Business Setup In UAE from France

How to Start a Business in Dubai, UAE?

Business Setup for France Entrepreneurs

Thinking of setting up a business in UAE from France? You are not alone. Many French entrepreneurs choose the UAE for its tax advantages, business-friendly regulations, and global opportunities. But before you start, there’s a lot to consider: Freezone vs Mainland, costs, business type, office space, and legal requirements. Our experts will guide you step by step through the UAE company formation process, helping you choose the right option, save on setup costs, and launch your business smoothly and stress-free.

Complete Setup Services for France Businesses           

We offer complete business setup services for French companies and individuals looking to expand in the UAE. Whether you are a startup or an established firm, we will help you enter the UAE market quickly and meet all legal and business requirements. From selecting the best Freezone to registering your company, we handle it all so you can focus on growing your business and reaching new clients in UAE and beyond.

Company Formation Options in UAE

French investors can choose from three options to set up a company in UAE: Mainland (onshore), Freezones (tax-friendly and flexible), or Offshore (ideal for global trade). Our team will help you decide the best location and structure for your business, making UAE company formation easy and hassle-free for French entrepreneurs.

Why Set up a Business in Dubai, UAE?

             

Starting a business in Dubai from France has become much easier with policies encouraging foreign investors. For French entrepreneurs, Dubai offers long-term visas, full foreign ownership, and Freezones to make starting a business simple and profitable. Whether you are launching a new venture or expanding your services, Dubai’s business-friendly environment makes it one of the best destinations for French businesses.

Dubai has become a major global trade and business hub, not just for the Middle East but internationally. Ranked among the top business hubs globally, UAE has no personal tax, excellent infrastructure, and a booming financial sector. For French businesses looking to go global, Dubai is the perfect gateway with strong connections to Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Situated between France, Europe, Africa, and Asia, Dubai offers unmatched access to global markets. Its advanced infrastructure makes it easy for French companies to trade across continents. For businesses aiming to expand globally, Dubai is the ideal platform to reach customers across multiple geographies.

Dubai’s economy is diverse across tourism, finance, real estate, and technology. The UAE government has maintained a strong pro-business reputation by introducing regulations that allow French investors and companies to operate seamlessly across sectors.

The UAE’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) law passed in 2018 allows 100% foreign ownership, making it easier for French businesses to set up and grow in Dubai. In fact, Dubai attracted over $10 billion in FDI last year, and remains a top choice among global and French investors. With such supportive policies, Dubai is the best destination for French business owners looking to expand globally.

How to Start a Business in Dubai, UAE

Looking to start a business in UAE from France? Now is the time. With UAE’s strong economy, investor-friendly policies, and growing opportunities, more French entrepreneurs are setting up businesses in Dubai and other Emirates.

Setting up a company in UAE is quick and straightforward. You can choose between Mainland or Freezone setups, both offering 0% income tax, 100% foreign ownership, and full repatriation of profits. Freezones are popular among French investors for their flexibility and ease of entry.

Though the process may seem complex at first, with the right guidance it’s simple. We help French business owners through every step – from choosing the right jurisdiction to getting licensed. Here are six simple steps to help you get started with confidence:

 

1

Choose Your Business

First, decide what business you want to start. This will determine the best UAE Freezone or Mainland setup for you. For French businesses in sectors like consulting, trading, luxury goods, tech, or hospitality, choosing the right location can be very beneficial – especially if your business involves imports and exports.

2

Choose your company name

Choose a company name that follows UAE naming guidelines. Avoid names that are offensive or religious and avoid political terms. If naming the business after a person, ensure you use the full name – not initials or abbreviations.

3

Fill Incorporation Papers

To register your UAE company, you’ll need documents like passport copies of shareholders, your chosen business name, and activity details. Some Freezones may also require a business plan or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer in France. Our team helps French entrepreneurs complete this paperwork accurately.

4

Get Your UAE Business License

Once your application is processed, you’ll receive your UAE business license. We will notify you as soon as your documents are ready for pickup. For French entrepreneurs, this step formalises your business and grants legal operational status in the UAE.

5

Open a UAE Bank Account

After you’re licensed, you can open a corporate bank account in UAE. We connect French businesses with leading UAE banks – Emirates NBD, ADCB, and others – and assist in choosing the best banking solutions for your operational needs.

6

Apply for Your UAE Visa

The final step is applying for your UAE residency visa. Most Freezones let you apply for yourself, your employees, and dependents. This involves an entry permit, medical check, Emirates ID, and stamping. We guide French clients through every stage to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Business Legal Structures in the UAE

Like any other country, the UAE has various business structures. Choosing the right structure is important as it affects ownership rights, liability protection, and operational capabilities in the UAE market for French businesses.

Sole Proprietorship

This type of company is 100% owned by one person – meaning they control the company and profits. All nationalities, including French citizens, can set up as a sole proprietorship in the UAE but often only UAE and GCC nationals can set up a commercial or industrial activity under this license.

Civil Company

Civil companies in the UAE can do business in specific professional fields such as doctors, accountants, lawyers, and consultants. A French entrepreneur providing consultancy or professional services can set up under this structure. To register, you will need a local service agent if you are not a UAE national but have full operational ownership.

 

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

French companies looking to expand can set up a branch office in UAE. In this case, the company is 100% owned by the parent company in France but operates under its license in UAE. A branch can conduct the same business as the parent company and is suitable for firms expanding existing services into UAE markets.

Branch of a Foreign Company

A Free Zone company can have 1 to 50 shareholders. While the Freezone authorities issue the license, businesses operate within the Freezone with 100% foreign ownership and tax benefits. French investors prefer Freezones for quick setup, customs benefits, and proximity to international ports and airports, maximising market reach with an efficient cost structure.

 

Free Zone Company

A Free Zone company can have 2 to 5 shareholders. While there are many benefits of setting up a company in UAE Free Zones – 100% foreign ownership and tax benefits – France investors should note that these companies cannot sell to the UAE mainland market. To do so they will need to appoint a local distributor or agent which may impact the overall business setup plan.

Freelancers

It’s surprisingly easy for French professionals to set up as freelancers in UAE. Freezones such as Dubai Media City offer freelance permits for consultants, designers, writers, or trainers. French freelancers can apply with proof of professional experience, application forms, and required fees, and are also eligible for UAE residency visas through this structure.

Where to Start a Business in Dubai for France Entrepreneurs?

Thanks to the Freezones, starting a business in Dubai from France can take less than a week with the right guidance. Our Dubai-based company formation experts will guide you through each step of the process. Whether it’s choosing the right Freezone or managing paperwork, we ensure you are compliant and don’t face any delays. We also coordinate with UAE government departments to prevent any issues before they arise.

Expo 2020

Expo 2020

Although concluded, Expo 2020 has left a lasting legacy in Dubai, with over 25 million visitors and global attention on the city. This has made Dubai a hub for innovation, business growth, and new opportunities for French investors across multiple sectors.

Long term visas

Long Term Visas

Dubai’s new long-term visa policies make it easier for French entrepreneurs and business owners to get residency in UAE. Business-friendly regulations allow you to set up and run your company with confidence, enjoying one of the most stable and secure financial environments in the world.

Silk road strategy

Silk Road Strategy

Dubai’s Silk Road Strategy aims to strengthen trade routes across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond – offering golden opportunities for French exporters, traders, and logistics companies. With enhanced sea and air connectivity, the city is strategically located as a gateway between Europe and global markets.

Why Choose Us

With our extensive network of contacts across government departments and free zones, we ensure your business setup journey is smooth and hassle-free.

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How can we help you?

Let us help! Our experienced staff and business consultants know exactly how to guide you through the UAE business setup process.

Call +971 4 4542366 Email info@flyingcolour.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Costs vary depending on the license type, business activity, and Freezone or Mainland setup. On average, setup costs range from AED 12,000 to AED 25,000 for Freezone companies and higher for Mainland depending on office requirements and visa quotas.

Consulting, trading, luxury retail, digital marketing agencies, tech startups, and hospitality ventures are popular among French entrepreneurs due to market demand and profitability in the UAE.

Setting up an LLC in UAE typically costs between AED 25,000 to AED 40,000, depending on the Emirate, office space, and number of visas required.

The minimum investment starts from AED 10,000–15,000 for certain Freezones, but Mainland setups require higher capital based on business activity and legal requirements.

Some Northern Emirates Freezones, like Ajman Freezone or Sharjah Media City (Shams), offer cost-effective packages ideal for startups and freelancers.

Yes, all businesses operating in UAE require a valid trade license, including small businesses, freelancers, and consultancy firms.

Yes, French citizens can fully own Freezone companies and, under new laws, Mainland businesses in most sectors, with options for long-term residency visas.

Include your business activity, market analysis, operational plan, financial projections, and compliance strategy. Our consultants assist French entrepreneurs in preparing UAE-compliant business plans for approvals.

  • Sole Proprietorship

  • Limited Liability Company (LLC)

  • Freezone Company

  • Offshore Company

Choose your business activity, decide on Freezone or Mainland setup, register your trade name, submit incorporation documents, obtain your license, open a bank account, and apply for UAE residency visas as needed.