The Pre-Hijrah Checklist: 60+ Essential Tasks Before Moving to Pakistan
Don't leave your relocation to chance. Follow this comprehensive checklist organized into 6 phases — from initial research to your first 30 days in Pakistan. Based on real experience helping 500+ families.
60+
Essential tasks
6
Organized phases
3-4
Months to plan
500+
Families helped
Your Complete Relocation Checklist
Work through each phase in order. Tick off tasks as you complete them. Don't skip phases — each one builds on the previous.
Phase 1: Research & Planning
3-4 months before move
- Book a relocation consultation with Welcome to Pakistan (£30/hour)
- Research cities and neighborhoods (Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Wah Cantt)
- Join WhatsApp community groups for expats in Pakistan
- Watch YouTube content about daily life in Pakistan
- Calculate your monthly budget using the cost of living calculator
- Decide on your move date considering weather (avoid May-July heat)
- Research schools if you have children
- Discuss the decision with all family members
- Check if you're eligible for NICOP (Pakistani heritage)
- Research Islamic banking options (Roshan Digital Account)
Phase 2: Documentation & Visa
6-8 weeks before move
- Apply for Pakistan e-Visa via visa.nadra.gov.pk (or NICOP if eligible)
- Ensure all passports have 6+ months validity
- Apply for children's visas/NICOP
- Apostille marriage certificate and children's birth certificates
- Gather children's school reports and transcripts
- Collect medical records and vaccination histories
- Get international driving permit (IDP) — valid for 1 year
- Update your will and consider power of attorney
- Notify your GP about your move and get prescription supplies
- Book travel insurance covering your move date
Phase 3: Housing & Logistics
4-8 weeks before move
- Shortlist 3-5 housing areas based on budget and safety
- Book a scouting trip to Pakistan (optional but recommended)
- Secure rental property (or arrange temporary accommodation first)
- Pay housing deposit and sign tenancy agreement
- Research and shortlist schools for children
- Submit school applications
- Book airport transfer for arrival day
- Arrange temporary accommodation for first 2-4 weeks
- Set up a mail forwarding service in the UK
- Notify UK council, HMRC, and DVLA of your move
Phase 4: Financial Setup
2-4 weeks before move
- Open a Roshan Digital Account online (Meezan, HBL, or UBL)
- Transfer initial funds to your Pakistani account
- Set up Wise or Remitly account for ongoing transfers
- Notify your UK bank about your move (some block overseas use)
- Get international health insurance (SafetyWing or similar)
- Set up a UK virtual mailbox for important documents
- Cancel UK subscriptions and services (gym, TV, etc.)
- Set up online access for all UK financial accounts
- Check tax implications with HMRC (Statutory Residence Test)
- Consider keeping a UK bank account for UK income
Phase 5: Packing & Shipping
2-6 weeks before move
- Get quotes from 3 shipping companies (sea freight recommended)
- Declutter — sell or donate items you won't need in Pakistan
- Pack essential items in separate luggage (carry-on)
- Ship non-essential items by sea freight (4-8 weeks transit)
- Pack a 'first night' box with essentials for arrival
- Label all boxes clearly with contents and destination address
- Take photos of valuable items for insurance purposes
- Back up all digital files to cloud storage
- Buy universal power adapters (Pakistan uses Type C and D)
- Pack modest clothing suitable for Pakistani climate and culture
Phase 6: Arrival & Settling
First 30 days
- Register with a private GP in your area
- Get a local SIM card (Jazz, Zong, or Telenor — biometric required)
- Complete school enrollment and attend orientation
- Set up utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet)
- Open a local bank account if you haven't via RDA
- Get a local driving license or convert your IDP
- Join local masjid and community WhatsApp groups
- Register with your embassy/consulate in Pakistan
- Explore your neighborhood — find nearest hospital, pharmacy, market
- Schedule a follow-up consultation to review your settling-in progress
Common Questions
What is a pre-Hijrah checklist?
A comprehensive list of tasks to complete before moving to Pakistan. It covers visa, housing, banking, healthcare, schooling, shipping, and arrival preparation across 6 phases and 60+ individual tasks.
How long before moving to Pakistan should I start preparing?
Start preparing 3-4 months before your planned move date. Visa processing takes 7-10 days, housing search 2-4 weeks, shipping 4-8 weeks, and school admissions 2-6 weeks.
What documents do I need before moving to Pakistan?
Essential documents: valid passport (6+ months), Pakistan visa or NICOP, birth certificates, marriage certificate, children's school records, medical records, bank statements, and proof of UK address.
How much money should I save before moving to Pakistan?
Save at least £3,000-£6,000 for initial relocation costs plus 3 months of living expenses (£3,600-£6,000) as a buffer. Total recommended savings: £6,600-£12,000.
Is this checklist free to use?
Yes, this pre-Hijrah checklist is completely free. You can view it online, print it, or email us for a PDF version. No sign-up required.
Can I get help completing this checklist?
Yes, Welcome to Pakistan offers consultations from £30/hour and structured Hijrah packages from £500-£5,000 that guide you through every step.
Need Personalised Guidance?
Book a 1-hour consultation with Farhan Ahmed for £30. He'll review your checklist, answer your specific questions, and help you create a personalised relocation timeline.