Dubai launches the Freezone One Passport

On 22 July 2025, the Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC) officially launched the One Freezone Passport initiative, a strategic step to simplify how businesses operate across Dubai’s free zones. Under this system, a company licensed in one participating free zone can now operate in other Dubai free zones using the same license, without the need for re-incorporation or obtaining a new license. 

The initiative supports the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), reinforcing the emirate’s vision to become more investor-friendly, efficient, and globally competitive. According to the Dubai Media Office, the One Freezone Passport aims to boost business efficiency, attract international investment, and strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for trade and innovation. 

What is a Free Zone? 

Before diving into the Freezone One Passport, it’s helpful to understand what a free zone is in the UAE context. According to the Ministry of Economy: 

• The UAE offers more than 40 multidisciplinary free zones in which foreign investors can have full ownership of companies.  

• These zones provide benefits such as 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of capital and profits, fast and easy setup procedures, and exemption from corporate and income taxes.  
• Free zones are also equipped with modern infrastructure, dedicated regulations, and access to global markets.  

In simpler terms, A free zone is a specially designated area in the UAE where companies enjoy business-friendly incentives and fewer regulatory obstacles compared with standard mainland setups. 

What is the Freezone One Passport? 

On 22 July 2025, the DFZC launched the Freezone One Passport, also called the “One Freezone Passport”. Under this initiative: 

• The programme is in line with Dubai’s economic vision (Dubai Economic Agenda D33) to double its GDP by 2033, by making the emirate even more attractive for investors and business expansion. 

Benefits of Dubai Freezone One Passport 

This initiative brings several important advantages for businesses: 

• Faster expansion across zones: With one license, companies no longer face multiple license applications for each zone, reducing delays and administrative work. 
• Cost and time savings: Less duplication of paperwork means lower operational overheads and quicker execution from concept to operation. 
• Access to strategic facilities: Since many free zones specialize in logistics, manufacturing, tech, or finance, the unified license enables firms to tap into the right zone for the right purpose. 
• Boost to Dubai’s global competitiveness: By reinforcing ease of doing business, Dubai strengthens its profile as a top destination for global investment and business setup. 

Eligibility and Condition of Freezone One Passport 

While the Freezone One Passport opens new possibilities, companies must keep key conditions in mind: 

• The additional free zone must permit the same type of business activity as listed on the company’s original license. 
• The same shareholders, directors, and managers must be retained across the primary and secondary licenses. 
• Some sectors are excluded from initiatives such as retail operations, Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs), and regulated financial institutions, as these activities are not eligible under the One Freezone Passport scheme. 
• Virtual, flexi, or hot-desk arrangements are not permitted in the secondary free zone under this license. 
• Professional activities cannot serve warehousing use under the secondary license. 

Benefits for 2025 Business Setup in Dubai 

If you’re considering “Dubai company formation 2025”, the Freezone One Passport brings tangible benefits: 

• Enables companies to scale rapidly across multiple zones without starting from scratch each time. 
• Simplifies regulatory and licensing hurdles, letting entrepreneurs and multinationals focus more on business operations than paperwork. 
• Offers a strategic advantage in choosing the right zone (logistics hub, tech cluster, corporate headquarters) while operating under one regulatory umbrella. 
• Enables better planning for workforce, warehousing and offices by leveraging the strengths of different free zones under the same license. 

Dubai Freezone One Passport: A Simpler, Faster, Smarter Business Growth 

The launch of the Dubai Freezone One Passport marks a turning point in how businesses expand across the emirate. With one license covering multiple free zones, companies can now scale faster, save costs, and simplify their operations. 

This forward-looking reform enhances Dubai’s position as a global business hub, offering a smarter and more flexible system that supports innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth for investors and entrepreneurs.  

Guidance from experienced Freezone business setup experts can make the Dubai Freezone One Passport application process smooth, efficient, and hassle-free, helping you establish your business with ease. 

Apply for the Dubai Freezone One Passport Today with AMCA 

Expand your business across Dubai’s leading free zones with just one license. Start your application with AMCA and make your expansion faster and simpler. 

Contact our Visa Experts Today! 

Call Us: +971 4 321 1204  

Email Us: info@amca.ae   

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FAQs: 

Q1: How can a company apply for the Dubai Freezone One Passport? 

Businesses already licensed in a participating free zone can apply directly through their existing free zone authority or via the Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC) portal. The application involves verifying business activity, shareholders, and license validity. Once approved, the secondary free zone activates the same license, typically within 3–5 working days. 

Q2: Which free zones are part of the initial phase of the initiative? 

The first phase of the Dubai Freezone One Passport has been implemented between the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) and the Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone (DWTC Free Zone). More free zones across Dubai are expected to join as the system expands. 

Q3: Does the Freezone One Passport change tax or compliance requirements? 

No, it does not alter the existing tax or compliance structure. Companies operating under the Freezone One Passport must continue to meet UAE AML-CFT, economic substance, and corporate tax requirements as applicable. The initiative only simplifies licensing, not underlying legal obligations.