UAE Visa for Pakistani Citizens - Complete Guide 2026
The UAE is home to over 1.5 million Pakistanis, making it the largest Pakistani diaspora in the Gulf. Whether you are travelling for work, tourism, or joining family, this guide covers every UAE visa type.
Note: Pakistani citizens require a pre-arranged visa to enter the UAE. There is no visa on arrival for Pakistani passport holders (unlike some other nationalities).
UAE Visa Types at a Glance
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (approx) | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (30 days) | 30 days | AED 350-500 ($95-136) | Hotel, airline, or travel agent |
| Tourist Visa (60 days) | 60 days | AED 600-900 ($163-245) | Hotel, airline, or travel agent |
| Visit Visa (Family) | 30-90 days | AED 300-500 | UAE resident family member |
| Employment Visa | 2-3 years | Employer bears cost | UAE employer |
| Residence Visa | 1-3 years | AED 3,000-5,000 | Employer or sponsor |
| Golden Visa | 5-10 years | AED 2,800+ | Self-sponsored |
| Green Visa | 5 years | AED 2,800+ | Self-sponsored |
| Student Visa | 1 year (renewable) | Varies | UAE university |
Tourist Visa
Pakistani nationals need a pre-approved tourist visa before travelling to the UAE. Tourist visas can be arranged through:
- Airlines: Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia offer visa services for booked passengers
- Hotels: Major hotel chains can sponsor tourist visas for confirmed bookings
- Travel agents: Licensed UAE-based travel agencies
- UAE resident sponsor: A UAE resident can sponsor a family member's visit
Required Documents
- Passport (valid 6+ months, at least 2 blank pages)
- Passport-size photograph (white background)
- Confirmed flight booking
- Hotel booking or invitation from UAE resident
- Bank statement (showing sufficient funds)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
Employment Visa
The UAE employment visa is the most common route for Pakistanis moving to the UAE for work. The process is employer-driven.
Process
- Job offer: Receive a formal offer from a UAE employer
- Entry permit: Employer applies for your entry permit (pink visa) through MOHRE
- Arrival: Enter the UAE on the entry permit
- Medical test: Complete the UAE medical fitness test (blood test, chest X-ray)
- Emirates ID: Apply for Emirates ID (biometric enrollment)
- Residence visa: Visa stamped in passport (within 60 days of entry)
Key Points
- All costs typically borne by the employer
- Employment contract must comply with MOHRE standards
- 2-year or 3-year contract standard
- Labour card issued alongside residence visa
- Health insurance mandatory (provided by employer)
Warning: Never pay an agent or employer for a job in the UAE. Legitimate employers cover all visa and recruitment costs. Paying for a job is often a scam.
Golden Visa (5-10 Year Residency)
The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residency for high-value individuals without needing a traditional sponsor.
Eligible Categories
- Investors: AED 2 million+ property or business investment
- Entrepreneurs: Approved startup or business owners
- Specialised talent: Scientists, doctors, engineers, cultural figures
- Outstanding students: High-performing graduates from UAE or global universities
- Real estate investors: Property worth AED 2 million+ (can be mortgaged)
- Skilled professionals: Earning AED 30,000+/month in specialised fields
Benefits
- 5 or 10-year auto-renewable residency
- No sponsor required
- 100% business ownership
- Sponsor family members
- Extended stay outside UAE without visa cancellation
Family Visa / Dependant Visa
UAE residents can sponsor family members to join them in the UAE.
Sponsoring a Spouse
- Minimum salary: AED 4,000/month + accommodation, or AED 10,000/month total
- Attested marriage certificate (attested by MOFA Pakistan + UAE embassy)
- Sponsor's Emirates ID and residence visa copy
Sponsoring Children
- Sons: Up to 18 years (25 if studying)
- Daughters: Until marriage
- Birth certificate (attested)
Sponsoring Parents
- Minimum salary: AED 20,000/month or AED 19,000 + 2-bedroom accommodation
- 1-year renewable visa
- Refundable deposit of AED 5,000 per parent
Pakistan Mission in UAE
- Embassy Abu Dhabi: Sector W-59, Plot 1-4
- Consulate Dubai: Al Maktoum Road, Deira
- Emergency: +971-2-444-7800