Starting a Dubai company from France costs €2,500–€5,500 all-in (AED 15,000–25,000) for a sole founder without visa in 3–7 working days. You can own 100% of the business entirely remotely, using e-signed documents and Power of Attorney. Formation is fully compliant with DET, MOHRE and FTA rules; the real friction is bank approval, which may require a UAE-resident signatory or strict KYC documents.
Can You Start a Dubai Business from France? Yes—Entirely Remote
Yes. France-based entrepreneurs can establish a business setup in Dubai without travelling or holding a UAE residence visa. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) permit 100% foreign ownership across most sectors—trading, services, freelancing, and e-commerce. Formation is fully remote: you submit e-signed documents, a Power of Attorney (POA), and your French business records through your agent. Your company is legally registered within 3–7 working days. No in-person appearance required for company registration itself; banking approval is where presence or a resident signatory often becomes essential.
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Dubai Company from France?
A realistic all-in cost for a solo founder ranges AED 15,000–25,000 (approximately €3,900–6,500 at current rates; convert at today’s exchange rate for your exact cost). This covers:
| Item | Typical Range (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Licence (free-zone zero-visa) | AED 12,500–12,900 | E.g. IFZA, Meydan. Mainland no-visa ~AED 18,200. |
| DET registration & trade name | Included in licence | DET approval + MOHRE record. |
| Investor/partner visa (1 × 2-yr, if desired) | AED 6,000–9,000 | Optional; not required for zero-visa entities. |
| Bank account setup | AED 0–5,000 | Wio, Mashreq NeoBiz, FAB; some waive fees for founders. |
| Flexi-desk/serviced address (1 month) | AED 500–1,500 | Often included in free-zone office package. |
| Insurance, compliance, notary POA | AED 1,500–3,500 | Professional indemnity, French attestation. |
Indicative at current rates—convert AED to EUR at today’s exchange rate for your firm budget.
First-year renewal costs run AED 7,000–20,000 (licence + compliance + visa, if held). Cheapest pure licence-only option: Ajman/SHAMS free zone, ~AED 4,888–5,750, though these have fewer service amenities than Meydan or IFZA.
Ask DBS for an itemised breakdown in euro and AED—your business model affects corporate tax eligibility.
Tax: What Do You Pay—And What Stays at Home?
Dubai and the UAE have introduced corporate tax effective from 1 January 2024, but several exemptions matter:
- UAE Corporate Tax rate: 0% on the first AED 375,000 of taxable profit per annum; 9% on profits above that.
- Free-zone licence holder: Still 0% on Qualifying Income (e.g. trade, services, IP) under the Qualified Free Zone Person (QFZP) rules. Non-qualifying income (interest, dividends) is taxed at 9% from dirham one. De-minimis threshold: lower of 5% revenue or AED 5,000,000; breach it and you lose 0% for ~5 years.
- Mainland (no visa, no investor visa): Small Business Relief applies: 0% revenue tax if turnover ≤ AED 3,000,000 for periods ending on or before 31 December 2026. From 2027, thresholds may change; stay updated via tax.gov.ae.
- VAT: 5% applies from AED 375,000 turnover (register at FTA, federal tax authority).
- Personal income tax in the UAE: 0% (genuine tax advantage).
Back in France: You must declare worldwide income to the French tax authority (DGFIP). However, if you sever French tax residency (not present >183 days in the calendar year, no habitual abode, no centre of vital interests), you are no longer resident in France. As a non-resident, France generally taxes only French-source income (property, etc.), not Dubai-company profits. This is complex—consult a French accountant familiar with expatriate rules and the France–UAE tax treaty to confirm your residency status.
DBS works with UAE and cross-border tax advisers; book a free call to clarify your position.
Day-by-Day Setup Timeline for French Founders
Formation takes 3–7 working days once you submit documents. Here’s the typical sequence:
- Day 1–2: Sign and notarise your Power of Attorney and company articles (French attestation via consulate or mini-apostille).
- Day 2–3: DBS agent submits registration dossier to DET (Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism) and MOHRE.
- Day 4–5: DET approves trade name, issues licence. MOHRE records your company.
- Day 5–6: You receive the original licence certificate and MOHRE record.
- Day 6–7: Contact your bank with licence in hand to open a corporate account.
Banking approval itself often takes 1 week to several months, depending on the bank, your industry, and KYC requirements. Non-resident founders typically need extra KYC evidence (bank references, source-of-funds declaration, business plan). Some banks ask for a UAE-resident signatory or Power of Attorney holder.
Which Free Zone or Jurisdiction? Mainland vs. Free Zone
French founders can choose from three paths:
- Free-zone zero-visa (IFZA, Meydan, DMCC, etc.): Licence ~AED 12,500–12,900. No visa included; you remain on French residency. 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Good for traders, consultants, crypto/fintech (IFZA specialises).
- Free-zone with visa (Meydan, DAFZA, Dubai Silicon Oasis): Licence + 1 × investor visa from ~AED 18,500–22,000. Visa valid 2 years; allows part-time UAE residency.
- Mainland licence (no visa, central Dubai/Sheikh Zayed Rd): Licence only ~AED 18,200. No visa included. Subject to Small Business Relief (0% tax if revenue ≤ AED 3M, ending by 31 Dec 2026). Good for service providers, sole traders.
- Cheapest: Ajman/SHAMS free zone: Licence ~AED 4,888–5,750. Minimal facilities; suitable if you’re fully remote or not meeting clients in-office.
The Dubai free zone company formation route is most popular because it locks in 0% tax status indefinitely (on qualifying income), whereas Small Business Relief expires 31 Dec 2026.
Banking: The Real Friction for French Founders
Bank account approval is often harder than company registration. Here’s what you need to know:
- Minimum balances: Range AED 25,000–50,000 at traditional banks (FAB, Mashreq, ADIB). Neo-banks: Wio (AED 0), Mashreq NeoBiz (~AED 10,000). Confirm at point of application.
- Non-resident KYC: Banks scrutinise foreign founders heavily. Expect to provide: French passport copy, recent utility bill (French address), bank reference from your home bank (2–3 years good standing), proof of source of funds (savings, loan, business plan), and a detailed business plan in English.
- Resident signatory: Some banks request that your company director or signatory be UAE-resident (hold a valid residence visa). If you’re France-based, your agent, a hired local manager, or a POA holder can sign on your behalf.
- Approval timeline: 1–2 weeks if you tick all boxes, or up to 3 months if the bank asks follow-up questions or requires documents from the French authorities.
DBS can coordinate your banking application and provide a checklist tailored to your bank of choice.
Visa Options for French Entrepreneurs: Do You Need One?
No visa is required to own a zero-visa company. However, several visa pathways exist if you want to reside part-time or full-time in the UAE:
- Investor/Partner visa (2 years, renewable): Cost ~AED 6,000–9,000 all-in (government fees + processing). Realistic all-in ~AED 6,000–9,000. Requirement: minimum company investment or shareholding. Allows you to live and work in the UAE for 2 years, renewable.
- Golden Visa (10 years): Available via property purchase (AED 2 million+), company capital (AED 500,000+), or bank deposit (AED 2 million+). Government fees ~AED 4,695–10,140. Since February 2026, mortgaged and off-plan property now qualify; the 50%-upfront rule has been removed. No AED 100,000 ‘lifetime’ Golden Visa exists; that scheme was denied by the ICP in July 2025.
- Green Visa (5 years): Skilled salary (AED 15,000/month), freelance income (AED 360,000/year), or investor shareholding (AED 1,000,000+). Cost varies; check GDRFA for current gov. fees.
- Family sponsorship (if you become a resident): Spouse ~AED 4,000/month; parents ~AED 20,000/month; children up to age 18 or 21 if studying.
Most French founders operate without a visa initially, using e-business and remote management. Visas become relevant if you plan to spend 3+ months/year in Dubai or employ staff.
What You’ll Need: Banking & Formation Checklist for French Founders
For company formation (e-signed, no travel needed):
- French passport (colour copy, valid 6+ months).
- Notarised or certified Power of Attorney (French attestation or apostille).
- French business registration extract (if applicable) or certified residential address letter.
- Proposed trade name & business activity description (in English).
For bank account approval (additional to above):
- Original UAE company licence & MOHRE record.
- Recent French utility bill or French tax notice (proof of French address).
- Bank reference letter from your French bank (minimum 2 years account history).
- Source-of-funds declaration (statutory declaration, savings letter, or loan agreement).
- Detailed business plan in English (1–2 pages), outlining market, revenue model, customer type.
- Original passport & UAE residence visa (if applicable) or POA holder’s details.
- Attestation of French tax residency (or statement of non-residency if you’ve moved out).
Your bank will request this checklist at application; DBS will guide you through each step.
Frequently asked questions
How much (in euro) does it cost to open a Dubai company from France?
All-in cost for a solo founder is typically €2,500–€5,500 (approximately AED 15,000–25,000 at current rates). This includes licence (~€2,900–€3,300), company registration, bank setup (~€0–€1,300), and compliance. Investor or partner visa adds €1,500–€2,300. Convert AED to EUR at today’s rate for your exact budget. DBS provides a full itemised breakdown in euro before you commit.
Can French founders own 100% of a Dubai company?
Yes. The Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) and Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) permit 100% foreign ownership for most trading, service, and e-commerce activities. You do not need a local Emirati partner. Registration is identical whether you’re a sole founder or co-founder with other non-UAE nationals. Check your specific industry (e.g. legal, medical, real estate) with DBS, as a few sectors have local-ownership floors.
Do I need to travel to Dubai to register my company?
No. Company formation is fully remote. You submit e-signed documents, a Power of Attorney (with French attestation or apostille), and your business plan through your agent. DET and MOHRE approval takes 3–7 working days without your physical presence. Bank account approval, however, may require you or a UAE-resident signatory to provide additional KYC documents or appear for final verification—this is where travel or a trusted local representative becomes useful.
How do French founders open a UAE business bank account?
Submit your UAE company licence, passport, French utility bill, bank reference from your French bank, and a source-of-funds declaration to your chosen bank (FAB, Mashreq, Wio, etc.). Non-resident founders face stricter KYC: banks often request a detailed business plan, proof of French tax residency or non-residency status, and may ask for a UAE-resident signatory or Power of Attorney holder. Approval typically takes 1–2 weeks if complete, or up to 3 months if banks request further evidence.
Do I pay tax back home (France) on my Dubai company income?
It depends on your French tax residency. If you sever residency by spending fewer than 183 days in France annually, having no habitual abode, and no centre of vital interests there, France generally taxes only French-source income (property, royalties). Your Dubai company profits would not be taxable in France under the France–UAE tax treaty. However, this is complex: consult a French accountant familiar with expatriate rules to confirm your residency status and treaty entitlements before you commit to the move.
What is the UAE corporate tax, and will my Dubai company pay it?
UAE corporate tax is 0% on the first AED 375,000 taxable profit per year; 9% on profits above. Free-zone licence holders pay 0% on Qualifying Income (trade, services) under QFZP rules, but 9% on non-qualifying income (dividends, interest) from dirham one. Mainland licence holders benefit from Small Business Relief: 0% if annual revenue is ≤ AED 3 million (for periods ending by 31 Dec 2026). From 2027, rules may change. VAT (5%) applies at AED 375,000 turnover. Stay updated via tax.gov.ae.
What visa options do I have if I want to live part-time in Dubai?
You can own a zero-visa company and live in France. If you want UAE residency: Investor/Partner visa (2 years, ~AED 6,000–9,000 all-in) ties to your company shareholding; Golden Visa (10 years, ~AED 4,695–10,140 gov. fees) via AED 2M+ property, company capital, or deposit; Green Visa (5 years) requires skilled salary (AED 15,000/mo), freelance income (AED 360,000/yr), or AED 1M+ shareholding. No AED 100,000 ‘lifetime’ Golden Visa exists. Combine visa choice with your travel frequency and business presence plan.
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