Imdad Portal

NICOP — Overseas Pakistani ID Card

The National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) is issued to Pakistani citizens living abroad and to dual nationals. It allows visa-free entry to Pakistan and serves as official identity for overseas citizens.

NADRA Varies by category (Normal / Urgent / Executive) and country. Confirm current timelines on Pak-ID; overseas delivery may take longer. Verified Guide

اہم معلومات (آسان اردو میں)

موجودہ صورت حالSTATUS
کیٹیگری/ملک کے مطابق (Normal/Urgent/Executive)
یہ سہولت/فوائد کیا ہے؟BENEFIT
  • NICOP بیرونِ ملک مقیم پاکستانیوں اور ڈوئل نیشنلز کے لیے شناختی کارڈ ہے۔
  • پاکستان میں ویزا فری انٹری اور بیرونِ ملک شہریوں کے لیے سرکاری شناخت فراہم کرتا ہے۔
  • فیس USD میں (ملک/زون کے مطابق)؛ پاکستان سے درخواست پر PKR میں۔
اہلیت کا معیارELIGIBILITY
  • بیرونِ ملک مقیم پاکستانی شہری یا ڈوئل نیشنل۔
  • NADRA ریکارڈ میں درست خاندانی اندراج ہو۔
ضروری دستاویزاتDOCUMENTS
  • پرانا شناختی کارڈ/NICOP یا ب-فارم (پہلی بار)
  • پاسپورٹ کی کاپی
  • تصاویر اور پتے کا ثبوت (حسبِ ضرورت)
درخواست کا طریقہHOW TO APPLY
  1. Pak-ID پورٹل (id.nadra.gov.pk)/ایپ سے یا قریبی پاکستانی مشن سے درخواست دیں۔
  2. کیٹیگری (Normal/Urgent/Executive) منتخب کریں۔
  3. دستاویزات اپ لوڈ/جمع کریں اور بائیومیٹرک مکمل کریں۔
  4. فیس ادا کریں۔
  5. کارڈ کورئیر سے وصول کریں یا Pak-ID سے ٹریک کریں۔

Service Overview

Your Identity Link to Pakistan

The National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) is issued to Pakistani citizens living abroad and to dual nationals. It is your official identity document overseas and your gateway to visa-free travel to Pakistan.

Key Benefits

  • Visa-free entry to Pakistan
  • Recognised proof of identity for overseas Pakistanis
  • Helps with property, banking and inheritance matters in Pakistan
  • Available to dual nationals holding Pakistani citizenship

Good to Know

  • A NICOP is usually valid for 10 years.
  • An expired NICOP does not allow visa-free entry — renew before travel.
  • NICOP is for Pakistani citizens; foreign nationals of Pakistani origin need a POC.
  • You can apply online through Pak-ID or at a Pakistani mission abroad.

What this means for you

NICOP is the identity card for Pakistani citizens living abroad and for dual nationals. It serves as your Pakistani identity and allows visa-free entry to Pakistan. It is now handled online through NADRA’s PakID app and id.nadra.gov.pk (consulates no longer process NICOP directly), and the card is couriered to your address abroad.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Travelling on an expired NICOP. An expired NICOP does not give visa-free entry — renew it before you travel.
  • Confusing NICOP with POC. NICOP is for Pakistani citizens; a foreign national of Pakistani origin needs a POC instead.
  • Expecting instant delivery. Overseas printing and courier can take longer, so apply well before you need the card.

How to make sure you are on the official channel

Apply only through NADRA — the PakID app, id.nadra.gov.pk, or the official facilitation at a Pakistani embassy/consulate. NADRA never asks for your password or OTP by phone or message.

Official source: NADRA — nadra.gov.pk  |  Apply: id.nadra.gov.pk
Last verified: August 11, 2026. NICOP fees are charged in USD abroad and vary by country — confirm current fees and timelines on the official portal.
Related services: CNIC · POC · FRC · Passport
اہم معلومات (آسان اردو میں)

NICOP بیرون ملک مقیم پاکستانیوں اور دوہری شہریت والوں کے لیے ہے اور پاکستان میں ویزہ-فری داخلے کی اجازت دیتا ہے۔ اب PakID/id.nadra.gov.pk سے بنتا ہے؛ سفر سے پہلے تجدید کروائیں۔

Eligibility Criteria

Pakistani citizen residing abroad, or a dual national holding Pakistani citizenship.
Applicant must already be registered with NADRA (CNIC or CRC record).
Minors are registered on a CRC and may be issued a Smart NICOP for minors.
Citizenship is the deciding factor — Pakistani citizens use NICOP, while foreign nationals of Pakistani origin use a POC.

Required Documents

Existing CNIC or B-Form (CRC) number; old NICOP for renewals
Valid foreign passport or proof of residence abroad (where applicable)
Recent photograph as per NADRA specification (for online applications)
Supporting documents for any data change

How to Apply — Step by Step

1

Apply online via the Pak-ID portal / app (id.nadra.gov.pk), at a Pakistani embassy / consulate, or at an NRC in Pakistan.

2

Select the NICOP category (New / Renewal / Modification / Duplicate).

3

Enter your CNIC / CRC number and personal details, and upload documents and photograph.

4

Complete identity verification (biometrics where required).

5

Pay the applicable fee (USD abroad / PKR within Pakistan).

6

Track via SMS to 8400, the NADRA helpline or Pak-ID.

7

The Smart NICOP is couriered to your address or collected at an NRC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pakistani citizens living abroad and dual nationals who hold Pakistani citizenship.
Yes. NICOP holders can travel to Pakistan without a visa.
NICOP is for Pakistani citizens living abroad; POC is for foreign nationals of Pakistani origin. Citizenship status is the deciding factor.
Usually 10 years, though validity can vary with the applicant’s age and category.
No. Renew it before travelling, as airlines may deny boarding on an expired card.
No. An expired NICOP does not provide visa-free entry. Renew your NICOP before travelling to Pakistan.

Important Notes

An expired NICOP does not allow visa-free entry — renew it before travel.
NICOP is for Pakistani citizens abroad; foreign nationals of Pakistani origin need a POC.
Fees are charged in USD abroad and vary by country — confirm on Pak-ID.

Related Services

Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
NADRA Offices Guide
Name Correction