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How to Get a NICOP (for Overseas Pakistanis)
Living abroad and need your NICOP renewed or applied for the first time? Covers how to do it from outside Pakistan through NADRA E-Sahulat and Pakistani embassies.
NADRA⏱ 30 minutes online + delivery time💰 USD 20–50 depending on category
- Pakistani CNIC (or previous NICOP if renewing)
- Valid foreign country passport or residence permit
- Proof of overseas residence (utility bill, lease, or employment letter)
- Recent passport-size photograph (white background)
- Online NADRA account at id.nadra.gov.pk
1
Understand what NICOP is
NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis) is the version of the CNIC issued to Pakistani nationals living abroad. It works as ID for property transactions, banking, and travel to Pakistan. It is separate from your CNIC but linked to the same identity record.
2
Apply online via NADRA's portal
Go to id.nadra.gov.pk and create an account. Select 'NICOP' from the services menu. Fill in your details, upload the required documents, and pay the fee online using a credit/debit card. The portal accepts international payments.
3
Visit a Pakistani embassy or NADRA desk (if biometrics required)
First-time NICOP applicants or those whose biometrics have changed must visit a Pakistani embassy or consulate for fingerprint scanning. NADRA has desks at many Pakistani diplomatic missions — check nadra.gov.pk for your nearest location.
4
Renewal (existing NICOP holders)
If you're renewing and your biometrics are already in the NADRA system, you can complete the entire process online without visiting an embassy. NADRA will mail the card to your overseas address.
5
Track and receive
Track your application at id.nadra.gov.pk. Delivery takes 3–6 weeks by international courier. You can also choose to pick it up from a Pakistani embassy or have a family member collect it in Pakistan.
- Renew your NICOP before your overseas trip to Pakistan — having a valid NICOP speeds up immigration
- NICOP holders can use the e-Gate at major Pakistani airports
- If your CNIC has expired back in Pakistan, renew that first — NICOP is linked to your CNIC record
- Keep a digital scan of your NICOP and CNIC stored securely online
- The NADRA app (available on iOS and Android) can help manage your application
Can I use my NICOP instead of a visa to enter Pakistan?
Yes. NICOP holders do not need a visa to enter Pakistan. It serves as your travel document for entry.
I have dual nationality. Do I need a NICOP?
Yes, if you are a Pakistani national living abroad, NICOP is the correct document for you regardless of whether you hold another country's passport.
What if I was born abroad and never had a CNIC?
You can still apply for a NICOP. You'll need your parent's CNIC, your birth certificate, and your foreign passport. The process may require an embassy visit.
Is NICOP accepted for property transactions in Pakistan?
Yes. A valid NICOP is accepted in place of a CNIC for property registration, banking, and most official transactions in Pakistan.
Last updated: 2026-03-20. Requirements and fees can change — always verify with the official office before visiting.