🛂 UAE Work Visa for Pakistani Citizens (2026)
Eligibility, documents and process — plus a free fee calculator on the main /visa page.
Quick answer
Pakistani passport holders are eligible for UAE visa-on-arrival only with a valid US, UK, EU, Australian, or Canadian visa or residence permit. Otherwise a pre-arranged Work Visa is required, obtainable through an airline, licensed travel agency, or UAE-based sponsor.
Eligibility for Pakistani passport holders
Visa-on-arrival is available only to Pakistani passport holders carrying a valid US, UK, EU, Australian, or Canadian visa or residence permit. Standard Pakistani passport holders require a pre-arranged visa.
Pakistan hosts one of the UAE's largest expatriate communities.
About the UAE Work Visa
Employer-sponsored residence visa that lets the holder live and work in the UAE for the duration of their employment contract.
Typical documents
- Passport copy with at least 6 months validity
- Attested educational certificates (degree, diploma)
- Signed employment contract from a UAE-based employer
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Medical fitness test
- Emirates ID application
- Health insurance (typically employer-provided)
- Work permit or entry permit issued by MOHRE or the relevant free zone authority
How Pakistani citizens typically apply
Applications for Pakistani passport holders are typically routed through the following authorized channels:
- Licensed Pakistani travel agencies
- Emirates Airlines
- flydubai
- UAE-based PRO services
Nearest UAE diplomatic mission: Islamabad (Embassy); Karachi (Consulate).
Notes specific to Pakistani applicants
- Applicants are typically asked to provide a Pakistani national identity card (CNIC) in addition to the passport.
- A confirmed return ticket and a verifiable residential address in Pakistan are standard requirements.
- Work and residence visa processing involves additional sponsor / employer verification steps.
Common rejection reasons
- Failed medical fitness test
- Unattested educational certificates
- Employer not in good standing with MOHRE
- Previous absconding or labour case record
- Mismatched job title vs. qualifications
Process notes
- UAE law requires the EMPLOYER to cover all work-visa costs, including renewals. Employees should not be asked to pay these out of pocket.
- Free zone employment visas typically cost less than mainland employment visas.
- For an estimate of current fees, use the calculator on the main UAE Visa page.
Get current fees and currency conversion
Visa fees change periodically and are quoted in AED. Use these free tools to estimate costs in your currency:
Planning the move itself?
FAQ
Visa-on-arrival is available only to Pakistani passport holders carrying a valid US, UK, EU, Australian, or Canadian visa or residence permit. Standard Pakistani passport holders require a pre-arranged visa.
Employer-sponsored residence visa that lets the holder live and work in the UAE for the duration of their employment contract.
A UAE Work Visa is typically valid for Typically 2 years; tied to the employment contract. It can be extended subject to current rules.
Typical documents include: Passport copy with at least 6 months validity; Attested educational certificates (degree, diploma); Signed employment contract from a UAE-based employer; Recent passport-size photographs. Specific requirements may vary by sponsor and emirate.
Fees vary by visa duration, sponsor, and processing speed. For an up-to-date estimate, use the free UAE Visa Fee Calculator on the main /visa page.