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UAE · Visit visa

UAE Business Visit Visa from Pakistan

Pakistani passport holders need a UAE visa arranged before they travel for business. Most business visitors are sponsored by the UAE company they are visiting, an event organiser, or a licensed travel agent, airline or hotel, and visas are issued through ICP or, in Dubai, the GDRFA. Investors and entrepreneurs exploring opportunities can apply for a business exploration visit visa that needs no sponsor but has extra conditions.

Last reviewed 8 October 2026

At a glance

Official name
Visit visa, including the events visit visa and the visit visa to explore business opportunities
Issued by
ICP (federal) and, for Dubai, the GDRFA
Sponsor
Usually the UAE host company, event organiser, licensed agent, airline or hotel
No-sponsor option
Visit visa to explore business or investment opportunities, with extra conditions
Entries and validity
Depend on the visa type chosen. Check the visa before you book
Work allowed
No. Employment needs a work permit and employment visa

Who this is for

  • Traders and managers meeting UAE buyers, suppliers or partners
  • Exhibitors and visitors at trade shows, conferences and similar events
  • Investors and entrepreneurs exploring whether to set up a company in the UAE
  • Staff of Pakistani companies visiting a group company or client in a free zone or on the mainland

When another route fits better

  • You will take up a job or work on a project in the UAE: your employer must arrange a work permit and employment visa.
  • You are moving to the UAE to run your own company: look at the investor, partner or Green visa residence routes.

Documents to prepare

Everyone

  • Passport with the validity the visa type requires, and a clear colour scan of the photo page
  • Recent colour photograph meeting UAE specifications
  • Copy of your CNIC
  • Return ticket and hotel booking, or your host's accommodation details
  • Recent personal bank statements
  • Copies of any previous UAE visas

Business evidence

  • Invitation letter from the UAE company or event organiser, with a copy of its trade licence
  • Letter from your Pakistani employer, or your own company's SECP registration, NTN certificate and chamber membership
  • Company profile and business card
  • For the business exploration visa: proof of financial capability, an existing business abroad or professional standing in the field
  • For the business exploration visa: attested copy of your qualification certificate

Step by step

  1. 1

    Agree the visa route with your host

    Ask your host which category they will apply under: a sponsored visit visa, an events visit visa for an exhibition or conference, or whether you should apply for the business exploration visa yourself.

  2. 2

    Send your documents to the sponsor

    For sponsored visas, your host or a licensed agent applies through the ICP or GDRFA channels. Send clear scans that match your passport exactly.

  3. 3

    Apply yourself for the exploration visa

    If you are exploring business opportunities without a sponsor, apply through the ICP or GDRFA Dubai smart services and pay the fees and any financial security deposit.

  4. 4

    Receive and check the e-visa

    The visa is usually sent electronically. Check your name, passport number, visa type and validity before you book flights.

  5. 5

    Travel and stay within the visa

    Carry the printed visa, return ticket and hotel booking. Leave or extend through official channels before the permitted stay ends.

Costs to plan for

  • The visa fee, which depends on the type and length of visa. Check the current fee with ICP or the GDRFA
  • A financial security deposit or guarantee for some visa types, including the exploration visa
  • Service charges from the sponsor, agent or typing centre
  • Health insurance, where the visa type requires it
  • Flights and accommodation

Why applications get refused

  • Unclear passport scans or photos that do not meet the specifications
  • Problems with the sponsoring company's licence or standing
  • Previous overstays, absconding reports or entry bans in the UAE
  • Incomplete or inconsistent details between the application and your passport
  • Applying for a visa type that does not match the real purpose of the trip
  • Not meeting the extra conditions of the business exploration visa

Tips before you apply

  • Ask your host in writing which visa category they are using and who pays.
  • Do not work on a visit visa. Breaches can lead to fines and bans on future entry.
  • Keep a copy of your host's trade licence and invitation in your hand luggage.
  • Check whether the visa is single or multiple entry before planning onward trips from the UAE.

Questions people ask

Pakistani passport holders generally need a visa issued before they travel. Some nationalities get visas on arrival, so check ICP's website for your passport and circumstances.

Most visit visas need a sponsor or host in the UAE. The visit visa to explore business or investment opportunities is the main exception, and it has its own conditions on finances, existing business or professional standing.

The UAE has an events visit visa for festivals, exhibitions, conferences and similar events. The host must be a public or private sector entity, with a letter giving the event details and duration. Ask the organiser whether they sponsor visas.

Visas sponsored in Dubai go through the GDRFA, while other emirates use ICP. The visa categories are similar, but check the authority your sponsor uses.

No. Working needs a work permit and an employment visa arranged by your employer.

Official sources

Fees, fund requirements and processing times change. Check the current figures on the official site before you apply.

Last reviewed 8 October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. VisaWala is not affiliated with any embassy or government, and only the issuing authority decides a visa application.