Pakistan does not have just one work visa. The Government of Pakistan grants several work-related visa types to eligible applicants, and all of them are applied for online through the NADRA visa portal. This guide explains each type so you can pick the right category before you start your application.
Types of Pakistan Work Visas
| Visa Type | Purpose (per NADRA) |
|---|---|
| Work - General | Travel to Pakistan for employment purposes |
| Work Visa / CPEC Projects | Working on CPEC projects |
| Journalist Visa | Travel to Pakistan as a journalist |
| Domestic Aide Visa | Employment as a domestic aide |
| Transit / Transport Visa | Transit or transport purposes |
1. Work Visa (General)
This is the standard category for anyone travelling to Pakistan for employment. Choose it when your job is not tied to a CPEC project, journalism or domestic work. Requirements depend on your employer and your situation, so read the checklist on the portal before you upload anything.
2. Work Visa for CPEC Projects
This visa is for Chinese citizens who have a valid job offer on a China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project. According to the NADRA portal, an entry work visa can be granted for up to 2 years, and processing for a first-time application is 48 working hours, while an extension takes 4 working weeks. A BOI recommendation letter is mandatory for an extension.
Read the full guide: CPEC Work Visa for Pakistan 2026: Documents, Processing Time & How to Apply Online.
3. Journalist Visa
Journalists can apply for a visa valid for Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. All journalists can apply subject to approval, and consultation feedback is required from the Press Attache and the Link Offices of the respective media houses. For non Pakistan-based journalists, published processing times are 7-10 working days for stays up to 3 months and 4 working weeks for longer stays.
Read the full guide: Pakistan Journalist Visa 2026: Eligibility, Validity, Processing Time & How to Apply Online.
4. Domestic Aide Visa
This category covers people travelling to Pakistan for employment as a domestic aide. Because it is a separate visa type, do not apply under the general work category. Open the Domestic Aide page on the portal for the document list.
5. Transit / Transport Visa
The transit or transport visa is for people travelling through Pakistan or moving goods or passengers for transport purposes. It is a separate category from the employment visas above, so select it only if transit or transport is your reason for travel.
Application Types You Will See
On the visa pages that list them, you can apply as a First Time (New) applicant if you do not hold a valid Pakistan visa, or as an Extension applicant if you hold a valid Pakistan visa and are residing in Pakistan. If you apply from a third country, you must upload proof of legal residence.
How to Choose the Right Work Visa
- Match your job to a category: general employment, a CPEC project, journalism, domestic work or transit.
- Open the NADRA work visas page and select your visa type.
- Read the document list and processing time for that type, and prepare clear scans.
- Choose First Time (New) or Extension, fill in the form and upload everything.
- Track the application and respond quickly if it is sent back for review.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many work visa types does Pakistan offer?
The NADRA portal lists five: Work (General), Work/CPEC Projects, Journalist, Domestic Aide and Transit/Transport.
Where do I apply for a Pakistan work visa?
Online through the NADRA visa portal at visa.nadra.gov.pk. Select the work visa type that matches your purpose of travel.
Which visa is for Chinese citizens on CPEC projects?
The Work Visa/CPEC Projects category, for Chinese citizens with a valid CPEC project job offer.
Can journalists use the general work visa?
Journalists have their own category, the Journalist Visa, which is valid for Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.
Related Guides on Our Blog
- Pakistan Journalist Visa 2026: Eligibility, Validity, Processing Time & How to Apply Online
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- Work – General Visa Pakistan: Complete Guide 2026 (Employees)
- CPEC Business Visa Pakistan: Complete Guide 2026 (For China)
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- Pakistan e-Visa Guide: How to Apply Online via visa.nadra.gov.pk
For video guide, view this video
Disclaimer: This article summarises information from the NADRA visa portal at the time of writing. Requirements and processing times can change, so confirm the latest details on the official NADRA work visas page before applying.
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