Pakistan Family Visit Visa for Foreign Spouses and Pakistan-Origin Relatives: 5 Years, 1 Year Stay

Short answer: Pakistan missions abroad can grant a family visit visa valid for five years, with one year of stay per visit and multiple entries, to foreigners of Pakistan origin and their foreign spouses. The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGI&P) says it should be processed in 7 to 10 working days, and it can be extended each year inside Pakistan.

A British-Pakistani family that comes home every winter does not want to reapply every time. A foreign husband or wife who is not eligible for a Pakistan Origin Card still needs a way to live with the family for months at a stretch. This is that route.

We read DGI&P's visa categories page, which showed a last-modified date of 14 September 2026, and its visa policy page on 11 October 2026. We also read NADRA's fee page for the Pakistan Origin Card, the usual alternative.

The family visit visa is a five year, multiple entry visa for a defined group

DGI&P's page names two groups: foreigners of Pakistan origin and their foreign spouses. For them, Pakistan missions abroad are authorised to grant a visa with five years' validity, multiple entries and a one year stay each time.

The visa is applied for at the mission, not in Pakistan. DGI&P also states the general rule that a foreign national applies for a Pakistan visa from the country of origin or from the place of legal permanent residence. A third-country application is decided only by the head of the mission.

DGI&P's page does not define "foreigners of Pakistan origin" any further, so the mission decides eligibility on your papers.

Apply at the mission with proof of the family link

The page does not print a single form of documents for this visa. Its visa application section asks, for married applicants, for spouse details and, for a husband or wife of Pakistan origin, the marriage certificate and the birth certificates of children.

So bring proof of the link: your Pakistani-origin documents, the marriage certificate and your spouse's passport. The mission may ask for more. Treat what follows as a sensible checklist, not a published list.

1. Check the mission's website for the visa category and the application portal.
2. Complete the application form and attach photographs and passport copies.
3. Add proof of Pakistan origin, for example a parent's CNIC or your old passport.
4. Add the marriage certificate if a spouse is applying, and children's birth certificates.
5. Pay the visa fee set for your nationality and wait the 7 to 10 working days.
6. On arrival, check that the stamp shows multiple entry and the right validity.

The fee depends on nationality. DGI&P publishes a country-by-country fee table, so look yours up there. For example, the table lists a lower rate for Pakistan origin than for other British applicants.

Extension in Pakistan and the overstay charge

DGI&P says the family visit visa can be extended on a yearly basis in Pakistan. A separate line says extensions for foreigners of Pakistan origin, their spouses and dependent children (except Indian nationals) are for six months, inclusive of the initial period, with multiple entries.

These two statements differ. If you plan to stay beyond a year, ask the regional passport office which one it applies before the visa runs out.

The overstay surcharge for foreigners of Pakistan origin is lighter than for other foreigners. The page lists nothing up to 1 month, USD 40 above 1 month to 6 months, USD 80 above 6 months to 1 year and USD 200 a year beyond that. Children up to 12 years pay none, and up to 18 pay half.

A Pakistan Origin Card removes the renewals

A Pakistan Origin Card (POC) from NADRA lets a person of Pakistani origin and a foreign spouse live in Pakistan without a visa. NADRA lists a new POC at USD 150 on the normal 31 day track and says validity is seven years for ex-Pakistani and parent-based cards, and five years for spouse-based cards.

If you only visit for a few weeks a year, the five year visa costs less in paperwork than a card. If you live in Pakistan for most of the year, the card saves you from yearly extensions. Our page on the NICOP and Pakistan Origin Card sets out who is eligible.

A foreign wife who wants permanent status can apply for citizenship instead, as set out in citizenship for a foreign wife of a Pakistani on Form F. A general tourist is a different case, covered in the Pakistan e-visa for foreigners.

Common questions

Who can get a Pakistan family visit visa?

DGI&P lists foreigners of Pakistan origin and their foreign spouses. Missions abroad can grant it with five years' validity and multiple entries.

How long can I stay on a family visit visa?

One year per stay, according to DGI&P's page. It can be extended on a yearly basis in Pakistan, though another line mentions six month extensions.

How long does the family visit visa take?

DGI&P says the mission should process it within 7 to 10 working days.

Is a family visit visa better than a POC?

It depends on how long you stay. The POC costs more at the start but removes yearly extensions.

What if I overstay?

Nothing is due up to 1 month for foreigners of Pakistan origin. After that the surcharge is USD 40, then USD 80, then USD 200 a year.

Where do I register with the police?

DGI&P says foreigners directed at the airport register at the Foreigner Registration Branch in the District Police Officer's office.

How we verified this

What we checked, where we read it, and what we could not confirm.

Last checked on 11 October 2026. We read the DGI&P visa categories page (last modified 14 September 2026), its visa policy and fee pages, and NADRA's fee structure. We did not apply for a visa. The visa fee varies by nationality, so confirm it with the mission.