What is NICOP?

NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis) is issued by NADRA to Pakistani citizens living abroad. It allows visa-free entry into Pakistan and serves as an official ID.

Who Needs NICOP?

• Pakistani citizens living abroad

• Dual nationals

• Children of Pakistani parents born overseas

Benefits of NICOP

• Visa-free entry to Pakistan

• Property ownership

• Banking access

• Inheritance rights

• SIM issuance

Documents Required

(Varies case to case)

For new application:

• Valid Pakistani passport OR foreign passport

• Proof of residence abroad

• Parents’ CNIC/NICOP (if applicable)

• Marriage certificate (if married)

• Birth certificate (for minors)

NICOP Categories

• New

• Renewal

• Modification

• Lost/Duplicate

Step-by-Step Application Process (Online)

1. Create account on NADRA Pak Identity portal

2. Start new application

3. Select category

4. Upload documents

5. Biometric verification

6. Pay fee online

7. Submit and track

NICOP Fee (2026)

Processing Time

• Normal: 21–30 days

• Urgent: 12–15 days

• Executive: 7–10 days

Common Mistakes

• Name mismatch with passport

• Wrong document uploads

• Blurry fingerprints

• Incorrect address format

FAQs

• Can I apply without passport?

• Can NICOP be used instead of CNIC?

• Can I enter Pakistan with expired NICOP?

• Can minors apply online?