Sending money from Dubai to France or Europe: the complete guide 2025

Why transfer money from Dubai?

Expatriate residents of Dubai have several reasons for regularly sending money to Europe:

• Family support : financial assistance to relatives remaining in France or elsewhere.

• Studies : payment of university or tuition fees.

• Investments : acquisition of real estate or bank investments.

• Savings : transferring capital to European accounts for greater stability.

• Personal expenses : loan repayments, bill payments or travel.

This diversity of objectives requires a thorough understanding of the tools available to transfer money effectively.

The different methods for sending money

1. Local banks in Dubai

Emirati banks offer reliable, but often more expensive, solutions. Here is an overview of the main ones:

• Emirates NBD : International transfers via the DirectRemit app or service remain free for France and Europe, a notable exception from September 2025.

• Bank of Sharjah : International transfers cost between 100 and 150 AED depending on the currency.

• CBD (Commercial Bank of Dubai) : approximately 21 AED for an online transfer, but up to 105 AED in branch.

• HSBC UAE : Free transfers between HSBC accounts, instant via “Global Transfers”.

• Other banks (FAB, ADCB, Mashreq) : average fees of 40 to 120 AED and processing time of 1 to 5 working days.

Advantage: reliability and banking security.
Disadvantage: exchange rates are often less favorable and there may be hidden fees.

2. Online transfer platforms

More and more expatriates are opting for digital solutions, which are often more transparent and faster.

• Wise offers the real market exchange rate, with no hidden markup. Fees range from approximately 0.36% to 0.4% of the amount transferred. For 100,000 AED, expect to pay around 691 AED .

• Remitly offers two options – Express (fast, more expensive) or Economy (3 to 5 days, less expensive). New users sometimes benefit from free offers.

• Western Union : although very well known, the platform remains more expensive, with exchange margins that can reach 6% .

• Paysend : fixed fee of 9 AED , instant transfer to bank card.

• CurrencyFair and OFX : ideal for large amounts, with rates very close to the market.

• Hubpay : a local app with no hidden fees, suitable for residents of the Emirates.

Advantage: speed, transparency and accessibility from a smartphone.
Drawback: some services require strict identity verification and a transfer limit.

3. Authorized money changers in Dubai

Physical currency exchanges remain highly popular, especially among those who prefer direct contact.

• Al Ansari Exchange : one of the most prevalent in Dubai, with fees between 15 and 25 AED . Transfers take from a few minutes to two days.

• Unimoni (formerly UAE Exchange) : approximately 20 AED per transfer, to account or cash withdrawal.

• Lulu Exchange : transfers within 48 hours, competitive rates.

• Other players (Al Rostamani, Wall Street Exchange, GCC Exchange) : fees between 15 and 30 AED , variable speed.

Advantage: accessibility and speed, especially for cash withdrawals.
Disadvantage: less favorable exchange rates and trips to the agency are necessary.

Summary comparison of solutions

For a one‑off transfer of a small amount, a currency exchange may suffice. However, for regular or high‑volume transfers, online platforms are often the most advantageous option.

The AED/EUR exchange rate: a key factor

Since the dirham (AED) is indexed to the US dollar (USD), the AED/EUR rate depends directly on the EUR/USD parity.

• If 1 EUR = 1.10 USD , then 1 EUR ≈ 4.04 AED .

• If the euro rises to 1.15 USD , 1 EUR ≈ 4.22 AED .

• If the euro falls to 1.05 USD , 1 EUR ≈ 3.85 AED .

The fluctuations therefore stem primarily from variations in the euro against the dollar.
Banks often apply a margin of 1 to 3% on the market rate.
Platforms like Wise or CurrencyFair, on the other hand, use the real rate, which can represent several hundred euros in savings on large amounts.

Expert tip: before each transfer, always compare the AED/EUR rate on several platforms and avoid conversions on weekends, when margins may be higher.

Choose according to your profile

• Regular salary or savings transfers : Wise or Remitly offer the best cost/speed compromise.

• Occasional cash delivery : Al Ansari or Unimoni, for convenience.

• Transfer of large amounts for investment : OFX or CurrencyFair, more suited to managing large volumes and trading rates.

In conclusion: security, transparency and strategy

Sending money from Dubai to France or Europe is no longer a headache, provided you understand the mechanisms behind each service.
Online platforms now dominate the market thanks to their efficiency and transparency, while banks remain a safe choice for one‑off, high‑value transfers.

But beyond simply transferring property, it is legitimate to question the opportunity of investing directly there. Dubai currently offers one of the most dynamic real estate environments in the world, with rental yields among the highest in the Gulf and increasing regulatory stability .

Thinking about how best to use one's capital is an integral part of a comprehensive wealth management strategy - and Dubai real estate is now an essential component of it.