What documents does a Pakistani national need to start a textile trading business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Pakistan passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Pakistan, attested documents via Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan, and a business plan for your textile trading venture.

How long does it take for a Pakistani citizen to set up a textile trading company in DSO?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 3–6 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 13–23 business days.

How long does it take to get a Textile Trading licence in DSO?

The typical processing time for a textile trading licence at DSO is 3 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. Since this is a non-regulated activity, the process is straightforward and typically completed within the standard timeframe.

Is Dubai Silicon Oasis good for textile trading start-ups?

DSO is well-suited for both start-ups and established businesses, offering technology-focused ecosystem and integrated tech park. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 6,000 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

Can I get a residence visa with my Textile Trading licence from DSO?

Yes, your textile trading licence from DSO entitles you to apply for residence visas. The standard package includes 4 visa(s), with the option to apply for additional visas based on your office space. Each visa costs approximately AED 4,500.

What are the tax implications for a Textile Trading business in Dubai Silicon Oasis?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in DSO may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the substance requirements and do not conduct business with the mainland. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

What documents do I need to set up a Textile Trading business in DSO?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

Textile Trading in Dubai Silicon Oasis for Pakistani nationals

Free ZoneCommercial

Textile Trading in DSO

Starting From

AED 12,000

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

4 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Textile Trading

As a Pakistani national looking to establish a Textile Trading business in Dubai Silicon Oasis, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Pakistan has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Pakistani professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a free zone entity regulated under Dubai's commercial laws, your Textile Trading business will benefit from technology-focused ecosystem and integrated tech park. The DSO licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 12,000.

With over two decades of experience in UAE business formation, IBA International provides end-to-end support for your textile trading setup in DSO. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.

Why DSO for Textile Trading?

There are several compelling reasons why Dubai Silicon Oasis continues to attract textile trading entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers technology-focused ecosystem, which is particularly valuable for textile trading operations. Additionally, integrated tech park ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 6,000 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 4 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. 100% foreign ownership further enhances the appeal of DSO for textile trading professionals. Furthermore, smartcity infrastructure positions your textile trading business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, DSO remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established commercial enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Pakistani nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Pakistani business community.

Technology-focused ecosystem

Integrated tech park

100% foreign ownership

SmartCity infrastructure

Innovation facilities

Visa Requirements for Pakistani Nationals

Pakistani nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Business visa or residence visa can be sponsored by the company once incorporated. Once your textile trading licence is issued by DSO, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 8–15 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Pakistani Business Owners

Pakistani entrepreneurs can open corporate bank accounts with standard documentation. Some banks may require additional proof of business activity. For your textile trading business in DSO, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Pakistani business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Pakistan-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Pakistani Nationals

Pakistani nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for textile trading), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to DSO.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Pakistan passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport-sized photographs with white background

5No Objection Certificate (NOC) if applicable

6Detailed business plan or activity description

7Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

8Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	12,000
Visa Package (per visa)	4,500
Flexi Desk	6,000
Shared Office	12,000
Private Office	25,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 22,500

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your textile trading business plan and the best DSO licence options for Pakistani nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Pakistan through Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the textile trading licence application to DSO. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official DSO trade licence within 3–6 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Pakistani nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Pakistani entrepreneurs can open corporate bank accounts with standard documentation.

Start Operations

Your textile trading business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 3 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. DSO allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Pakistani nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Textile Trading in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750