NICOP Card Pakistan — Apply Online, Fees by Zone, Visa-Free Entry & Complete 2026 Guide

The National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) is issued by NADRA to Pakistani citizens living abroad, including dual nationals. It provides visa-free entry to Pakistan, full property and inheritance rights, banking access including Roshan Digital Accounts, and voting rights from abroad. NADRA now issues Smart NICOP with embedded microchip. Apply 100% online at id.nadra.gov.pk, most consulates have transitioned NICOP services to the online portal. Fees: Zone A (USA, UK, Europe, Canada, Australia) USD 39/57/75. Zone B (Middle East, Africa) USD 20/30/40. Processing: 31 days (normal), 23 days (urgent), 9 days (executive).

What is NICOP Card?

The National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) is an identity document issued by NADRA under Section 12 of the NADRA Ordinance, 2000 to Pakistani citizens residing abroad. It is the overseas equivalent of the domestic CNIC.

Unlike the CNIC (which is for citizens living in Pakistan), the NICOP is specifically designed for Pakistanis who live, work, or study outside Pakistan including those who hold dual nationality with countries recognized by the Government of Pakistan.

What NICOP Actually Gives You — Complete Rights

Right	Details
Visa-free entry to Pakistan	Enter Pakistan without a visa on your foreign passport. Present NICOP at immigration. No appointment, no fee, no separate visa application.
Property ownership	Full rights to buy, sell, own, and inherit property in Pakistan. Same legal standing as CNIC holders.
Inheritance claims	Full inheritance rights under Pakistani law. Can claim inheritance without physical court appearance in some cases.
Banking and Roshan Digital Account	Open bank accounts in Pakistan. Eligible for Roshan Digital Account (RDA), the overseas Pakistani banking product offering PKR, USD, GBP, and EUR accounts.
Voting rights from abroad	Register as an overseas voter and vote in Pakistani elections from abroad through the Election Commission’s i-Voting system.
Passport renewal	Use NICOP as identity proof when renewing Pakistani passport at embassies/consulates abroad.
SIM registration in Pakistan	Register a Pakistani SIM card using NICOP during visits to Pakistan.
Government services	Access NADRA services (FRC, birth/death certificates, family tree) from abroad via Pak-ID portal.
Children’s registration	Register children born abroad with NADRA and apply for their CRC, Juvenile Card, or NICOP.

NICOP provides overseas Pakistanis with visa-free entry to Pakistan, full property and inheritance rights, banking access including Roshan Digital Accounts, voting rights from abroad, and the ability to register children born overseas with NADRA.

Three Types of NICOP

Type	Description	Status
Standard NICOP (Teslin)	Original laminated card. No chip.	No longer issued for new applications. Existing cards remain valid until expiry.
Smart NICOP	Polycarbonate card with embedded microchip, NFC, machine-readable zone, and enhanced security features.	Current standard — all new NICOPs are Smart NICOPs.
NICOP with QR Code	Newer version with machine-readable QR code for instant digital verification.	Being rolled out alongside Smart NICOP.

Key point: All new NICOP applications now receive a Smart NICOP. The standard Teslin-based NICOP is no longer issued. If you are renewing an old Teslin NICOP, you will automatically receive a Smart NICOP replacement.

NICOP vs CNIC vs POC — Which Do You Need?

Feature	NICOP	CNIC	POC
For Whom	Pakistani citizens living abroad (including dual nationals)	Pakistani citizens living in Pakistan	Ex-Pakistani citizens and foreign spouses of Pakistanis
Visa-Free Pakistan Entry	Yes	N/A (resident in Pakistan)	Yes
Property Rights	Full rights	Full rights	Limited
Inheritance	Full rights	Full rights	Limited
Banking / RDA	Yes (Roshan Digital Account eligible)	Yes	Yes (limited)
Voting	Yes (overseas voting)	Yes	No
Apply From Abroad	Yes — fully online or at embassy	No — Pakistan only	Yes — fully online or at embassy
Normal Fee	USD 20–39 (by zone)	Free (new) / Rs 400–750	USD 150
Processing Time (Normal)	31 days	15–31 days	31 days
Validity	10 years (adults)	10 years	5–7 years

Rule of thumb: If you are a Pakistani citizen living abroad → NICOP. If you are living in Pakistan → CNIC. If you surrendered Pakistani nationality and now hold foreign citizenship only → POC.

Who Is Eligible for NICOP?

NICOP is issued to Pakistani citizens who meet any of the following conditions:

• Pakistani citizens living or working outside Pakistan — including those on work visas, permanent residency, or long-term study

• Pakistani citizens holding dual nationality of a country recognized by the Government of Pakistan (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, EU states, and others)

• Pakistani citizens intending to stay abroad for an extended period who require proof of identity and nationality

• Children of Pakistani citizens born abroad who are eligible to be registered as Pakistani citizens

Not eligible: Individuals who have formally renounced Pakistani citizenship. They should apply for a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) instead.

NICOP Fee Structure by Zone (2026 Official NADRA Rates)

Source: NADRA official fee structure, nadra.gov.pk, September 2026.

Zone A — USA, UK, Europe, Canada, Australia (USD)

Application Type	Normal (Fee / Days)	Urgent (Fee / Days)	Executive (Fee / Days)
New Smart NICOP	USD 39 / 31 days	USD 57 / 23 days	USD 75 / 9 days
NICOP Renewal	USD 39 / 31 days	USD 57 / 23 days	USD 75 / 9 days
NICOP Modification	USD 39 / 31 days	USD 57 / 23 days	USD 75 / 9 days
NICOP Duplicate (lost)	USD 39 / 31 days	USD 57 / 23 days	USD 75 / 9 days
NICOP Cancellation (death)	USD 0 / 1 day	—	—

Zone B — Middle East, Africa (USD)

Application Type	Normal (Fee / Days)	Urgent (Fee / Days)	Executive (Fee / Days)
New Smart NICOP	USD 20 / 31 days	USD 30 / 23 days	USD 40 / 9 days
NICOP Renewal	USD 20 / 31 days	USD 30 / 23 days	USD 40 / 9 days
NICOP Modification	USD 20 / 31 days	USD 30 / 23 days	USD 40 / 9 days
NICOP Duplicate (lost)	USD 20 / 31 days	USD 30 / 23 days	USD 140 / 9 days
NICOP Cancellation (death)	USD 0 / 1 day	—	—
Cancellation (nationality surrender)	—	—	USD 15 / 2 days

Applying From Inside Pakistan (PKR — visiting applicants)

Application Type	Normal	Urgent	Executive
Any NICOP service	Rs 5,563 / 31 days	Rs 8,346 / 23 days	Rs 11,128 / 9 days

Other NICOP Fees

Service	Fee	Timeline
Updating Non-Printable Fields (PakID app)	USD 5	2 days
Updating Non-Printable Fields (NRC)	Rs 100	2 days
Delivery abroad	Varies by country	Varies
Delivery within Pakistan	Rs 165	Varies

Important: Processing timeline starts after fee payment. Fee is charged in PKR after applicable currency conversion when paying through PakID app. Some embassies may charge an additional consular service fee (USD 10–20 equivalent) for in-person applications.

How to Apply for NICOP Online (Step by Step)

App: Pak Identity (PakID) — Google Play and App Store

Most Pakistani consulates have transitioned NICOP services entirely to the online Pak Identity system. The online route is the fastest and avoids embassy appointment delays.

Step 1: Register on Pak Identity.

Visit id.nadra.gov.pk or download the PakID app. Click ‘Register’. Enter your 13-digit CNIC or existing NICOP number and mobile number. Verify via OTP. Set a password.

Step 2: Select your service.

Choose: New NICOP, Renewal, Modification, or Duplicate. For first-time applicants who have never held any NADRA identity card, the process may require an embassy visit for initial biometric capture.

Step 3: Fill in personal details.

Full name, father’s name, date of birth, country of residence, foreign address, Pakistani permanent address, family details. All fields must match your existing NADRA records exactly.

Step 4: Upload documents.

Required: valid Pakistani or foreign passport copy, residence permit or travel document (if applicable). For first-time from abroad: foreign birth certificate or S-1 form, parent’s CNIC/NICOP. Undertaking ‘A’ attested by embassy if no passport available.

Step 5: Identity verification.

For renewals/modifications where biometrics already exist: online verification through the portal. For first-time applicants or cases requiring fresh biometrics: visit the nearest Pakistani embassy/consulate for biometric capture.

Step 6: Review and submit.

Verify all information before submission. Once submitted, the application enters NADRA’s review queue.

Step 7: Pay the fee.

Pay via international credit/debit card (Visa/Mastercard) through the Pak Identity payment gateway. Fee depends on your zone (A or B) and processing speed selected.

Step 8: Track your application.

Track via PakID app under ‘Existing Applications’, or send your 10-digit tracking ID to 8400 via SMS (Pakistani number only), or call +92 51 111 786 100.

Step 9: Receive your Smart NICOP.

Card is dispatched to your international address via courier. Delivery time varies by country and is separate from processing time.

Apply for NICOP online at id.nadra.gov.pk or through the PakID mobile app. Most consulates have transitioned NICOP services to the online portal. Zone A fee (USA, UK, Europe): USD 39 normal, USD 57 urgent, USD 75 executive. Processing: 31/23/9 days. Smart NICOP delivered to your international address.

Applying at a Pakistani Embassy or Consulate

While the online route is preferred, some situations require an embassy/consulate visit:

• First-time NICOP: If you have never had a CNIC or NICOP (no biometrics in NADRA system), you must visit an embassy for initial biometric capture (photograph and fingerprints).

• Complex family cases: Name discrepancies between foreign passport and NADRA records, guardianship situations, or children born abroad without prior NADRA registration.

• Biometric re-verification: If NADRA’s system flags your biometrics for re-verification, you may be directed to the nearest mission.

At the embassy:

• Book an appointment through the embassy website or phone

• Bring original passport, CNIC/NICOP (if existing), and supporting documents

• Biometric capture takes approximately 10–15 minutes

• Application is forwarded to NADRA for processing; card delivered to your address

Applying for NICOP While Visiting Pakistan

Overseas Pakistanis visiting Pakistan can apply for or renew NICOP at any NADRA Registration Centre inside Pakistan. This is often more convenient than managing the process from abroad.

• Where: Any NRC nationwide, you are not restricted to one centre

• Fee: Rs 5,563 (normal, 31 days) / Rs 8,346 (urgent, 23 days) / Rs 11,128 (executive, 9 days)

• What to bring: Foreign passport, existing CNIC/NICOP, and biometric verification

• Collection: Card can be delivered to your Pakistan address or your overseas address (additional delivery fee)

Documents Required

Renewal (Existing NICOP Expired)

• NICOP number (13 digits)

• Valid Pakistani or foreign passport — or residence permit, travel document, or Undertaking ‘A’ attested by Pakistan Embassy

• No other documents typically needed — renewal uses existing biometric data

New NICOP (First-Time for Overseas Citizen)

• Parent’s or blood relative’s CNIC/NICOP number — for biometric attestation

• Computerised Birth Certificate (for non-residents registered in Pakistan) or foreign detailed birth certificate or S-1 form issued by Embassy

• Pakistani or foreign passport, residence permit, or travel document

• Undertaking ‘A’ attested by Pakistan Embassy if no passport available

• Biometric verification: by parent or blood relative (for inland DAUs) or verification of application form by any ID holder (for applicants applying from abroad)

New NICOP for Child Born Abroad

• Child’s foreign birth certificate (detailed) or S-1 form from Pakistani embassy

• Both parents’ CNIC or NICOP

• Parents’ marriage certificate

• Child’s foreign passport (if issued)

• B-Form/CRC if already registered with NADRA

Modification (Name, Address, Marital Status Change)

• Current NICOP number

• Supporting document for the change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.)

• Refer to NADRA Registration Policy Chapter ‘Change / Correction in Identity Documents’

How to Track Your NICOP Application

• PakID app: Login → Existing Applications → select your application → view status. Best for overseas applicants.

• SMS to 8400: Send your 10-digit tracking ID to 8400. Only works from Pakistani mobile numbers not available overseas.

• NADRA helpline: Call +92 51 111 786 100 from any international number. Available 24/7.

• Email: [email protected] for complaints or escalation.

Statuses: Application Submitted → Under Processing → Card Printed → Card Dispatched → Delivered.

NICOP Validity Period

Card Type	Validity
Smart NICOP for adults	10 years
Smart NICOP for minors above 14	10 years
Smart NICOP for minors below 14	10 years or until age 18 (whichever comes first)

Under Rule 12 of NADRA (NIC) Rules, 2002, citizens must apply for renewal within one month of expiry. An expired NICOP may cause issues at Pakistan immigration renew before your next trip.

Returning to Pakistan Permanently — NICOP to CNIC

If a NICOP holder permanently returns to Pakistan, they should obtain a CNIC. The NICOP remains valid until expiry, but a CNIC is needed for domestic purposes (voting at local polling station, domestic employment, government services within Pakistan).

Visit any NRC with your existing NICOP and foreign passport. NADRA will process the transition from NICOP to CNIC using your existing 13-digit identity number.

Dual Nationality Countries Eligible for NICOP

Pakistan maintains dual-nationality arrangements with the following countries:

1. Australia
2. Belgium
3. Canada
4. Egypt
5. France
6. Iceland
7. Ireland
8. Italy
9. Jordan
10. Netherlands (Holland)
11. New Zealand
12. Sweden
13. Switzerland
14. Syria
15. United Kingdom
16. United States of America
17. Bahrain
18. Finland
19. Denmark
20. Germany
21. Norway
22. Luxembourg

Important Notes

• Children of Pakistani parents born and raised in Germany who acquired German nationality at birth are eligible for NICOP
• Individuals who previously renounced Pakistani nationality may apply for NICOP after obtaining a Resumption Certificate (Form Y) from IMPASS

Categories of NICOP Applications

Pakistani citizens can apply for NICOP through Pak ID under the following categories:

• New/Fresh – First-time NICOP application
• Renewal – Extension of NICOP validity
• Reprint – Duplicate NICOP due to loss or damage
• Modification – Update printed card details
• Modification in Non-Printable Fields – Update information such as marital status, qualification, or profession
• Cancellation – Cancellation of an issued NICOP

Each category follows a defined processing flow and timeline.

NICOP applications are submitted through Pak-ID under specific categories, depending on the applicant’s situation. Each category serves a distinct purpose and follows NADRA’s official processing rules.

New / Fresh NICOP

This category is for first-time applicants who have never been issued a NICOP before. It applies to Pakistani citizens living abroad, including eligible dual nationals, who require an overseas identity card for the first time.

NICOP Renewal

Renewal is used when an existing NICOP is expired or nearing expiry. The renewal process extends the validity of the card while keeping the applicant’s core identity record intact.

NICOP Duplicate (Reprint)

This category applies when a NICOP is lost, stolen, or damaged. A duplicate card is issued using the same identity record, without creating a new citizenship profile.

NICOP Modification

Modification is selected when printed information on the NICOP needs correction or updating, such as name, date of birth, or other visible card details.

Modification in Non-Printable Fields

This category is used to update background record details that do not appear on the card, such as marital status, qualification, or profession. These updates affect NADRA records but do not change the printed NICOP.

NICOP Cancellation

Cancellation is requested when a NICOP needs to be officially canceled, including cases such as death or nationality surrender, according to NADRA regulations.

Important Notes

• Each NICOP application generates a separate tracking ID
• The tracking ID is required for payment, status checks, and support
• Applicants should not share their tracking ID publicly to protect personal information

Who Can Apply Through This Process?

NICOP applications are specifically designed for:

• Overseas Pakistani citizens
• Emigrants and residents living abroad
• Eligible dual nationals

All NICOP applications are handled entirely through NADRA’s official system and follow standardized processing rules.

What You Can Track with the NICOP Tracking ID

• Application submission confirmation
• Verification and biometric stages
• Payment status (pending or completed)
• Processing progress based on the selected priority
• Final approval and issuance stage

Important Notes

• Each NICOP application has a separate tracking ID
• Do not share your tracking ID publicly, including social media comments
• NADRA does not provide tracking updates through social media platforms

NICOP Delivery & Collection Method

NICOP delivery or collection depends on the application type, location, and selected processing priority.

How NICOP Is Delivered

Once a NICOP application is approved and processed, the card is:

• Dispatched through NADRA’s official delivery mechanism
• Delivered to the address provided during the application, where applicable

Applicants living abroad typically receive their NICOP through designated overseas delivery channels managed under NADRA’s system.

NICOP Collection Method

In cases where physical delivery is not applicable:

• Applicants may be informed through their tracking status
• Collection instructions are provided based on:
  • Country of residence
  • Application category
  • Processing arrangement

The tracking ID remains the primary reference for confirming whether the NICOP is:

• Dispatched
• Ready for collection
• Pending due to verification or documentation

Important Notes

• NICOP delivery or collection details are linked to the tracking ID
• Applicants should regularly check their application status before expecting delivery
• NADRA does not communicate delivery details through social media
• Any official instructions are provided only through NADRA or Pak-ID channels

Common NICOP Tracking Issues

NICOP tracking issues usually occur due to system timing, incomplete steps, or incorrect use of the tracking ID. Most problems can be resolved without reapplying if handled correctly.

Tracking ID Not Found

This issue appears when the tracking ID is:

• Entered incorrectly
• Checked immediately after application submission

New applications may take some time to sync across NADRA systems. Always recheck the 10-digit tracking ID and try again later.

Payment Completed but Status Not Updated

In some cases, payment is successful, but the status still shows pending.

This can happen when:

• Payment confirmation has not synced with Pak-ID
• The session was closed before returning to the application

Applicants should log back into their Pak-ID account using the same tracking ID and refresh the application status.

Status Stuck at Verification Stage

A NICOP application may remain under verification due to:

• Pending biometric or document verification
• Internal review based on application category

This does not mean rejection. The tracking ID will update once the verification step is completed.

Unable to Track via SMS (8400)

SMS tracking may fail if:

• The tracking ID format is incorrect
• Network delay prevents response delivery

If SMS tracking does not work, applicants should use the Pak-ID app or contact the NADRA helpline.

Conflicting Status Across Platforms

Sometimes the status shown on SMS, Pak-ID app, or helpline may not match exactly.

This happens due to:

• Different update intervals across systems

The Pak-ID account status should be treated as the most reliable reference.

Important Safety Reminder

• Never share your NICOP tracking ID publicly
• NADRA does not provide tracking updates through social media comments
• Always use official NADRA channels for status checks

NICOP Cancellation Rules

NICOP cancellation is a formal NADRA process used to deactivate an issued NICOP when it is no longer valid or legally required. Cancellation ensures NADRA records remain accurate and compliant with nationality laws.

When NICOP Cancellation Is Required

NICOP cancellation is applicable in the following cases:

• Death of the NICOP holder
  The NICOP must be canceled to close the identity record officially.
• Nationality Surrender
  If a Pakistani citizen formally surrenders Pakistani nationality, the NICOP must be canceled according to NADRA regulations.

How is NICOP Cancellation Processed?

• NICOP cancellation is submitted through Pak-ID under the cancellation category
• The request is processed under NADRA’s official verification procedures
• Once approved, the NICOP is permanently deactivated and cannot be used for any purpose

For nationality surrender cases, cancellation applies not only to NICOP but may also include CNIC or CRC, depending on the individual’s record.

Processing Timeline for NICOP Cancellation

• NICOP Cancellation due to Death:
  Processed on a priority basis, typically within 1 working day
• NICOP/CNIC/CRC Cancellation due to Nationality Surrender:
  Processed under Executive priority, with a defined processing timeline

Important Notes

• Canceled NICOPs cannot be renewed or reactivated
• Cancellation updates NADRA’s central identity database
• Tracking ID remains the reference number until the cancellation request is completed
• Cancellation instructions are issued only through official NADRA channels

NICOP Payment Methods

NICOP application fees are paid through official NADRA-approved channels during the Pak-ID application process. Available payment methods depend on the application type.

Accepted Payment Methods

• Credit Card
• Debit Card
• e-Sahulat Franchise (Smart NICOP & FRC only)
• EasyPaisa (Smart NICOP & FRC only)
• JazzCash (Smart NICOP & FRC only)

Payment via Credit or Debit Card

• Enter cardholder details (name, address, email, contact number)
• Provide card information
• Verify payment using OTP
• Submit payment to proceed with the application

Payment via e-Sahulat

• Reach the payment stage on Pak-ID website or mobile app
• Visit any e-Sahulat franchise
• Provide your application tracking ID
• Pay the applicable fee to the franchise agent
• Log back into Pak-ID and continue the application

Payment via EasyPaisa

• Reach the payment stage on Pak-ID website or mobile app
• Log in to your EasyPaisa account
• Follow the on-screen payment steps
• Confirm payment and return to Pak-ID

Payment via JazzCash

• Reach the payment stage on Pak-ID website or mobile app
• Log in to your JazzCash account
• Follow the on-screen payment steps
• Confirm payment and proceed with the application

Important Notes

• Payment is linked to the application tracking ID
• An application does not move forward until payment is confirmed
• Always complete payment through official NADRA channels only

FAQs

Can I enter Pakistan without a visa using NICOP?

Yes. NICOP allows visa-free entry to Pakistan. Present your NICOP alongside your foreign passport at Pakistan immigration. No separate visa application is needed.

Can I apply for NICOP if my Pakistani passport has expired?

Yes. You can provide a residence permit, travel document, or Undertaking ‘A’ attested by the Pakistan Embassy instead of a valid passport. An expired passport alone is not grounds for rejection.

What is the difference between NICOP and POC?

NICOP is for Pakistani citizens living abroad who retain their citizenship. POC (Pakistan Origin Card) is for people who have surrendered Pakistani nationality and hold only foreign citizenship. NICOP gives full citizen rights; POC gives limited rights.

How much does NICOP cost in the USA or UK?

Zone A (USA, UK, Europe, Canada, Australia): USD 39 normal (31 days), USD 57 urgent (23 days), USD 75 executive (9 days). These are official NADRA rates.

How much does NICOP cost in Saudi Arabia or UAE?

Zone B (Middle East, Africa): USD 20 normal (31 days), USD 30 urgent (23 days), USD 40 executive (9 days).

Can I apply for NICOP entirely online without visiting a consulate?

Yes, for renewal, modification, and duplicate — if your biometrics already exist in NADRA’s system. Apply at id.nadra.gov.pk. First-time applicants without existing biometrics must visit an embassy for initial capture.

Can I apply for NICOP while visiting Pakistan?

Yes. Visit any NRC. Fee: Rs 5,563 (normal). Useful for overseas Pakistanis visiting family who want to handle renewal in person.

How do I track my NICOP application from abroad?

Use the PakID app → Existing Applications, or call +92 51 111 786 100. SMS to 8400 only works from Pakistani mobile numbers.

How can I register my child born abroad?

Apply for the child’s CRC (B-Form) through the PakID app or at a Pakistani embassy. Once the CRC is issued, you can apply for a Juvenile Card or child’s NICOP.

If I return to Pakistan permanently, do I need to get a CNIC?

Yes. The NICOP remains valid until expiry, but a CNIC is recommended for domestic purposes. Visit any NRC with your NICOP and passport to process the transition.

Can I open a bank account in Pakistan with NICOP?

Yes. NICOP holders can open standard bank accounts and are eligible for Roshan Digital Accounts (RDA) the special banking product for overseas Pakistanis offering PKR, USD, GBP, and EUR denominated accounts.

Does NICOP give me property rights in Pakistan?

Yes. Full property ownership, purchase, sale, and inheritance rights same as CNIC holders. NICOP is accepted as identity proof for all property transactions.

Can my foreign spouse get a NICOP?

No. A foreign spouse who is not a Pakistani citizen is not eligible for NICOP. They can apply for a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) under the spouse-based category.

What if my name on my foreign passport differs from NADRA records?

Apply for a NICOP modification to update your name in NADRA’s system, or vice versa. Name discrepancies between your foreign passport and NADRA records can cause delays, resolve this before applying for other services. Visit an embassy if the online portal cannot process the change.