For French entrepreneurs and investors aiming to expand internationally, Dubai has always been a preferred destination — known for its tax advantages, strategic location, and pro-business environment. Now, with the One Freezone Passport, setting up and expanding a business across Dubai’s free zones has become even simpler and faster.
This initiative allows companies to operate in multiple Dubai free zones using a single licence, removing complex procedures and high costs associated with multiple registrations. For French businesses eager to explore opportunities in the UAE, this is a game-changer that makes expansion smoother than ever.
What Is the One Freezone Passport?
The One Freezone Passport is a new initiative by the Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC) that enables companies registered in one Dubai free zone (known as the “primary zone”) to operate in other participating free zones without the need for additional trade licences.
Previously, businesses had to obtain separate licences for each zone, which meant more time, more paperwork, and higher operational costs.
Now, with the One Freezone Passport, your French company can expand operations into another zone — such as from Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) to Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) — quickly and under one unified business licence.
This initiative supports Dubai’s vision of improving the ease of doing business and attracting more foreign investment, especially from global markets like France.
Why It Matters for French Businesses
France and the UAE have long enjoyed strong economic and cultural ties. Many French companies from luxury brands and tech startups to trading and engineering firms already operate in Dubai.
For French business owners, Dubai’s free zones offer:
- 100% foreign ownership
- No income or corporate tax in most cases
- Easy repatriation of profits
- World-class infrastructure and logistics
- A strategic hub between Europe, Asia, and Africa
The One Freezone Passport enhances these advantages even further by allowing faster and easier expansion across zones. This means French entrepreneurs can enter new markets and sectors within Dubai without setting up an entirely new company each time.
For example, a French trading firm registered in DMCC can now expand operations to JAFZA for warehousing and logistics under the same licence saving both time and money.
How the One Freezone Passport Works
When you register your business in a Dubai free zone, that zone becomes your primary location. Under the One Freezone Passport, you can extend your operations into another participating zone by applying for an expansion permit instead of a new licence.
The participating free zones coordinate with one another, sharing your registration information and company details, which eliminates the need for duplicate filings.
Once approved, your company can legally conduct business activities in both zones. For example, your main office could be in Dubai Internet City while your logistics operations are in JAFZA both under the same business structure.
This system reduces administrative burdens and promotes flexibility for international investors including French companies that want to operate in multiple Dubai locations efficiently.
Benefits for French Entrepreneurs
The One Freezone Passport provides several clear advantages for French business owners and investors:
Cost savings:
You no longer need to pay for multiple licences or renewals, significantly reducing setup and operational costs.
Time efficiency:
Approvals can be processed in just a few days, enabling you to expand your business much faster than before.
Simplified management:
One company structure, one licence, and one renewal — this reduces complexity in running operations across different zones.
Business flexibility:
Operate in different Dubai free zones that suit your needs — for example, a tech office in Dubai Silicon Oasis and a storage facility in JAFZA — without establishing separate entities.
Investor confidence:
The initiative demonstrates Dubai’s commitment to innovation, transparency, and making life easier for foreign investors like those from France.
Important Points for French Investors
Before expanding through the One Freezone Passport, there are a few things to consider.
Your business activity must be consistent across all zones. For instance, a company licensed for consultancy cannot use the same licence for trading or manufacturing in another zone.
Employment regulations may differ between zones, so you’ll need to ensure compliance with visa and labour policies.
Also, not all Dubai free zones are participating yet, so it’s important to check which ones support the initiative and how it fits your business type.
For these reasons, working with an expert business setup consultant in Dubai is highly recommended. They can assist you in choosing the right zones, preparing documentation, and managing all communication with free zone authorities.
Example of Successful Implementation
An early success story is Louis Vuitton, which became one of the first international brands to expand under the One Freezone Passport. The company moved part of its operations from JAFZA to Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone in just five days.
This example shows how quickly and efficiently the new system can work — and how it benefits international companies, including French businesses, that want to establish or expand in Dubai.
Why Dubai Appeals to French Entrepreneurs
Dubai continues to attract French investors for many reasons:
- Zero personal income tax
- 100% foreign ownership
- Strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa
- Stable economy and strong infrastructure
- A global hub for innovation and trade
The One Freezone Passport now adds another layer of convenience, giving French companies the ability to expand across multiple zones with minimal paperwork and cost.
Whether you’re a French SME, startup, or established company, Dubai offers the ideal platform for international growth — supported by a transparent legal system and a dynamic, multicultural environment.
Partner with Flyingcolour® Business Setup Services
Business Setup Services, we specialise in helping French entrepreneurs start and expand their businesses in Dubai. Our experienced consultants handle everything from company formation to licence applications under the One Freezone Passport, ensuring a smooth and compliant process.
We work closely with Dubai’s major free zones and government authorities, providing full support with documentation, approvals, and business strategy.
Whether you want to register a new company or expand an existing one from France, Flyingcolour® makes the process simple, fast, and cost-effective.
Conclusion
The One Freezone Passport is one of Dubai’s most forward-thinking business initiatives, designed to simplify expansion and attract global investors. For French entrepreneurs and companies, it opens the door to a broader, more flexible way of doing business in the UAE.
With one licence, you can now expand into multiple Dubai free zones, reducing administrative complexity and speeding up your market growth.
If you’re a French business owner ready to explore Dubai’s potential, Business Setup Services can guide you through every step — from choosing the right free zone to expanding under the One Freezone Passport.
Dubai is ready for your next move. Are you ready to grow globally?
FAQs
1. What is the One Freezone Passport in Dubai?
It’s a system that lets businesses operate across several Dubai free zones under a single licence, reducing the need for multiple registrations.
2. Can French companies apply for the One Freezone Passport?
Yes, French investors and companies that hold or plan to obtain a Dubai free zone licence are eligible for this initiative.
3. How long does the approval process take?
Depending on your business activity and zones, approval can take only a few days.
4. Do I need a local UAE partner for a free zone business?
No. Dubai free zones allow 100% foreign ownership, including for French investors.
5. How can Flyingcolour® assist French entrepreneurs?
Flyingcolour® provides full support — from company setup and documentation to expansion under the One Freezone Passport — ensuring a fast and compliant process.