UAE Free Zone Business Setup
Over the last 20 years, the UAE has become a global business hub, known for its strategic location, economic diversification, and investor-friendly environment. From being an oil-based economy, it now has major sectors including tourism, real estate, logistics, and fintech. A key contributor to this transformation is the establishment of Free Zones across all Emirates, attracting foreign investment and driving economic growth.
Each Free Zone has its own authority – such as the Dubai Free Zone Authority – which is responsible for company registration and issuing business licenses to foreign-owned companies.
Setting up a business in a UAE Free Zone is highly attractive for French investors, as it offers:
- 100% foreign ownership
- Full profit repatriation
- Zero import/export duties
- Simplified business setup procedures
Why Start a Business in UAE Free Zone
With modern infrastructure, tax-free benefits, and streamlined processes, UAE Free Zones – especially in Dubai – have become the preferred destination for French entrepreneurs looking to expand globally. Setting up a company in a UAE Free Zone offers many strategic and financial benefits for French investors, such as:
100% foreign ownership even for French nationals
Zero corporate and personal tax saving a lot on operational costs
Full repatriation of capital and profits ideal for French investors managing funds internationally
No import and export duties reducing business expenses
Affordable office and warehouse options perfect for SMEs and startups
Single owner company setup easy for French solopreneurs
15 year corporate tax holiday renewable for another 15 years great for long term planning
Confidentiality in business operations for sensitive ventures
Access to international markets especially for French exporters and service providers
Lower renewal and setup fees for lean operational models
Permission to own assets, conduct various activities and open UAE bank accounts
Easy exit and liquidation for French investors who want to evaluate risk
Staff visas, employee housing and admin services for French businesses expanding abroad
Steps For UAE Freezone Business Setup for French Entrepreneurs
Business activity
Business activity decides what kind of operations you will have for your company; so choosing business activity is important during UAE free zone business setup. So French investors must choose a suitable free zone company from the various free zones available.
Trade license
First you need to decide on the nature of your business and which industry you want to serve. Moreover, the trade licenses French entrepreneurs can choose from are commercial trade, consultancy services, educational, media, E-Commerce, freelancer, manufacturing, and industrial.
Type of legal entity
For freezone business setup you can apply for two types of legal structures. But make sure your business activity and type of business matches the legal structure you are applying for. Moreover, these two types of legal structures are Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC) or Free Zone Company (FZ CO.) or Free Zone Establishment (FZE).
Trade name
Also choose a trade name and get it approved by DED. Make sure your name is unique as it represents your business. Consider the following before choosing any name:
- Indeed it should be as per the legal structure.
- Don’t use offensive language and keep public sentiments in mind.
- Should match your business activity.
- No copyright violations.
- Approved by the Department of Economic Development.
- Trade name is mandatory for French businesses planning to set up in UAE Freezone.
Location
You can choose the location as per your preference from 40+ free zones in the country. However, your office space can only be chosen after you have mentioned the number of employees and nature of business. French business owners can choose if they want a furnished office or a partially furnished office for their UAE Freezone company.
Initial approval
Be ready with everything, submit all the documents to the concerned authority and make sure you have read all the mandatory requirements. So prepare all the documents, application form and business plan, copy of trade license, letter of intent, bank reference letter, registration application form and specimen signature of the company’s shareholders. French investors should ensure attestation of documents for smooth approvals in UAE Freezones.
Payment of fee
Submit all the documents and pay the fee to get the license. For French entrepreneurs setting up a UAE Freezone company, it’s important to keep track of the payment structure as the cost may vary depending on the free zone and business activity. Many French investors prefer free zones with flexible payment plans and low startup fees to minimize the initial capital outflow.
UAE Freezone Business Setup Documents
For a business license
Colour copy of shareholder(s)’ passport and visa, if applicable
Application form
Business plan
Board resolution
Memorandum and Articles of Association (MAA)
For opening a bank account:
Corporate account opening form
Board of directors’ resolution for opening of account and signatories to the account
Company’s certificate of incorporation
Share certificate
Memorandum and Articles of Association (MAA)
Passports of all partners in the company
Notes:
UAE’s free zones are extremely popular among entrepreneurs and business owners for setting up companies since they are tax-free zones with free trading ports that can be owned solely by the person setting it up (regardless of nationality).