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  • Pakistan Work Visa 2026 — Complete Guide

    Issued to foreign nationals with a job offer from an SECP-registered Pakistani company; visa is employer-specific and tied to the sponsoring entity.

    Best For

    Mid-career professionals with a job offer and relevant qualifications

    Not Ideal For

    Freelancers without employer sponsorship or those without recognised qualifications

    Known Issues

    Employer-tied visa with limited mobility; renewal dependent on continued employment

    At a Glance

    Visa Duration
    12 months
    Processing Time
    30–45 days
    Min Income
    €1,500/monthly
    Path to PR
    5 years
    Difficulty
    6/10 — Challenging
    Application Fee
    €75

    Eligibility Requirements

    RequirementDetails
    Age Range18+
    Education RequiredBachelor's degree
    Profession RequiredYes
    Experience Required2 years in field
    Job Offer RequiredYes
    Sponsorship RequiredYes
    Language RequiredEnglish (B2)
    License / Recognition RequiredYes
    Remote Income AllowedNo
    Business Activity RequiredNo
    Health Insurance RequiredYes
    Proof of Funds RequiredYes
    Can Apply From AbroadYes

    Financial Requirements

    ItemAmount
    Minimum Income€1,500/monthly
    Minimum Salary€18,000/year
    Minimum Savings€3,000
    Application Fee€75
    Est. Total Relocation Cost€4,500

    Application Timeline

    1
    Document Collection & Job Securing
    30–90 days
    Secure job offer, gather educational certificates, obtain police clearance, medical exam
    Blocker: Employer sponsorship required; credential recognition may take time
    2
    Visa Application Submission
    5–14 days
    Submit online application, pay fees, schedule biometrics appointment
    Blocker: All documents must be complete and verified
    3
    Government Processing
    30–45 days
    Background checks, employer verification, BOI recommendation review
    Blocker: Security clearance delays; BOI processing time
    4
    Arrival & Registration
    1–7 days
    Enter Pakistan, register with local authorities, obtain residence permit
    Blocker: Must arrive within visa validity period

    Family & Rights

    RightDetails
    Family AllowedYes
    Spouse Can WorkNo
    Children AllowedYes
    Work Rightsemployer-specific
    RenewableYes
    Time to Permanent Residency5 years
    Time to Citizenship7 years

    Related Pathways

    Cost of Living

    Karachi
    Single (monthly)€700
    Family (monthly)€1,750
    Rent 1BR (center)€400
    Groceries€180
    Transport pass€60
    Lahore
    Single (monthly)€650
    Family (monthly)€1,625
    Rent 1BR (center)€380
    Groceries€160
    Transport pass€55
    Islamabad
    Single (monthly)€800
    Family (monthly)€2,000
    Rent 1BR (center)€480
    Groceries€200
    Transport pass€60
    Rawalpindi
    Single (monthly)€600
    Family (monthly)€1,500
    Rent 1BR (center)€350
    Groceries€150
    Transport pass€50
    Faisalabad
    Single (monthly)€550
    Family (monthly)€1,375
    Rent 1BR (center)€300
    Groceries€140
    Transport pass€45
    Peshawar
    Single (monthly)€500
    Family (monthly)€1,250
    Rent 1BR (center)€280
    Groceries€130
    Transport pass€40

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the Work Visa (Employment-Sponsored)?

    Issued to foreign nationals with a job offer from an SECP-registered Pakistani company; visa is employer-specific and tied to the sponsoring entity.

    Who is the Work Visa (Employment-Sponsored) best for?

    This pathway is best suited for: Mid-career professionals with a job offer and relevant qualifications.

    Who should not apply for the Work Visa (Employment-Sponsored)?

    This pathway is not ideal for: Freelancers without employer sponsorship or those without recognised qualifications.

    What are the financial requirements for the Work Visa (Employment-Sponsored)?

    Applicants need minimum income of €1,500/monthly, minimum salary of €18,000/year, minimum savings of €3,000. Additional costs may include the application fee and relocation expenses.

    How long does it take to process the Work Visa (Employment-Sponsored)?

    Processing typically takes 30 to 45 days. Times may vary based on nationality, completeness of documentation, and current processing volumes.

    Can I bring my family on the Work Visa (Employment-Sponsored)?

    Yes, this pathway allows family members including dependents.

    Can the Work Visa (Employment-Sponsored) lead to permanent residency or citizenship?

    Yes. Holders of this visa can work toward permanent residency in approximately 5 years and citizenship in approximately 7 years, subject to meeting residence and other conditions.

    What are the known issues with the Work Visa (Employment-Sponsored)?

    Known issues and warnings: Employer-tied visa with limited mobility; renewal dependent on continued employment. We recommend checking the official source for the latest updates.

    Are there alternative pathways to Pakistan?

    Yes. Pakistan offers 7 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Pakistan country page.

    What is the cost of living in Pakistan?

    Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Karachi: €700/month; Lahore: €650/month; Islamabad: €800/month. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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    Official source: https://dgip.gov.pk/visa/categories.php