Administrative Procedures for Living in Pakistan: The Complete Guide

Published on April 29, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to Pakistan is not just about booking a flight and settling down in Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi. From the very first weeks, a foreigner finds themselves plunged into a world of online forms, affidavits, registrations with multiple authorities, opening a bank account, choosing a long-term visa, not to mention issues of health, housing, taxes, or family life.

Choosing and obtaining the right visa before leaving

Before any relocation, the cornerstone remains the visa. Pakistan has shifted to a largely paperless system: almost all applications now go through the official Pakistan Online Visa System.

Practically, the applicant must first create an account on the portal, fill out the forms, upload supporting documents (passport, photos, various certificates), and then pay the fees with a Visa or MasterCard. Embassies and consulates, with few exceptions, no longer accept traditional “paper” applications. Once the application is validated, the applicant may be called for an interview and verification of originals, and then the visa is affixed to the passport or issued electronically.

The indicative processing time is generally around 7 to 10 business days for standard applications via the portal, but certain categories, especially work visas requiring multiple approvals in Islamabad, can easily take several weeks or even months.

Main visa categories for settling down

The Pakistani system now groups together eleven main visa families, with many sub-types: visit/tourism, family, business, work, study, religious visa, specific visas for NGOs, journalists, domestic workers, etc. For a life project on site, four profiles dominate: the employee, the investor, the student, and the spouse or family member.

Work visa: entry, permit, and extensions

To work legally for a local company or a subsidiary on site, a work visa is essential. It is based on a simple principle: without a Pakistani employer sponsor, no visa.

On the employee side, authorities expect a valid passport (at least six months beyond the intended stay), an up-to-date CV, certified copies of degrees and qualifications, a Police Clearance Certificate, a medical report from an approved center, and a “clean” immigration history.

On this basis, two steps follow: an entry work visa, and then a work permit / extension on site. The initial entry is often granted for three months (single entry); longer durations may exist, especially for certain Chinese citizens who sometimes benefit from work visas of up to two years. Once in Pakistan, the employer requests via the Board of Investment (BOI) and the Ministry of Interior an extension that can bring the visa to two years, renewable, with multiple entries, and eventually up to five years maximum validity.

The table below summarizes the main features of work visas:

Fees vary by nationality, but amounts around 5,000 PKR for a work visa or 10,000 PKR for some business visas are cited. A fee of $100 may be added for converting a business visa to a work visa.

Investor visa and Long Term Residency (LTR) Scheme

Pakistani authorities have set up a residence scheme linked to investment, known as Long Term Residency (LTR), governed by the Foreigners (Long Term Residency) Order, 2025. This is not naturalization, but a residence permit of 5, 7, or 10 years, renewable, granted to nationals of eligible countries who make a substantial investment in sectors deemed priority: information technology, renewable energies, export industries, agriculture, special economic zones…

The holder may include up to seven dependents (spouse, children under 25, parents), with each additional dependent requiring an additional $50,000 in investment. A long-term resident card is then issued by the NADRA identification authority, and the beneficiary must register with the tax administration (FBR) within four weeks of approval and declare annually the maintenance of their investment.

This scheme grants access to creating or extending local businesses, partnerships, leasing or acquiring land for approved projects, as well as investments in SEZs. However, it confers no political rights and does not automatically lead to citizenship.

Student visa: admission first, authorization later

Moving to Pakistan to study involves a different administrative path. The logic is sequential: admission before visa.

The student must first obtain an official acceptance letter from a recognized Pakistani institution. Once this document is in hand, the university or institute usually handles coordination with the Ministry of Interior and the Higher Education Commission. A central element of the file is the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by this commission.

Embassies often require an in-person interview, during which the student must explain their study plan, previous background, and prospects. Student visas are not directly issued by an embassy without prior validation by the Ministry of Interior in Islamabad.

The table below summarizes the main elements of a student visa file:

Once on site, foreign students must regularly renew their visa, sometimes with a specific NOC issued by their embassy when requesting an extension.

Family, religious, or specific visas

Beyond work and study, other categories structure the daily life of foreigners in Pakistan:

– the family visit visa to join relatives, for example when one is of Pakistani origin but without nationality;

– religious tourism visas (e.g., for Sikh pilgrimages or certain Christian missions), strictly regulated and subject to approval from the Ministry of Interior;

– domestic aide visas, granted to employees serving foreign families already established in Pakistan;

– special regimes for journalists, NGO workers, and certain nationalities considered sensitive from a security standpoint.

Rules are particularly strict for Indian nationals: no tourist visa, requirement to use specific entry points (Wagah, main airports) and to comply with specific travel conditions. Extensions of stay are very limited, with most extension requests being automatically denied.

Once arrived: registration, checks, and obligations

Upon arrival, formalities do not end at the immigration counter. Pakistan has set up an ecosystem of agencies and systems dedicated to controlling entries and stays.

Central role of the FIA and foreigner registration

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) handles border control, passport and visa verification, combating illegal immigration and human trafficking. At every international airport, its agents use a border management system (Immigration Border Management System, IBMS) to check documents in real time, scan biometric data, cross-check traveler identities against various watchlists (such as the Exit Control List, ECL), and detect any anomalies.

In parallel, a foreigner registration system exists through the Foreigners Registration Branches, located in the offices of the District Police Officers. Most nationals are exempt from systematic police registration, but certain nationalities (e.g., Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, P.L.O., Serbia) remain subject to it, as do Indians or persons of Indian origin, except for senior executives with a specific work permit.

Local registration for long stays

For foreigners planning to stay more than 30 days, registration with the Foreigners Registration Office within 14 days of arrival is generally required. This is a separate formality from the initial immigration check, often carried out in coordination with the local police. Address, visa type, duration of stay, and contact details of the employer or university are recorded.

Any substantial change of address must be notified, especially for persons subject to enhanced monitoring (certain nationalities, missionaries, NGO staff, etc.).

Living, renting, or buying: housing and property

Finding housing in Pakistan involves both the private market and a fairly regulated administrative framework, especially for foreigners looking at the long term.

Renting: contracts, police, and precautions

In major cities, finding rental housing remains relatively accessible. Many real estate portals (Zameen.com, OLX, Lamudi.pk, Rentkea.com, residency.pk) list apartments, houses, rooms, or commercial spaces. In the absence of a Multiple Listing Service (MLS), these platforms and local agencies are the main market window.

Leases are generally concluded for a term of one year, but this duration is negotiable. A security deposit equivalent to two or three months’ rent is standard, refunded at the end of the contract if there is no damage. Additionally, agency fees equivalent to one month’s rent are common, along with possible connection costs for utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet). Rent almost never includes utilities; the tenant must open or take over utility accounts in their name where possible.

Many landlords require postdated checks to cover several months of rent, to ensure payment security. In practice, foreign tenants are advised to have their lease reviewed by a local lawyer, especially if they do not speak Urdu.

The official goal is to enhance urban security, but for the tenant, it means providing identification, visa, employer or university contact details, and accepting a certain level of traceability.

Property purchase: possibilities and burdens

Property ownership for foreigners is a tricky chapter of life in Pakistan. On paper, the law allows non-nationals to acquire residential or commercial properties: land, houses, apartments. In practice, the procedure is long, complex, and in some cases, discouraging.

To buy, a foreigner must notably:

– obtain a Pakistani tax number (National Tax Number, NTN) from the FBR;

– apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local registration office or other competent authorities;

– ensure the seller has uncontested property titles, often registered under the Torrens system, which aims to secure land rights;

– produce a series of documents, including a passport, valid visa, several photos, the seller’s ID (CNIC), and duly certified proof of ownership.

Authorities cite national security as the main reason for these constraints, but this justification is often deemed questionable, especially since maintaining cumbersome procedures discourages foreign investment in real estate. Some requests face outright refusals, as was the case for an Afghan residing in the UK wishing to buy in Peshawar.

Conversely, foreigners of Pakistani origin holding a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) generally find it easier to access property, including in private neighborhoods (e.g., Defence Housing Authority projects). A POC allows them to behave almost like a resident, while remaining legally foreign.

The following table illustrates the diversity of situations:

In parallel, buying entails transfer costs: registration fees, stamp duties, transfer fees. Rates vary by city, property type, and value.

Bank account and finances: opening an account as a foreigner

As soon as you receive a local salary, pay rent, or take out health insurance, the question of a bank account arises. In Pakistan, foreigners can open accounts, but the type of account and formalities differ depending on immigration status.

Opening an account for resident expatriates

A foreigner with a work visa or residence permit can generally open a standard checking or savings account at most banks. They must go to a branch, fill out a form, and provide:

– a valid passport (usually at least six months remaining);

– a copy of the visa or work permit;

– proof of local residence (utility bill, lease);

– a second proof of identity if necessary (driver’s license, foreign national ID);

– proof of income (employment contract, employer letter, pay slips, bank statements).

Opening times range from a few days to about two weeks, while the bank conducts its compliance checks (KYC, anti-money laundering).

Non-residents, diaspora, and Roshan Digital Account

For Pakistanis settled abroad and foreigners of Pakistani origin holding a POC, a specific scheme, the Roshan Digital Account (RDA), allows opening an account remotely without traveling to Pakistan.

Launched by the State Bank of Pakistan and major commercial banks (HBL, UBL, MCB, Bank AL Habib, Meezan Bank, Standard Chartered Pakistan, etc.), this system allows opening accounts in PKR or foreign currency (USD, GBP, EUR) via a simple online procedure: choose a bank, fill out a digital form, upload documents (passport, CNIC/NICOP/POC, proof of residence abroad, income statements), and take a live photo. If the file is complete, opening is promised within 48 hours.

The range of accounts and services is broad: Islamic accounts, current and savings accounts, investments in certificates (Naya Pakistan Certificates), access to the Pakistani stock exchange via the Central Depository Company, real estate investments, bill payments for family, e-commerce, etc.

Special rules for non-resident accounts

The regulatory framework provides for categories of non-resident accounts, depending on whether the holder is a Pakistani permanently residing abroad, a non-resident in transit, a foreigner residing in Pakistan but temporarily abroad, etc. Authorized Dealers (banks authorized to handle foreign currency) must keep separate accounting for these accounts, reflecting the holder’s country of residence.

Each credit or debit must comply with strict rules: for example, debits are typically used to pay local expenses (taxes, bills, school fees, purchases of local securities), while amounts received must come from verified sources (official remittances, sales of local assets, investment income). Banks are required to verify that credits do not disguise operations aimed at circumventing exchange controls.

Health and insurance: getting proper coverage

The Pakistani healthcare system combines an underfunded public sector and a rapidly expanding private sector. Foreigners are not covered by subsidized public schemes, which has direct consequences for anyone planning to live there.

Public coverage: foreigners not eligible

National programs such as the Sehat Sahulat Program, aimed at low-income households, and other schemes managed by State Life Insurance Corporation, do not target non-citizens. A foreigner can only claim these protections after acquiring Pakistani citizenship, an horizon far beyond a simple expatriation project.

Moreover, public hospitals often suffer from a lack of resources, high patient numbers, and uneven quality, especially outside major cities. For serious cases, experts strongly advise against relying solely on public infrastructure.

Private health insurance: virtually essential

Without a public safety net, taking out private health insurance becomes almost mandatory for expatriates. Many employees of international companies or diplomatic missions benefit from collective coverage negotiated by their employer, often including hospital care, specialist consultations, and sometimes medical evacuation abroad.

According to sources consulted, the average cost of international insurance for an adult can exceed $4,000 per year, ranging from about $3,600 to nearly $10,000 depending on age, coverage, and deductibles. Estimates also mention more basic private coverage between $25 and $60 per month locally, and international plans from $80 to $200 per month.

The table above gives an order of magnitude of common costs:

To subscribe, insurers generally require a copy of the passport, visa, proof of residence in Pakistan, a medical form (or medical history questionnaire), and sometimes a copy of the local national ID (CNIC, NICOP, or POC where applicable).

Healthcare infrastructure and evacuation

In major cities, top private hospitals offer quality care, modern equipment, and English-speaking staff. Facilities such as Shifa International in Islamabad, Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Doctors Hospital & Medical Centre or Hameed Latif Hospital in Lahore, and CMH Rawalpindi are among the most recommended. Prices remain relatively low by Western standards: between $5 and $15 for a GP consultation, $10 to $30 for a specialist, $20 to $50 for a full check-up, and $30 to $80 per night in a high-end private room.

That is why many international insurers include, and sometimes require, a medical evacuation option to another country if highly specialized care is needed.

Identity, origin card, and family life

For people with a family connection to Pakistan, certain special identity documents unlock very concrete rights and simplify many procedures.

Pakistan Origin Card (POC): a quasi-resident status

The Pakistan Origin Card, issued by NADRA, is for foreigners with Pakistani roots: former citizens naturalized elsewhere, children or grandchildren of Pakistanis, foreign spouses of Pakistani nationals, etc. It serves as a legal gateway to the country, without conferring citizenship.

The POC holder enjoys significant benefits: visa-free entry to Pakistan for the entire validity of the card, the right to stay without a separate residence permit, the ability to buy and sell movable and immovable property, access to local jobs under labor law, the right to open a bank account or register a SIM card. They are also exempt from registration or regular reporting to the police or foreigner offices.

The application is made exclusively online via the Pak-ID platform (mobile or web), by creating an account, selecting the service type (new card, renewal, modification, duplication, cancellation), and uploading passport, photos, and supporting documents (parents’ CNIC, birth certificates, marriage certificates…). Fees vary by service type and desired speed: amounts like $150 for normal processing or $200–300 for urgent or executive services are mentioned. The card is then sent by mail or collected at a NADRA center.

Marriage, registration, and legal value

For couples including a Pakistani national, registration of the marriage in the local system is crucial, both for family visa procedures and for matters of inheritance, name, or family law.

To obtain this certificate, the administration requires the original Nikah Nama, copies of the CNICs of the spouses and their fathers, that of the officiant, as well as copies of passports if one spouse is foreign. Many couples hire lawyers or intermediaries to speed up processing, which can take between three and seven days depending on the city. Fees remain relatively modest (a few hundred to a few thousand rupees, depending on location and urgency). In case of loss, a duplicate can be requested, sometimes with a police report.

Other NADRA documents: NICOP, FRC…

Pakistanis living abroad have another key document: the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), a national identity proof allowing them to enter Pakistan without a visa, vote in some cases, and access many services. For foreigners of Pakistani descent, the POC plays an equivalent role without equating to citizenship.

Finally, the Family Registration Certificate (FRC), also issued by NADRA, summarizes the family composition (parents, siblings, spouse, children). It is often used for family reunification files, visas, or certain internal procedures (school enrollment, inheritance…). It requires that each member already be properly registered in the NADRA database; the information is then verifiable and modifiable if errors occur, but with caution, as identity changes are highly regulated.

Taxation and resident status: plan ahead before investing or working

Moving to Pakistan also means quickly understanding how you will be taxed. The law clearly distinguishes between residents and non-residents, with significant consequences on the taxable base.

Being a tax resident or non-resident

An individual is considered a tax resident in Pakistan if they spend at least 183 days in the territory during a tax year (July 1 to June 30). They may also be considered resident from 120 days if the total duration of presence reaches 365 days over the previous four years. Certain Pakistani government officials posted abroad also remain residents in the eyes of the law.

Residents are taxed on their worldwide income; non-residents are taxed only on their Pakistani-source income (locally paid salaries, rents from properties in Pakistan, dividends from Pakistani companies, capital gains on real estate, etc.).

Where and how to file?

Individuals receiving only foreign income, with no Pakistani source, are generally not required to file a local tax return. However, those earning income in Pakistan must register with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), obtain a tax number (NTN) if necessary, and file an annual return via the IRIS portal.

Residents are also required to submit, along with their income return, a wealth statement. If foreign income or assets exceed certain thresholds (e.g., $10,000 in income or $100,000 in assets), a separate statement of income and assets located outside Pakistan must be attached.

Failure to comply with these obligations can lead to penalties, inclusion on lists of non-cooperative taxpayers, and even coercive measures: disconnection of services (telecom, electricity), freezing of bank accounts, travel restrictions.

Benefits and exemptions for the diaspora

Authorities have implemented several favorable tax mechanisms for non-resident Pakistanis and holders of POC or NICOP. Profits from foreign currency accounts or certain investment certificates funded solely by official remittances may benefit from exemptions. Remittances sent through banking channels are generally not considered taxable income.

Pakistanis living abroad remain subject to the tax obligations of their host country or second nationality. Thus, a US citizen settled in Pakistan must continue to file a federal return each year, with specific forms for foreign bank accounts or investments, under penalty of severe sanctions.

Telephony, mobility, and ancillary controls

Beyond the major procedures, some technical details can impact daily life. This is the case, for example, with the mobile phone declaration regime for visitors and emigration control lists.

Visitor mobile phone registration

To combat device smuggling and control network usage, Pakistan requires the registration of phone IMEIs used on its territory. Short-term visitors, whether foreigners or Pakistanis residing abroad, benefit from a temporary declaration mechanism, set up by the FBR and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) with support from the FIA.

Exit Control List and departure checks

Some individuals find themselves on the Exit Control List, a database managed by authorities that temporarily prohibits leaving the territory. Reasons can range from corruption prosecutions to significant financial disputes, criminal cases, or national security issues.

In summary: a highly procedural immigration, but decodable

Settling permanently in Pakistan requires accepting a dense, heavily documented, and highly digitized administrative framework. The key steps always revolve around a few axes:

By combining these elements, settling in Pakistan remains demanding but predictable. The country is gradually setting up digital platforms (e-visa, Pak-ID, complaint portals, ECL or visa verification) which, although imperfect, allow a methodical foreigner to navigate this administrative maze without too much trouble.

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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