French Tax Lawyer in Dubai | Jonathan Sémon
 

Why GEOTAX in Dubai

GEOTAX was born from a simple idea: to provide reliable, coherent, and technically solid tax advice in an environment where rules evolve quickly and entrepreneurs operate across multiple continents simultaneously. From Dubai, I support executives, investors, expatriates, and groups who need to coordinate French taxation with UAE requirements while securing their position with local and foreign authorities. The need is always the same: to obtain a clear understanding in a cross-border context that tolerates no approximation.

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My France-UAE Tax Expertise

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GEOTAX's strength lies in a rare dual competence. On one side, the experience of a French tax lawyer registered with the Paris Bar, trained in international taxation issues, treaties, residence matters, double taxation, and risks related to text interpretation. On the other, concrete and precise knowledge of UAE local taxation, from UAE tax residency and Dubai tax residency to Corporate Tax 9% rules, UAE VAT, Economic Substance Regulations, and Federal Tax Authority procedures. This combination provides complete, clear, and immediately applicable support.

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The entrepreneurs I assist are looking for advice capable of considering all the rules, both French and Emirati, and coordinating them coherently. The France-UAE tax treaty, the domestic rules of both states, residence criteria, France-UAE double taxation risks—all this requires detailed analysis and comprehensive understanding of both systems. This is precisely what I do in every case, whether it involves establishing in Dubai, a structured investment, a tax residence change, or a complex situation involving multiple jurisdictions.

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Our UAE Areas of Intervention (Corporate Tax, VAT, ESR)

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UAE taxation has profoundly changed. The introduction of 9% Corporate Tax, the rise of ESR, FTA audits, documentation requirements, and evolving tax residency rules now require a rigorous approach. I handle all these matters, whether VAT UAE compliance, ESR analysis for relevant activities, substance rule application, or preparing files to demonstrate effective management and coherence between activities and Dubai presence.

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This reality affects both Free Zone and Mainland companies. The former often offer interesting flexibility but must meet specific criteria when subject to ESR rules or seeking a tax residency certificate. The latter allow direct local market operations and sometimes involve simpler tax rule interpretation. Each situation must be analyzed based on actual activity and client objectives.

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A Real Local Presence and French-Language Support

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GEOTAX is physically based in Dubai and welcomes clients for office meetings. Support is provided in French, with consistent high standards. Entrepreneurs know they can count on detailed analysis, solid documentation, and rigorous treatment of every critical point. The approach remains the same for all cases: understand the situation comprehensively, identify risk areas, anticipate authority reactions, and propose solutions that actually work in practice.

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From Dubai, I daily support entrepreneurs, expatriates, and investors developing activities across multiple jurisdictions who want to master their tax obligations in a demanding international environment. The objective is clear: secure the client's position, optimize what can be optimized, and build a sustainable tax environment in a country where documentation and consistency are essential.

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International taxation is never static. It becomes readable when properly explained, with real perspective and a global vision. This is GEOTAX's philosophy: bring precision where texts seem unclear, provide reasoned opinions where rules overlap, and support entrepreneurs with a stable, transparent, and long-term oriented approach.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is UAE tax residency and who can obtain it?

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UAE tax residency is based on objective criteria: sufficient physical presence, valid visa, real address, and ability to demonstrate that the center of economic interests is located in the Emirates. Each situation must be examined in light of the France-UAE tax treaty and Federal Tax Authority practices.

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How does France-UAE double taxation work?

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The France-UAE tax treaty prevents double taxation but requires precise analysis of the state of residence, income source, and nature of flows. Each case must be examined considering French law, UAE rules, and administrative practices.

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Free Zone or Mainland company: which choice for Dubai?

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The choice depends on the activity, substance, target market, client strategy, and applicable ESR rules. Free Zones offer more flexible structures but involve substance obligations for certain activities. Mainland offers a more direct approach for local invoicing and Corporate Tax. Each project must be analyzed individually.​​