ISLAMABAD – The National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) is an identity document issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) under Section 12 of the NADRA Ordinance, 2000.
NICOP serves as official proof of identity and nationality for Pakistani citizens residing abroad. It also allows eligible Pakistani citizens living overseas to enter Pakistan without a visa.
The document is available to Pakistani citizens who live or work outside the country, as well as Pakistani citizens holding dual nationality of a country recognized by the Government of Pakistan.
Pakistani citizens who plan to remain abroad for an extended period and need official proof of their identity and nationality can also obtain NICOP.
Children of Pakistani citizens who are born abroad may also qualify for NICOP if they are eligible to be registered as Pakistani citizens.
NICOP therefore provides eligible Pakistanis living overseas with an official document confirming their identity and nationality while facilitating visa-free entry into Pakistan.
NICOP Fee for Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar
NADRA has two different fee structure for countries listed in Zone A and Zone B. Saudi Arabi, Oman and Qatar falls in the Zone B.
For applicants in Zone B, covering the Middle East and Africa, the processing fee and timeline for a new Smart NICOP depend on the priority selected.
Under the Normal category, the fee is USD 20, with processing completed in approximately 31 days.
The Urgent category costs USD 30 and has a processing timeline of around 23 days. For the Executive category, applicants pay USD 40, with the document processed in approximately 9 days.
