Eligibility quiz
Do you want to invest in Pakistan?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Stay in Pakistan
You can stay in Pakistan for business for the period allowed on each entry by your visa or immigration record.
Do business in Pakistan
You can conduct business during your stay in Pakistan.
This is not a general work permit for ordinary employment.
Enter Pakistan
You can enter Pakistan for business, with multiple entries and a visa valid for up to five years.
You can also travel within Pakistan, though security-restricted areas have limits.
How to apply
From outside PakistanFrom outside Pakistan
Find your visa office
Find the Pakistani mission or visa office responsible for the place where you live. You will select it in your online application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Pakistan mission handles Business Investor Visa applications for residents of your city?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your online application.
See required documentsOpen the application form
In the Pakistan Online Visa System, create an account and verify it, then open the Business – Investor Visa application form.
Open the applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I start a Pakistan Business Investor Visa application online?”
Fill in the application
Select Entry, your visa duration and the visa office responsible for where you live. Complete the form and upload your photograph and documents.
Fill in the applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in a Pakistan Business Investor Visa entry application online?”
Pay the fee online
Choose Proceed to Payment and pay with a Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card. Keep the receipt; successful payment submits your application automatically.
Pay the feeSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay for and submit a Pakistan Business Investor Visa application online?”
Wait for the decision
Track your application online and watch your email and the portal’s Review section for requests or an interview. If asked for information or documents, provide them and resubmit within seven days.
Track your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I track a Pakistan Business Investor Visa application and respond to a review request?”
Receive your visa notice
Wait for your electronic Visa Grant Notice by email before travelling to Pakistan.
Find your visa noticeSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I receive my Pakistan Business Investor Visa Grant Notice?”
Once in PakistanOnce in Pakistan
Complete arrival formalities
Complete the immigration formalities when you arrive in Pakistan. Register with the police if you are required to do so; you can then continue your stay under your visa.
See arrival requirementsSearches DuckDuckGo for “What immigration and police registration requirements apply when I arrive in Pakistan with a Business Investor Visa?”
Documents needed
Required to applyRequired to apply
Copy of your passport
Upload a copy of your valid passport. Your visa office may ask for it to be valid for at least another six months.
Passport photograph
Upload a recent, full-face passport photograph. The file must be no larger than 350 KB.
Application form
Submit the completed Business–Investor Visa application form online. Choose Entry or Extension in the form.
Proof of current residence *
Upload proof that you live legally in the country where you are applying. Check with your visa office which documents it accepts; being there as a visitor is not enough.
* Only if you apply from a country other than your home country.
Copy of Pakistani visa *
Upload a copy of your valid Pakistani visa. Add it in the “Other” section of the application.
* Only if you apply for an extension.
Copy of entry stamp *
Upload a copy of the Pakistan entry stamp in your passport. Add it in the “Other” section of the application.
* Only if you apply for an extension.
Business support letter *
Provide one of the following: a recommendation from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in your home country; an invitation from a business organisation endorsed by the relevant trade body; a recommendation from the Board of Investment, a Pakistani commercial attaché or a head of mission; or a letter from an existing business.
* Only if you apply for a one-year or three-year entry visa.
Proof of investment *
Provide evidence of one of these: property in Pakistan worth more than USD 100,000; at least USD 50,000 invested in companies or partnerships registered in Pakistan; at least USD 50,000 in one or more foreign-currency accounts in Pakistan; or at least USD 50,000 in another kind of investment in Pakistan. General guidance for business visa extensions also asks for evidence of substantial investment, exports or imports during the previous year; check with your visa office whether it needs this.
* Only if you apply for a five-year entry visa or an extension.
Investment recommendation letter *
Get a recommendation letter from Pakistan’s Board of Investment. Submit it alongside your proof of investment.
* Only if you apply for a five-year entry visa or an extension.
Business records *
General guidance for business visa extensions lists relevant business records, such as a Chamber of Commerce and Industry letter, a company registration letter, a partnership deed or articles of association. Check with your visa office which records it needs.
* Only if you apply for an extension and your visa office asks for business records.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Overstay charges
You must leave or obtain an extension before your allowed stay ends.
Overstaying brings charges, which the authorities say cannot be waived.
Police registration
Depending on your citizenship or visa conditions, you may need to register with police.
Some people are exempt.
Permission can end
Your permission ends when it expires unless it is extended.
It can also be cancelled for use for a purpose other than the one allowed.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
r/pakistan
English Reddit group for people interested in Pakistani local life
Join on Redditr/PakistanAsks
English Reddit group for people interested in Pakistani local life
Join on Redditr/Bahawalpur
English Reddit group for people interested in Pakistani local life
Join on RedditConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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