Moving to Dubai
Zero income tax, free zones for entrepreneurs, sunshine 365 days a year
Read the guideFactsheet: Dubai
Dubai is one of seven emirates forming the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With 3.5 million inhabitants, over 90% of whom are foreigners, it is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. In the space of fifty years, what was once a fishing village has become an ultramodern metropolis and a financial and logistics hub for the Middle East. For those looking to expatriate outside Europe while maintaining a high-quality Western lifestyle and paying zero income tax, Dubai has established itself as the go-to destination.
Why choose Dubai?
Dubai combines advantages that are hard to find anywhere else: zero taxation, a premium lifestyle, unmatched air connectivity, and modern business-oriented infrastructure. It is now the number one destination for entrepreneurs and senior executives seeking legal tax optimization. Here are the six main reasons behind this appeal.
No personal tax on salaries, dividends, or capital gains. Everything you earn, you keep. A legal advantage recognized by the tax treaty with France.
Over 40 specialized free zones (tech, media, finance) with 0% corporate tax, 100% foreign ownership, and free capital repatriation.
Dubai International Airport (DXB), the 2nd busiest in the world. 90+ airlines, direct flights to 240 destinations. Paris to Dubai in 6h30.
Ultra-modern infrastructure, maximum security, 365 days of sunshine, beaches, Michelin-star restaurants, luxury shopping. A Western standard of living guaranteed outside of Europe.
Long-term residency for investors, entrepreneurs, and qualified professionals. Residential security without dependence on an employer.
Large French community (80,000+ registered at the consulate), active entrepreneurial ecosystem, permanent networking opportunities at the CCI France UAE.
Visa & Residence
Unlike Europe, settling legally in Dubai requires meeting specific conditions. French citizens get 90 days visa-free for tourism, but for a long-term stay, a legal status is mandatory: employee, entrepreneur, or investor. The good news: options are numerous and procedures are relatively simple compared to other non-EU destinations.
The Golden Visa, long-term residency
Launched in 2019 and expanded in 2022, the Golden Visa is the key to settling permanently in Dubai without depending on an employer. It comes in 5-year and 10-year versions. The 10-year visa is available to real estate investors (property worth at least 2 million AED, approximately 500,000 EUR), entrepreneurs (company valued at over one million AED), recognized talents (scientists, artists, athletes), and top graduates. The 5-year visa targets investors with lower thresholds. The major advantage of the Golden Visa: it does not expire if you leave the country, unlike standard visas that require a return to the UAE every 6 months.
The Freelance and Entrepreneur Visa
For self-employed workers and entrepreneurs, the most common path is setting up a company in a free zone, which automatically grants a residency visa to the founder. Depending on the chosen free zone, the annual cost ranges from 3,000 to 8,000 EUR (license + residency visa). Free zones such as IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) or DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) are particularly popular among French expatriates. This option provides a 2 to 3-year renewable residency visa, a UAE bank account, and a local legal address, with no minimum physical presence requirement.
Employee visa (sponsorship)
The standard work visa is sponsored by the employer, who handles the procedures and costs. It typically lasts 2 to 3 years and is tied to the company: if you change employers, the visa is cancelled and a new one must be obtained. An important constraint to anticipate if you are considering professional mobility in Dubai.
Cost of living
Contrary to popular belief, Dubai is not a cheap destination. The cost of living is generally comparable to Paris, or even higher depending on your lifestyle. Rent often represents 40 to 50% of the total budget. However, the complete absence of income tax changes everything: a gross salary is a net salary. What matters is your real purchasing power after taxes, and there, Dubai beats Paris hands down.
Estimated monthly budget: 2,800 - 5,000 EUR/month
📊 Taxation
This is the killer argument: the UAE has no personal income tax. Zero. It is not a low rate, it is the complete absence of one. Combined with the tax treaty signed between France and the UAE, this regime allows a UAE tax resident to be taxable neither in France nor in the UAE on personal income. The essential condition: clearly establish your tax residency in the UAE and sever tax ties with France.
🚀 For entrepreneurs
Dubai is one of the most attractive destinations worldwide for starting a company. With over 40 specialized free zones, near-zero corporate taxation, and a solid legal infrastructure, the UAE attracts thousands of French entrepreneurs every year. Company formation takes 3 to 7 days, and most formalities are handled online or by mail.
❤️ Healthcare
Health insurance is mandatory for all Dubai residents; it must be taken out when obtaining the visa. If you are employed, the employer provides it. If you are an entrepreneur, it is your responsibility. Private clinics are of very high quality (modern equipment, international doctors) but expensive without good coverage: a specialist consultation costs between 150 and 400 EUR. Public hospitals are accessible but reserved primarily for nationals. For freelancers or entrepreneurs, an international insurance plan such as Cigna or AXA Global is recommended.
Where to live
Greater Dubai stretches over 80 km along the coast. Each neighborhood has its own identity and budget. If you are willing to move away from the center, neighboring emirates like Sharjah offer rents two to three times cheaper with less than 30 minutes of commute.
Drawbacks to know
From June to September, temperatures reach 45C with crushing humidity. Life is almost exclusively indoors with air conditioning for 4 months. Difficult for families with children.
French and international schools cost between 12,000 and 30,000 EUR per year per child. A cost often not anticipated that can exceed the tax savings for families.
No press freedom, internet censorship, certain content banned. Behaviors that are legal in France can be criminal offenses in the UAE.
The metro serves a limited line. The heat makes walking impossible in summer. A car is virtually mandatory, adding 500 to 900 EUR/month to your budget.
Except with a Golden Visa, your right to stay is tied to your activity. If you lose your job or close your company, you have 30 days to leave or regularize your situation.
France monitors tax departures to the UAE. If you maintain strong ties in France, the tax authorities may challenge your departure and reclassify you as a French tax resident.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to set up a company to settle in Dubai?
Can you really pay no tax in Dubai?
How much do you need to earn to live well in Dubai?
Does the France-UAE tax treaty really protect you?
Is Dubai safe? What rules should you know?
What is the difference between a free zone and a mainland company?
Dubai or Estonia: which destination to choose as an entrepreneur?
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