UAE Visa from Pakistan — All Types Explained
Last updated: October 2026 · 9 minute read
The UAE is one of the most-visited destinations for Pakistani travelers — for tourism, business, employment, Umrah transits, and family visits. This guide explains every visa type available to Pakistani passport holders in 2026.
Pakistanis Do Not Get Visa on Arrival
Despite the UAE's reputation for easy tourism, Pakistani passport holders must have a visa arranged before arrival. Arriving without one results in denied boarding at the Pakistani airport.
Tourist Visa (Short Stay)
30-Day Single Entry
- Allows one entry, stay up to 30 days
- Can be extended once for 30 more days (fees apply)
- Fee: approximately $90 USD
- Processing: 3–5 working days
60-Day Single Entry
- Longer tourist visa for extended visits
- Fee: approximately $180 USD
- Suitable for family visits or extended holidays
Multiple Entry (90-Day Validity)
- Allows multiple entries within 90 days
- Each stay up to 60 days
- Good for business travelers with multiple trips
5-Year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
Introduced for better connectivity. Allows multiple visits over 5 years, each stay up to 90 days (extendable by another 90 days once). Fee approximately $190 USD. Available to Pakistani applicants meeting financial criteria.
How to Apply
Through an Airline
Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia all offer visa sponsorship when you book a return ticket on their airline. Fastest and most common route for Pakistanis.
Through a Hotel
Many UAE hotels sponsor tourist visas when you book a stay with them. Convenient package deals through platforms like Dnata, Al Khoory, Holiday Factory.
Through UAE-Based Sponsor
If you have a UAE resident family member or friend (with Emirates ID), they can sponsor your visit visa through ICP or GDRFA portals.
Direct Online Application
Via smartservices.icp.gov.ae (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security). Requires sponsor information or visa agent registration.
Documents Needed
- Passport scan (color, valid 6+ months)
- Recent photograph (white background, passport style)
- Confirmed return flight ticket
- Hotel booking confirmation or sponsor's UAE address
- Bank statement showing financial capacity
- Employment letter or business documents
Visit Visa (Family-Sponsored)
A UAE resident (family member or friend) with Emirates ID can sponsor your visit:
- 30 days or 90 days validity
- Sponsor must earn minimum salary (varies by relationship)
- Sponsor applies via ICP smart services or GDRFA Dubai
Transit Visa
If connecting through UAE to another destination with over 8 hours between flights, you can get:
- 48-hour transit visa: free (airline-arranged)
- 96-hour transit visa: small fee, allows city visit
Employment Visa
To work in the UAE, you need an employer-sponsored employment visa. Process:
- UAE employer applies for your Work Permit via MOHRE
- Pink entry permit issued — you enter UAE on this
- Medical fitness test in UAE
- Emirates ID application
- Residence visa stamping in passport
Valid for 2 years, renewable. Your employer handles most of the process. You attest documents (education certificates) in Pakistan before travel.
Golden Visa (10 Years)
The UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable residence for exceptional categories:
- Investors: property worth AED 2M+ or capital of AED 2M+
- Entrepreneurs: project owners valued at AED 500K+
- Specialised talents: doctors, scientists, inventors, academics
- Outstanding students: top-ranking high school or university graduates
- Humanitarian pioneers
- Highest income earners: monthly salary AED 30,000+ in specific sectors
Golden Visa benefits:
- No employer sponsor needed
- Family inclusion (spouse, children, parents)
- Multiple-entry, no "6-month rule" for absence
- Right to work in any UAE company
Student Visa
For enrollment at a UAE university or school. Sponsored by the educational institution. Typical duration: 1 year, renewable annually until course completion.
Family Residence Visa
UAE residents (employees or Golden Visa holders) can sponsor spouse, children, and parents for residence. Minimum salary requirements:
- To sponsor family: typically AED 4,000+ monthly salary with housing, or AED 5,000+ without
- Marriage certificate attested from Pakistan Foreign Office
- Children's birth certificates attested
Dubai vs Abu Dhabi vs Other Emirates
UAE visas issued in one Emirate are valid for the entire country. However:
- Dubai visas processed via GDRFA Dubai
- Abu Dhabi and other Emirates via ICP (Federal Authority)
- Processing times and specific requirements vary slightly
After Arrival
- No separate entry stamp at airport — your e-visa is scanned on arrival
- Keep digital and printed copy during stay
- Overstay fines: AED 50 per day of overstay