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Available at visa.nadra.gov.pk for most nationalities; single-entry costs USD 40-100 depending on nationality. Citizens of India, Israel, and a few others face restrictions or are ineligible.
Multiple-entry visa for business meetings and trade activities; requires an invitation from a Pakistan-registered company and proof of business ties. Does not permit employment or salary receipt.
Employer-sponsored permit; the hiring company must prove no qualified Pakistani national is available for the role. Application filed with the Board of Investment or relevant ministry.
Restricted to foreign nationals of Pakistani origin (those who held Pakistani citizenship or whose parents/grandparents were Pakistani citizens); grants visa-free, multi-entry access and work rights.
Pakistan offers an online e-Visa system for over 175 nationalities, providing tourist visas valid for 30–90 days and business visas for up to 1 year. The Pakistan Origin Card (POC) and National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) allow diaspora members to live and work without a separate visa. Long-stay expatriates require a residence permit issued by NADRA in coordination with the Ministry of Interior.
Foreign nationals working in Pakistan must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant ministry and a work permit from the Board of Investment or the employer. Work permits are typically issued for 1–2 years and tied to the employing organization, with renewal subject to ongoing employment. Pakistan has simplified processes for skilled workers in technology, engineering, and education sectors under Special Economic Zone arrangements.
Dependents of work permit holders can obtain a Long Term Visa for family reunification, allowing residence but requiring a separate permit for any employment. Children of expatriates may enroll in Pakistani and international schools without restriction once a family visa is obtained.
Pakistan has a progressive income tax system with rates up to 35% for residents on worldwide income; non-residents are taxed only on Pakistan-source income. Corporate tax stands at 29% for standard companies, with reduced rates applicable within Special Economic Zones. Pakistan has tax treaties with over 65 countries and has introduced incentives to attract overseas Pakistani remittances and foreign direct investment.
Healthcare quality varies significantly between urban and rural areas; major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad have private hospitals meeting international standards, including Aga Khan University Hospital. Expatriates are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive international private health insurance, as public healthcare facilities remain under-resourced. Medical costs are among the lowest in Asia even at top private facilities.
Opening a bank account requires a valid visa, passport, and NADRA registration; major banks like HBL, UBL, and Standard Chartered Pakistan serve expatriates in urban centers. Pakistan has currency controls and restrictions on repatriation of funds for certain categories, so expats should confirm transfer rules with their bank before arrival. Mobile banking and fintech adoption is growing rapidly in urban centers.
Pakistan operates Special Economic Zones under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) offering tax holidays of up to 10 years for qualifying investments in designated areas. The Board of Investment provides one-window facilitation for foreign direct investment with minimum thresholds varying by sector. Foreigners investing a minimum of USD 500,000 in approved projects may qualify for a long-term business residence visa.
| Program | Min. Investment | Residency | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEZ Investment (CPEC Zones) | — | No | No |