Dubai has introduced the "One Freezone Passport," a transformative initiative that allows companies to operate across all of the emirate's 30+ free zones under a single license. Launched on July 22, 2025, by the Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC), this unified licensing framework aims to simplify business operations, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance Dubai's position as a global business hub.

What Is the One Freezone Passport?

The One Freezone Passport is a unified licensing system that enables companies licensed in one Dubai free zone to expand their operations into other participating free zones without the need for separate trade licenses or full re-incorporation.

Key Benefits for Businesses

Companies can now operate in multiple free zones under a single license, eliminating the need for multiple registrations and licenses across different zones. This simplification reduces administrative complexity and accelerates business setup and expansion timelines.

By removing redundant licensing fees and regulatory processes, businesses can significantly cut administrative and legal costs. The expansion process is streamlined, potentially reducing the time required from months to as little as five days.

The initiative fosters cross-sector collaboration and innovation by allowing companies from various industries to operate seamlessly across different free zones. This flexibility supports the development of integrated business ecosystems and enhances Dubai's attractiveness to global investors and enterprises.

How It Works?

The initiative enables companies licensed in one Dubai free zone (the primary free zone) to expand their activities into another free zone (the secondary free zone) without obtaining an additional commercial license. This gives businesses the opportunity to lease office space and grow their footprint across Dubai’s free zones without setting up new legal entities.

Eligibility for the One Free Zone Passport

To apply, companies must:

• Hold a trade license valid for at least three more months;
• Secure a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) from their primary free zone
• Lease office space in the secondary free zone with a valid tenancy agreement.

Key Restrictions to Note

• Warehouses in the secondary free zone can only be rented if aligned with the company’s licensed activities (e.g., trading or manufacturing).
• Retailers, DNFBPs (Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions), and regulated financial services are excluded from the initiative.
• Virtual offices, hot desks, shared spaces, and business centers are not accepted as office solutions.
• No establishment card will be issued, meaning companies cannot hire staff in the secondary free zone. Employment visas are only possible for branch offices, subject to the secondary free zone’s rules.
• Business activities in the secondary free zone must mirror those listed on the primary license.
• Any request for expansion or extra space in the secondary free zone requires a fresh NOC from the primary authority.
• Managers or directors named on the primary license must remain unchanged; any updates must be reported to the secondary authority.
• The secondary free zone authority maintains the right to conduct inspections in accordance with its internal policies.

Conclusion

The initiative is designed to streamline business operations, lower setup expenses, and promote cooperation among Dubai’s free zones. It provides companies with greater flexibility to grow within the Emirate, eliminating the need for duplicate licenses or extra administrative steps