Overseas Pakistanis can apply for a National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) without travelling to Pakistan.
Applications can be submitted through NADRA’s official PakID mobile app or processed in person at an available NADRA Registration Center.
NICOP is issued to Pakistani citizens living abroad. It serves as proof of Pakistani identity and nationality and allows eligible cardholders to enter Pakistan without obtaining a visa.
NADRA accepts fresh, renewal, modification, and lost-card applications through PakID. Applicants can also use the service to update certain details on an existing card.
NICOP is an identity card issued by NADRA to Pakistani citizens who live, work or study outside Pakistan.
The card contains the holder’s personal and family information. It can be used as proof of Pakistani nationality for several official purposes.
NADRA now mainly issues Smart NICOP, which contains improved security features. Updated identity card formats introduced in 2026 also include QR-based verification and stronger controls against fraud.
A person may apply for NICOP if they fall into one of the following groups:
Children of Pakistani citizens and recognised dual nationals are also eligible to apply for Smart NICOP.
Before starting the application, applicants must select the correct category.
New or Fresh NICOP
Choose this option when applying for NICOP for the first time.
NICOP Renewal
This option is for applicants whose card has expired or is close to its expiry date.
NICOP Modification
Use this category to change information such as:
Supporting documents will be required according to the type of change.
Lost or Stolen NICOP
Applicants whose cards have been lost or stolen can apply for a reprint. NADRA allows holders of lost identity cards to request a replacement.
The required documents can differ according to the applicant’s age, family record, country of residence, and application type.
Applicants may be asked to provide the following:
For a child born outside Pakistan, the birth certificate should normally show the names of both parents. Parents’ identity documents and the child’s passport or foreign nationality document may also be required.
Applicants should check the document list shown inside PakID because NADRA may ask for additional papers based on the individual case. Official government service pages also note that documents differ for fresh, renewal, duplicate and modification applications.
Overseas Pakistanis can complete most of the process through the NADRA PakID mobile app.
Step 1: Download the PakID App
Download the official NADRA PakID application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Make sure the app is published by NADRA before entering personal information.
Step 2: Create an Account
Open the app and create an account using your:
Existing users can sign in to their accounts.
Step 3: Select NICOP
Choose National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis and select the required application type:
Step 4: Enter Personal Information
Complete the application with your correct details, including:
The information should match the applicant’s supporting documents.
Step 5: Upload a Photograph
Upload a recent photograph that meets NADRA’s requirements.
The picture should have proper lighting and clearly show the applicant’s face. Filters, shadows and unclear backgrounds should be avoided.
Step 6: Complete Biometric Verification
Follow the instructions in the app to provide fingerprints and other biometric information.
In some cases, NADRA may require verification from a parent or blood relative. An applicant may also be asked to visit a registration center if online biometric verification cannot be completed.
Step 7: Upload the Documents
Upload clear images or scanned copies of all required documents.
Make sure:
Step 8: Complete Attestation or Witness Verification
Applicants applying from outside Pakistan may be asked to provide witness information or verification from an eligible identity card holder.
The app will show the required attestation process according to the case.
Step 9: Pay the NICOP Fee
Pay the application fee using one of the payment methods available in PakID.
Online applicants should keep a valid debit or credit card ready. The exact amount will depend on the applicant’s country, application category and selected processing speed.
Step 10: Review and Submit
Check the complete form before submission.
A spelling mistake or incorrect family detail may delay the application. Once the information has been checked, submit the form and save the tracking number.
Applicants using an available NADRA Registration Center generally go through the following process:
1. Token Collection
The applicant receives a queue token after arriving at the center.
2. Biometric Capture
NADRA staff take a live photograph and record the applicant’s fingerprints.
3. Data Entry
Personal and family details are entered into the system and shown to the applicant for checking.
4. Application Attestation
The application may need verification by a parent, sibling, eligible identity card holder or gazetted officer, depending on the case.
5. Interview and Approval
The officer in charge may conduct a short interview and review the application.
6. Fee Payment
The applicant pays the required processing fee.
7. Card Printing
After approval, the card is sent for printing and later delivered or collected according to the selected service.
NADRA divides overseas applicants into fee zones. The amount also depends on whether the applicant selects normal, urgent or executive processing.
Zone A: United States and Europe
| Processing category | Fee | NADRA processing time |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | $39 | 31 days |
| Urgent | $57 | 23 days |
| Executive | $75 | 9 days |
| Processing category | Fee | NADRA processing time |
| Normal | $20 | 31 days |
| Urgent | $30 | 23 days |
| Executive | $40 | 9 days |
These rates apply to new Smart NICOP applications listed under the relevant zones. Local service charges, currency conversion or delivery costs may apply in some countries. Applicants should check the amount shown in PakID before making payment.
The processing period starts after the application has been properly submitted. Missing documents, unclear fingerprints or incorrect information may cause delays.
Applicants can track their NICOP application through their PakID account.
The application status may show stages such as:
Applicants should regularly check their email, mobile messages and PakID notifications.
Can I apply for NICOP online from abroad?
Yes. Overseas Pakistanis can submit fresh, renewal, modification and lost-card applications through NADRA’s PakID mobile app.
Do I need a valid Pakistani passport to apply?
A Pakistani passport is commonly used as supporting proof. Depending on the case, NADRA may also accept a foreign passport, residence permit, travel document or an undertaking verified by a Pakistani mission.
Applicants with expired passports should follow the document options shown in PakID or contact NADRA before submitting the application.
Can a child born abroad apply for NICOP?
Yes. A child born abroad to Pakistani parents may apply for NICOP.
Parents will normally need the child’s detailed birth certificate, their own CNIC or NICOP details and the child’s passport or citizenship document.
Can a minor apply without both parents being present?
The requirements depend on the child’s age, location and family circumstances.
Biometric verification or consent from a parent may be required. In special cases, NADRA may ask for additional documents, an authority letter, a court order or another form of verification.
What should I do if my NICOP is lost abroad?
Select the Reprint/Lost category in PakID and submit the required documents.
A copy or number of the lost NICOP can be helpful, but applicants should follow the exact instructions given by NADRA for their case.
Can I renew NICOP before it expires?
Yes. Applicants can select the renewal category in PakID when their card is close to expiry.
What happens if my passport name is different from my NADRA record?
The difference may need to be corrected before the application can be approved.
Applicants should select the modification category where required and upload documents showing the correct name. NADRA may request further verification.
Does a NICOP holder need a Pakistani visa?
NICOP serves as proof of Pakistani identity and nationality and allows eligible overseas Pakistani cardholders to enter Pakistan without obtaining a visa.
Do I need a CNIC after permanently returning to Pakistan?
A person permanently returning to Pakistan should update their residential status and address in NADRA’s records. The need to change from NICOP to CNIC may depend on the person’s circumstances, so the applicant should obtain case-specific guidance from NADRA.
Is every applicant required to visit a NADRA center?
Not always. Many applications can be completed through PakID.
However, NADRA may require an in-person visit if biometrics cannot be verified, records do not match or additional verification is needed.
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