For UK entrepreneurs and investors looking to set up or expand a business in Dubai, there’s now an easier way to grow — the One Freezone Passport. This new initiative allows companies to operate across multiple Dubai free zones with a single licence, making it faster and more cost-effective to scale your business in the UAE.
Dubai has long been one of the most attractive business destinations for UK companies. Its zero-income tax environment, global connectivity, and investor-friendly policies have drawn thousands of British businesses across sectors like finance, tech, retail, and logistics. However, until recently, expanding from one free zone to another in Dubai required multiple licences and time-consuming approvals. The One Freezone Passport has changed that, simplifying expansion and making Dubai even more accessible for international investors.
What Is the One Freezone Passport?
The One Freezone Passport is a government-backed initiative by the Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC) that allows a company licensed in one free zone (known as the “primary zone”) to expand into other participating free zones under the same licence.
In the past, if you registered your company in one free zone, such as Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), and wanted to open an office or warehouse in another, like Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), you had to apply for a separate licence. This not only added costs but also slowed down your ability to scale.
Now, with the One Freezone Passport, you can seamlessly expand into other zones without repeating the full setup process. For UK businesses seeking to build a presence in Dubai, this creates a smooth entry and growth pathway — all under one regulatory framework.
Why This Matters for UK Businesses
For UK business owners, Dubai offers an unmatched combination of opportunity, stability, and connectivity. The One Freezone Passport further strengthens Dubai’s appeal by making it easier to expand and diversify operations across the emirate’s many business hubs.
Many British firms are already using Dubai as a strategic base to serve clients across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. The new passport system means they can now grow within Dubai’s ecosystem without facing complex licensing hurdles.
If your UK company operates in logistics, e-commerce, professional services, or manufacturing, this initiative could save you both time and money. It’s particularly valuable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that want to enter Dubai’s market with flexibility and reduced costs.
How It Works
When you register your company in one of Dubai’s free zones, that becomes your primary free zone. With the One Freezone Passport, you can apply to extend your business into another participating zone as a secondary location, using the same licence and company structure.
The free zones coordinate directly with each other, sharing your registration details and approvals, so you don’t have to go through the same process twice. Once your application is approved, you can operate in both zones seamlessly — for example, you could base your headquarters in Dubai Internet City and run your logistics operations from JAFZA.
Approvals are much faster too. Some companies have received clearance in as little as five days — a huge improvement from the weeks or months it used to take to obtain a separate licence.
Key Advantages for UK Entrepreneurs
The One Freezone Passport offers several practical benefits for British investors who want to establish or expand a Dubai business.
First, it significantly reduces cost and paperwork. You no longer need to manage multiple licences, renewals, or legal filings for each free zone. That saves on administrative time and recurring fees, freeing up your resources for business growth.
Second, it ensures faster market expansion. You can quickly enter new areas within Dubai without needing to set up a new legal entity or go through additional due diligence.
Third, it provides greater flexibility. You can choose different free zones for specific purposes — one for trading, one for warehousing, and another for services — all under one business umbrella. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for UK firms operating in diverse sectors.
Finally, the initiative enhances investor confidence. It shows that Dubai is serious about improving ease of doing business and supporting global investors who want to grow in the region.
What UK Businesses Should Keep in Mind
While the benefits are clear, UK investors should understand a few important rules before expanding through the One Freezone Passport. The business activity you conduct in the new free zone must match your existing licence. For instance, if your licence is for consulting, you can’t use the passport to open a manufacturing unit in another free zone.
Each zone may also have its own employment and visa regulations, meaning you can’t always transfer employees directly between zones. And since the system is still new, it’s essential to check which free zones are currently participating and what specific conditions apply to your business activity.
Working with a professional business setup consultant in Dubai can help you navigate these details easily. Experts can guide you through the right documentation, ensure compliance, and handle coordination with the free zone authorities.
Real Example: How Businesses Are Using the One Freezone Passport
A great example of how this initiative works is Louis Vuitton, which became one of the first companies to expand under the One Freezone Passport. The brand kept its warehouse in JAFZA while opening its new corporate office in the Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone—all in just five days.
For UK companies, this demonstrates just how fast and efficient expansion can be under the new system. Whether you’re running a logistics firm in London or a tech startup in Manchester, you can now establish a presence in Dubai’s major economic zones quickly and confidently.
Why Dubai Is Ideal for UK Businesses
Dubai offers a stable, tax-friendly, and innovation-driven environment. It has no personal income tax, world-class infrastructure, and straightforward company laws that appeal to UK investors.
With the One Freezone Passport, expanding across Dubai’s free zones has become even more efficient. It’s an opportunity for UK businesses to access one of the world’s fastest-growing markets with minimal barriers. The initiative supports Dubai’s ambition to be the world’s best city to live and do business in by 2033, and it’s helping foreign investors become part of that vision.
If you’ve been considering setting up your company in Dubai, there’s no better time. The combination of simplified regulation, high global connectivity, and strategic incentives makes Dubai the perfect gateway for UK entrepreneurs looking to expand internationally.
Get Expert Help with Flyingcolour® Business Setup Services
At Flyingcolour® Business Setup Services, we’ve helped hundreds of UK clients set up and expand their businesses across Dubai’s leading free zones. Our experts handle everything — from company formation and bank account opening to licence applications under the One Freezone Passport scheme.
We work directly with Dubai’s major free zones, ensuring your expansion is smooth, compliant, and cost-effective. Whether you’re launching a new venture or scaling an existing one, our team will guide you through each step with clarity and transparency.
Conclusion
The One Freezone Passport represents a major leap forward in Dubai’s commitment to ease of doing business. For UK companies looking to expand internationally, this single-licence system offers a seamless way to enter multiple Dubai free zones without unnecessary paperwork or high costs.
With its strong infrastructure, tax advantages, and business-friendly environment, Dubai continues to attract global investors — and now, with the One Freezone Passport, expanding across its economic zones has never been easier.
If you’re a UK entrepreneur ready to establish or expand your business in Dubai, contact Flyingcolour® today. Our experienced consultants will help you secure the right licence, ensure compliance, and make your Dubai expansion simple, fast, and profitable.
FAQs
1. What is the One Freezone Passport in Dubai?
It’s a government initiative that allows businesses licensed in one Dubai free zone to operate in other participating zones using the same licence.
2. Can UK businesses apply for the One Freezone Passport?
Yes. UK companies that hold or plan to obtain a Dubai free zone licence are eligible to expand under this initiative.
3. How long does it take to expand under the One Freezone Passport?
Most approvals are completed within a few days, depending on your business type and the free zones involved.
4. Do I need a local partner to set up in a Dubai free zone?
No, UK investors can own 100% of their company in most free zones in Dubai.
5. How can Flyingcolour® help UK entrepreneurs with this process?
Flyingcolour® provides complete support — from company registration to free zone expansion — ensuring full compliance and fast approvals under the One Freezone Passport scheme.