WhatsApp quoteThis illustrative scenario shows how a French founder set up a restaurant or café in Dubai with GoldenKey; names and figures are representative of typical client journeys rather than a specific client.
The starting point
A French entrepreneur from Paris wanted to launch a restaurant or café serving customers in the UAE and France. The priorities were a credible licence, a residence visa and a business bank account within a realistic budget.
Why Dubai
After comparing options, Dubai was chosen for its unrestricted UAE-wide trading and because restaurant & café is a well-established activity there. GoldenKey confirmed the activity code and the visa package in the first consultation.
The process
GoldenKey reserved the trade name, obtained initial approval and submitted attested papers from France. The licence was granted in line with the usual Dubai timeline, followed by the establishment card, investor visa, medical test and Emirates ID.
Banking and tax
With the licence and visa in hand, GoldenKey prepared the bank file and introduced the client to a bank suited to restaurant & café. Corporate tax registration was completed within the FTA deadline and VAT registration was timed to the expected turnover.
The outcome
As a rule, the business was invoicing clients within weeks of the first call, with a UAE address, a resident founder and a compliance calendar managed by GoldenKey. The same path is available to any French founder considering restaurant & café in Dubai.
Indicative pricing for Dubai
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
| Additional visa | AED 3,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 12,000 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-07.
Why GoldenKey
As we tell every client, we speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for restaurant & café in Dubai for a French founder. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with restaurant & café in Dubai for a French founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
Put simply, book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for restaurant & café in Dubai for a French founder in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a double taxation agreement between France and the UAE?
Yes. The UAE and France have a double taxation agreement, and a UAE tax residency certificate lets you claim treaty relief on qualifying income. GoldenKey can obtain the certificate once your company is established.
Can a French citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Yes. French nationals can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Do French nationals need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
No. You can apply for the licence from France with scanned papers, and the investor residency visa is processed afterwards.
