For Australian entrepreneurs and investors seeking to expand their business internationally, Dubai continues to stand out as one of the most attractive destinations. And now, with the One Freezone Passport, expanding across Dubai’s thriving business zones has become even easier.
This innovative initiative allows companies to operate across multiple Dubai free zones using a single licence, removing many of the previous barriers to growth and expansion. For Australian businesses ready to take advantage of the UAE’s tax-friendly and investor-focused environment, this is an excellent opportunity to scale faster and more efficiently.
What Is the One Freezone Passport?
The One Freezone Passport is a major initiative introduced by the Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC). It allows companies registered in one Dubai free zone — known as the “primary zone” — to expand their operations into other participating free zones without applying for a new trade licence.
Previously, if your business was registered in one free zone, such as Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA), and you wanted to open a branch or warehouse in another, like Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), you had to go through a separate setup process. This meant more paperwork, higher costs, and delays.
Now, with the One Freezone Passport, Australian companies can easily expand across zones with shared regulatory approvals and faster administrative procedures — all under one unified licence.
Why This Matters for Australian Businesses
For Australian companies looking to establish a strong foothold in the Middle East, Dubai offers unmatched advantages — from zero income tax and strategic global connectivity to world-class infrastructure and ease of doing business.
However, one of the challenges Australian investors used to face was expanding across different free zones. Each free zone operates independently, so businesses had to maintain multiple licences if they wanted to grow into other areas.
The One Freezone Passport removes this limitation, allowing Australian entrepreneurs to:
- Operate seamlessly in multiple Dubai free zones.
- Reduce administrative costs and time.
- Enter new markets within Dubai faster.
- Scale operations efficiently under one business structure.
Whether you’re a logistics company from Sydney, a fintech startup from Melbourne, or an e-commerce brand from Brisbane, this initiative makes expanding into Dubai’s business ecosystem smoother than ever.
How the One Freezone Passport Works
When you set up your business in one of Dubai’s free zones, that becomes your primary free zone. If you want to expand into another participating zone, you can do so by applying for a secondary licence under the One Freezone Passport system.
The two zones coordinate directly, sharing your company data and regulatory approvals. This means there’s no need to reapply for a new licence or duplicate documents, saving both time and money.
Once approved, your company can legally operate in both zones — for example, you could run your regional office in Dubai Internet City while managing storage and logistics from JAFZA.
This system is designed to enhance flexibility and efficiency, especially for foreign investors like Australian companies who want to operate in multiple sectors or locations within Dubai.
Key Benefits for Australian Entrepreneurs
The One Freezone Passport brings several advantages for Australian investors and business owners.
It provides cost efficiency by eliminating the need for multiple licences and renewals. This saves significant administrative time and money — ideal for startups and SMEs expanding from Australia.
It enables faster expansion, letting you enter new Dubai free zones without setting up new legal entities. This gives you access to more opportunities in different industries and geographic areas.
It promotes business flexibility, allowing you to diversify operations. For example, you can conduct trading in one zone and offer consulting services in another, all under one licence.
Finally, it reflects Dubai’s strong investor commitment. The initiative shows how serious the city is about making business setup and growth easier for global investors — including those from Australia who are looking for stable, profitable markets abroad.
Important Considerations for Australian Investors
Before expanding under the One Freezone Passport, Australian entrepreneurs should ensure that their business activities align with their current licence. You can only expand within the same activity category across zones — for instance, a trading company can’t suddenly open a manufacturing unit under the same licence.
Also, employment and visa policies may differ from one free zone to another, so it’s best to check these details before applying.
Since the initiative is relatively new, not all free zones are participating yet. That’s why it’s crucial to work with an experienced business setup consultant in Dubai who can guide you through the right zones, documentation, and approval processes.
Real-World Example
A strong example of this initiative’s success is Louis Vuitton, which became one of the first companies to expand under the One Freezone Passport. It was able to move operations from JAFZA to Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone within just five days.
For Australian businesses, this showcases just how streamlined the process can be. Whether you’re in fashion, logistics, tech, or consulting, you can easily expand across Dubai’s economic hubs without lengthy delays or complex procedures.
Why Dubai Appeals to Australian Businesses
Dubai’s appeal for Australian investors is growing rapidly. With no personal income tax, 100% foreign ownership in most free zones, and a stable, innovation-driven economy, the city offers an ideal environment for global growth.
Australia and the UAE already share strong trade relations, and the One Freezone Passport makes it even easier for Australians to participate in Dubai’s economic success story.
For Australians wanting to expand globally, Dubai offers:
- Access to markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
- Excellent flight connections via Emirates and Qantas partnerships.
- A thriving expat community with strong business networks.
- Transparent laws and strong investor protection.
Now, with the One Freezone Passport, expanding across Dubai’s free zones is faster, easier, and more profitable than ever.
Partner with Flyingcolour® Business Setup Services
Business Setup Services, we specialise in helping Australian entrepreneurs establish and expand their businesses in Dubai. From company registration and free zone selection to licence applications under the One Freezone Passport, our experts handle every detail with precision.
We work closely with major Dubai free zones to ensure your setup is compliant, efficient, and aligned with your business goals. Whether you’re launching a new venture or scaling an existing one from Australia, our consultants make the process seamless and transparent.
Conclusion
The One Freezone Passport represents a breakthrough for investors worldwide — and particularly for Australians eager to expand into Dubai’s thriving economy. By allowing companies to operate across multiple free zones with a single licence, Dubai has taken a major step toward simplifying business expansion and boosting investor confidence.
For Australian businesses ready to grow globally, now is the perfect time to enter Dubai. With expert guidance from Flyingcolour® Business Setup Services, your journey to setting up and expanding across Dubai’s dynamic free zones will be smooth, fast, and fully compliant.
FAQs
1. What is the One Freezone Passport in Dubai?
It’s a system that allows companies licensed in one Dubai free zone to operate in other participating zones without needing a separate trade licence.
2. Can Australian companies apply for the One Freezone Passport?
Yes. Australian investors and businesses registered in a Dubai free zone are eligible to expand using the One Freezone Passport.
3. How long does it take to get approval under this initiative?
Approval can take as little as a few days, depending on your business type and the zones involved.
4. Do I need a UAE partner to set up a business in Dubai free zones?
No, most Dubai free zones allow 100% foreign ownership, including for Australian entrepreneurs.
5. How can Flyingcolour® help Australian businesses with setup and expansion?
Flyingcolour® offers complete support — from company formation to free zone expansion under the One Freezone Passport — ensuring fast approval and full compliance.