Pakistan (PK)

Pakistan is South Asia's second-largest country and a land of extraordinary contrasts — from the towering Karakoram peaks in the north to the bustling port city of Karachi on the Arabian Sea.

Capital: Islamabad

Region: Asia

Language: Urdu

Currency: PKR (₨)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 20)

Emergency: 15

Visa & Immigration

Entry and residence options for Pakistan.

Visa-Free Access

Pakistan requires most foreign nationals to hold an e-Visa obtained in advance through the Pakistan Online Visa System (POVS). Citizens of a small number of countries (including China, Malaysia, Turkey, UAE, and Saudi Arabia) have visa-free or simplified entry arrangements. The Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) and Visa on Arrival (VOA) programmes, which previously gave eligible nationals from 126 countries fast-track or on-arrival access, were suspended effective 1 January 2026 — the e-Visa through POVS (visa.nadra.gov.pk) is now the standard route for most nationalities. GCC states (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar) retain visa-free or VOA access. Check the latest position at the Pakistan Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (dgip.gov.pk).

Use the Pakistan Online Visa System (visa.nadra.gov.pk) for all visa applications; the VPA and VOA programmes were suspended in 2026 and the e-Visa is now the standard route for most nationalities. Visa category, employer sector, city, and nationality all affect processing times, police/security registration requirements, and any BOI clearances needed. Police registration may be required within 30 days of arrival for some nationalities — check with the local Foreigner Registration Office (FRO). Keep copies of all approvals, entry stamps, and permit documents. Overstaying your visa is a serious offence.

Tourist e-Visa

Tourist Visa (POVS)

USD 35–60 for most nationalities; higher for US, UK, and Canadian citizens. Some nationalities (China, Japan, Iceland, Malaysia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and others) are exempt from fees. Confirm the fee applicable to your nationality at dgip.gov.pk.

Duration: Typically 30–90 days; single or multiple entry depending on nationality

Eligibility

Visitors for tourism, leisure, and family visits. Available online to citizens of 60+ eligible nationalities through the Pakistan Online Visa System.

Processing time

7–10 working days officially; in practice up to 20 working days reported during peak periods. Apply well in advance.

Requirements

✓Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
✓Completed online application at visa.nadra.gov.pk
✓Recent digital photograph meeting POVS specifications
✓Debit or credit card for online payment
✓Confirmed travel itinerary and return ticket
✓Hotel booking or host invitation letter

💡 Tourist e-Visa does not authorise work of any kind. The VPA and VOA programmes are suspended as of 2026. Keep a printed or digital copy of the approved e-Visa for presentation at the port of entry.

Business e-Visa

Business Visa (POVS)

Varies by nationality and entry category; confirm at dgip.gov.pk

Duration: Single or multiple entry; up to multi-year for some nationalities and categories

Eligibility

Business meetings, investment exploration, trade visits, and commercial activities without local employment. Multi-year, multi-entry options may be available.

Processing time

7–10 working days; allow up to 20 working days in practice

Requirements

✓Invitation letter from a Pakistani registered company or chamber of commerce
✓Company documents of the inviting entity
✓Valid passport
✓Completed POVS application
✓Return or onward ticket
✓Proof of accommodation

💡 A business visa does not authorise local employment or work. For frequent commercial activity, apply for a multi-entry option where available.

Work Visa

Work Visa (POVS)

Varies by nationality, duration, and sector; confirm at dgip.gov.pk

Duration: Usually tied to the employment contract and BOI or sector approval; renewable

Eligibility

Foreign employees sponsored by a Pakistani employer or an approved project/company. Board of Investment (BOI) recommendation may be required for certain sectors.

Processing time

4–12 weeks or longer for complex cases or sectors requiring BOI/security clearance

Requirements

✓Employer invitation and sponsorship letter
✓BOI or relevant authority recommendation where required by the sector
✓Signed employment contract
✓Company registration and incorporation documents
✓CV and professional qualification certificates
✓Security clearance documents if requested
✓Valid passport

💡 Do not start work in Pakistan before the work visa and any required work authorisation are in place. Police registration may be required within 30 days of arrival depending on nationality.

Student Visa

Student Visa (POVS)

Varies by nationality and course duration; confirm at dgip.gov.pk

Duration: Tied to the course duration; renewable

Eligibility

Foreign nationals admitted to a recognised Pakistani educational institution

Processing time

Several weeks; apply through POVS well before the course start date

Requirements

✓Admission or acceptance letter from a recognised Pakistani institution
✓Proof of sufficient financial means
✓Valid passport
✓Passport-size photographs
✓Accommodation details

💡 Part-time work rights are not automatic for student visa holders.

Family Visit Visa

Family Visit Visa (POVS)

Varies by nationality; confirm at dgip.gov.pk

Duration: As granted; extensions may be possible at the NADRA immigration offices

Eligibility

Family members of Pakistani citizens or eligible residents visiting for family purposes

Processing time

Several working days to a few weeks through POVS

Requirements

✓Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates)
✓Sponsor's Pakistani CNIC or passport copy
✓Sponsor's undertaking letter
✓Valid passport of the applicant
✓Passport-size photographs

💡 A family visit visa does not authorise employment. If a family member wishes to work, a separate work visa and authorisation are required.

NGO / INGO Visa or Work Permission

NGO/INGO Route

Varies

Duration: Tied to the organisation's registration and project approval; renewable

Eligibility

Foreign staff and volunteers of approved non-governmental and international non-governmental organisations registered with the Ministry of Interior

Processing time

Several weeks to months; the organisation must be fully registered before individual applications proceed

Requirements

✓Organisation registration with Pakistan's Ministry of Interior (under INGO policy)
✓Invitation or appointment letter from the organisation
✓Project approval documents
✓Security clearance and police documents as required
✓Valid passport

💡 Do not volunteer or conduct fieldwork on a tourist visa. INGO rules are strictly enforced. All INGO operations require prior Ministry of Interior approval.

No dedicated digital nomad visa

Digital Nomad

N/A

Duration: N/A

Eligibility

Pakistan does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa as of 2026. Remote workers must hold a lawful visa category through POVS and must not perform Pakistan-source work on tourist or visitor status.

Processing time

N/A

Requirements

✓Immigration legal advice before extended stay for remote work
✓Tax-residence advice (prolonged stays can trigger Pakistan income tax obligations)
✓Proof of remote employment contract or self-employment income from abroad
✓Banking and source-of-funds documentation

💡 Remote work from Pakistan for a foreign employer can still create tax-residence and banking obligations. Pakistan has a Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) active in enforcing income tax on residents. Seek specialist advice before committing to an extended stay.

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