Dubai Launches ‘One Freezone Passport’ to Simplify Business Licensing and Boost Global Investment.
International
On July 22, 2025, Dubai introduced the One Freezone Passport, a new system that allows companies to operate in multiple free zones with just one license. This step will make business expansion faster, reduce paperwork, and attract more foreign investment.
- Earlier, businesses in Dubai had to take separate trade licenses for each free zone. Now, with the One Freezone Passport, they can expand into other participating free zones without repeating the long registration and approval process.
- The project was launched under the leadership of Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC). This shows Dubai’s focus on making business regulations easier.
- A big highlight was when Louis Vuitton, the global fashion brand, became the first company to use this passport. In just five days, it expanded from its warehouse in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) to open an office in the Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone (DWTC Free Zone) using one license.
Main Point :- (i) The Dubai Free Zones Council also linked this initiative with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which targets doubling Dubai’s GDP by 2033 through attracting global businesses and increasing trade.
(ii) To make the process smooth, the government has launched a digital single-window platform. Companies can apply online, pay fees, and get approvals within five working days, thanks to technology integration.
(iii) Major free zones like DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre), JAFZA, Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), and DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) are all part of this passport program, creating a unified system for licensing and compliance.
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