For French founders, tech entrepreneurs and freelancers
Set Up Your UAE Business from France: Costs, Tax and Compliance
Compare live UAE setup packages, see how French and UAE tax rates differ, and follow the residence, exit tax and legalisation steps in the right order — before you pay anyone.
AED 4 888
Lowest listed free zone package, starting from
0%
UAE personal income tax on salary
100%
Foreign ownership in free zones
France vs UAE: headline tax rates
The UAE's 9% corporate tax applies only above AED 375,000 of taxable profit. Whether you still owe French tax depends on your residence and where the company is managed, not on where it is registered.
| Item | France | UAE |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate tax | Corporate tax (IS) at 25% standard rate, with a reduced 15% rate on limited profits for qualifying SMEs | 0% up to AED 375,000 taxable profit, 9% above; qualifying free zone income may be 0% |
| Personal income tax | Progressive rates up to 45%, plus social charges and the high-income contribution where they apply | No personal income tax on employment income |
| Indirect tax | VAT (TVA), 20% standard rate | VAT, 5% standard rate |
| Tax treaty | France and the UAE have a double tax treaty signed in 1989 (with later amendments) | Treaty relief depends on genuine UAE residence — confirm with a French expert-comptable or tax lawyer |
Legalising French documents: the usual steps
1. Notary or issuing authority
Documents are signed or certified by a French notary, mairie or the issuing office.
2. French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The legalisation office of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs confirms the signature where required.
3. UAE Embassy in Paris
The UAE Embassy legalises the document. Confirm current requirements with the embassy before sending originals.
4. UAE MOFA
Final attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs once the documents arrive in the UAE.
Moving from France: residence, exit tax and banking
- French tax residence is tested on your home (foyer), main place of stay, professional activity and centre of economic interests. File your departure with your tax office and keep evidence of UAE residence.
- Foreign bank accounts must be declared on form 3916, and French controlled foreign company rules (article 209 B) can apply to French-resident owners. Agree the structure with an adviser first.
- UAE banks ask for your trade licence, proof of address, source of funds and a business plan. Our bank account guide explains what helps approval.
Read the UAE business bank account guide and the UAE Golden Visa guide.
Where French founders usually set up
IFZA
Broad activity list and multi-visa packages for consultants and agencies.
Meydan Free Zone
Dubai address with a fully digital setup for remote founders.
RAKEZ
Lower-cost licences and industrial land for manufacturers and exporters.
Dubai Mainland
Trade directly with UAE customers and supply government buyers.
Get a setup plan for a French founder
Tell us your activity, visas and move date. Verified consultants send matched quotes. Your enquiry is shared only with verified providers matched to your activity.
Questions French founders ask
Can a French citizen own 100% of a UAE company?
Do I stop paying French tax when I move to Dubai?
Is there an exit tax when leaving France?
How much does a UAE free zone licence cost?
Official sources
- French tax administration (impots.gouv.fr)
- Official public service guidance (service-public.fr)
- French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs — legalisation
- UAE Corporate Tax — Federal Tax Authority
- Starting a business in the UAE — u.ae
General information, not tax or legal advice. Rates checked October 2026.
