--- title: Moving to Pakistan: Visas, Costs & Immigrant Guide description: Moving to Pakistan offers opportunities for individuals and families seeking new experiences for work, study, family reunification, or tourism. With its rich cu image: https://migrantiq.com/og/default.png --- Skip to content Pakistan flag [/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflagcdn.com%2Fw80%2Fpk.png&w=3840&q=75] MOVING TO PAKISTAN: VISAS, COST OF LIVING & IMMIGRANT GUIDE Pakistan flag [/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflagcdn.com%2Fw320%2Fpk.png&w=3840&q=75] Moving to Pakistan: this free immigrant guide covers cost of living, visa options, banking, healthcare, laws, and settlement steps for living in Pakistan. Always confirm rules on the official immigration portal. Immigration rules and fees change frequently. Confirm current requirements on official government or embassy websites. Moving to Pakistan offers opportunities for individuals and families seeking new experiences for work, study, family reunification, or tourism. With its rich culture and diverse landscapes, Pakistan provides a unique environment for expatriates. Understanding the visa requirements and entry conditions for your situation is essential for a easier move. \n\nDuring your first 90 days, focus on settling in and adapting to your new surroundings. Establishing a routine, learning local customs, and connecting with the community can enhance your experience. Be prepared to navigate the healthcare system, which may require planning for health coverage and any waiting periods. Familiarizing yourself with local services and resources will also be beneficial as you start this new chapter in Pakistan. Last updated 2026-05-17Official immigration portal ↗ [https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/] Review due soon MigrantIQ research desk [/about/editorial/]3 min readData confidence: 82/100 14 published visa guides Save to planner Verify before you move MigrantIQ provides general migration information, not legal advice. Always verify critical steps with official government sources or a licensed advisor before paying fees or submitting documents. Terms [/terms/]Privacy [/privacy/]Report an issue [/contact/] AT A GLANCE: LIVING IN PAKISTAN Quick signals for cost of living, salary, healthcare, and safety before you dig into visas and settlement. Capital Islamabad Region Asia (Southern Asia) Currency PKR Cost of Living Index 19.6 Net Monthly Salary 1711 Healthcare Mixed Safety Index N/A Rent Index 3.4 Quality Index N/A COST OF LIVING IN PAKISTAN The cost of living in Pakistan is generally low, with significant variations by city or region. Rent is typically affordable. A typical net monthly salary can support a comfortable lifestyle if budgeted wisely. \n\nAs you plan your move, consider how these factors will impact your finances and adjust your expectations accordingly. Researching specific areas will provide a clearer picture of living expenses. PAKISTAN COUNTRY PROFILE In-depth facts & data for living in Pakistan on this page· Updated 2026-06-02 8 sections Pakistan, part of the greater Indian subcontinent, is situated at the crossroads of the Middle East and Asia. It is bordered by Iran and Afghanistan on the west; China on the north; the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir on the northeast; India on the east; and the Arabian Sea on the south. Pakistan lies between l… Demographics & populationPopulation size, age structure, migration, ethnicity, language, education, and health indicatorsEconomyGDP, employment, industries, public finance, and currencyGovernment & politicsGovernment structure, legal system, citizenship, and international relationsGeography & environmentLocation, land area, terrain, climate, and natural resourcesTradeImports, exports, and trading partnersTravel & safetySafety, crime, medical care, and travel conditions for visitors and newcomersInfrastructureTransport, communications, and energyNational symbolsAnthem and national symbols For planning only. Always verify immigration and legal rules on official government sites. DEMOGRAPHICS & POPULATION IN PAKISTAN: PLANNING NOTES 268 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Pakistan. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Demographics & population in Pakistan for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Pakistan-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Pakistan sits in Southern Asia, Asia, with Islamabad as the capital. Common working and school languages in the dataset include Punjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Siraiki (a Punjabi variant) 10%, Pashtu 8%, Urdu (official) 8%, Balochi 3%, Hindko 2%, Brahui 1%, English (official and lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most government ministries), Burushaski and and other 8%. English proficiency is listed as medium. Population and age figures on this page are planning signals, not a substitute for census releases or visa eligibility rules. Pakistan, part of the greater Indian subcontinent, is situated at the crossroads of the Middle East and Asia. It is bordered by Iran and Afghanistan on the west; China on the north; the dispu Early practical steps people actually use in Pakistan include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/ (Directorate General of Immigration & Passports) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Population overview; Age & family; Migration; Ethnicity & language; Education; Health & living conditions. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: DEMOGRAPHICS & POPULATION POPULATION OVERVIEW Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. Population 233,500,636 Population Growth Rate 1.52% Urban Population 36.200000 [tel:36200000] Population in Major Urban Areas * Karachi 13.876 million * Lahore 7.566 million * Faisalabad 3.038 million * Rawalpindi 2.164 million * Multan 1.775 million * ISLAMABAD (capital) 919,000 AGE & FAMILY Show 10 10 facts — expand for details. Age Structure 31.990000 [tel:31990000] Median Age 22.200000 [tel:22200000] Birth Rate - births/1,000 population 24 Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population 6.69 Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman 2.96 Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49 27% Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49 27% Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49) 22.9 Mother's mean age at first birth 22.9 Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female 1.050000 [tel:1050000] MIGRATION Hide Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population -1.84 ETHNICITY & LANGUAGE Hide Ethnic Groups Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun (Pathan), Baloch, Muhajir (immigrants from India at the time of partition and their descendants) Nationality Noun Pakistani(s) EDUCATION Show 6 6 facts — expand for details. Literacy - total population 49.9% Literacy - male 61.7% Literacy - female 35.2% Literacy Definition age 15 and over can read and write Education Expenditures - percent of GDP 2.1% Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary) 8.000000 [tel:8000000] HEALTH & LIVING CONDITIONS Show 12 12 facts — expand for details. Life Expectancy at Birth 66.710000 [tel:66710000] Infant Mortality Rate 59.350000 [tel:59350000] Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births 59.350000 [tel:59350000] Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births 260 Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population .81 Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population .6 Health Expenditures - percent of GDP 2.5% Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk high Obesity - adult prevalence rate 5.5% Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved 95.700000 [tel:95700000] Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved 71.800000 [tel:71800000] Underweight - percent of children under five years 30.9% ECONOMY IN PAKISTAN: PLANNING NOTES 223 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Pakistan. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Economy in Pakistan for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Pakistan-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. People comparing Pakistan with other destinations usually start with wages, rent, and tax, not headline GDP. GDP per capita in the planning dataset is about 4,900. Recent growth is listed at 4.2 percent. Unemployment is listed at 15 percent. A typical net monthly salary signal is 1,711. The cost-of-living index is 20. The rent index is 3. A city-centre 1-bed rent signal is 109. A monthly groceries signal is 91. Purchasing-power index: 30. Local currency code: PKR. City prices vary, and these indexes do not replace a job offer or a proof-of-funds check. Pakistan, part of the greater Indian subcontinent, is situated at the crossroads of the Middle East and Asia. It is bordered by Iran and Afghanistan on the west; China on the north; the dispu When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/ (Directorate General of Immigration & Passports) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Economic overview; GDP & growth; Prices & money; Employment & labor; Labor by occupation; Public finance. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: ECONOMY ECONOMIC OVERVIEW Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. Economic Overview * economy: Growth and * GDP: Pakistan is classified as a developing economy with a GDP growth rate that has shown variability in recent years. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pakistan's GDP growth was around 5% to 5.8% annually. However, like many other countries, Pakistan experienced a slowdown due to the pandemic. In the fiscal year 2020-2021 [tel:20202021], Pakistan's GDP growth rate was around 3.9%, showing signs of recovery but still below pre-pandemic levels. * Agriculture: Agriculture plays a significant role in Pakistan's economy, employing a large portion of the workforce and contributing to GDP. Major crops include wheat, rice, sugarcane, and cotton. However, the agricultural sector faces challenges such as water scarcity, outdated farming practices, and lack of modernization. * Industry: Pakistan's industrial sector includes manufacturing, construction, and mining. Textiles, cement, and food processing are among the key sectors. The government has been taking steps to promote industrial growth through incentives and infrastructure development. Services * Sector: The services sector is the largest contributor to Pakistan's GDP, accounting for over half of economic output. Key components include telecommunications, finance, retail, and transportation. The IT and outsourcing industries have also seen growth in recent years, with Pakistan becoming a destination for software development and call center services. Trade and * Investment: Pakistan engages in both exports and imports with major trading partners, including China, the United States, and the European Union. Exports primarily consist of textiles, apparel, leather products, and agricultural goods. Foreign direct investment (FDI) has been increasing in energy, telecommunications, and infrastructure sectors, although challenges such as security concerns and bureaucratic hurdles remain. Fiscal * Challenges: Pakistan faces fiscal challenges such as a high fiscal deficit, public debt, and budgetary constraints. The government has implemented reforms to improve revenue collection, reduce subsidies, and enhance fiscal discipline. However, more efforts are needed to achieve sustainable fiscal stability. Infrastructure and * Energy: Infrastructure development is crucial for economic growth in Pakistan. The government has been investing in transportation infrastructure, including road and rail networks, to improve connectivity within the country and with neighboring regions. Energy shortages have been a persistent issue, with efforts underway to address power generation and distribution challenges. * Challenges: Pakistan's economy faces various challenges, including political instability, security concerns, corruption, inflation, and unemployment. Addressing these challenges requires sustained government, private sector, and civil society efforts to promote economic development, improve governance, and enhance social welfare. Industries textiles and apparel, food processing, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, paper products, fertilizer, shrimp GDP - per capita (PPP) $4,900.00 (USD) GDP - real growth rate 4.2% GDP & GROWTH Show 9 9 facts — expand for details. GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP) $1,021,130,000,000 (USD) GDP Per Capita $4,900.00 (USD) GDP - real growth rate 4.2% GDP - official exchange rate $247,800,000,000 (USD) GDP - composition, by end use * consumption: 79.2% investment in fixed * capital: 13.5% investment in * inventories: 1.6% exports of goods and * services: 10.9% imports of goods and * services: -17.1% GDP by Sector- agriculture 25.5% GDP by Sector- Industry 19% GDP by Sector- services 55.5% Industrial Growth Rate 4.9% PRICES & MONEY Show 5 5 facts — expand for details. Inflation Rate 13.4% Exchange Rate per US Dollar Pakistani rupee (PKR) Currency Name and Code Pakistan Rupee (PKR) Fiscal Year 1 July - 30 June Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate 11.5% EMPLOYMENT & LABOR Show 6 6 facts — expand for details. Labor Force 55,770,000 Unemployment Rate 15% Unemployment - note substantial underemployment exists Major Industries textiles and apparel, food processing, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, paper products, fertilizer, shrimp Agriculture Products cotton, wheat, rice, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; milk, beef, mutton, eggs Population Below Poverty Line 24% LABOR BY OCCUPATION Show 3 3 facts — expand for details. Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture 45.1% Labor Force By Occupation- industry 20.7% Labor Force By Occupation- services 34.2% PUBLIC FINANCE Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. Annual Budget $25,330,000,000 (USD) Public Debt (% of GDP) 54.3% Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP -7.7% Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP 12.6% GOVERNMENT & POLITICS IN PAKISTAN: PLANNING NOTES 235 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Pakistan. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Government & politics in Pakistan for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Pakistan-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Pakistan's government and legal structure matters for visas, ID, tax residence, and later naturalization. The immigration authority in our records is Directorate General of Immigration & Passports. Confirm current forms and fees on https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/. In the planning dataset, permanent residence is listed at 3 years of qualifying stay; dual citizenship is listed as allowed. Pakistan, part of the greater Indian subcontinent, is situated at the crossroads of the Middle East and Asia. It is bordered by Iran and Afghanistan on the west; China on the north; the dispu Early practical steps people actually use in Pakistan include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/ (Directorate General of Immigration & Passports) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Identity & names; Political system; Capital & time; International role. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: GOVERNMENT & POLITICS IDENTITY & NAMES Show 8 8 facts — expand for details. Full Country Name Islamic Republic of Pakistan Country Name Pakistan Local - Long Jamhuryat Islami Pakistan Local - Short Pakistan Former Name West Pakistan Etymology- history of name the word "pak" means "pure" in Persian or Pashto, while the Persian suffix "-stan" means "place of" or "country," so the word Pakistan literally means "Land of the Pure" Independence 14 August 1947 (from British India) National Holiday Pakistan Day (also referred to as Pakistan Resolution Day or Republic Day), 23 March (1940) note - commemorates both the adoption of the Lahore Resolution by the All-India Muslim League during its 22-24 March 1940 session, which called for the creation of independent Muslim states, and the adoption of the first constitution of Pakistan on 23 March 1956 during the transition to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan POLITICAL SYSTEM Show 10 10 facts — expand for details. Government Type federal parliamentary republic Constitution * history: several previous; latest endorsed 12 April 1973, passed 19 April 1973, entered into force 14 August 1973 (suspended and restored several times) * amendments: proposed by the Senate or by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of both houses; amended many times, last in 2018 Legal System: common law system with Islamic law influence Executive Branch: * chief of state: President Asif Ali ZARDARI (since 10 March 2024) * head of government: Prime Minister Shahbaz SHARIF (since 3 March 2024) * cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister election/appointment * process: president indirectly elected for a 5-year term (limited to 2 consecutive terms) by the Electoral College, which consists of members of the Senate, National Assembly, and provincial assemblies most recent election * date: 9 March 2024 * election results: 2024: Asif Ali ZARDARI elected president; National Assembly vote - Asif Ali ZARDARI (PPP) 411 votes, Mehmood Khan ACHAKZALI (PMAP) 181 votes; Shahbaz SHARIF elected prime minister; National Assembly vote - Shahbaz SHARIF (PML-N) 201, Omar AYUB (PTI) 92 2018: Arif ALVI elected president; Electoral College vote - Arif ALVI (PTI) 352, Fazl-ur-REHMAN (MMA) 184, Aitzaz AHSAN (PPP) 124; Imran KHAN elected prime minister; National Assembly vote - Imran KHAN (PTI) 176, Shehbaz SHARIF (PML-N) 96 expected date of next * election: 2029 Legislative Branch: * Description: bicameral Parliament or Majlis-e-Shoora consists of: Senate (104 seats current, reduced by 4 seats at the 2024 election and 4 at the 2027 election; members indirectly elected by the 4 provincial assemblies and the federal capital territory indirectly elected by the National Assembly using proportional representation vote; members serve 6-year terms with one-half of the membership renewed every 3 years) National Assembly (342 seats; 272 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 70 members - 60 women and 10 non-Muslims - directly elected by proportional representation vote; all members serve 5-year terms) * elections: * Senate - last held on 2 April 2024 for 37 of 48 seats, remaining 11 seats to be held on 9 April 2024 (next to be held for 48 seats in 2027) * National Assembly - last held on 8 February 2024 (next to be held in 2029) * election results: * Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA * National Assembly - percent of votes by party - NA; seats by party - PML-N 75, PPP 54, MQM-P 17, JUI-F 4, Pakistan Muslim League 3, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party 2, BNP-A 2, BAP 1, PMAP 1, PML-Z 1, NP 1, independent (PTI-backed) 101, other 8, vacant 2 (excludes 70 seats reserved for women and non-Muslims); * Composition: NA * Note: in May 2018, the Parliament of Pakistan and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly passed a constitutional amendment to merge the Federally Administrated Tribal Areas and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas with the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; the amendment will reduce the Senate from 104 to 96 members - 4 in the 2024 election and 4 in the 2027 election Judicial Branch: * office: justices nominated by an 8-member parliamentary committee upon the recommendation of the Judicial Commission, a 9-member body of judges and other judicial professionals, and appointed by the president; justices can serve until age 65 * subordinate courts: High Courts; Federal Shariat Court; provincial and district civil and criminal courts; specialized courts for issues, such as taxation, banking, and customs Regions or States: * Summary: 4 provinces, 2 Pakistan-administered areas*, and 1 capital territory** * Azad Kashmir* * Balochistan * Gilgit-Baltistan* * Islamabad Capital Territory** * Khyber Pakhtunkhwa * Punjab * Sindh Political Parties and Leaders: * Awami National Party or ANP [Asfandyar Wali KHAN] * Awami Muslim League or AML [Sheikh Rashid AHMED] * Balochistan Awami Party or BAP [Abdul Quddus BIZENJO] * Balochistan National Party-Awami or BNP-A [Mir Israrullah ZEHRI] * Balochistan National Party-Mengal or BNP-M [Sardar Akhtar Jan MENGAL] * Grand Democratic Alliance or GDA [Pir PAGARO] (alliance of several parties) * Hazara Democratic Party or HDP [Abdul Khaliq HAZARA] * Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party [Jahangir TAREEN] * Jamaat-e-Islami or JI [Siraj-ul-HAQ] * Jamhoori Wattan Party or JWP [Nawabzada Shahzain BUGTI] * Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl or JUI-F [Maulana Fazal-ur-REHMAN] * Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen Pakistan or MWM [Raja Nasir ABBAS] * Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal or MMA [Maulana Fazal-ur-REHMAN] (alliance of several parties) * Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan or MQM-P [Khalid Maqbool SIDDIQUI] * National Party or NP [Abdul Malik BALOCH] * Pakistan Muslim League or PML-Z (Zia-ul-Haq Shaheed) * Pakistan Muslim League-Functional or PML-F [Pir PAGARO] * Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz or PML-N [Shehbaz SHARIF] * Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid-e-Azam or PML-Q [Chaudhry Shujaat HUSSAIN] * Pakistan Peoples Party or PPP [Bilawal BHUTTO ZARDARI, Asif Ali ZARDARI] * Pakistan Rah-e-Haq Party or PRHP [Muhammad Ibrahim QASMI] * Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaaf or PTI (Pakistan Movement for Justice) [Imran KHAN] * Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party or PMAP or PKMAP [Mahmood Khan ACHAKZAI] * Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan or TLP [Hafiz Muhammad Saad Hussain Rizvi MARKAZI] * Note: Pakistan has several hundred officially registered political parties; this list includes those that won seats in the most recent elections at the national and provincial levels Suffrage: * 18 years of age * universal * note - there are joint electorates and reserved parliamentary seats for women and non-Muslims Citizenship Criteria: * birth: yes citizenship by * descent: at least one parent must be a citizen of Pakistan dual citizenship * recognized: yes, but limited to select countries residency requirement for * naturalization: 4 out of the previous 7 years and including the 12 months preceding application CAPITAL & TIME Hide Capital Name Islamabad Capital - geographic coordinate 33 41 N, 73 03 E Capital Time Difference UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) INTERNATIONAL ROLE Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. International Organization Participation: * ADB * AIIB * ARF * ASEAN (sectoral dialogue partner) * CERN (associate member) * CICA * CP * D-8 * ECO * FAO * G-11 * G-24 * G-77 * IAEA * IBRD * ICAO * ICC (national committees) * ICRM * IDA * IDB * IFAD * IFC * IFRCS * IHO * ILO * IMF * IMO * IMSO * Interpol * IOC * IOM * IPU * ISO * ITSO * ITU * ITUC (NGOs) * MIGA * MINURCAT * MINURSO * MINUSCA * MONUSCO * NAM * OAS (observer) * OIC * OPCW * PCA * SAARC * SACEP * SCO * UN * UNAMID * UNCTAD * UNESCO * UNFICYP * UNHCR * UNIDO * UNISFA * UNISFA * UNMISS * UNOOSA * UNSOS * UNWTO * UPU * WCO * WFTU (NGOs) * WHO * WIPO * WMO * WTO International Law Organization Participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt Diplomatic Representation from US: * Chief of Mission: Ambassador Donald BLOME (since 2 July 2022) * Embassy: Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad * Mailing Address: 8100 Islamabad Place, Washington, DC 20521-8100 [tel:205218100] * Telephone: [92] 051-201-4000 [tel:0512014000] * FAX: [92] 51-2338071 [tel:512338071] * Email: ACSIslamabad@state.gov * Website: https://pk.usembassy.gov/ [https://pk.usembassy.gov/] * Consulate(s) General: Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar Diplomatic Representation in the US: * Chief of Mission: Ambassador Sardar Masood KHAN (since 19 April 2022) * Chancery: 3517 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008 * Telephone: [1] (202) 243-6500 [tel:2022436500] * FAX: [1] (202) 686-1534 [tel:2026861534] * Email: consularsection@embassyofpakistanusa.org * Website: https://embassyofpakistanusa.org/ [https://embassyofpakistanusa.org/] * Consulate(s) General: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT IN PAKISTAN: PLANNING NOTES 160 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Pakistan. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Geography & environment in Pakistan for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Pakistan-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Pakistan's capital is Islamabad in Southern Asia, Asia. Traffic keeps to the left. Geography here is for settlement planning: climate, distance to work, and which city you can actually afford, not a travel brochure. Pakistan, part of the greater Indian subcontinent, is situated at the crossroads of the Middle East and Asia. It is bordered by Iran and Afghanistan on the west; China on the north; the dispu When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/ (Directorate General of Immigration & Passports) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Location & size; Physical geography; Climate & time; Climate; Environment. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT LOCATION & SIZE Show 8 8 facts — expand for details. Geographic Location Asia Geographic Coordinates 30 00 N, 70 00 E Total Area 307,372 Square Miles 796,095 Square Kilometers Land Area 297,635 Square Miles 770,875 Square Kilometers Water Area 9,737 Square Miles 25,220 Square Kilometers Land Boundaries 4,209 Miles 6,774 Kilometers Border Countries Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 523 km, India 2,912 km, Iran 909 km Coastline 650 Miles 1,046 Kilometers PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY Show 6 6 facts — expand for details. Terrain flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and northwest; Balochistan plateau in west Highest Point 8,611 Meters Highest Point Location K2 (Mt. Godwin-Austen) 8,611 m Lowest Point Location Indian Ocean 0 m Natural Resources land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited petroleum, poor quality coal, iron ore, copper, salt, limestone Irrigated Land 77,181 Square Miles 199,900 Square Kilometers CLIMATE & TIME Hide Time Zone UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) CLIMATE Show 5 5 facts — expand for details. Climate Seasonal temperatures vary widely in these five regions. With the exception of the Far North, summers are hot throughout the country with temperatures ranging from 90°F to 120°F and little nighttime relief. Trade winds provide some relief during the hot and humid summers in Karachi and a brief cool season comes between December and February. In Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar, a distinct winter season brings daytime temperatures of 60°F or less and cold nights. Islamabad and Peshawar may have light frosts. Spring and fall are delightful seasons in these three cities. Altitude governs climate in the Far North, with pleasant summers in the lower regions and perpetual snow in the higher mountains. The average annual rainfall varies from 6 inches in Karachi, 15 inches in Peshawar, and 18 inches in Lahore, to about 30 inches in Islamabad. Most rain falls during the summer monsoon from July to September, although parts of the Punjab and the Northwest Frontier experience a moderate winter rainy season as well. Terrain flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and northwest; Balochistan plateau in west Location Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea, between India on the east and Iran and Afghanistan on the west and China in the north Total Area 307,372 Square Miles 796,095 Square Kilometers Border Countries Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 523 km, India 2,912 km, Iran 909 km ENVIRONMENT Hide Environment - Current Issues * water pollution from raw sewage, industrial wastes, and agricultural runoff * limited natural fresh water resources * a majority of the population does not have access to potable water * deforestation * soil erosion * desertification Environment - International Agreements party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation TRADE IN PAKISTAN: PLANNING NOTES 163 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Pakistan. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Trade in Pakistan for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Pakistan-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Trade figures for Pakistan help explain which industries hire, which ports matter, and how imported goods show up in grocery prices. Settlements and contracts usually run in PKR. They are not a visa pathway. Work permission still depends on the destination's immigration rules. Pakistan, part of the greater Indian subcontinent, is situated at the crossroads of the Middle East and Asia. It is bordered by Iran and Afghanistan on the west; China on the north; the dispu When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/ (Directorate General of Immigration & Passports) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Trade overview; Trading partners; Partners (summary). Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: TRADE TRADE OVERVIEW Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. Exports $20,290,000,000 (USD) Imports $32,710,000,000 (USD) Major Exports textiles (garments, bed linen, cotton cloth, and yarn), rice, leather goods, sports goods, chemicals, manufactures, carpets and rugs Major Imports petroleum, petroleum products, machinery, plastics, transportation equipment, edible oils, paper and paperboard, iron and steel, tea TRADING PARTNERS Hide Top Export Partners US 24.5%, UAE 8.4%, UK 7.2%, Germany 4.9%, Hong Kong 4.8% Top Import Partners Saudi Arabia 11.8%, UAE 11.1%, Kuwait 6.8%, US 6.5%, China 6.3%, Japan 6%, Malaysia 4.6%, Germany 4.4% PARTNERS (SUMMARY) Hide Export Partners US 24.5%, UAE 8.4%, UK 7.2%, Germany 4.9%, Hong Kong 4.8% Import Partners Saudi Arabia 11.8%, UAE 11.1%, Kuwait 6.8%, US 6.5%, China 6.3%, Japan 6%, Malaysia 4.6%, Germany 4.4% TRAVEL & SAFETY IN PAKISTAN: PLANNING NOTES 240 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Pakistan. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Travel & safety in Pakistan for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Pakistan-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Safety in Pakistan is local. Neighbourhood, night transport, and documentation checks matter more than a single country score. Tap water is not listed as generally safe; check local advice after arrival. Healthcare system type: Mixed. Immigrant health access note: Limited. Health coverage waiting period in the dataset: 180 days. Read current travel advice from your origin government before you book. Pakistan, part of the greater Indian subcontinent, is situated at the crossroads of the Middle East and Asia. It is bordered by Iran and Afghanistan on the west; China on the north; the dispu Early practical steps people actually use in Pakistan include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/ (Directorate General of Immigration & Passports) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Before you travel; Crime & law; Health & roads. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: TRAVEL & SAFETY BEFORE YOU TRAVEL Show 2 2 facts — expand for details. Country Description Pakistan is a parliamentary federal republic in South Asia, with a population of over 170 million people. Pakistan held successful elections in February 2008 and has a coalition government. Pakistan is a developing country with some tourist facilities in major cities but limited in outlying areas. The infrastructure in parts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) regions was devastated by an October 8, 2005, earthquake and have not yet been fully rebuilt. Massive flooding in 2010 destroyed infrastructure throughout the Indus River valley. Many parts of the country are also affected by militancy and violent extremism. Safety & Security Despite improvements in the security situation, terrorist attacks remain frequent in Pakistan. Extremist groups within Pakistan continue to seek opportunities to attack locations where U.S. citizens and Westerners are known to congregate or visit, including government facilities and public locations, such as schools and universities, shopping malls, markets, hotels, clubs and restaurants, places of worship, transportation hubs/stations, minority neighborhoods, and outdoor recreation areas. Terrorists also target Pakistani officials, government facilities, religious minorities and facilities including sufi shrines, and they regularly resort to kidnapping for ransom. Attacks have included armed assaults on heavily guarded sites, including Pakistani military installations and airports. Other actions include but are not limited to suicide operations, bombings (including vehicle-borne explosives and improvised explosive devices), assassinations, carjackings, and assaults. The Government of Pakistan maintains heightened security measures, particularly in major cities, and these measures can vary from day to day. The U.S. Embassy and consulates regularly assess security situations and restrict the movements of official personnel. Demonstrations, political rallies, or large religious gatherings intended to be peaceful can become confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. We advise U.S. citizens to avoid areas where large crowds of any kind gather. U.S Embassy and Consulate personnel are routinely instructed to avoid areas of any demonstration. During demonstrations or periods of civil unrest, the Pakistani government has in the past disabled cellular telephone and internet service, making it difficult for individuals to contact each other or the U.S. Embassy or Consulates. Celebratory gunfire may occur at any time but is most likely to occur during wedding celebrations, which are frequent from October to May, and on holidays. Although the likelihood of being struck is remote, falling rounds can cause injury or death. We recommend you limit the frequency of travel and minimize the duration of trips to public markets, restaurants, and other public locations. We advise against the use of public transportation in Pakistan. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate prohibit personnel from using public transportation or taxi services. You are strongly urged to avoid hotels that do not apply stringent security measures. Official visitors are not authorized to stay overnight in local hotels anywhere in the country, except in exceptional circumstances. Depending on ongoing security assessments, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates sometimes place areas such as tourist attractions, hotels, markets, shopping malls, and restaurants off-limits to official personnel. Threats to civil aviation in Pakistan are not limited to attacks in which militants target airports. The U.S. government is aware of narcotics smuggled onto flights from Pakistan, which may indicate broader security vulnerabilities at Pakistani airports. We recommend you follow media coverage of local events and maintain good situational awareness and operational security wherever you travel in Pakistan. If you feel that your life is in danger in Pakistan, we advise you to report the threat to local police authorities and consider immediately changing locations or departing Pakistan. Crime: Men and women are advised to dress conservatively, with arms and legs covered, and to avoid walking alone. We recommend against travel on the streets late at night. Urban crime can be organized or opportunistic and conducted by individuals or groups. It can include fraud, theft, robbery, carjacking, rape, assault, and burglary. Incidents of crime and levels of violence are higher in low-income residential and congested commercial areas but are seen in wealthier areas as well. Pick-pocketing, theft, and larceny are common on buses and trains at all hours of the day. Take precautions to avoid crime, includi CRIME & LAW Show 2 2 facts — expand for details. Crime Crime is a serious concern for foreigners throughout Pakistan. Carjacking, armed robberies, house invasions, and other violent crimes occur in many major urban areas. These crimes have also occurred infrequently in other areas. Petty crime, especially theft of personal property, is common. U.S. citizen travelers to Pakistan are strongly advised to avoid traveling by taxi and other forms of public transportation, and have members of their host organizations or families meet them at the airport. In the past, several U.S. citizen travelers arriving at the international airport in Lahore, who were met by their families, were robbed outside the airport of cash and jewelry, after being stopped by a car with fake government license plates. Such schemes are common. Travel outside urban centers should only be undertaken during daylight hours. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates have seen a large increase in the number of U.S. citizens alleging the loss of property or financial investment due to the unfair business practices of their Pakistani partners. Don’t buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, you may be breaking local law too. Forced Marriage: The U.S. government considers the issue of forced marriage to be a violation of basic human rights and in the case of minors, a form of child abuse. Forced marriage is defined as one in which one or both parties have not consented to the marriage; it differs from arranged marriage. Often, victims of forced marriage are subjected to non-consensual sex, physical and emotional abuse, isolation, and threats of violence. International law and conventions also support an individual's right to self-determination, minimum marriage ages, and the rejection of abuse of women and honor-based violence. Criminal Penalties While you are traveling in Pakistan, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings, but the law on this subject is vague and applied indiscriminately. In some places, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States. You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Pakistan, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. Persons violating Pakistani laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Pakistan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Arrest notifications in host country: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas. Please note that a consular officer might not be able to visit you for 15 working days or longer after your arrest in Pakistan. In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. HEALTH & ROADS Show 2 2 facts — expand for details. Medical Facilities Adequate basic non-emergency medical care is available in major Pakistani cities but is limited in rural areas. Facilities in the cities vary in level and range of services, resources, and cleanliness, and U.S. citizens may find them below U.S. standards; facilities in rural areas are consistently below U.S. standards. Medical facilities require prepayment and most do not accept credit cards. Water is not potable anywhere in Pakistan and sanitation in many restaurants is inadequate. Stomach illnesses are common. Effective emergency response to personal injury and illness is virtually non-existent in Pakistan. Ambulances are few and are not necessarily staffed by medical personnel. Any emergency case should be transported immediately to a recommended emergency receiving room. Many U.S.-brand medications are not widely available, but generic brands from well-known pharmaceuticals usually are. The quality of the locally produced medications is uneven. Traffic Safety While in Pakistan, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Pakistan is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Traffic in Pakistan moves on the left, opposite of U.S. traffic In addition to this source of potential confusion, overland travel in Pakistan has a variety of other risks. Roads are crowded, drivers are often aggressive and poorly trained, and many vehicles, particularly large trucks and buses, are badly maintained. Donkeys, cattle, horse carts, and even the occasional camel can pose roadside hazards in some areas. Roads, including most major highways, also suffer from poor maintenance and often have numerous potholes, sharp drop-offs and barriers that are not sign-posted. Drivers should exercise extreme caution when traveling at night by road, as many vehicles do not have proper illumination or dimmers nor are most roads properly illuminated or signed. Driving without experienced local drivers or guides is not recommended. It is best to avoid public transportation. For security reasons, U.S. Mission personnel are prohibited from using taxis or buses. INFRASTRUCTURE IN PAKISTAN: PLANNING NOTES 164 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Pakistan. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Infrastructure in Pakistan for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Pakistan-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Infrastructure in Pakistan affects commute time, remote work, and whether a city is livable in the first 90 days. Typical internet speed in the dataset is 10 Mbps. Airports, rail, and roads on this page are inventory, not a promise that your neighbourhood is well served. Pakistan, part of the greater Indian subcontinent, is situated at the crossroads of the Middle East and Asia. It is bordered by Iran and Afghanistan on the west; China on the north; the dispu When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/ (Directorate General of Immigration & Passports) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Transportation; Pipelines; Communications; Energy. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSPORTATION Show 7 7 facts — expand for details. Airports - total 151 Airports with Paved Runways 108 Heliports 23 Railways 4,841 Miles 7,791 Kilometers Roadways- total 162,958 Miles 262,256 Kilometers Roadways- paved 117,575 Miles 189,218 Kilometers Ports and Terminals Karachi, Port Muhammad bin Qasim PIPELINES Show 3 3 facts — expand for details. Pipelines: Gas 7,858 Miles 12,646 Kilometers Pipelines: Oil 1,601 Miles 2,576 Kilometers Pipelines: Refined Products 675 Miles 1,087 Kilometers COMMUNICATIONS Show 7 7 facts — expand for details. Telephones 4,058,000 Cell Phones 88,020,000 Internet Users 17,500,000 Internet Country Code .pk Internet Hosts 330,466 Broadcast Media * media is government regulated * 1 dominant state-owned TV broadcaster, Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV), operates a network consisting of 5 channels * private TV broadcasters are permitted * to date 69 foreign satellite channels are operational * the state-owned radio network operates more than 40 stations * nearly 100 commercially licensed privately owned radio stations provide programming mostly limited to music and talk shows Telephone System * assessment: the telecommunications infrastructure is improving dramatically with foreign and domestic investments in fixed-line and mobile-cellular networks; system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks; * domestic: mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed, exceeding 110 million by the end of 2011, up from only about 300,000 in 2000; more than 90 percent of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage and more than half of all Pakistanis have access to a cell phone; fiber systems are being constructed throughout the country to aid in network growth; fixed line availability has risen only marginally over the same period and there are still difficulties getting fixed-line service to rural areas * international: country code - 92; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries ENERGY Show 9 9 facts — expand for details. Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 72,200,000,000 Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 90,800,000,000 Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 42,900,000,000 Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m) 39,150,000,000 Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m) 679,600,000,000 Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 426,700 Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 151,200 Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 63,000 Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 247,500,000 NATIONAL SYMBOLS IN PAKISTAN: PLANNING NOTES 146 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Pakistan. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. National symbols in Pakistan for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Pakistan-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. National symbols for Pakistan are background for civic life and ceremonies. They do not change visa rules. Use the government and visa pages for status, work, and stay conditions. Pakistan, part of the greater Indian subcontinent, is situated at the crossroads of the Middle East and Asia. It is bordered by Iran and Afghanistan on the west; China on the north; the dispu When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/ (Directorate General of Immigration & Passports) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: National anthem. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: NATIONAL SYMBOLS NATIONAL ANTHEM Hide Anthem History * name: "Qaumi Tarana" (National Anthem) * lyrics/music: Abu-Al-Asar Hafeez JULLANDHURI/Ahmed Ghulamali CHAGLA * note: adopted 1954; also known as "Pak sarzamin shad bad" (Blessed Be the Sacred Land) Anthem Lyrics English Blessed be the sacred land Happy be the bounteous realm Symbol of high resolve Land of Pakistan Blessed be thou of faith The Order of this sacred land is the might of the brotherhood of the people May the nation, the country, and the state Shine in glory everlasting Blessed be the goal of our ambition This flag of Crescent and Star Leads the way to progress and perfection Interpreter of our past glory of our present Inspiration of our future, Symbol of Almighty's protection Verified immigration updates for Pakistan → [/countries/pakistan/immigration-updates/] GOVERNMENT JOBS IN PAKISTAN * Pakistan Government Jobs [/government-jobs/government-careers-pk/] · FPSC — Federal Public Service Commission (Pakistan) All government jobs for Pakistan → [/government-jobs/?country=pakistan] OFFICIAL LANGUAGES IN PAKISTAN Punjabi 48%Sindhi 12%Siraiki (a Punjabi variant) 10%Pashtu 8%Urdu (official) 8%Balochi 3%Hindko 2%Brahui 1%English (official and lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most government ministries)Burushaskiand other 8% OFFICIAL LINKS FOR PAKISTAN * Directorate General of Immigration & Passports [https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/] Official immigration portal for visas, entry rules, and residency steps. The official portal for immigration matters in Pakistan is essential for obtaining accurate information and necessary forms. Be cautious of lookalike sites that may charge fees for services available for free through official channels. NEWCOMER CHECKLIST FOR PAKISTAN * •Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required. * •Set up local phone service and banking arrangements. * •Research local tax obligations and necessary registrations. * •Ensure you have adequate health coverage for your stay. * •Learn about local emergency numbers and services. * •Connect with local expatriate communities for support and advice. * •Learn about cultural norms and practices to ease your transition. LOCAL SERVICES & SETUP IN PAKISTAN Healthcare access: Limited Health waiting period: 180 day(s) SETTLEMENT FUNDS & FINANCIAL NOTES FOR PAKISTAN When settling in Pakistan, understand your financial situation and have proof of funds. Opening a local bank account can help manage your finances effectively. Ensure you have the necessary documentation to establish residency and comply with local regulations. This preparation will facilitate your transition and integration into your new environment. COST OF LIVING IN PAKISTAN City-level cost rows are incomplete for Pakistan, so this is a national planning snapshot in PKR (reference city: Islamabad). Net monthly salaryPKR 1,711 1BR city centerPKR 109 Groceries / monthPKR 91 Transport / monthPKR 25 Cost-of-living index: 19.6 TAKE-HOME PAY IN PAKISTAN (2026) Educational wage-tax examples from the MigrantIQ tax calculator in PKR. Not filing software — confirm with official rules and a licensed adviser. Entry / mid offer Gross PKR 1,200,000 PKR 1,170,000net / year ~PKR 97,500 / month · effective 2.5% Solid mid career Gross PKR 2,400,000 PKR 2,170,000net / year ~PKR 180,833 / month · effective 9.6% High earner Gross PKR 8,000,000 PKR 5,935,000net / year ~PKR 494,583 / month · effective 25.8% Open Pakistan tax calculator → [/tools/tax-calculator/pakistan/] · compare take-home vs other destinations [/tools/tax-compare/] Country hub: /countries/pakistan/ · Tax year 2026. State or provincial tax may apply on top of federal models. WHO QUALIFIES BEST FOR PAKISTAN * work Professionals seeking job opportunities in various sectors. * family Individuals looking to reunite with family members already residing in Pakistan. * study Students aiming to pursue education in Pakistan's universities. WHAT PEOPLE GET WRONG ABOUT MOVING TO PAKISTAN OVERLOOKING VISA REQUIREMENTS Newcomers often underestimate the importance of understanding visa requirements. Failing to confirm your visa status before travel can lead to complications upon arrival. Always check the latest information from official sources. NEGLECTING HEALTH COVERAGE Assuming healthcare access will be smooth can be a costly mistake. With limited immigrant health access and potential waiting periods, securing adequate health insurance before your move is vital. NOT BUDGETING FOR LOCAL COSTS While the cost of living is low, miscalculating expenses is common. Research specific costs in your chosen city to avoid financial strain. Create a budget that reflects local prices and your lifestyle. SOURCES & REFERENCES FOR PAKISTAN Country data is a planning aid. Official government sources override MigrantIQ summaries for immigration, legal, tax, health, and emergency rules. * Directorate General of Immigration & Passports [https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/] Primary portal for visas, entry rules, and residency. * World Bank Open Data [https://data.worldbank.org/] GDP, growth, and macro indicators where shown on this profile. * Numbeo cost of living [https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/] Cost-of-living indices and rent signals where available. * MigrantIQ country profile Editorial summary. Last updated 2026-05-28. * World Bank and public data sources Used for economic and country-level indicators where available. * Numbeo and public cost datasets Used for cost-of-living signals for Pakistan where available. FOREIGN EMBASSIES IN PAKISTAN 175 active diplomatic missions in our directory. Sample listings below. * Consulate General of Iceland in Islamabad, Pakistan [/embassies/mission/iceland-in-pakistan-islamabad-consulate-general/] — 🇮🇸 Iceland, Islamabad * Consulate General of Paraguay in Islamabad, Pakistan [/embassies/mission/paraguay-in-pakistan-islamabad-consulate-general/] — 🇵🇾 Paraguay, Islamabad * Consulate of Chile in Islamabad, Pakistan [/embassies/mission/chile-in-pakistan-islamabad-consulate/] — 🇨🇱 Chile, Islamabad * Embassy of Afghanistan in Islamabad, Pakistan [/embassies/mission/afghanistan-in-pakistan-islamabad-embassy/] — 🇦🇫 Afghanistan, Islamabad * Embassy of Algeria in Islamabad, Pakistan [/embassies/mission/algeria-in-pakistan-islamabad-embassy/] — 🇩🇿 Algeria, Islamabad Browse all embassies in Pakistan → [/embassies/in/pakistan/] Important — not legal or government advice MigrantIQ lists diplomatic missions for planning reference only. We are not a government service. Contact details may be incomplete or outdated — always confirm appointments, fees, and requirements on the official mission website or your destination government portal before you travel or apply. Terms [/terms/]Privacy [/privacy/]Report inaccurate data [/contact/] Feedback Was this guide helpful? Your answer helps us improve guides and update priority. YesNo Summarize this page with AI Opens your assistant with a pre-filled prompt (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude). Gemini uses Google AI Mode. Ask AI ↗ Not affiliated with any AI platform. Always verify immigration rules on official government sites. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MOVING TO PAKISTAN WHAT TYPES OF VISAS ARE AVAILABLE FOR MOVING TO PAKISTAN? Pakistan offers various visa options, including Business/Investor Visas, Family/Spouse Visas, and Digital Nomad Visas. Each has specific requirements, so review these on the official immigration portal. HOW CAN I FIND ACCOMMODATION IN PAKISTAN? You can find accommodation through local real estate websites, social media groups, or by connecting with expatriate communities. Temporary housing options are also available for initial stays. WHAT IS THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM LIKE IN PAKISTAN? Pakistan has a mixed healthcare system with both public and private options. However, access for immigrants may be limited, so securing health insurance and understanding local healthcare practices is advisable. RELATED PAKISTAN GUIDES Visa Pakistan Visa Hub Read guide → [/visas/pakistan/]Legal Pakistan Laws Read guide → [/laws/pakistan/]Safety Pakistan Scam Alerts Read guide → [/scam-alerts/pakistan/]Checklist Pakistan Arrival Checklist Read guide → [/checklist/pakistan/]Policy Updates Skilled Residence Overhauls and Visa Bulletin Freezes Are Shaping Global Mobility: NZ, UK, U.S and Pakistan 2026 Read guide → [/blog/skilled-residence-overhauls-and-visa-bulletin-freezes-are-shaping-global-mo/]Blog Migration blog Read guide → [/blog/] VISA OPTIONS 14 published * Business / Investor Visa [/visas/pakistan/business-investor/]business * Family / Spouse Visa [/visas/pakistan/family-spouse/]family * Business Investor Visa (Long-Term) [/visas/pakistan/business-investor-visa-long-term/]migration * Digital Nomad / Remote Work (via Business Visa) [/visas/pakistan/digital-nomad-remote-work-via-business-visa/]migration * Family Reunification [/visas/pakistan/family-reunification/]migration * Freelancer / Independent Contractor (via Business Visa) [/visas/pakistan/freelancer-independent-contractor-via-business-visa/]migration * Investor Residency (Golden-Style) [/visas/pakistan/investor-residency-golden-style/]migration * Professional Skilled Worker (Specialized Sectors) [/visas/pakistan/professional-skilled-worker-specialized-sectors/]migration * Startup-Founder Visa (via Business Framework) [/visas/pakistan/startup-founder-visa-via-business-framework/]migration * Work Visa (Employment-Sponsored) [/visas/pakistan/work-visa-employment-sponsored/]migration * Permanent Residency / Settlement [/visas/pakistan/permanent-residency/]residency * Student Visa [/visas/pakistan/student/]student * Tourist / Visitor Visa [/visas/pakistan/tourist-visitor/]tourist * Work / Employment Visa [/visas/pakistan/work-employment/]work Open visa hub → [/visas/pakistan/] KEY LAWS * Immigration Status and Overstay Rules [/laws/pakistan/immigration-status-and-overstay-rules/]critical * Work Authorisation Rules [/laws/pakistan/work-authorisation-rules/]critical * Tax Residency and Income Reporting [/laws/pakistan/tax-residency-and-income-reporting/]high * Housing Contract and Deposit Rules [/laws/pakistan/housing-contract-and-deposit-rules/]medium ACTIVE SCAM ALERTS * Document Translation, Notary, or Apostille Overcharge [/scam-alerts/pakistan/document-translation-notary-overcharge/]medium * Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee [/scam-alerts/pakistan/fake-border-airport-assistance-fee/]medium * Fake University or Scholarship Letter [/scam-alerts/pakistan/fake-university-or-scholarship-letter/]medium Plan smarter Save countries, compare destinations, track visa checklists, and sync your migration plan across devices. Open My Plan [/plan/]Account Dashboard [/account/] Free resources TOOLS & GUIDES Full sitemap → [/sitemap/] PLAN YOUR MOVE * Eligibility quiz [/tools/eligibility/] * Tax calculator [/tools/tax-calculator/] * Tax compare [/tools/tax-compare/] * Tax guides [/tools/tax-guides/] * Points calculator [/tools/points-calculator/] * Cost calculator [/calculator/] * Move planner [/tools/planner/] * Best country [/tools/best-country/] * Pathway finder [/tools/pathway-finder/] * Corridor fit [/tools/corridor-fit/] * Compare 3 countries [/tools/compare-three/] * Job → visa matcher [/tools/job-visa-match/] * Scam checker [/tools/scam-check/] * All tools [/tools/] GUIDES & SAFETY * Visa guides [/visas/] * Scholarships [/scholarships/] * Government jobs [/government-jobs/] * Immigration updates [/countries/canada/immigration-updates/] * Embassies [/embassies/] * Laws [/laws/] * Scam alerts [/scam-alerts/] * Checklists [/checklist/] * Country profiles [/countries/] COMMUNITY * Q&A [/qa/] * People stories [/stories/] * Blog [/blog/] * Android app (Google Play) [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en] * Write for us [/write-for-us/] * Experts [/experts/] * Apply for expert listing [/experts/apply/] * Documentation [/documentation/] * Employers (HR) [/employers/] ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","logo":"https://migrantiq.com/logo.png","description":"MigrantIQ publishes free migration guides covering visas, laws, costs, culture, banking, healthcare, scam alerts, and moving checklists for 220 countries.","knowsAbout":["immigration","visa requirements","moving abroad","cost of living","immigrant laws","scam protection","arrival checklists"],"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/migrantiq/","https://x.com/MigrantIQ","https://www.instagram.com/migrantiqorg/","https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en"],"contactPoint":[{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","email":"Info@MigrantIQ.com","url":"https://migrantiq.com/contact/","availableLanguage":["English"]}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#website","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","publisher":{"@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":{"@type":"SearchAction","target":"https://migrantiq.com/search/?q={search_term_string}","query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://migrantiq.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Countries","item":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Pakistan","item":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/pakistan/"}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/pakistan/#webpage","name":"Moving to Pakistan: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide","description":"Moving to Pakistan offers opportunities for individuals and families seeking new experiences for work, study, family reunification, or tourism. 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