Moving to Pakistan as an Expat: A Complete Practical Guide

Published on January 25, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to Pakistan means arriving in a vast country at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and East Asia, where bustling megacities, spectacular mountain valleys, and a culture deeply marked by Islam coexist. The cost of living is among the lowest in the world, the hospitality is legendary, but safety, visa bureaucracy, and culture shock require very serious preparation.

Understanding the country before leaving

With approximately 230 to 250 million inhabitants depending on sources, Pakistan is among the most populous countries in the world (5th or 6th place). It is a developing state with a growing economy, a GDP per capita of about $1,485 and an official growth rate of 6.5% in 2021.

The country stretches from the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south to the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges in the north. It shares borders with India, China, Afghanistan, and Iran. This strategic geopolitical position explains both its regional importance… and part of its internal and security tensions.

Languages, religion, and daily life

English is an official language, very present in administration, business, higher education, and affluent circles. The national language is Urdu, while regional languages are widely spoken: Punjabi (native language of nearly 44% of the population), Pashto (over 15%), Sindhi, Balochi, etc.

Pakistan is an Islamic republic. Religion strongly structures public behavior, holidays, dress, and eating habits. Respecting Muslim practices (prayers, Ramadan, dietary prohibitions) is essential, even as a non-Muslim foreigner.

An inexpensive country, but not necessarily “easy”

International comparisons show an incredibly low cost of living: Pakistan ranks among the least expensive countries in the world (approximately 196th out of 197 for cost of living according to some indices). Numbeo places the country at 19.6 out of 100 for general cost and 3.4 for rent, far behind European or North American levels.

Where to live: overview of major expat cities

Most foreigners settle in Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi. Other cities like Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Peshawar, Sialkot, or Quetta host expatriates, but with fewer international services and often a more conservative environment.

Islamabad: green and planned capital

Islamabad is the federal capital, built from scratch, green, spacious, and relatively safe. The urban planning is strictly planned, the avenues are wide, and residential neighborhoods are sectorized. The city has an excellent offering of private and international schools, renowned hospitals (Shifa International, PIMS, Maroof…), modern shopping malls (Centaurus Mall, F-10 Markaz), and well-established restaurants like The Monal, perched on the Margalla Hills.

Lahore: cultural capital and student city

The country’s second city, Lahore is the cultural and artistic heart, known for its old city, Mughal gardens, and food scene. Life is denser and more lively than in Islamabad, with a strong local identity.

Expatriates often concentrate in DHA (Defence Housing Authority), Gulberg, Model Town, Cavalry Ground, Lahore Cantonment, or Bahria Town Lahore. These areas offer spacious villas, gated residential complexes, restaurants, cafes, and shopping malls (Emporium Mall, Packages Mall, etc.) that allow for a fairly comfortable lifestyle in a secure environment.

Karachi: economic and port megalopolis

Karachi is the largest city in the country and its economic engine. Cosmopolitan, port-based, and very dense, it concentrates bank headquarters, industry, financial, and logistics services. It is also a city known to be more violent than others, even if the security situation has improved in recent years.

Cost of living by city

Major cities remain very affordable compared to Western capitals, even if Islamabad is a bit more expensive. The rent for a comfortable apartment is often ten to twenty times lower than in a European metropolis.

Here is a numerical overview of typical budgets for a single person, excluding rent, in the three main cities, compared to London for rents:

In practice, an expatriate can aim for an overall budget between $1,000 and $2,000 per month, rent included, for a good standard of living, or more in the case of international schooling or very high-end housing.

Visas, work, and residence: navigating the administrative barrier

One of the most delicate points for an expatriation project in Pakistan concerns visas and regularizing one’s situation on the ground. The authorities remain cautious towards foreigners, and almost all nationalities must obtain a visa before arrival.

Main types of visas

Pakistan has modernized its procedure considerably, with an online managed e-visa platform. Depending on your project, several categories exist:

– Visit / Tourist e-Visa: for travel, with no work rights.

– Work Visa / Work e-Visa: to work with a local contract.

– Business Visa: for commercial visits, meeting participation, prospecting.

– Specialized visas: for NGOs/INGOs, journalists, religious missions, conferences, Tabligh activities, etc.

– Family Visit e-Visa: for foreigners of Pakistani origin and their spouses wishing to visit family.

Obtaining a work visa

To secure a work visa, you must absolutely have a job offer from a company registered in Pakistan (registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan). In practice, the employer plays a central role, sponsoring your application and providing numerous documents.

On the candidate’s side, typically required documents include: degrees, letters of recommendation, and proof of professional experience.

The employer must, for their part, provide SECP registration certificate, formal offer letter, employment contract, company profile, tax documents (NTN), guarantee letter, and complete contact details of a reference person.

Applications are submitted online via the official portal (Pakistan Online Visa System) and may be returned for additional information. The announced processing times vary: often 3 to 4 months for a first work visa, about four weeks for some extensions. Accelerated procedures exist for specific projects (for example, certain visas linked to major projects like Reko Diq).

Residence, taxation, and length of stay

For taxation, the rule is simple: if you spend 183 days or more in the fiscal year in Pakistan, you are considered a tax resident and taxed on your worldwide income. Below this threshold, you remain a non-resident and are only subject to tax on income from Pakistani sources.

The tax scale is progressive. Here is a summary of the income tax brackets for resident individuals (annual amounts):

For an expatriate employee, these rules combine with any potential double taxation agreements signed by your country of origin; it is therefore prudent to consult a tax specialist before settling long-term.

Real estate investment and right of residence

Since 2022, an investment program allows foreigners to obtain a right of residence by investing in real estate in Pakistan. The entry ticket is between $100,000 and $300,000 for the purchase of a property, as part of a vast plan to construct thousands of homes in major cities.

This mechanism primarily targets the Pakistani diaspora and regional neighbors, but it is not limited by nationality. Purchasing property via this program grants the right to reside in the country and can, under certain conditions, open the path to citizenship. Laws change regularly, hence the need for specialized legal assistance to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Cost of living: how much to really budget for?

Data from several sources (Numbeo, Expatistan) shows that life in Pakistan costs about 2.9 times less than the global average. Compared to the United States, daily life is about 72.6% cheaper excluding rent, and housing is 92.8% cheaper on average.

Typical budgets: single, couple, family

Aggregated estimates give interesting orders of magnitude, expressed in dollars:

These figures explain why Pakistan is ranked among the least expensive countries in the world. However, if you wish to:

– live in a secure residence like DHA or Bahria Town,

– send your children to an international school,

– frequent “expat-friendly” restaurants and travel regularly,

Housing: rents and purchase prices

Rents remain the most sensitive expense. National ranges, all cities combined, give a good baseline:

In Islamabad, studios can range from 6,000 PKR to over 140,000 PKR per month depending on the neighborhood and standard, while in Bahria Town, furnished 2-bedroom apartments are frequently rented for 30,000 to 100,000 PKR. In practice, you also need to account for a security deposit equivalent to two or three months’ rent, plus sometimes an agent’s commission (usually one month’s rent).

For purchase, average prices per m² vary greatly, but aggregated data indicate an order of magnitude:

In reality, new developments like Bahria Town or Gulberg Greens are pushing prices upwards, especially in the most sought-after neighborhoods of major cities.

Daily expenses

Food products and transportation remain very affordable if you consume locally. Several examples provide an idea:

Utilities for a medium-sized apartment (electricity, heating, water, garbage) often remain between $60 and $110 per month, with a bill that soars in summer due to air conditioning.

Working in Pakistan: key sectors and salaries

Despite macroeconomic difficulties, Pakistan has a diverse economic fabric, with significant growth in services and industry. For an expatriate, opportunities are concentrated more on skilled positions and in international companies.

Key sectors and employers

Sectors with high potential for foreign profiles include:

– information technology and telecommunications,

– finance and banking,

– manufacturing and textile industry,

– energy, construction, engineering,

– healthcare and private hospitals,

– education (teachers, administrators of international schools),

– local and international NGOs.

The main employment hubs are logically Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Several multinationals are established, including Allied Bank, GlaxoSmithKline, IBM, Procter & Gamble, Siemens, Shell, Unilever… They employ expatriates in part, especially in management or expert roles.

Multinationals established in Pakistan

The education sector, especially international schools and major private groups (Beaconhouse, Roots, Lahore Grammar School…), also regularly recruits foreign teachers, particularly English speakers.

Salary levels and working conditions

The salary gap is significant between local positions and expatriate packages negotiated with large companies. In the overall market:

– average annual salary across all sectors: ~983,100 PKR (approx. $3,500);

– common range: from ~247,800 PKR (~$885) to over 4.38 million PKR (~$15,600) per year.

More detailed data shows the differences between professions and cities:

The standard weekly working hours are around 48 hours, often with little leave (about two weeks per year, plus about ten religious holidays). It is common for expatriates to have more favorable conditions, negotiated in their contract (housing, transport, insurance, annual plane tickets, etc.).

As the job market functions largely through networking, recommendations, connections, and word of mouth play a crucial role, even for foreigners.

Health and insurance: a point not to underestimate

For an expatriate, the Pakistani healthcare system requires solid precautions. The country has a public and private care network, but with highly variable quality levels.

Healthcare offering: public vs. private

The public sector, state-funded, is supposed to offer free care to Pakistani citizens. In reality, public hospitals are often overcrowded, poorly equipped, and suffer from hygiene issues. Foreigners in principle do not have access to this free system.

The private sector, on the other hand, is vast and handles the vast majority of consultations. Private clinics and hospitals in major cities (Aga Khan in Karachi, Shifa International in Islamabad, Shalamar or Doctors Hospital in Lahore…) have modern equipment, English-speaking doctors, better hygiene, and a standard of care that many expatriates find acceptable.

However, access to quality care is significantly more limited outside of major urban centers, both in terms of equipment and specialists. Emergency services are generally insufficient: few ambulances, poorly equipped, sometimes without medical personnel.

International health insurance

Expatriates are not eligible for the main public health insurance programs (Sehat Sahulat Program, etc.). Having private coverage is therefore essential.

– guaranteed access to the best private facilities in Pakistan;

– coverage for medical evacuations to another country if needed;

– coverage of expenses outside Pakistan during travel;

– possibility to include maternity, dental, optical, pre-existing conditions, etc.

The average cost of an international policy is around $4,300 per year, with large variations depending on the extent of coverage (between ~$3,600 and nearly $10,000 for an individual, up to over $28,000 for a family with a high-end package). Insurers like Cigna Global, AXA, Bupa, Allianz Care, or VUMI are frequently cited, often through brokers specializing in international mobility.

Local contracts exist at much lower prices (sometimes $50 to $200 per month), but they generally only cover Pakistan and offer more limited caps and guarantees.

Health risks and vaccinations

Several health risks require preparation before departure:

Before departure, it is highly recommended to check your basic vaccinations (DTP, polio, measles-mumps-rubella) and receive the vaccines advised for the destination (hepatitis A and B, typhoid, possibly rabies, anti-malarial prophylaxis depending on the area and length of stay). Proof of vaccination against poliomyelitis may be required for extended stays (more than four weeks).

On the ground, the golden rule is simple: never drink tap water, avoid ice cubes of uncertain origin, favor well-cooked foods and vegetables washed with potable water. And always have a personal pharmacy, as counterfeit or variable quality medicines are a real problem.

Schooling children: the central role of international schools

With a literacy rate slightly below 50% and a fragile public system, education is one of the major topics for expatriate families. The vast majority turn to private or international schools, concentrated in major cities.

Educational landscape: British, American, and IB programs

Pakistan has several dozen international schools, often linked to major private educational groups. Many offer foreign programs (British, American) or the International Baccalaureate (IB). There are 31 IB schools, some of which offer all three programs (PYP, MYP, DP).

Among the reference institutions, one can cite:

Most are coeducational day schools, with English as the main language of instruction. Many prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels or the IB diploma, facilitating access to European, North American, or Australian universities later.

Cost of schooling

Fees vary greatly depending on the school’s reputation and the city, but remain high by local standards. Some annual orders of magnitude:

In addition, some average data mention an annual cost of around $1,200–$1,400 for an international primary school, noting that the most prestigious schools are well above this. Private kindergarten, however, can cost $40 to $45 per month, but for more local standards.

Housing: choosing your neighborhood and understanding the market

The Pakistani real estate market is highly segmented. Between the traditional family home, the city apartment, and the large private “housing societies,” the choice is wide, but quality and safety vary enormously.

Types of housing and useful platforms

Expatriates generally favor:

– modern apartments in city centers or commercial districts;

– individual houses in residential sectors like “Cantonment” or DHA;

– villas or apartments in secure private housing schemes like Bahria Town, Gulberg Greens, etc.

To find a property, several options exist:

Platforms like Flatio offer fully furnished apartments with Internet, utilities included, and online contracts, without a security deposit, ideal for temporary accommodation. Classic local advertisements, on the other hand, almost always involve a deposit of two or three months’ rent and an agency commission.

Rental process and legal aspects

To rent, generally required documents include passport copy, valid visa, proof of income or employment contract. Standard leases last one year, renewable, but it is possible to negotiate shorter terms.

For purchase by a foreigner, several additional administrative steps are added: obtaining a National Tax Number (NTN), No Objection Certificate (NOC) from local authorities, payment of registration, stamp, and transfer duties. Here again, assistance from professionals experienced in transactions with non-nationals is almost indispensable.

Safety, politics, and crime: a risk to manage, not ignore

No expatriation project in Pakistan can ignore the security issue. The country went through a period of intense violence in the early 2010s, marked by the activism of the Pakistani Taliban and other armed groups. The situation has improved significantly since a major counter-terrorism campaign launched in 2014, but the threat level remains high.

Terrorism and risk areas

Several provinces remain particularly unstable, such as Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (including the former FATA tribal areas), where many attacks by insurgents and bombings are concentrated. Groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan, Baloch separatists, the Islamic State in Khorasan (ISKP), or al-Qaeda remain active.

Major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi are better secured but remain periodically exposed to attacks targeting public places, security services, minorities, or foreign interests. Travelers and Chinese nationals, for example, have been specifically targeted in recent years.

Crime and daily precautions

Beyond terrorism, ordinary crime is present, especially in large cities:

– pickpocketing, phone and bag thefts in markets, stations, transport;

– assaults, armed robberies, car-jacking in some neighborhoods;

– opportunistic kidnappings, sometimes including foreigners or dual nationals;

– credit card fraud, taxi scams, various swindles.

To limit risks, classic advice applies: avoid walking at night, favor taxis or VTCs from reputable companies, do not display valuables, watch your belongings constantly, be discreet about your financial situation, stay away from any protest or political gathering.

Political instability and street movements

Pakistani political news is often turbulent. The ouster of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his conviction, and accusations of electoral fraud have sparked a series of sometimes violent protests, with clashes between political supporters and law enforcement.

During these episodes, authorities may cut mobile internet, block road axes, and drastically increase security checks. Foreigners present on the ground are strongly urged to closely follow their embassy’s instructions, avoid gatherings, and not comment publicly on local politics, including on social media.

Banks, money, and transfers: organizing your finances

The Pakistani banking sector is one of the strongest in the region, with a system well supervised by the State Bank of Pakistan. It features powerful local banks (HBL, UBL, MCB, Allied Bank, Meezan Bank, National Bank of Pakistan) and foreign banks (Standard Chartered, Citibank, Deutsche Bank, Bank of China…).

Opening a bank account

As a resident expatriate, you can open an account in most banks, often for free. The usual documents are:

– passport valid for at least six months beyond the stay duration;

– valid visa or work permit;

– proof of local address (bill, lease);

– second piece of ID (driver’s license, national ID card);

– proof of income (employment contract, employer letter).

The procedure often starts online, but a branch visit is necessary for identity verification. An initial deposit is required, sometimes modest (5,000 to 50,000 PKR depending on banks).

Managing international transfers

Transfers to and from Pakistan can incur high fees and significant margins on the exchange rate if you go through traditional banks. Many expatriates use specialized services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) or similar, which apply an exchange rate close to the mid-market rate and more transparent commissions.

Before a major transfer, always check the PKR / reference currency exchange rate via an online converter to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Culture, social codes, and etiquette: integrating without offending

Beyond administrative and financial aspects, the success of an expatriation in Pakistan largely depends on understanding local social norms. Pakistani society is patriarchal, very community-oriented, and deeply marked by religion. Without necessarily adopting all the codes, it is necessary to know and respect them.

Social structure and place of family

The extended family is the heart of social organization. Many households include several generations, sometimes with uncles, aunts, and cousins under the same roof or nearby. The concept of baradari (paternal lineage) remains very strong, influencing marriages, solidarity, professional networks.

Elders hold a predominant place. You greet them first, stand up when they enter a room, avoid contradicting them directly in public. Children are valued, and ignoring a child during a visit can be considered impolite.

Marriages within the patrilineal kinship (father’s side cousins) remain frequent. Arranged unions, negotiated by families, coexist with “love” marriages, especially among educated urban classes.

Male-female relations and dress code

Gender roles are still largely traditional, even if major cities see more and more women active in teaching, healthcare, media, or the civil service. In conservative circles, purdah (separation of male and female spaces) can remain marked, with separate rooms for men (mardānah) and women (zanānah) in the same house.

On the other hand, it is common to see men walking hand in hand or holding each other by the shoulder – a sign of friendship with no sexual connotation.

Regarding dress code, the requirement for modesty applies to everyone:

– for men: shoulders and legs covered, shorts are poorly received outside a sports context;

– for women: shoulders, arms, and legs covered, non-tight clothing. In liberal neighborhoods of Islamabad, Lahore, or certain areas of Karachi, jeans with a long tunic is acceptable, but mini-skirts or low-cut tops are inappropriate everywhere.

Communication, hospitality, and meals

Pakistani communication is often indirect. Saying no directly can be perceived as brutal; people circumvent, temporize, sometimes say what they think the other wants to hear. Conversations can include metaphors, poetry, religious or literary references, and prolonged silences are not awkward.

Pleasant topics to break the ice: family (especially children), food, cricket, landscapes, handicrafts. On the other hand, it is prudent to avoid discussions on domestic politics, the military, religion, sexuality, India, Kashmir, or tribal groups.

Hospitality (mehmanawazi in Urdu) is a cultural pillar. Invited to someone’s home, you will be welcomed warmly, often overwhelmed with food and tea. Refusing to eat categorically can be interpreted as a refusal of hospitality; the classic formula is to refuse once or twice out of politeness, then accept a reasonable portion.

At the table, one generally eats with the right hand, even when there are utensils, as the left hand is associated with impure tasks. Many meals are shared from a common large tray, with breads (naan, chapati) serving as a base to pick up dishes: biryani, karahi, korma, kebabs, haleem, nihari, sajji, etc.

Religion and public behavior

Islam permeates daily life: calls to prayer, partial closures during Ramadan, widely observed Eid holidays. During fasting, eating, drinking, or smoking openly in the street during the day is perceived as disrespectful, even for a non-Muslim.

Blasphemy laws are extremely severe, with a potential death penalty</strong for insulting Islam or the Prophet. But beyond the legal aspect, a simple rumor can be enough to trigger mob violence. It is therefore crucial to avoid any joke or criticism about religion, not to debate theology in public, and to exercise great restraint on social media.

Public displays of couple affection, explicit references to sexuality, homosexuality, consumption of alcohol or drugs are all topics to handle with extreme caution, or to avoid completely in public space.

Transport, travel, and environment

The Pakistani road network alternates modern highways (e.g., M-1 and M-2 towards the north and Lahore) and very degraded secondary roads. Local driving is described as aggressive and with little respect for traffic rules, with frequent accidents.

For an expatriate, especially at first, the safest option is often to: settle into temporary accommodation to take time to explore the neighborhood and search for more permanent housing.

– rent a car with a driver,

– or use taxi or VTC services from reliable companies recommended by the employer or other expatriates.

In the mountainous northern areas, roads are often on cliff edges, prone to landslides, avalanches, and closures due to bad weather. Traveling by plane to Gilgit, Skardu, or Chitral is common, but these flights are very weather-dependent and can be regularly canceled or delayed.

Pakistan also being a major seismic zone, one must be aware of the earthquake risk, especially in the west and north, as well as floods during the monsoon (generally from late June to early October).

Conclusion: for whom is Pakistan a good expatriation destination?

Pakistan is not an “easy” destination: volatile security, heavy bureaucracy for visas and residence, a sometimes very conservative environment, serious health risks to consider. It is also not a country where you can improvise a long-term installation without a solid contract or an exit plan.

On the other hand, for a well-prepared expatriate, benefiting from a serious employer, robust health insurance, and suitable housing, the country offers:

The key lies in preparation: understanding the security and political context, anticipating visa procedures, correctly budgeting for housing and schooling, taking out international health insurance, researching cultural norms, and developing a local network of trust.

With these precautions, moving to Pakistan can become an intense, demanding, but profoundly rewarding expatriation experience.

Cyril Jarnias

Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.

On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.

Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.

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