Dubai Launches Freezone one Passport to Simplify Expansion across Multiple Zones

Author

Derya Bandak

Partner | Lawyer | Legal and Tax Consultant

Unified business license enables companies to operate under a single licensing framework in multiple Dubai Free Zones – efficiently and in line with the D33 strategy.

I. Introduction

On July 22, 2025, the Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC) announced the Freezone One Passport. This licensing model allows companies with a free zone license to operate in other free zones without separate trade licenses or new incorporations.

The initiative supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double GDP by 2033. It simplifies approval processes, reduces bureaucratic hurdles, and accelerates expansion for start-ups and international corporations. It also promotes collaboration between industries such as logistics, technology, manufacturing and finance.

II. Admission Requirements

According to DFZC guidelines, the program applies only under the following conditions:

Excluded Sectors: Retail, DNFBPs and regulated financial institutions are excluded.
No Storage for Professional Activities: Companies with professional activities may not use the model for warehousing.
Identical Management: Shareholders, managing directors and managers must be identical in the main and additional licenses.
Consistent Activities: The licensed activities must be exactly the same in all zones.
Physical Workplaces: Virtual, flexible or hot-desk models are not permitted in the secondary free zone.

These rules ensure continuity and physical presence.

III. Conclusion

The Freezone One Passport reduces administrative burden, preserves key free zone benefits and strengthens Dubai’s position as an international business location. In addition, costs are reduced for eligible companies. Eligible companies can, for example, combine logistics in JAFZA and administration in DWTC – without additional licenses. Thus, the specific advantages of several FreeZones can be used with only one license.