1. Main Visa and Work Permit Types

1. Tourist and General Visit Visa

Ordinary short-term travel should use the tourist or visit category matching the genuine purpose. Eligibility for electronic filing or another facilitated arrangement depends on nationality and travel document. Electronic filing does not mean visa-free entry and does not confer the right to work.

The itinerary, accommodation, funds, and departure arrangements should be consistent with the visit purpose. The approved period, number of entries, and extension conditions for tourism or family visits depend on the specific category and approval document and cannot be inferred from Business Visa or Work Visa periods.

2. Business Visa

The ordinary Business Visa and SIFC-related business arrangements have their own conditions. Whether the applicant’s nationality appears on the Business Visa list, the invitation documents, and the actual purpose may all affect the specific requirements.

Business status is for commercial contacts and does not cover taking a position with a local company, continuously implementing a project, or performing employed work. Even a visa that may be used for multiple entries does not allow the holder to occupy a local position long term. If the actual employment relationship, sponsoring entity, or activities change, confirm whether a Work Visa is required rather than continuing under a business purpose.

3. Work General Visa

Corporate employment generally requires support from an SECP-registered company together with employment or sponsorship documents stating remuneration and term. Other eligible employer forms must satisfy the corresponding tax, identity, and operating requirements. The applicant must hold a valid passport and genuine job invitation and, when applying in a third country, must prove lawful residence there.

The entry and extension arrangements for a Work General Visa may be approved for up to two years and may allow multiple entries, but the actual period and number of entries depend on the approval. An extension application requires the applicant to hold the prescribed status in Pakistan and a valid visa. A new overseas application and an in-country extension do not follow identical conditions.

Specialized work categories such as CPEC, domestic work, and transport cannot simply use the ordinary Work Visa rules. The employed activities should remain consistent with the sponsoring employer, position, and term.

2. Entry, Dependants, and Other Arrangements

1. Entry and Stay

After visa approval, the applicant must still satisfy entry inspection and relevant security requirements. Nationality, the project region, and actual activities may trigger additional review, and the visa itself does not replace a permit required for a particular region or project. Work should begin only after the applicable authorization is in place.

2. Family Members and Other Statuses

Family visits, accompanying-family arrangements, and study each have their own visa conditions. A family permit does not automatically allow employment in Pakistan. A family member planning to work must separately obtain the applicable work status.

3. Renewals, Changes, Termination, and Status Maintenance

4. How sailglobal Can Support You

If a company plans to send personnel to Pakistan for a business visit, local employment, a short-term project, or accompanying-family arrangements, sailglobal can help clarify the applicable pathway and application requirements based on the individual’s status, job duties, and travel arrangements.

Visa, work permit, and residence applications are independently reviewed by the relevant competent authorities. sailglobal does not guarantee an approval outcome or a fixed issuance date.