Company Registration in Dubai from France

French Entrepreneurs — Register Your Dubai Company from France

If you’re a French entrepreneur looking to expand your business in the UAE, Dubai offers incredible opportunities that are hard to find anywhere else. You can own 100% of your company, operate in a tax-efficient environment, and get everything set up without the usual bureaucratic headaches.

At SetupDubaiBusiness, we help French business owners like you register companies in Dubai quickly and legally. Whether you’re in Paris, Lyon, or Marseille, our team handles everything remotely so you can focus on growing your business while we take care of the paperwork.

Why French Entrepreneurs Choose Dubai

More and more French business owners are choosing Dubai as their second home for business, and here’s why:

Tax-efficient operations: Most Free Zones in Dubai offer 0% corporate tax for qualifying businesses that meet specific criteria. Note: To maintain 0% tax status, your company must qualify as a “Qualifying Free Zone Person” (QFZP) by meeting substance requirements and deriving qualifying income. Non-qualifying income is subject to 9% corporate tax.

You own 100% of your business: No need for a local partner to hold shares. Your company is completely yours.

Take your money wherever you want: You can repatriate 100% of your profits back to France or anywhere else without restrictions.

Perfect location: Dubai sits right between Europe and Asia, making it easy to do business in both directions. You’re just a few hours from major markets.

World-class everything: Modern infrastructure, excellent banking services, and a business environment that actually works in your favor.

Get residency too: Starting a business in Dubai makes it easy to get a UAE residency visa for yourself and your family.

Did you know? Over 700 French-owned companies are already operating successfully in Dubai’s free zones. You’d be joining a thriving community.

How to Register a Company in Dubai from France (Step-by-Step)

Setting up your Dubai company from France is simpler than you might think. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity

Tell us what your company will do – consulting, trading, e-commerce, services, or something else. This determines which license type you’ll need.

Step 2: Select Your Jurisdiction

Decide between a Free Zone company (great for international business) or Mainland company (if you want to work directly with UAE customers). We’ll help you pick the right one.

Step 3: Reserve a Trade Name

Pick a name for your company. We’ll check if it’s available and reserve it for you.

Step 4: Apply for the Business License

We handle all the applications, submissions, and follow-ups with the authorities. You just review and approve documents.

Step 5: Open a Corporate Bank Account

Once your license is ready, we’ll help you open a business bank account in Dubai – often without you having to fly over.

Required Documents for French Citizens

The paperwork is straightforward. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

• Copy of your passport (and any other shareholders)
• Proof of address in France (or UAE if you’re already here)
• A brief description of what your business will do
• Passport-sized photo
• Current visa (if you’re already in the UAE)

Don’t worry about translations or attestations. We assist with document attestation and translation when required. If something needs to be certified or translated into Arabic, we handle it.

Costs of Company Registration in Dubai

Here’s what you can expect to invest:

Company Type	Estimated Cost	Ownership	Processing Time
Free Zone Company	AED 10,000–18,000	100% yours	5–10 days
Mainland Company	AED 15,000–30,000	Up to 100%	7–12 days

The exact cost depends on your business activity, how many visas you need, and which free zone or location you choose. Some activities require higher license fees, while others are quite affordable.

Want an exact quote? Contact us with your business details, and we’ll send you a personalized quotation within 24 hours. No hidden fees, no surprises.

Free Zone vs Mainland Setup for French Entrepreneurs

Choosing between Free Zone and Mainland can feel confusing, but it’s actually pretty simple once you understand the difference:

Free Zone Company

Best for: International business, online services, import/export, consulting

• 100% foreign ownership guaranteed
• No local sponsor needed
• 0% tax on qualifying income (QFZP status required)
• Easy and fast setup
• Full profit repatriation

⚠️ Limited to trading outside UAE mainland (you can’t walk into a shop in Dubai and sell directly)*

*Note: Recent regulations allow Free Zone companies to obtain permits for mainland trading.

Mainland Company

Best for: Doing business directly with UAE customers, retail, local services

• Trade anywhere in the UAE
• Access to government contracts
• Can have physical retail locations
• Up to 100% ownership (no longer need a local partner for most activities)

⚠️ Slightly more complex setup
⚠️ Higher costs
⚠️ Subject to 9% corporate tax on taxable income over AED 375,000

Still not sure? We help you choose based on your actual business needs, not just what’s cheapest or fastest.

Why Choose SetupDubaiBusiness.com

We’re not just another company formation service. Here’s what makes us different:

We speak your language: Our team includes multilingual consultants who speak English, French, and Arabic fluently. No lost-in-translation moments.

We partner with the best: We work directly with top free zones like IFZA, DMCC, and Meydan Free Zone, which means faster processing and better rates for you.

Speed matters: Most of our clients get their Dubai company license approved in under 10 days. We don’t waste your time.

We handle everything: License application, trade name approval, visa processing, bank account opening, PRO services – we’re with you for the entire journey, not just the paperwork part.

We understand French entrepreneurs: We know the questions you have, the concerns about leaving France’s system, and how to make this transition smooth for you.

Get your Dubai company license approved in days – from anywhere in France. You can be sipping coffee at a café in Paris while your Dubai business becomes official.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can French citizens own 100% of a company in Dubai?

Yes, absolutely. In Free Zones, you automatically get 100% ownership. For Mainland companies, most business activities now allow 100% foreign ownership as well. No need for a local partner to hold 51% of your company anymore.

How long does it take to open a company from France?

Typically 5-10 days for Free Zone companies and 7-12 days for Mainland companies. It can be faster if all your documents are ready and your chosen company name is approved quickly.

Do I need to visit Dubai for registration?

Not necessarily. We can handle most of the process remotely. However, for some bank account openings and certain licenses, you might need to visit Dubai for a day or two. We’ll let you know upfront if that’s required for your specific situation.

What’s the cost of company registration in Dubai for French investors?

For Free Zone companies, expect to invest between AED 10,000-18,000 (roughly €2,500-4,500). Mainland companies cost a bit more, around AED 15,000-30,000 (roughly €3,800-7,500). The exact amount depends on your business activity and how many visas you need.

Will I pay taxes in France if I have a Dubai company?

This depends on your tax residency status and how you structure things. We recommend consulting with a French tax advisor about your specific situation. Many French entrepreneurs who live in Dubai full-time benefit from the UAE’s tax advantages, but everyone’s situation is different.

Can I get a residence visa for my family?

Yes! Once your company is registered, you can sponsor residence visas for yourself, your spouse, and your children. This gives your whole family the right to live in Dubai.