NICOP and POC for Overseas Pakistanis 2026: Fees, Processing and How to Apply
If you are a Pakistani living, working or settled abroad, a NICOP or a POC is often the document that keeps your ties to Pakistan simple — from visa-free entry to banking and property. Here is what each card is, what it costs in 2026, and how to apply from overseas.
What is a NICOP?
The NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis) is issued by NADRA to Pakistani citizens who live abroad or hold dual nationality. It serves as your national identity document and allows visa-free entry to Pakistan, along with access to banking, property and other services back home.
What is a POC — and how is it different?
The POC (Pakistan Origin Card) is for people who have given up Pakistani citizenship, or foreign nationals who are spouses or children of Pakistani citizens. It provides many of the same conveniences — including visa-free entry and the ability to hold accounts and property — without full citizenship. Manual booking of the POC has been discontinued, so all POC applications are now made online.
Key benefits
Both cards let you enter Pakistan without a separate visa, open and operate bank accounts, buy and sell property, and prove your identity for official matters. For families abroad, they make trips home and paperwork far smoother.
Fees and processing times
NADRA charges by country “zone” and by how quickly you need the card. For Zone A countries (such as the USA, UK, Europe and Australia), the NICOP fee is commonly around US$12 for normal, US$18 for urgent and US$24 for executive service, though exact fees vary by country and are revised periodically. Typical processing is roughly four to six weeks for normal, two to three weeks for urgent, and about one week for executive — measured from the date your biometrics are captured.
How to apply online
- Register on the NADRA Pak Identity portal (id.nadra.gov.pk) using your CNIC or NICOP number.
- Select the card and service category (new, renewal or modification).
- Fill in your details, capture your photo through the portal, add two witnesses and upload the required documents.
- Pay the fee online.
- Visit your Pakistani embassy or consulate only for biometrics — usually a quick 10–15 minute appointment.
Applying online is generally faster because your data is entered in advance, leaving only the biometric step at the mission.
Renewals and tips
Renew before your card expires to avoid travel disruption, and make sure your name, father’s or husband’s name and photograph match your other documents exactly. If any supporting document is in Urdu, you may need certified translations or attestation for use abroad. For broader help, see our guidance for overseas Pakistanis.
Avoiding scams
Only apply through the official NADRA Pak Identity portal or a trusted consultant, and never share your login or pay anyone claiming to “fast-track” approvals outside official channels. If you would like help preparing a clean application, explore our services or contact our team.
Hijrat handles HEC, IBCC, MOFA and embassy attestation from our Aabpara office in Islamabad — serving Rawalpindi and overseas Pakistanis. Fees always itemised before you pay.
NADRA fees, zones and processing times change periodically and every decision rests with NADRA and the relevant Pakistani mission. The figures here are general guidance as of July 2026 — always confirm current details on the official NADRA Pak Identity portal before you apply.