Dubai launches the Freezone One Passport

On 22 July 2025, the Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC) announced the implementation of the Freezone One Passport initiative – a unified licensing framework designed to facilitate seamless business expansion across Dubai's participating free zones. Under this scheme, companies licensed in one Dubai free zone can also operate in others without needing separate trade licenses or a full re-incorporation process.

The ease of doing business has become a cornerstone of Dubai’s appeal, making it an incubator for both innovation and investment. It also aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the emirate’s strategic plan to double its GDP by 2033.

By streamlining regulatory procedures and simplifying legal frameworks, companies can now establish a presence across multiple zones without the heavy burden of red tape. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also enables businesses to tap into new markets and logistical advantages tailored to their specific industry needs.

For startups and multinational firms alike, the reduction of administrative hurdles translates to measurable cost savings and shorter setup timelines. With fewer bureaucratic delays, entrepreneurs can move quickly from concept to execution, while larger corporations benefit from more agile regional strategies.

The integrated approach among free zones encourages cross-sector collaboration, driving creative partnerships between industries such as logistics, manufacturing, technology, and finance. This fosters a fertile ground for innovation where novel solutions and synergies naturally emerge, strengthening Dubai’s reputation as a global business hub.

Dubai’s newly launched One Freezone Passport initiative is a groundbreaking reform designed to transform how businesses expand and operate across the emirate’s diverse network of over 30 free zones. Traditionally, companies were required to obtain separate licenses for each zone—a process that was time-consuming and costly. With this unified licensing system, businesses can now leverage a single regulatory identity to function across multiple jurisdictions, eliminating duplication and accelerating operational growth.1

The program debuted with the onboarding of the most prestigious fashion brands and now operates seamlessly in JAFZA and DWTC Free Zone under one license, signaling the initiative’s viability for multinational brands and SMEs alike.

By centralizing governance, streamlining administrative processes, and maintaining hallmark free zone advantages—such as 100% foreign ownership and corporate tax exemptions—Dubai reaffirms its status as a global leader in investment-friendly and innovation-driven business policies.¹

Considerations for investors and business owners

Investors and business owners may wish to consider the following opportunities:

• Consolidating warehousing, regional offices, and retail under one framework
• Gaining faster access to new markets and co-working spaces across zones
• Benefiting from Dubai’s strategic location and premium infrastructure
• Leveraging cross-zone collaboration and tailored incentives

Eligibility restrictions for the initiative

• The initiative does not apply to retail, Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) and regulated financial institutions.
• Professional activities are not eligible for warehousing.
• The same shareholders, directors, and managers must be retained from the primary license.
• Activities must be identical between primary and secondary licenses.
• Virtual, flexi, or hot desks are not permitted in the secondary free zone.

We will continue to monitor the latest developments as new information becomes available. Organizations that seek to establish or expand operations within Dubai’s free zones and require detailed guidance on related procedures or regulatory matters are encouraged to contact a member of KPMG’s Regulatory Services team in the UAE.

¹ According to the Government of Dubai Media Office: https://mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2025/july/22-07/dfz-council-dwtc-free-zone-welcome