGM?

The typical processing time for a gold & jewelry trading licence at ADGM is 5 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. As a regulated activity requiring DMCC approval, additional time of 1-3 weeks may be required.

Can I get a residence visa with my Gold & Jewelry Trading licence from ADGM?

Yes, your gold & jewelry trading licence from ADGM entitles you to apply for residence visas. The standard package includes 4 visa(s), with the option to apply for additional visas based on your office space. Each visa costs approximately AED 5,500.

What documents do I need to set up a Gold & Jewelry Trading business in ADGM?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. As a regulated activity, you will also need to provide professional qualifications or certifications required by DMCC. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Gold & Jewelry Trading business in Abu Dhabi Global Market?

The annual licence renewal for a Gold & Jewelry Trading ADGM company costs approximately AED 11,700, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

What are the tax implications for a Gold & Jewelry Trading business in Abu Dhabi Global Market?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in ADGM may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the substance requirements and do not conduct business with the mainland. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

Gold & Jewelry Trading in Abu Dhabi Global Market for Canadian nationals

Free ZoneCommercialRegulated Activity

Gold & Jewelry Trading in ADGM

Starting From

AED 11,700

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

4 Visas

Location

Abu Dhabi

About Gold & Jewelry Trading

As a Canadian national looking to establish a Gold & Jewelry Trading business in Abu Dhabi Global Market, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Canada has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Canadian professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a free zone entity regulated under Abu Dhabi's commercial laws, your Gold & Jewelry Trading business will benefit from international financial centre and common law jurisdiction. The ADGM licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 11,700.

With over two decades of experience in UAE business formation, IBA International provides end-to-end support for your gold & jewelry trading setup in ADGM. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.

Why ADGM for Gold & Jewelry Trading?

There are several compelling reasons why Abu Dhabi Global Market continues to attract gold & jewelry trading entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers international financial centre, which is particularly valuable for gold & jewelry trading operations. Additionally, common law jurisdiction ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 15,000 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 4 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. Own courts system further enhances the appeal of ADGM for gold & jewelry trading professionals. Furthermore, robust regulatory framework positions your gold & jewelry trading business for long-term success in the region. With Abu Dhabi continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, ADGM remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established commercial enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Canadian nationals specifically, the Abu Dhabi government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Canadian business community.

International financial centre

Common law jurisdiction

Own courts system

Robust regulatory framework

Abu Dhabi's premier business hub

Visa Requirements for Canadian Nationals

Canadian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. Once your gold & jewelry trading licence is issued by ADGM, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 10–17 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Canadian Business Owners

Canadian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. Strong Canadian-UAE relations facilitate banking processes. For your gold & jewelry trading business in ADGM, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Canadian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Canada-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Canadian Nationals

Canadian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for gold & jewelry trading), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to ADGM.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Canada passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport-sized photographs with white background

5Detailed business plan or activity description

6Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

7Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

8Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

Regulatory Note: Gold & Jewelry Trading is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from DMCC is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	11,700
Visa Package (per visa)	5,500
Flexi Desk	15,000
Shared Office	30,000
Private Office	70,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 32,200

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your gold & jewelry trading business plan and the best ADGM licence options for Canadian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Canada through Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the gold & jewelry trading licence application to ADGM. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official ADGM trade licence within 5–8 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Canadian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Canadian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

Start Operations

Your gold & jewelry trading business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 5 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. ADGM allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Canadian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Gold & Jewelry Trading in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750