Creating a company in Dubai attracts thousands of French entrepreneurs every year. Zero tax on profits, UAE tax residence, access to Gulf and Asian markets. In 2026, the process is faster and more transparent than ever. Here are the concrete steps.
Choosing the Right Legal Structure
Dubai offers three main structure types. The freezone company (FZE or FZCO) allows 100% ownership without local sponsor, ideal for services, consulting, e-commerce, trading. Freezones like DMCC, Dubai South, Meydan issue business licenses in 5 days. The mainland company (LLC) requires physical office outside freezone and allows direct sales to UAE residents, but needs a local service agent (replacing the old sponsor). The offshore company (RAK ICC, Jebel Ali) serves only for holding or international investment, with no right to do business in Dubai itself.
For 90% of French entrepreneurs, freezone remains the optimal choice. Annual license cost between 8,000 and 15,000 AED (2,100 to 4,000 EUR) depending on freezone and activity. Dubai Small helps you select the freezone adapted to your business model within 24 hours via WhatsApp.
Preparing Required Documents
You will need your passport valid 6 months minimum, a recent white background ID photo, and a proof of address less than 3 months old (electricity bill, bank statement). For some freezones, a simple one-page business plan suffices. If you create an FZCO (2 shareholders minimum), each partner provides the same documents.
Photocopies are no longer accepted. Everything must be scanned in high-definition color. No apostille required for French nationals in 2026, unlike some nationalities. Verification process takes 24 to 48 hours once documents submitted by our team.
Selecting Trade Name and Activities
Your company name must be unique within the chosen freezone. Check availability via freezone portal or ask our advisors. Generic names ("Dubai Consulting", "Emirates Trading") are often taken. Favor a distinctive name. Avoid terms "Royal", "Emirates", "Dubai" alone, or any religious word.
Each license permits up to 10 to 15 commercial activities depending on freezone. List all your planned activities now, even future ones. Adding an activity later costs between 1,000 and 3,000 AED. Most common activities for French: general trading, management consulting, digital marketing, software development, import-export. Our team guides you to formulate activities according to official UAE nomenclature.
Submitting Application and Paying Fees
Once documents and name validated, you sign the application form electronically. Setup fees break down as follows for a classic FZE in 2026: commercial license 10,000 to 15,000 AED, government fees 2,000 to 5,000 AED, investor visa 3,500 AED (includes Emirates ID and medical), flexi-desk or virtual office 5,000 to 8,000 AED/year.
Average total: 20,000 to 30,000 AED (5,300 to 8,000 EUR) for first year, all-inclusive with one visa. Annual renewals cost 30% less. Payment by bank transfer or card (+5% fees). Dubai Small offers all-inclusive packages from 6,500 EUR with complete support, bank account opening included.
Obtaining Approval and License Certificate
The freezone examines your file within 3 to 7 business days. If a document is missing or blurry, they request supplement (+2 days delay). Once approved, you receive the trade licence certificate by email and mail. This document proves legal existence of your UAE company.
Simultaneously, the freezone issues the establishment card, necessary to sponsor employee visas. You also receive your share certificates and the Memorandum of Association (bylaws). Keep these documents safe, banks will require them.
Opening Corporate Bank Account
This is the most delicate step. UAE banks (Emirates NBD, Mashreq, ENBD, RAKBank) require your physical presence in Dubai for opening. Schedule appointment upon receiving your license. Required documents: passport, commercial license, establishment card, detailed business plan, proof of funds (personal bank statement showing 10,000 to 50,000 EUR depending on bank).
Initial deposit varies: 5,000 AED minimum at RAKBank, 25,000 AED at Emirates NBD for business account. Opening delay: 7 to 21 days after appointment. Some banks refuse without explanation. Our concierge accompanies you physically to banking appointment and knows each bank's expectations, 95% success rate.
Launching Visa Process and Emirates ID
With your license, you can sponsor your own investor visa (investor visa or partner visa). Duration: 2 or 3 years depending on freezone. 2026 cost: approximately 3,500 AED all-inclusive (government fees, medical test, Emirates ID, typing).
You pass a quick medical exam (HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis) in approved clinic, count 300 AED and 2 hours. Then you provide fingerprints for Emirates ID. Visa is stamped on your passport within 5 to 10 days. Emirates ID (UAE identity card) arrives by mail 2 weeks later.
You can then sponsor your spouse and children (dependent visa ~3,000 AED/person) and recruit employees (employment visa ~5,000 AED/person depending on qualification).
Setting Up Accounting and Compliance
Although without tax on profits, your company must maintain accounting compliant with IFRS standards. You must appoint an approved auditor if your turnover exceeds 3 million AED/year. Below, a bookkeeper suffices.
Since 2026, all UAE companies must submit an annual return with financial statement to the freezone. Cost: 1,000 to 2,000 AED administrative fees. Strict deadline: 6 months after fiscal year end. Late filing incurs 1,000 AED/month penalty.
If you export to Europe, register for UAE VAT (5%) once your turnover exceeds 375,000 AED/year (mandatory) or voluntarily before. Our team connects you with French-speaking accountants in Dubai, monthly rate 500 to 1,200 EUR depending on transaction volume.
Installing Your Office and Starting Activity
If you chose flexi-desk, you access coworking space in freezone (10 days/month). For private office, count 25,000 to 60,000 AED/year depending on size and freezone. DMCC and Dubai South offer modern offices with meeting rooms.
You can also operate 100% remote if your activity allows (consulting, e-commerce). Freezone simply requires official address for mail. Activate your UAE phone line (Etisalat, du) to appear local to your clients.
To celebrate launch, rent a prestige car from Dubai Small. Nothing like a 2026 Lamborghini Urus or Rolls-Royce Ghost to impress during your first client meeting in Downtown Dubai. Free delivery to your hotel if you book 3 days minimum, 250 km/day mileage included.
Conclusion: Your Dubai Company in 14 Days
Realistic timeline recap in 2026 for organized French entrepreneur: Day 1-2 freezone and name selection, Day 3-5 document preparation, Day 6 file submission, Day 7-12 approval and license, Day 13-20 bank account opening, Day 21-28 visa and medical process. Total: 4 weeks end-to-end if everything anticipated.
Dubai Small accelerates this process through our direct relationships with DMCC, Meydan Freezone, and partner banks. We also manage your complete installation: premium vehicle rental, apartment search, children school registration, discovery activities for family. Contact us on WhatsApp for free audit of your project and quote within 24h. Your new life in Dubai starts now.
Frequently asked questions
How much does company formation in Dubai cost in 2026?
Total cost for a freezone company (FZE) ranges between 20,000 and 30,000 AED (5,300 to 8,000 EUR) first year, including commercial license, government fees, investor visa, Emirates ID, and virtual office. Annual renewals cost approximately 30% less. Dubai Small offers all-inclusive packages from 6,500 EUR with complete support and bank account opening.
How long does company formation in Dubai take?
Complete process takes 4 weeks average in 2026 for well-prepared French entrepreneur. License approval takes 3 to 7 days, bank account opening 7 to 21 days, and investor visa 5 to 10 days after medical test. With Dubai Small, we accelerate steps through our direct relationships with freezones and partner banks.
Which freezone should I choose for my Dubai company?
Choice depends on your activity. DMCC suits trading and commodities, Dubai South for e-commerce and logistics, Meydan for consulting and services. Freezones allow 100% foreign ownership without local sponsor. Annual license cost between 8,000 and 15,000 AED depending on freezone. Dubai Small analyzes your business model and recommends optimal freezone within 24 hours.
Do I need to be physically present in Dubai to create my company?
No for company creation itself, everything can be done remotely with power of attorney. However, your physical presence is mandatory to open corporate bank account (in-person appointment) and to pass investor visa medical test. Plan 5 to 7 days stay in Dubai to finalize these steps. Dubai Small organizes your schedule and accompanies you.
What documents are needed to create a Dubai company?
You will need passport valid 6 months minimum, recent white background ID photo, proof of address less than 3 months old, and simple business plan. No apostille required for French nationals in 2026. Everything must be scanned in high-definition color. Verification takes 24 to 48 hours. Dubai Small verifies your documents before submission to avoid rejection.
Can I obtain UAE residence with my Dubai company?
Yes, commercial license allows you to sponsor your own investor visa for 2 or 3 years depending on freezone. Cost approximately 3,500 AED including Emirates ID and medical test. You can then sponsor spouse and children (dependent visa ~3,000 AED/person). Visa renewed as long as license active. Obtaining delay: 10 days after medical.
Are there taxes on my Dubai company?
Freezone companies benefit from 0% tax on profits and 0% tax on dividends for minimum 50 years. No personal taxes in Dubai. Since 2023, 9% federal tax applies to profits exceeding 375,000 AED/year for mainland only, freezones remain exempt if they meet economic substance conditions. Dubai Small clarifies your tax situation according to your structure.
