This article is reviewed regularly (on a monthly basis) by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.

Updated February 2023

The National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) is a centralised identity card available to overseas Pakistanis. While it is not mandatory to have one, NICOP holders will be able to enjoy several benefits available to Pakistani residents despite living abroad.

Here’s all you need to know about NICOP, the perks and how to apply for one.

Table of Contents

What is NICOP?

The National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or the Smart NICOP is a registration document issued to an eligible citizen of Pakistan who lives or has reference abroad. NICOP cards are valid for 10 Years. This card is an identification document usable in place of the Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) available to Pakistani residents.

The CNIC and NICOP both are national ID cards. The citizen number or Nadra ID number for both cards is the same for an individual. Also, note that Smart ID Card or Smart NICOP has the only difference of microchip on it. So there is nothing to get confused between NICOP and Smart NICOP.

What can the NICOP be used for?

With NICOP, you will be able to enjoy:

Visa-free entry into Pakistan on a foreign passport
Protection of rights that all Pakistanis enjoy
Full recognition as a regular Pakistani citizen
Access to open bank account in Pakistan
Access to apply for Machine Readable Passport (MRP)
Proof of Pakistan citizenship
Permission to buy and sell property in Pakistan

Who can apply for NICOP?

Only Pakistanis residing abroad will be able to apply for NICOP. Any Pakistani will be considered an overseas Pakistani who shall fulfil any one of the following requirements:-

Having a valid visa of a foreign country (on Pakistani passport) with validity, not less than 6 months;
Having a foreign passport of dual nationality country from the following countries: United Kingdom, France, Italy, Belgium, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Finland, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Switzerland, Netherland, United States of America, Sweden, Ireland, Bahrain, Denmark & Germany (specific group of only children born from Pakistani parent and grown up in Germany);
Having Indefinite Stay Card/Residence Permit card/Green Card/Sojourn/Resident Card or Similar card issued by country of residence.

What are the required documents?

For minors registering for the first time (age up to 18 years):

Detailed birth certificate (having both parents names) or S-1 Form issued by the Pak Mission or Citizenship Certificate or Pakistani passport (valid/expired).
Foreign/Pakistani passport/Resident card/PR card/Travel Document (3 years exemption of passport for minor born abroad.)
Colour scanned image of CNIC/NICOP of parent/Sibling (not minor)/Grandparents

Applicants 18+, registering for the first time:

Detailed birth certificate; or A/O level certificate; or Matric Certificate; or Manual National Identity Card (MNIC); or Domicile/Citizenship Certificate; or any passport as birth and parentage proof (if Pakistani Passport invalid/expired, it may be taken as birth/nationality proof)
Colour scanned image of CNIC/NICOP of parents/immediate blood relative (immediate blood relative means: sibling/paternal or maternal grandparents) or Undertaking with two witnesses along with scanned images of CNIC/NICOP, Foreign passport/Resident Card of witnesses.
Pakistani/foreign passport; or Resident Permit; or Work Permit; or PR card; or Sojourn; or Travel document; or undertaking dully verified by 2 x witnesses.
If married: Nikkah nama; or marriage certificate; or Affidavit attested by Pak Mission/notarized by local attorney.

Click here to find the complete required documents while applying for NICOP.

NICOP application procedure

You can apply for your NICOP by either visiting NADRA Registration Center (NRC) or through the Pak Identity website.

If you already possess a 13-digit NADRA ID number, you can get your ID card converted to a NICOP. In case you do not possess the 13-digit ID number from NADRA, you will be getting your new NICOP as the first identity document.

Applying through NADRA Registration Center (NRC)

You can apply for NICOP by going to the nearest NADRA Registration Center (NRC).

Following are the steps which you will be following at the NRC:

You will be issued a token
Your photograph will be captured
Your fingerprints and signature will be taken
Your required data entry will be done and form will be printed to be reviewed by yourself
You will be handed over a printed version of your application form.

Once the form is printed and given to you, please submit the form to the concerned NRC after you have gotten it attested by a gazetted officer. In case any of your blood relatives (father/mother/brother/sister/son/daughter) is available at the time of application at the NRC, their biometrics can be captured, and as a result, attestation of the form is not required.

Applying through Pak Identity website

You can apply for your Smart National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (SNICOP) by visiting Pak Identity website and having it delivered to your doorstep.

All you have to do is register yourself on the website first, submit the necessary documents and wait for your identity card to be processed.

When will I receive my NICOP card?

The processing period for both NICOP and SNICOP vary according to the type of application:

Normal: 6 weeks
Urgent: 4 weeks
Executive: 2 weeks

How much is the application fee?

The application fees when you are applying from countries classified as “Zone A” are:

For NICOP:

Normal: 36 USD
Urgent: 54 USD
Executive: 72 USD

For SNICOP:

Normal: 39 USD
Urgent: 57 USD
Executive: 75 USD

The fees while applying for a new NICOP when applying from countries classified as “Zone B” are:

For NICOP:

Normal: 17 USD
Urgent: 27 USD
Executive: 37 USD

For SNICOP:

Normal: 20 USD
Urgent: 30 USD
Executive: 40 USD

How can I track my NICOP application?

In addition to the automated updates that you will receive on your registered mobile number or email ID, you can also track your application by texting your Application Tracking ID to “8400”, if you are applying from Pakistan.

You will be notified when:

Your application has been submitted,
Your card is sent for printing and approved,
The NICOP card has been dispatched.

Overseas applicants can check the status of their application by logging in with their registered account at the Pak-Identity Website.

NICOP biometric verification

The NADRA in Pakistan has introduced a new system for online identification verification, which allows consular officers to verify the identities of citizens living outside the country for power-of-attorney purposes. This system will allow the more than 9 million Pakistani citizens living abroad to upload scanned copies of their documents and photos and undergo biometric verification using the registration authority’s online Pak-ID service.

NICOP renewal process

The renewal process for NICOP is similar to that of applying for a new one. You can submit a request for the renewal for your NICOP by either visiting NADRA Registration Center (NRC) or through the Pak Identity website.

What are the required documents?

It is mandatory to submit details of the original NICOP card. As part of the process to renew your NICOP, you must upload you photograph and fingerprints and provide the details of an attester/verifier.

Additionally, while applying from the following dual nation countries which are: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Egypt, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Netherland (Holland), New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, United Kingdom, United State of America, Bahrain, Finland, Denmark, Germany and Norway, you have the option to either submit a foreign or Pakistani passport.

In the absence of which you can turn in an undertaking filled and attested by Pak Mission.

If you are applying from single national country other than the government recognised dual countries, you will have to submit a Pakistani passport or if it is not available, then Undertaking (by the name NICOP without passport) duly filled and attested by two witnesses is required.