Dubai has introduced ‘ One Freezone Passport’, a new scheme that allows companies licensed in one free zone to expand operations into other free zones across the emirate without requiring an additional licence. Globally renowned luxury brand, Louis Vuitton, has become the first corporate member under this scheme, as reported by The Khaleej Times.
The programme, introduced by the Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC), is introduced to streamline business expansion and reduce regulatory barriers. Louis Vuitton will now operate its warehouse in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) while setting up its corporate office at One Za’abeel, part of the DWTC Free Zone. The entire process was completed in just five days.
What are UAE Free Zones
Free zones in the UAE are special economic areas that provide 100 per cent foreign ownership, tax exemptions, customs benefits and independent regulatory frameworks. More than 40 such free zones operate across the country, catering to sectors like logistics, healthcare, fintech, media, design and luxury retail. These zones have attracted global businesses by offering flexibility and world-class infrastructure.
The One Freezone Passport aims to unify this fragmented ecosystem by eliminating the need for multiple licences and incorporation processes across zones. The move is seen as a shift in Dubai’s regulatory framework, positioning the emirate as a more seamless business hub.
“The One Freezone Passport is a transformative initiative that cements Dubai’s position as a global economic powerhouse. By enabling businesses to expand seamlessly across our world-class free zones, we are reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a premier investment destination. The swift and successful onboarding of Louis Vuitton through this programme exemplifies the efficiency and attractiveness of Dubai’s regulatory framework for international businesses,” said Dr Juma Al Matrooshi, assistant secretary general at Dubai Free Zones Council.
Dubai has more than 20 free zones that contribute significantly to non-oil trade, offering 100 per cent foreign ownership and tax exemptions. In the first quarter of this year, the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade grew 18.6 per cent year-on-year to Dh835 billion.
Amna Al Ali, vice-president of licensing and registration at Jafza, explained that the programme allows businesses to use facilities across multiple free zones without separate licences.
However, authorities clarified that the passport has limits. Businesses cannot hire or transfer staff into other free zones under this arrangement. Certain sectors, such as retail, are not eligible. Additionally, virtual offices, desk sharing, shared spaces, and business centres are not permitted. Regulatory updates are expected as the initiative progresses.
The programme, introduced by the Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC), is introduced to streamline business expansion and reduce regulatory barriers. Louis Vuitton will now operate its warehouse in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) while setting up its corporate office at One Za’abeel, part of the DWTC Free Zone. The entire process was completed in just five days.
What are UAE Free Zones
Free zones in the UAE are special economic areas that provide 100 per cent foreign ownership, tax exemptions, customs benefits and independent regulatory frameworks. More than 40 such free zones operate across the country, catering to sectors like logistics, healthcare, fintech, media, design and luxury retail. These zones have attracted global businesses by offering flexibility and world-class infrastructure.
The One Freezone Passport aims to unify this fragmented ecosystem by eliminating the need for multiple licences and incorporation processes across zones. The move is seen as a shift in Dubai’s regulatory framework, positioning the emirate as a more seamless business hub.
“The One Freezone Passport is a transformative initiative that cements Dubai’s position as a global economic powerhouse. By enabling businesses to expand seamlessly across our world-class free zones, we are reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a premier investment destination. The swift and successful onboarding of Louis Vuitton through this programme exemplifies the efficiency and attractiveness of Dubai’s regulatory framework for international businesses,” said Dr Juma Al Matrooshi, assistant secretary general at Dubai Free Zones Council.
Dubai has more than 20 free zones that contribute significantly to non-oil trade, offering 100 per cent foreign ownership and tax exemptions. In the first quarter of this year, the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade grew 18.6 per cent year-on-year to Dh835 billion.
Amna Al Ali, vice-president of licensing and registration at Jafza, explained that the programme allows businesses to use facilities across multiple free zones without separate licences.
However, authorities clarified that the passport has limits. Businesses cannot hire or transfer staff into other free zones under this arrangement. Certain sectors, such as retail, are not eligible. Additionally, virtual offices, desk sharing, shared spaces, and business centres are not permitted. Regulatory updates are expected as the initiative progresses.
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