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Visa Types — Pakistan

Updated July 20, 2026

Major Visa Categories for Immigrating to Pakistan

*Note: Pakistan's visa policies are managed by the Ministry of Interior, the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGIP), and NADRA. Fees and processing times vary by applicant nationality, and reciprocity arrangements often apply. All figures below are approximate as of recent years and should be verified directly with a Pakistani embassy/consulate or the official Online Pakistan Visa system (visa.nadra.gov.pk) before applying.

Business Visa

Who it's for: Foreign nationals seeking to conduct business activities, attend meetings, explore trade/investment opportunities, or establish business relationships in Pakistan.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

Processing Time: 7–15 working days (multiple-entry visas may take longer)

Cost: Varies significantly by nationality; typically PKR 7,000–25,000 (~USD 25–90) for single/multiple entry; some countries have reciprocal fee waivers or higher fees

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Work Visa (Employment Visa)

Who it's for: Foreign nationals hired by Pakistani companies, NGOs, multinational corporations, or those on secondment for skilled/professional employment.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

Processing Time: 4–8 weeks (subject to security clearance delays)

Cost: Approximately PKR 15,000–40,000 (~USD 55–145), depending on nationality and visa duration (often issued for 1 year, renewable)

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Student Visa

Who it's for: International students admitted to accredited Pakistani universities, colleges, or madrassas (religious seminaries).

Key Eligibility Requirements:

Processing Time: 3–6 weeks

Cost: Approximately PKR 10,000–20,000 (~USD 35–70) for the visa; renewable annually through NADRA/FIA for the study duration

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Family/Visit Visa (for Relatives of Pakistani Nationals)

Who it's for: Foreign spouses, children, or family members of Pakistani citizens seeking to join family in Pakistan.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

Processing Time: 2–4 weeks; longer if additional verification is required

Cost: Approximately PKR 7,000–15,000 (~USD 25–55) for initial visa; extensions available through NADRA/FIA at similar or reduced rates

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Pakistan Origin Card (POC)

Who it's for: Foreign nationals of Pakistani origin (former Pakistani citizens or their children/grandchildren) who have taken foreign nationality and wish to live, work, and do business in Pakistan without needing a visa.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

Processing Time: 4–8 weeks

Cost: Approximately USD 100–250 (varies by country of application; roughly PKR 28,000–70,000 equivalent), often with different tiers for children vs. adults

Note: POC functions similarly to India's OCI—grants indefinite stay, work, and property rights but not full citizenship (no voting rights).

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National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP)

Who it's for: Pakistani citizens who have acquired foreign nationality and wish to retain identity/status linked to Pakistan (dual nationals).

Key Eligibility Requirements:

Processing Time: 3–6 weeks

Cost: Approximately USD 20–70 (~PKR 5,500–19,500) depending on processing speed (normal vs. urgent)

Note: Not a visa per se but functions as a long-term residency/identity document allowing entry without a separate visa (available only to countries permitting dual nationality with Pakistan).

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Tourist Visa

Who it's for: Foreign nationals visiting Pakistan for leisure, sightseeing, or short-term visits (not directly an immigration pathway but included for completeness).

Key Eligibility Requirements:

Processing Time: 24–72 hours (e-Visa); on-arrival for eligible countries

Cost: Free–PKR 6,000 (~USD 0–22) depending on nationality and duration (30-day single entry typically free for many countries under recent tourism-friendly reforms)

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Religious/Pilgrim Visa

Who it's for: Foreign nationals (often Sikh, Hindu, or other religious minorities) visiting religious sites such as Nankana Sahib, Katas Raj, or Sufi shrines.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

Processing Time: 2–4 weeks (may be expedited for organized group pilgrimages)

Cost: Approximately PKR 5,000–10,000 (~USD 18–35), often waived for organized bilateral pilgrimage groups (e.g., Kartarpur Corridor arrangements)

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Diplomatic/Official Visa

Who it's for: Diplomats, government officials, and UN/international organization staff on official assignment to Pakistan.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

Processing Time: 1–2 weeks (expedited through diplomatic channels)

Cost: Typically fee-exempt under diplomatic reciprocity agreements

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Transit Visa

Who it's for: Travelers passing through Pakistan en route to a third country.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

Processing Time: 24–72 hours

Cost: Approximately PKR 3,000–6,000 (~USD 10–22)

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Important Considerations

Recommendation: Always confirm current fees, documentation, and processing times through the nearest Pakistani embassy/consulate or the official NADRA/DGIP visa portals, as policies are updated periodically based on bilateral agreements and security considerations.

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Immigration laws, costs, and policies change frequently. This guide is AI-researched for information only and is not legal advice. Always verify with official government sources and licensed immigration professionals before making decisions.