National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP)
قومی شناختی کارڈ برائے بیرون ملک مقیم پاکستانی (نائیکوپ)
The National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) is issued to citizens of Pakistan who are dual nationals of a country with dual national arrangements with Pakistan. Having the same authority as the CNIC, it proves the holder is a citizen of Pakistan and entitles them to visa-free entry. It is issued by the National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA).
Currently, the countries that maintain dual nationality arrangements with Pakistan are as follows:
Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany*, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Netherlands (Holland), New Zealand, Norway**, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, United Kingdom, United States of America
*Those born to Pakistani parents resident in Germany, having acquired German nationality through birth
**Former nationals may resume Pakistani citizenship following renunciation
NICOPs can be applied for online at id.nadra.gov.pk, or in person at NADRA Registration Centers (in Pakistan only).
Important Notes About Usage (Know Before You Apply)
What are my rights with a NICOP?
As a holder of a NICOP, you maintain the rights of a citizen of Pakistan, both inside the country and at foreign missions. You are able to vote in elections, apply for specific permits, and travel to areas restricted for foreign nationals. You are treated as a Pakistani when dealing with official matters.
Am I still considered a foreign national if I have a NICOP?
While the NICOP is offered to those who have dual nationality, inside Pakistan you are still considered a Pakistani citizen. The government of Pakistan observes the right to treat all dual nationals as they would any other Pakistani; as such, one's rights as a foreign national may not apply if one holds a NICOP.
Can I obtain a CNIC instead of a NICOP? What is the difference?
CNICs are meant to be used by those who are only citizens of Pakistan for internal use, and therefore do not allow holders to enter Pakistan without either a Pakistani passport or a valid visa on a foreign passport. They are issued inside the country by NADRA.
NICOPs are dual-use identification cards that can be used to enter the country without a Pakistani passport or a visa on a foreign passport. They contain a machine-readable zone on the back, as well as text stating that they are able to be used in the place of a visa when entering on a foreign passport. They are issued by consular missions abroad, though some modifications must be done in person at NADRA offices.
Situational Guides
I need to get a new NICOP.
Access the Pak Identity system published by NADRA and fill out forms as needed. A new NICOP will be mailed to the address listed on your card. If applying from your home country, your home country's passport will suffice for documentation. If not, please submit either your Pakistani passport or the appropriate Undertaking form with adequate information for witness attestation.
I want to modify data listed on my NICOP.
Changes to the card holder's name, date of birth, or father's name must be processed in person at a NADRA office. Changes to one's temporary or permanent address can be done online, but require documentation if either address lacks a house or street number. Any updates to marital status require an affidavit attested by Oath Commissioner.
In contrast to the Shanakhti Cards issued in the past, modern NICs are issued with personal identity numbers that are 13 digits long. One's identity number contains information about their place of registration, followed by an individual serial code and a check digit that reveals their gender. An example can be seen below:
Shanakhti Number: 101-28-000001
Smart NIC Number: 34202-4898111-1