Residence in Pakistan: permits and requirements
Living legally in Pakistan is possible through 5 permit types: investment, work, family, study, retiree. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Pakistani Investor Card (PIC)
Residence type #1 of 5
Residence permit for foreign investors investing in Pakistan
Requirements
- Minimum investment of USD 500,000 in Pakistan
- Registration with the Pakistan Board of Investment (BOI)
- Approved business plan
- No criminal record
Documentation
- Valid passport (minimum 12 months)
- Investment certificate issued by the BOI
- Proof of the bank transfer of the investment
- Detailed business plan
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin
- Residence application form
Frequently asked questions about residence in Pakistan
How many types of residence permits are there in Pakistan?
Pakistan offers 5 residence permit types, grouped into the categories investment, work, family, study, retiree. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Pakistan last?
Durations vary by permit type: 3 years (Investor Short Term) or 5 years (Investor Long Term), depending on investment; 2-year extension (NADRA); 1 year initially, renewable up to 3 years; Coextensive with the main holder's residence; Academic course duration, renewable annually. The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Pakistan be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Pakistan (5 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Pakistan?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Valid passport. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Pakistan lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 12 continuous months + 4 years (aggregate) of the prior 7 (Naturalization Act 1926) of legal residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Pakistan.
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Anything to correct or add about Pakistan?
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