Pakistan - Tax Guide for Freelance Contractors

With virtually no exceptions, foreign nationals must obtain a valid entry visa to enter Pakistan, although for certain short stays and for certain nationalities, there is no need to obtain these visas from the home country beforehand. Business visas exist for foreign nationals who wish to conduct business activities in Pakistan, such as establishing business contacts or attending meetings, and they are usually multi-entry and valid for 3 years, potentially renewable.

A business visa can be converted to a work visa (see below) without leaving the country. A work visa allows a foreign national to work under a contract with a local entity, a branch of a foreign entity or the Pakistan government. The employer must submit the usual documents to the BOI (Board of Investment) in Islamabad, which, if satisfied, will instruct the Ministry of Interior in the foreign national’s home country to issue a work visa, which is usually valid for up to 5 years. The work visa must have been granted before the foreign national begins work.