One Freezone Passport: Dubai’s New Business Initiative

On 22 July 2025, the Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC) announced the first company to benefit from the One Freezone Passport program.

This initiative streamlines business operations by enabling companies to operate across multiple free zones under a single license.

Current free zone operating rules

Under existing regulations, a free zone company is permitted to operate within its licensed free zone and internationally. 

To conduct business on the Dubai mainland, a separate license from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is required, along with approvals from other relevant authorities based on the nature of the business. We have previously discussed the rules for free zone companies accessing the mainland market, as set out in Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025.

A free zone company wishing to establish a presence in another free zone had to register a separate entity and obtain a new license for each one. 

The essence of the initiative

The new initiative by Dubai authorities allows free zone companies to operate in multiple free zones under a single license. This procedure, which extends an existing business license to other free zones, simplifies operations and provides greater access to the market.

Combined with the recently announced mainland access option, this initiative demonstrates a significant shift in Dubai’s approach to free zone activities. It underscores the emirate’s commitment to creating the world’s most investor-friendly environment, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

The first company to benefit from this new mechanism was Louis Vuitton. The luxury brand, while maintaining its warehousing operations in the JAFZA free zone, opened a corporate office in the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The existing JAFZA license was extended to the DWTC free zone through a new fast-track procedure, completed in just five days.

Benefits of One Freezone Passport

The key benefits of One Freezone Passport initiative include:

• The ability to expand operations to new locations across Dubai’s free zones;
• A simplified, expedited procedure that reduces bureaucracy, eliminates the need for duplicate company registration, and minimizes paperwork.
• The preservation of all the benefits of free zone companies in the UAE, including tax incentives.

Limitations of the program

While the full terms of the program are not yet available, several key limitations are known.

The following entities are not eligible to use the program:

• regulated financial institutions;
• designated nonfinancial businesses and professions, such as legal and accounting firms, real estate agencies, corporate and trust service providers;
• retail companies.

To operate in another free zone, the details of the company’s directors, managers and shareholders must be identical to those specified in its main license. The same applies to the activities declared in the license. Additionally, a physical office is required in the new free zone; flexi-desk or virtual office options are not permitted.

The program is limited to the Emirate of Dubai. Companies can expand their operations to other free zones within Dubai but not to free zones in other emirates.

Open your business in a UAE free zone

Uniwide works closely with top free zones in Dubai and beyond to make the process seamless. Our team will help you:

• Discover the benefits: Learn about the advantages and costs of setting up your business in a free zone.
• Choose the free zone that is most suitable for your activities and select the required type of license;
• Handle the details: We will manage your company registration, residence visas, and all necessary licenses and permits.