Pakistan Work Visa & Work Permit 2026 — Complete Guide

Foreign nationals who wish to work in Pakistan must obtain both a work visa and a work permit. The work permit is issued by Pakistan's Board of Investment (BOI), while the work visa is obtained from a Pakistan embassy or consulate. This guide covers the entire process.

Work Visa — Key Facts

Validity	1-2 years (renewable)
Entry type	Multiple entry
Fee	$100-$300 (varies by nationality and duration)
Processing time	4-8 weeks (including BOI approval)
Sponsor required	Yes — Pakistani employer must sponsor
Application method	Pakistan embassy (after BOI work permit approval)

Application Process — Step by Step

Employer Applies for Work Permit at BOI

Your Pakistani employer applies to the Board of Investment (BOI) for a work permit on your behalf. This includes submitting the employment contract, company registration documents, and justification for hiring a foreign worker.

BOI Reviews and Approves

BOI reviews the application, which typically takes 2-4 weeks. They verify that the position cannot be filled by a Pakistani national and that the company is registered and tax-compliant.

Apply for Work Visa at Embassy

With the BOI work permit approval letter, apply for a work visa at the nearest Pakistan embassy. Submit all required documents and pay the visa fee.

Receive Work Visa and Travel

Once approved (1-2 weeks), receive your work visa sticker in your passport. Travel to Pakistan and report to the Foreigners Registration Office within 30 days of arrival.

Required Documents

From the Employee:

Valid passport (1+ year validity)
4 passport-size photos
CV/resume with qualifications
Academic certificates (attested)
Professional certifications
Police clearance certificate
Medical fitness certificate

From the Employer:

BOI work permit approval
Employment contract
Company registration (SECP)
NTN (National Tax Number)
Letter justifying foreign hire
Salary details and tax compliance

CPEC Workers — Special Provisions

Foreign workers employed on CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) projects benefit from streamlined work visa procedures:

Fast-track BOI processing (1-2 weeks)
Simplified documentation requirements
Work permits valid for up to 2 years
Group applications allowed for project teams

Do not work on a tourist or business visa. Working without a proper work visa is illegal and can result in fines, deportation, and a ban on future entry. Always ensure you have both a valid work permit and work visa before starting employment.