Pakistan's Long-Term Residency (LTR) is the country's first formal residency-by-investment scheme, established under the Foreigners (Long Term Residency) Order, 2025. It is administered by the Board of Investment (BOI) under the Prime Minister's Office, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, and grants foreign investors and their families residency for 5, 7, or 10 years. The programme targets high-net-worth global investors who want to deploy capital in Pakistan's priority sectors: IT and technology, renewable energy, export-led manufacturing, agriculture, and industrial development including Special Economic Zones (SEZs). NADRA issues the Long Term Resident Card upon approval. The LTR does not grant nationality or citizenship.
Note: the scheme is approved and announced but not yet fully operational. As of mid-2026 the BOI's LTR Digital Portal — the intended channel for applications, document submission, and compliance — had not gone live, with the official page still stating it "will go live soon." Detailed application guidelines and timelines are expected to be published there once it launches.
In addition to the minimum investment, applicants pay a programme fee based on the chosen residency duration:
Foreign nationals from 180+ countries are eligible. The programme excludes nationals of countries not recognised by Pakistan, enemy aliens, individuals affiliated with proscribed organisations, and persons on sanctions lists.
The full document list has not yet been published — it will be specified through the BOI's LTR Digital Portal once it is operational. The core requirement is proof of investment made through authorised banking channels, alongside standard identity and travel documents and the security clearance documentation required by the Ministry of Interior.
The LTR is issued for 5, 7, or 10 years. After the initial term expires it is renewable annually at USD 50,000 per year, provided the investment is maintained and annual compliance declarations are filed. There is no fixed cap on renewals.
The main applicant may include up to 7 dependants — spouse, children under 25, and parents — at no additional cost beyond the programme fee. Each additional dependant beyond 7 requires a separate payment of USD 50,000. Dependants receive the same residency rights and duration as the primary holder.
LTR holders must register with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) within 4 weeks of approval. Non-residents present for fewer than 183 days per tax year are taxed only on Pakistan-source income, while residents are subject to progressive personal income tax. The LTR confers no special tax-exempt status. Pakistan has double taxation treaties with over 60 countries.
Applications are to be submitted through the BOI's LTR Digital Portal at invest.gov.pk. BOI coordinates with the Ministry of Interior and security agencies to complete background clearances, expected within 4 to 6 weeks. Upon approval, NADRA issues the Long Term Resident Card. As noted above, the digital portal is not yet live, so online applications cannot currently be filed.
Once approved, LTR holders may establish businesses and enter partnerships, lease or acquire land for approved projects, invest in Special Economic Zones, and reside in Pakistan for the approved duration. Holders are prohibited from engaging in political activity in Pakistan and must file annual declarations confirming the investment is retained. The LTR may be cancelled if the investment is not materialised within one year, if it is not maintained, if Pakistani laws are violated, or if security concerns arise.