Work visas
Pakistani Work Visa
The main employment route, covering an initial work entry visa, longer work extensions, and a domestic aide option for foreign staff.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Stage validities (3-month entry, 2-year extension, 1-year domestic aide), 48-hour/30-day processing times and the deemed-approval rule are from the DGI&P categories page via a summariser; confirm on the official portal before publishing.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Pakistan government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Work Visa (Work Entry, Work Extension, Domestic Aide)
- Route type
- Work / employment
- Work entry visa
- Short initial validity (around 3 months, single entry), issued at a Pakistan mission
- Duration/processing not confirmed against a live official page
- Work extension visa
- Longer validity (up to around 2 years, multiple entry) via the Ministry of Interior
- Duration not confirmed against a live official page
- Security clearance
- Required for the extension stage
Who it is for
- Foreign nationals employed by a company registered in Pakistan
- Household staff sponsored by an employer (domestic aide visa)
Requirements
- Employment agreement / contract
- Company undertaking and company profile
- Applicant's CV and passport
- Company / corporate (SECP) registration documents
- Board of Investment recommendation and security clearance for the extension stage
What you can do
- Take up the specific employment for which the visa is granted
- Extend inside Pakistan through the Ministry of Interior
How to apply
- Employer prepares the offer and supporting company documents
- Applicant obtains the work entry visa at a Pakistan mission
- After entry, apply for the work extension visa through the Ministry of Interior
- Complete security clearance and Board of Investment steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.