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Updated June 2024

Pakistan has been actively encouraging foreign businessmen to invest in the country in order to support its economic and infrastructure growth. As part of this effort, Pakistan has introduced a visa program specifically for investors who wish to stay in the country for a designated period of time.

Continue reading to learn more about Pakistan’s business visas, including their eligibility requirements, costs, application process, and more by Wego.

Types of Pakistan Business Visas

Regular Business Visa

The regular business visa is designed for foreign nationals who intend to explore business opportunities, attend meetings, or establish business ventures in Pakistan. It offers multiple entry options and varying validity periods depending on the applicant’s nationality.

SIFC Business Visa

The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) Business Visa is a new category aimed at facilitating foreign investors. This visa is part of Pakistan’s initiative to create a more investor-friendly environment by simplifying the visa process and providing additional support for significant investments. The SIFC Business Visa is designed for individuals seeking to establish or expand their businesses in Pakistan.

Pakistan business visa eligibility

Pakistan issues business visas to citizens from more than 100 countries around the world. However, only people from the following categories are eligible for the visas:

citizens of Business Visa List (BVL) countries
citizens of Non-Business Visa List (Non-BVL) countries
visitors who have a business related to the Reko Diq Project
China citizens obtaining a business visa for CPEC projects in Pakistan

The categories will determine the validity and the processing time of visa issuance. Please note that some nationals are eligible for a Pakistan business visa on arrival, which is also known as a Business Visa in Your Inbox. The list of countries can be checked on the Pakistan government website.

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Pakistan Business Visa Required Documents

Regular Business Visa

To apply for a regular business visa, applicants must provide the following documents:

photograph
passport
proof of registration of the inviting company (SECP/Chamber of Commerce Certificate)
any of the following documents:
- recommendation letter from CC&I or respective foreign country
- invitation letter from a business organization duly recommended by the concerned trade organization in Pakistan
- recommendation letter by the honorary investment counselor of BOI/Commercial Attaché

These documents ensure that the applicant has legitimate business intentions and a valid reason for their stay in Pakistan. The invitation letter can be applied for through Pakistan’s E-Business Invitation Letter System. If applying from a third country, proof of legal residence in that country is also required.

SIFC Business Visa

For the SIFC Business Visa, applicants need to submit the following documents:

photograph
passport
recommendation Letter/Email by SIFC

Reko Diq Project Required Documents

If applicants are applying for a business visa related to the Reko Diq Project, they must submit:

photograph
passport
invitation Letter from the Reko Diq Mining Company

Visa on Arrival Required Documents

In addition to the documents listed earlier, individuals applying for a Business Visa in Your Inbox must also apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) at least 48-72 hours before their planned departure to Pakistan. To apply for an ETA, they must complete an online visa application through the Pakistan Online Visa System, indicating their intention to travel to Pakistan for business purposes. If approved, they will receive a valid ETA, allowing them to travel to Pakistan.

An ETA is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. If applicants do not travel within the valid period of their ETA, their visa application will be canceled.

Pakistan business visa application process

Regular Business Visa

Applying for a Pakistan business visa is a straightforward process, provided that applicants have all the required documents. They can follow these steps:

Visit https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/.
Create an account.
Login to the Pakistan Online Visa System.
Complete the application.
Pay the fees.
Submit the application.

SIFC Business Visa

The application process for the SIFC Business Visa starts with a request for an SIFC Recommendation Letter via email to [email protected]. Applicants need to submit a signed letter to the Secretary of SIFC, along with a company profile, contact details, and proof of business registration. After obtaining the recommendation letter, applicants can proceed to the online visa application via the NADRA portal, attaching the recommendation letter for verification.

Pakistan business visa processing time

The processing time for a Pakistan business visa application depends on the type of business visa. Here is the estimated time for each type of business visa issuance:

BVL countries: 24 hours (working hours)
non-BVL countries: 4 weeks (working days)
Reko Diq Project (all countries): 24 hours (working hours)
Business Visa in Your Inbox: 48-72 hours (working hours)

Please note that if a Pakistan business visa application is returned to the applicant for further review, the processing time will restart from the date that the application is resubmitted. However, if the applicant fails to resubmit the application within seven days of it being sent for review, the application will be cancelled.

Pakistan business visa validity

Regular Business Visa

The validity of a Pakistan business visa depends on its type and is as follows:

BVL countries – up to 5 years (multiple entries)
non-BVL countries – up to 1 year (multiple entries)
Business visa for CPEC – up to 5 years (multiple entries)
Reko Diq Project – up to 5 years (multiple entries)
Business Visa in Your Inbox – 30 days (single entry)

SIFC Business Visa

The validity of the SIFC Business Visa is:

Business Short Term: 6 Months (Single Entry)
Business Long Term: 2 Years (Multiple Entries), validity up to 5 years

Pakistan business visa fees

The cost of obtaining a Pakistan business visa varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s country of origin. The fees range from approximately USD 9 to USD 200. For more detailed information on visa fees, please visit the Pakistan Ministry of Interior website. For more detailed rates, visit the Pakistan MoI website.

Pakistan business visa extension

Regular Business Visa

Business visa holders in Pakistan may apply to renew their visas if they are residing in the country and hold a valid Pakistani visa and entry stamp on their passports. It typically takes 4 weeks (working days) to process a visa renewal.

SIFC Business Visa

Tourists from BVL countries can expect an extension granting them permission to stay for up to two years with multiple entries allowed. The processing time for this extension is typically completed within two weeks, ensuring convenience and flexibility for travelers planning longer stays.