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General Trading in the UAE for French nationals

Import, export, re-export and wholesale of a broad range of goods under one licence

On the ground, founders choose Ajman Free Zone when they want a credible UAE address, fast licensing and packages that scale from a solo flexi-desk to a multi-visa office. If you are weighing up where to register in the UAE, Ajman Free Zone deserves a close look for its among the most affordable in the UAE and straightforward renewal process. On the ground, french brands and groups have a major footprint in the UAE, from Louvre Abu Dhabi to the Sorbonne campus, which gives French entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Ajman Free Zone licence is issued. The most common businesses French nationals open through GoldenKey are in luxury retail, hospitality, aviation and energy, although Ajman Free Zone supports almost any activity.

Why Ajman Free Zone

In our experience, over 9,000 active companies from 160+ nationalities. Popular activities in Ajman Free Zone include trading, consultancy, services, e-commerce and general trading, and most of them can be combined on a single licence.

How Ajman Free Zone works with GoldenKey

  1. Step 1: Consultation and activity selection
    Step 1

    Consultation and activity selection

    In the first call we check that Ajman Free Zone lists your activity, settle the licence type and match the visa package and office to what you actually need. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a general trading company in the UAE as a French founder in real time.

  2. Step 2: Name reservation and initial approval
    Step 2

    Name reservation and initial approval

    Your trade name is reserved with the Ajman Free Zone authority and initial approval is obtained; this stage rarely takes more than two business days.

  3. Step 3: Document submission and payment
    Step 3

    Document submission and payment

    In short, you sign the application and memorandum, we file the attested paperwork with Ajman Free Zone and the authority's licence fee is paid. Nothing is submitted for opening a general trading company in the UAE as a French founder until you have reviewed and approved it.

  4. Step 4: Licence issued and next steps
    Step 4

    Licence issued and next steps

    Your Ajman Free Zone licence, certificate of incorporation and lease are granted, and we move straight on to the establishment card, visas and bank introduction.

Documents required

Here is what you will need for opening a general trading company in the UAE as a French founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.

  • Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
  • Attested parent-company papers and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
  • List of intended product categories
  • A passport issued by France with at least six months' validity
  • Educational certificates attested by the France authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
  • Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones

Pricing

The figures below for opening a general trading company in the UAE as a French founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. All prices for opening a general trading company in the UAE as a French founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay.

Starter – 0 Visa
AED 5,555
0 residence visas · 1-year licence
  • Trade licence & registration
  • Upgrade to visas anytime
  • GoldenKey full assistance
Get this package
Team – 2 Visas
AED 12,000
2 residence visas · 1-year licence
  • Trade licence & registration
  • Establishment card included
  • GoldenKey full assistance
Get this package
Growth – 3 Visas
AED 14,500
3 residence visas · 1-year licence
  • Trade licence & registration
  • Establishment card included
  • GoldenKey full assistance
Get this package
Scale – 5 Visas
AED 19,000
5 residence visas · 1-year licence
  • Trade licence & registration
  • Establishment card included
  • GoldenKey full assistance
Get this package
Additional visaAED 2,200
Annual renewalAED 4,500
Bank account assistanceAED 1,500

Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-06.

Why the UAE

Banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of opening a general trading company in the UAE as a French founder predictable. The UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, so so many founders choose it as a base for opening a general trading company in the UAE as a French founder.

Why GoldenKey

Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a general trading company in the UAE as a French founder happen the same day they are ready. Crucially, after your Ajman Free Zone licence is issued, the same team handles renewals, visa additions, amendments and tax registrations, so you never have to explain your business twice. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a general trading company in the UAE as a French founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.

Call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through opening a general trading company in the UAE as a French founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an FZE and an FZCO in Ajman Free Zone?

An FZE has one shareholder and an FZCO has two or more. Both offer limited liability and 100% foreign ownership, and the fees in Ajman Free Zone are usually the same.

How many visas can I get with a Ajman Free Zone licence?

Visa quota is tied to the package and office you choose. Ajman Free Zone packages typically start from a zero-visa option and scale to five or more visas with a physical office, and additional visas can be added later for the per-visa fee shown in our pricing.

Can I open a UAE bank account with a Ajman Free Zone company?

Yes, Ajman Free Zone companies open accounts with UAE banks every day. Approval depends on the bank's compliance review of your profile, business plan and documents, and GoldenKey prepares the file and introduces you to a suitable bank.

Can a French citizen own 100% of a company in Ajman Free Zone?

Yes. French nationals can own the full share capital of a Ajman Free Zone company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.

Is general trading allowed in Ajman Free Zone?

Yes. French nationals can own 100% of a general trading company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Ajman Free Zone for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.

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