Dubai Setup
🇩🇪 🇪🇺 Germany & EU to Dubai Business Setup

Start a Company in Dubai from Germany & EU

Join 2,719 German companies already in Dubai. 64% growth in 2024. Escape high EU taxes and access global markets from the world's business hub.

6-hour direct flights
German-speaking support
DTA benefits

Germany-Dubai Connection

German Business in Dubai Booming

2,719

German companies in Dubai

64%

Growth in German registrations (2024)

€10.8B

Germany-Dubai trade (2024)

25,000+

Germans living in UAE

Sources: Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Dubai Business Forum Germany

In The News

Germany-Dubai Business Headlines

German Company Registrations Surge 64%

New German company registrations in Dubai grew 64% in 2024, with 2,719 active firms by Q1 2025. Rising German taxes driving entrepreneurial migration.

Dubai Business Forum Germany, 2025

Dubai Business Forum Germany 2025

Dubai Chambers hosted major forum introducing German companies to UAE investment opportunities. Focus on AI, advanced manufacturing, and digital economy.

Dubai Media Office, May 2025

German Founders Moving Holding Companies

UK and German entrepreneurs increasingly restructuring with Dubai holding companies. Global tax reforms and EU regulations driving the trend.

Trinity Corporate Services, 2025

EU Tax Concerns Drive Dubai Migration

Potential wealth taxes and increasing regulations in Germany and EU pushing entrepreneurs to explore Dubai's business-friendly environment.

Various Industry Reports

Tax Comparison

Germany vs Dubai: Tax at a Glance

Tax Type🇩🇪 Germany🇦🇪 Dubai
Personal Income Tax14-45%0%
Corporate Tax~29%0-9%*
Capital Gains Tax25%+0%
Dividend Tax25%+0%
VAT/MwSt19%5%
Trade Tax (Gewerbesteuer)7-17%0%

*Free Zone companies qualifying as QFZP pay 0%. Mainland companies pay 9% on profits over AED 375,000.

Benefits

Why German & EU Entrepreneurs Choose Dubai

Escape High EU Taxes

Germany's 29% corporate tax vs Dubai's 0-9%. No personal income tax vs Germany's up to 45%.

Germany-UAE Tax Treaty

Double taxation agreement prevents paying tax twice. Clear rules for dividends, interest, and royalties.

Direct Flights

6-hour direct flights from Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf. Emirates and Lufthansa operate multiple daily services.

EUR-AED Banking

Multi-currency accounts available. German banks like Deutsche Bank operate in Dubai. Easy EUR transfers.

German & EU Community

25,000+ Germans in UAE. 1,200+ German companies. German schools, cultural associations, and business networks.

Gateway to Growth Markets

Access Middle East, Africa, and Asia from Dubai. Escape EU regulatory burden.

Important

German Tax Considerations

German Tax Residency (183-Day Rule)

Spending less than 183 days in Germany AND establishing UAE as your life center can shift tax residency. The rules are complex—get professional advice.

Wegzugsbesteuerung (Exit Tax)

Germany may tax unrealized capital gains when you leave. This applies to shares in companies. Plan your exit carefully with a Steuerberater.

Keeping Your German GmbH

Many founders keep their GmbH for German/EU clients while using Dubai for international work. We advise on optimal structures.

AStG (Außensteuergesetz)

German foreign tax law may attribute income from controlled foreign companies. Ensure proper substance and compliance.

Hinweis: Diese Informationen dienen nur der allgemeinen Orientierung. Steuerliche Pflichten hängen von Ihren individuellen Umständen ab. Wir empfehlen die Beratung durch einen qualifizierten Steuerberater mit Erfahrung in internationalem Steuerrecht.

Process

How to Start Your Dubai Company from Germany

1

Initial Consultation (Remote from Germany/EU)

We discuss your business model and recommend Free Zone vs Mainland. Video call in CET-friendly timing. German-speaking support available.

2

Document Preparation

Gather German/EU passport, Meldebescheinigung or utility bill, and business plan. We guide you on exactly what's needed.

3

Company Registration

We submit your application remotely. Name reservation, license application, and MOA handled while you're in Europe.

4

Visit Dubai (3-5 Days)

Trip for Emirates ID biometrics and bank account opening. Just 6 hours direct from Frankfurt or Munich.

5

Bank Account Setup

We accompany you to bank meetings. Options include Emirates NBD, FAB, HSBC, and Deutsche Bank Dubai.

6

Visa & Emirates ID

Residence visa stamped in your passport. Emirates ID issued. You're now a UAE resident.

Investment

Costs for German Entrepreneurs

Free Zone Package

Ab €2.800
  • Trade license
  • 1 visa allocation
  • Virtual office
  • Banking introduction
  • 3-5 day setup

Mainland Package

Ab €7.400
  • DED trade license
  • Unlimited visa quota
  • Trade anywhere in UAE
  • Banking introduction
  • 7-12 day setup

Budget €400-700 for flights and 3-5 nights accommodation for your Dubai visit.

Get Started

Ready to Expand to Dubai?

Get a personalised quote for German and EU entrepreneurs. We understand DTA benefits, Wegzugsbesteuerung implications, and can connect you with tax specialists.

FAQs

Questions from German Entrepreneurs

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