Pakistan (PK)

Pakistan has no universal contributory state pension open to foreign nationals equivalent to European PAYG systems. EOBI (Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution, eobi.gov.pk) covers formal-sector workers in establishments with 5 or more employees. EOBI contributions are not calculated on actual salary — they are fixed amounts calculated on the federal minimum wage (or provincial minimum wage where higher). Employee contribution: 1% of the federal minimum wage notified by the government. Employer contribution: 5% of the same notified wage base. As of 2026, the EOBI contribution base is approximately PKR 37,000/month (federal minimum wage), giving employee contribution of approximately PKR 370/month and employer contribution of approximately PKR 1,850/month. The EOBI minimum pension as of 2026 is PKR 11,500/month — raised from PKR 10,000 and further supplemented by a 15% across-the-board increase effective from pension arrears accruing from September 2025. Civil servants are covered by separate Government Servants Pension (GSP) rules — foreign employees cannot access this scheme.

EOBI retirement: 60 years for men, 55 years for women, with at least 15 years (180 months) of registered insurable employment to qualify for the old-age pension. Workers below age 55/60 who leave Pakistan before retirement age retain deferred EOBI rights in principle, but practical access from abroad is administratively difficult. No universal state retirement age applies to foreign residents for any other pension scheme.

EOBI requires at least 15 years (180 months) of registered insurable employment in covered establishments to qualify for the old-age pension. Workers with fewer qualifying months receive reduced benefits. Employer Provident Fund (PF) schemes set their own vesting schedules — commonly 3–5 years for the employer-matched share to vest. Gratuity typically requires 5 years of continuous service. Confirm vesting terms in writing with HR before accepting any assignment.

For home-country pension forecasts, use your home-country pension authority portal: gov.uk/check-state-pension (UK), ssa.gov (US), or the relevant national authority. For EOBI balance, contact eobi.gov.pk or your employer HR. For employer PF balances, request annual contribution statements from HR or PF trustees. For Pakistan income tax records, use the FBR IRIS portal at iris.fbr.gov.pk. Do not use private pension products designed for another country (UK SIPPs, German pension schemes, etc.) as a Pakistan-based product.

Scheme-specific. Many employer PFs vest the employer share after 3–5 years of service. Gratuity typically requires 5 years of continuous service. EOBI old-age pension is not payable until age 60 (men) / 55 (women) with at least 180 months of insurable employment. Confirm the exact vesting terms in writing with HR before accepting a short assignment or planning early departure.

Own (employee) PF contributions are generally refundable in full on departure. Employer PF contributions are refunded only to the extent vested per scheme rules. Interest or profits earned on the PF balance may also be payable depending on the scheme structure. Gratuity is a separate lump sum calculated on length of service and last basic salary per the applicable labour law or contract terms. PF withdrawals may be partially or fully tax-exempt under the Income Tax Ordinance 1984 — obtain a written tax treatment letter from your employer before withdrawal.