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

You will need a valid Philippines passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Philippines, attested documents via Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and a business plan for your gold & jewelry trading venture.

How long does it take for a Filipino citizen to set up a gold & jewelry trading company in RAK ICC?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 3–6 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 13–23 business days.

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

The typical processing time for a gold & jewelry trading licence at RAK ICC is 3 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.

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

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 tax implications for a Gold & Jewelry Trading business in RAK International Corporate Centre?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Offshore entities are generally exempt from UAE corporate tax on income earned outside the UAE. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

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

Offshore companies in RAK ICC do not include residence visa allocation. If you require a UAE residence visa, consider a free zone or mainland licence instead.

Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a Gold & Jewelry Trading company in RAK ICC?

Most of the setup process for a gold & jewelry trading business in RAK ICC can be completed remotely, with documents submitted online or via courier. Offshore company registration can typically be completed entirely remotely without any UAE visit.

Gold & Jewelry Trading in RAK International Corporate Centre for Filipino nationals

OffshoreCommercialRegulated Activity

Gold & Jewelry Trading in RAK ICC

Starting From

AED 12,500

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Ras Al Khaimah

About Gold & Jewelry Trading

Setting up a Gold & Jewelry Trading business in RAK International Corporate Centre as a Filipino citizen is a straightforward process when you understand the specific requirements that apply to Philippines-based entrepreneurs. IBA International has helped hundreds of Filipino business owners navigate the licensing, visa, and banking procedures unique to their nationality.

The licensing process at RAK ICC has been streamlined significantly, with most commercial licences processed within 3 business days. As an offshore entity, you benefit from maximum privacy and asset protection. The base licence fee is approximately AED 12,500, making it competitively priced for the services included.

At IBA International, we simplify the process of establishing your gold & jewelry trading business in RAK International Corporate Centre. From selecting the right licence type to securing your visa and opening a corporate bank account, our experienced team ensures every detail is handled professionally and efficiently.

Why RAK ICC for Gold & Jewelry Trading?

RAK International Corporate Centre is widely regarded as one of the UAE's premier destinations for commercial businesses, and for good reason.

The jurisdiction offers cost-effective offshore structure, which is particularly valuable for gold & jewelry trading operations. Additionally, full foreign ownership ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. The offshore structure provides maximum confidentiality and is ideal for holding assets, intellectual property, and international trade operations. Many international businesses choose the offshore route for its streamlined compliance requirements and ability to open multi-currency bank accounts with leading UAE banks. No tax obligation further enhances the appeal of RAK ICC for gold & jewelry trading professionals. Furthermore, confidentiality protection positions your gold & jewelry trading business for long-term success in the region. With Ras Al Khaimah continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, RAK ICC remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established commercial enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Filipino nationals specifically, the Ras Al Khaimah government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Filipino business community.

Cost-effective offshore structure

Full foreign ownership

No tax obligation

Confidentiality protection

International business flexibility

Visa Requirements for Filipino Nationals

Filipino nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. Once your gold & jewelry trading licence is issued by RAK ICC, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 8–15 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Filipino Business Owners

Filipino entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation. A solid business plan helps expedite the process. For your gold & jewelry trading business in RAK ICC, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Filipino business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Philippines-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Filipino Nationals

Filipino nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). 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 RAK ICC.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Philippines passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport-sized photographs with white background

5Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

6No Objection Certificate (NOC) if applicable

7Detailed business plan or activity description

8Bank reference letter from your current bank

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	12,500
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 12,500

* 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 RAK ICC licence options for Filipino nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Philippines through Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

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

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official RAK ICC trade licence within 3–6 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Filipino nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Filipino entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation.

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: 3 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. RAK ICC allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Filipino 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