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

You will need a valid United States passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in United States, attested documents via US Department of State / Secretary of State, and a business plan for your gold & jewelry trading venture.

How long does it take for an American citizen to set up a gold & jewelry trading company in SHAMS?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 2–5 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 12–22 business days.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Gold & Jewelry Trading business in Sharjah Media City?

The annual licence renewal for a Gold & Jewelry Trading SHAMS company costs approximately AED 6,150, 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 Sharjah Media City?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in SHAMS 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.

What business activities can I include on my SHAMS licence?

Your SHAMS licence can include gold & jewelry trading as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Most free zones allow multiple activities on a single licence, though some may charge a small fee for additional activities. IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

Is Sharjah Media City good for gold & jewelry trading start-ups?

SHAMS is one of the most start-up-friendly jurisdictions in the UAE, offering budget-friendly from aed 6,150 and fast setup process. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 2,500 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

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

Most of the setup process for a gold & jewelry trading business in SHAMS can be completed remotely, with documents submitted online or via courier. However, you may need to visit the UAE for Emirates ID biometrics and bank account opening. IBA can coordinate to minimise your required visits.

Gold & Jewelry Trading in Sharjah Media City for American nationals

Free ZoneCommercialRegulated Activity

Gold & Jewelry Trading in SHAMS

Starting From

AED 6,150

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Sharjah

About Gold & Jewelry Trading

The UAE continues to attract American entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and SHAMS is one of the most popular jurisdictions for gold & jewelry trading operations. Growing American business community (~50,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Sharjah Media City gives your Gold & Jewelry Trading business access to Sharjah's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as flexi desk, shared office, private office and excellent connectivity. As a regulated activity, you will need approval from DMCC before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up gold & jewelry trading businesses in Sharjah Media City since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why SHAMS for Gold & Jewelry Trading?

Choosing SHAMS for your gold & jewelry trading business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers budget-friendly from aed 6,150, which is particularly valuable for gold & jewelry trading operations. Additionally, fast setup process 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 2,500 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 3 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. 100% foreign ownership further enhances the appeal of SHAMS for gold & jewelry trading professionals. Furthermore, no physical office requirement positions your gold & jewelry trading business for long-term success in the region. With Sharjah continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, SHAMS remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established commercial enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

Budget-friendly from AED 6,150

Fast setup process

100% foreign ownership

No physical office requirement

Media and creative focus

Visa Requirements for American Nationals

US citizens can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. A residence visa is processed after company formation for long-term business operations. Once your gold & jewelry trading licence is issued by SHAMS, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 7–14 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for American Business Owners

US nationals face additional FATCA compliance requirements when opening UAE corporate accounts. IBA assists with the additional documentation required. For your gold & jewelry trading business in SHAMS, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving American business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any United States-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for American Nationals

American nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through US Department of State / Secretary of State. 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 SHAMS.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid United States passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by US Department of State / Secretary of State

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

5Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

6Signed application form from SHAMS authority

7Relevant industry experience documentation

8No Objection Certificate (NOC) if applicable

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	6,150
Visa Package (per visa)	3,200
Flexi Desk	2,500
Shared Office	6,000
Private Office	15,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 11,850

* 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 SHAMS licence options for American nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from United States through US Department of State / Secretary of State and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

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

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official SHAMS trade licence within 2–5 business days.

Visa Processing

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

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. US nationals face additional FATCA compliance requirements when opening UAE corporate accounts.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. SHAMS allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including American 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