United Arab Emirates has become global hub, offering essential resources for business expansion and profit generation. Especially, Dubai is turning out a superior business destination in comparison to France due to the efforts of its government. To embrace the Emirati growth prospects, relocate French business to Dubai, UAE.
It is an incredible decision to make, if you opt for moving a business from France to Dubai. French entrepreneurs can establish and grow successful enterprises in Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Even, you have all the good reasons to set up new business in the United Arab Emirates.
This guide is tailor-made for those considering relocating their French business to Dubai, UAE. It provides insights into the relocation process, requirements, legal procedures, and more. Let us begin to provide French business leaders with the much valuable information about embracing the UAE’s business potential.
Summary of French business relocation process to Dubai
This is the registration procedure to follow for successfully moving a business from France to Dubai.
- Select a suitable name for your French business in Dubai
- Pick appropriate legal jurisdiction for your company from Dubai mainland, or free zones
- Get the initial NOC from Dubai Economic Department (DED) or the chosen free trade zone authority
- Notarize the Memorandum of Association (MoA) detailing the company’s legal structure
- Draft the Articles of Association (AoA) listing the shareholder information
- Make the lease agreement for the workplace (if necessary)
- File the copies of passport, visa, and legal paperwork to the DED or the free zone authority
- Submit the application and relevant regulatory fees
- Obtain the business license after getting final approval
Procedure of relocating a French business to Dubai
Moving your French company to Dubai requires careful planning and adherence to a clear process. Taking guidance from professional company setup advisors further improves the efficiency of the procedure. You can make this transition seamless by completing these steps with compulsory paperwork on time.
- Brainstorm on French business transfer to Dubai
- Choose appropriate company name in Dubai
- Finalize right location for your business
- Complete all due legal paperwork
- Apply for the trade license
- Acquire the UAE residency visa
- Open a company banking account
Now, we have a look on these main steps of transferring a French firm to Dubai.
Brainstorm on French business transfer to Dubai
Comprehensively think upon your French business transfer to the UAE. Contemplate on factors like economic opportunities, corporate control, tax exemptions, currencies, and financial growth. Make a business plan to help in your French business transition to Dubai.
Choose appropriate company name in Dubai
To register your French business in the UAE, ensure your chosen name aligns with the Emirati legal regulations. It must not include references to religious, political, or civil groups. Also, the business name must avoid the usage of the offensive language.
Finalize right location for your business
Come up with a legal jurisdiction that best suits the needs of your French business relocation to the UAE. Pick a location within the chosen jurisdiction, considering economic zones like free zone or mainland. Consider proximity to other companies, transportation modes, and business operations.
Complete all due legal paperwork
Prepare the necessary legal documentation, for relocating your French business to Dubai, UAE.
- Business setup application
- Proper business plan outlining goals and strategies
- Passport and the UAE visa
- NOC from DED (or free zone authority)
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Memorandum of Association (MoA), detailing minimum capital requirements
- Articles of Association (AoA)
- Partnership agreement (if applicable)
- Lease/EJARI agreement for the office
- Foreign parent company’s registration document (for branch office setup)
Apply for the trade license
Submit application with necessary documentation for the license and trade name approval to the DED or the free zone authority. Regulatory body reviews your application against the eligibility criteria. French entrepreneur will get the business license approval on the eligibility fulfillment.
Acquire the UAE residency visa
Apply for the residency visa of the UAE for yourself, family dependents, and the staff. The type and number of the UAE visas may vary depending on the requirements of the moving French business. Seek expert advice if you are sponsoring someone for a visa to ensure compliance with the UAE entry requirements.
Open a company bank account
After receiving your license, register a bank account for your French company in the UAE. Choose from local or international banks according to the specific needs of your French business in Dubai. You can open bank account in Dubai mainland or the free zone as per your requirements.
Considerations for French business relocation to the UAE
Carefully consider these things as you gear up to transfer a business from France to Dubai.
- Understanding the UAE’s legal structure
- Knowledge of the visa and regulatory permits
- Adaptation to Dubai’s weather
- Offsetting high cost of living in Dubai
- Communicating in Arabic language
- Respecting the Islamic and Emirati culture
Let’s briefly look upon these important things.
Understanding the UAE’s legal structure
Knowing the legal framework of the UAE is crucial for relocating a business from France to Dubai. Because, the law systems differ between the French and the Emirati regions. Familiarity of the UAE’s legal structure ensures smooth business transition, with adherence to local rules and regulations.
Knowledge of the visa and regulatory permits
Get proper knowledge of the UAE visa, permits, and licenses. This information is essential for moving French business operations to Dubai. Complete know-how of local regulations is crucial for a smooth business transition.
Adaptation to Dubai’s weather
Dubai experiences hot, consistently warm weather year-round, with extreme summer temperatures. Adapting to this climate shift requires air conditioning and heat protection measures for French expatriates. Because, adjusting from a temperate climate in France to Dubai’s arid desert like atmosphere is a significant adjustment.
Offsetting high cost of living in Dubai
The UAE and Dubai have a high cost of living in comparison to France. However, it is offset by abundant business opportunities, revenue generation, and financial incentives. Prospects of monetary growth ensure rewards of French immigration to Dubai align with expenses.
Communicating in Arabic language
Embracing the Arabic language in communication can enhance interactions with the clients. Integration of French expats within the local Emirati community fosters positive relationships. It is leading to opening doors for further business collaboration in Dubai.
Respecting the Islamic and Emirati culture
Since, UAE is a predominantly Muslim nation, you must respect the Islamic culture. Also, it is ideal adapt to cultural differences in Emirati social norms, dress codes, and behavior. Accordingly, it will help French owners to more seamlessly integrate the local business environment.
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Advantages of shifting your French company to Dubai
Here are some of the major benefits of bringing your French business to Dubai, UAE.
- Hub of business and commerce
- Lavish urban lifestyle
- Safe city life
- Low tax perks
Future prospects of French and Emirati business relations
United Arab Emirates and France have strong business, trade and investment ties. Particularly, the French businesses have found great success in Dubai. French investors are doing wonders in the health/pharmaceutical, technology, and beauty/cosmetic industries across the UAE.
French exports to the United Arab Emirates exceed €3.3 billion. The Gulfood Manufacturing exhibition in Dubai showcases the importance of the UAE as a business destination for French companies. This exhibition provides an opportunity for French companies to explore new partnerships in the UAE.
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