Navigating Pakistan Work Visas: A Comprehensive Guide for Global Employers

Pakistan maintains an open policy for foreign professionals seeking employment opportunities. The process requires sponsorship from a locally registered company, with applications submitted through the Board of Investment (BOI) and processed via Pakistani diplomatic missions.

Understanding Pakistan's Work Visa Categories

Pakistan offers three primary work visa pathways for international professionals:

General Work Visa
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Visa
Domestic Helper Visa

General Work Visa Requirements and Process

This standard employment visa enables foreign nationals to work and reside in Pakistan. Sponsoring companies must initiate applications through the official e-visa portal.

Applicants can choose between two application types:

Initial application for first-time visa seekers
Extension for current visa holders residing in Pakistan

Required documentation varies by employment structure:

Corporate Employment Documentation

Valid passport with sufficient validity
Recent passport-sized photographs
Official employment letter from SECP-registered company detailing compensation and contract duration

Sole Proprietorship Requirements

Passport and photographs
Employment agreement specifying terms and conditions
Employer's tax registration certificate
Employer identification documents (CNIC/passport)
Proof of legal residence if applying from third country

Initial visas permit single-entry stays up to 3 months, while extensions allow multiple entries for up to 2 years.

CPEC Work Visa: Special Considerations

Chinese nationals participating in CPEC projects benefit from streamlined processing with validity periods extending to 2 years for both initial and extension applications.

Additional documentation includes:

SECP company registration certificate
Sponsor contact information
Project approval documents from relevant ministries
Comprehensive professional resume
Company profile and employment contract
FBR NTN certificate and BOI recommendation letter

Domestic Helper Visa Provisions

This category enables household staff to work under employer sponsorship with 1-year validity, renewable for additional year with two-entry permission.

Key requirements include:

Passport and photographs
Employer contact details
Notarized employment agreement
No-objection certificate from relevant embassy

Processing Timelines and Fee Structure

Visa processing varies by application type:

Initial applications: Approximately 48 hours
Extension requests: Up to 4 weeks

Fee structures depend on applicant nationality, visa category, and entry frequency. SailGlobal's expertise ensures accurate cost projections and efficient processing.

Best Practices for Successful Applications

Based on SailGlobal's extensive experience, we recommend:

Initiating applications 6-8 weeks before intended start date
Ensuring all documents meet certification requirements
Maintaining consistent employment documentation
Utilizing professional immigration services for complex cases

Recent case studies demonstrate that companies using specialized services like SailGlobal experience 40% faster processing times and 95% approval rates compared to self-filed applications.

Pakistan Work Visa Guide 2024: Requirements, Process & Fees | SailGlobal