Requirements & Process (2025-2026)
| Quick Answer: Pakistani citizens require a pre-arranged visa to enter the United Arab Emirates. The most common options include tourist visas (30-60 days, starting at AED 200), employment visas (2-year validity, employer-sponsored), and the Golden Visa (5-10 years for investors’ needs. Applications are processed digitally through the ICP Smart Services portal, GDRFA platforms, or authorized sponsors such as airlines, employers, and travel agencies. |
Overview: UAE Visa System for Pakistanis
The United Arab Emirates hosts approximately 1.7 million Pakistani nationals. Pakistani passport holders are not eligible for a visa-on-arrival and must obtain a pre-arranged visa before traveling. Ensure you meet the specific eligibility criteria for each visa type, such as employment, tourist, or Golden Visa, to avoid delays in your application.
The UAE government has implemented stricter verification procedures alongside simplified digital application systems. Key updates effective in 2025 include mandatory health insurance for all visa holders, pre-approval documentation requirements, biometric verification for long-term visas, and confirmed return-ticket requirements for tourist visa applicants.
Types of UAE Visas Available
| Visa Type | Duration | Sponsor Required | Primary Purpose |
| Tourist Visa | 30-60 days | Airlines/Agencies/Hotels | Tourism, Shopping |
| Visit Visa | 30-90 days | UAE Resident | Family Visits |
| Employment Visa | 2 years (renewable) | UAE Employer | Work and Residence |
| Family Visa | 1-3 years (renewable) | UAE Resident | Family Reunification |
| Student Visa | Duration of Study | Educational Institution | Higher Education |
| Transit Visa | 48-96 hours | UAE-based Airline | Stopovers |
| Golden Visa | 5-10 years | Self-Sponsored | Long-term Residency |
General Document Requirements
All UAE visa applications from Pakistani citizens require the following baseline documents:
- Valid Pakistani passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity from the date of travel
- Recent passport-sized photograph with white background (matching ICP specifications)
- Colored scanned copy of National Identity Card (CNIC) — mandatory for Pakistani nationals
- Completed visa application form
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement covering the last 3-6 months)
- Valid health insurance coverage for the UAE
- Confirmed return air ticket (for tourist/visit visas)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or sponsor’s tenancy contract)
Tourist Visa: Requirements and Process
The tourist visa permits short stays for sightseeing, shopping, or business meetings. Pakistani citizens cannot apply directly through the ICP portal for tourist visas and must use authorized sponsors.
Eligible Sponsors for Tourist Visa
- UAE-based airlines (Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai, Air Arabia)
- Licensed travel agencies and tour operators
- Accredited UAE hotels
- UAE resident family members or friends
Tourist Visa Validity Options
| Type | Stay Duration | Validity Period | Entry Type |
| Short-term | 30 days | 60 days from issue | Single entry |
| Extended | 60 days | 60 days from issue | Single entry |
| Long-term | 90 days | 60 days from issue | Single/Multiple |
| Multi-entry | Up to 90 days/visit | 5 years | Multiple entry |
Employment Visa: Requirements and Process
The employment visa (work visa) is the most common category for Pakistani nationals. It requires sponsorship from a UAE-registered employer.
Document Attestation Requirements
Pakistani educational documents require a specific attestation chain:
- Matriculation/Intermediate Certificates: IBCC → MOFA Pakistan → UAE Embassy
- Bachelor/Master/PhD Degrees: HEC → MOFA Pakistan → UAE Embassy
- Diploma Certificates (2-3 years): IBCC + Issuing Authority → MOFA Pakistan → UAE Embassy
- Short Courses/Skills Development: NAVTTC/NTB → MOFA Pakistan → UAE Embassy
- Medical/Nursing Certificates: Ministry of Health + Nursing Council → MOFA Pakistan → UAE Embassy
Family Sponsorship Visa
UAE residents can sponsor their immediate family members to obtain residence visas.
Sponsor Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
| Minimum Salary | AED 4,000/month OR AED 3,000 + employer-provided accommodation |
| Valid Residence | Active UAE residence permit |
| Housing | Registered tenancy contract in the sponsor’s name |
| Job Title | No longer a restriction (effective 2022) |
Eligible Family Members
- Spouse (marriage certificate required, attested and translated to Arabic)
- Unmarried daughters (any age)
- Sons (up to 25 years old)
- Sons of determination/special needs (no age restriction)
- Parents (both parents together, with a bank guarantee)
Golden Visa: Long-Term Residency
The Golden Visa program offers 5-10-year renewable residence permits without requiring a sponsor. Pakistani nationals who meet the eligibility criteria can apply.
Eligible Categories and Requirements
| Category | Duration | Key Requirements |
| Public Investors | 10 years | AED 2 million+ investment OR AED 250,000+ annual tax |
| Real Estate Investors | 5 years | Property valued AED 2 million+ (no loans) |
| Entrepreneurs | 5 years | Innovative project worth AED 500,000+ |
| Doctors | 10 years | MOH approval to practice medicine |
| Scientists | 10 years | UAE Council for Scientists recommendation |
| Executive Directors | 10 years | Attested degree, 5+ years exp, AED 50,000+ salary |
| Outstanding Students | 5-10 years | High school 95%+ OR university GPA 3.8+ |
UAE Visa Fees for Pakistani Citizens
| Visa Type | Duration | Approximate Fee (AED) |
| Tourist Visa | 30 days | 200 + 5% VAT |
| Tourist Visa | 60 days | 300 + 5% VAT |
| Visit Visa (Embassy) | 30 days | USD 60 |
| Transit Visa | 48 hours | Free |
| Transit Visa | 96 hours | 50 |
| Employment Visa | 2 years | 3,000 – 7,000 |
| Family Visa | 1-3 years | 1,500 – 3,000 |
| Student Visa | Academic year | 2,000 – 4,000 |
| Golden Visa | 5-10 years | ~10,400 |
Step-by-Step Application Process
For Tourist/Visit Visa
- Select Sponsor: Choose an airline, travel agency, or UAE resident sponsor
- Gather Documents: Passport, CNIC, photos, bank statements, tickets, hotel booking
- Submit Application: Through the sponsor’s portal or authorized agent
- Pay Fees: Online payment via card or bank transfer
- Await Approval: 3-7 working days for standard processing
- Receive E-Visa: Download and print the approved visa from your email
- Travel: Present your visa at the UAE immigration upon arrival
For Employment Visa
- Secure Job Offer: Obtain an employment contract from the UAE employer
- Document Attestation: Complete IBCC/HEC → MOFA → UAE Embassy chain
- Entry Permit: Employer applies through MoHRE/GDRFA
- Travel to the UAE: Enter on an approved Entry Permit
- Medical Test: Complete examination at an approved health center
- Emirates ID: Biometric enrollment at the ICP center
- Visa Stamping: GDRFA stamps a residence visa on the passport
Processing Times
| Visa Type | Standard Processing | Urgent Processing |
| Tourist Visa | 3-7 working days | 24-48 hours |
| Transit Visa | 1-3 working days | 24 hours |
| Employment Visa | 2-4 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Family Visa | 1-3 weeks | N/A |
| Student Visa | 2-4 weeks | N/A |
| Golden Visa | 2-6 weeks | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Pakistanis apply for a UAE visa online?
Tourist visas require an application through authorized sponsors. Employers apply for employment visas. Golden Visa-eligible individuals can apply through ICP Smart Services.
Is a visa-on-arrival available for Pakistani citizens?
No. Pakistani passport holders must obtain a pre-arranged visa before traveling to the UAE.
How long does the UAE work visa processing take?
Standard processing takes 2-4 weeks, depending on employer documentation and MoHRE clearance.
Can a tourist visa be converted to a work visa?
Yes, if you secure employment and your employer sponsors the status change.
Is health insurance mandatory?
Yes, health insurance is compulsory for all visa types effective 2025.
What is the minimum salary to sponsor a family?
AED 4,000/month OR AED 3,000/month plus employer-provided accommodation.
What is the overstay fine?
AED 50 per day initially. Extended overstays result in higher penalties and potential travel bans.
Can I extend my tourist visa?
Yes, 30-day visas can be extended twice (to 60 days, then 90 days) with an applicable fee.
Official Sources and Contact Information
UAE Government Portals
| Authority | Website | Purpose |
| ICP | icp.gov.ae | Golden Visa, Emirates ID, Policy |
| GDRFA Dubai | gdrfad.gov.ae | Dubai Visa Services |
| UAE Government Portal | u.ae | Comprehensive Visa Info |
| MoHRE | mohre.gov.ae | Employment Visa, Labor |
UAE Embassy in Pakistan
Address: Plot # 1-22, Quaid-e-Azam University Road, Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna G-5, Islamabad
Tel: +92-51-8842222
Email: islamabademb@mofaic.gov.ae
Emergency Contacts in the UAE
| Service | Number |
| Police | 999 |
| Ambulance | 998 |
| Civil Defence | 997 |
| ICP Hotline (Inside UAE) | 600522222 |
| ICP Hotline (Outside UAE) | +971-600522222 |
| Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. Visa regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements through official UAE government portals before applying. Visa fees, processing times, and requirements are subject to change. Last Updated: January, 2026 |
1 thought on “UAE Visa for Pakistani Citizens:”