NADRA NICOP Fee for Pakistanis in Europe – March 2025
Your Comprehensive Guide to the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP)
Table of Contents
- Your Comprehensive Guide to the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP)
- Your Extensive Guide to the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP)
- NICOP: Your Questions Answered About the National Identity card for
Overseas Pakistanis in 2025
Everything you need to know about obtaining your NICOP in 2025.
What is a NICOP?
The National Identity Card for overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) is an essential document for Pakistani citizens residing abroad. It serves as proof of Pakistani citizenship and offers several benefits.
According to NADRA, the National Database Registration Authority, the NICOP is issued to Pakistani citizens residing abroad who hold dual nationality with a country that has a dual nationality agreement with Pakistan.
A key benefit of the Smart NICOP is that holders can travel to Pakistan without requiring a visa.
Who Needs a NICOP?
Any citizen of Pakistan is eligible to apply for a NADRA NICOP. It is particularly important for:
- Pakistani nationals planning to travel abroad.
- Pakistanis intending to settle in foreign countries.
- Dual nationals who wish to enter Pakistan without a visa.
- Pakistani nationals living in the U.S. for more than a specific duration (check with the local consulate for the exact requirement).
Moreover, the NICOP provides “Proof of Pakistan citizenship” and grants “Permission to buy and sell property in Pakistan.”
CNIC vs.NICOP vs. Smart ID Card
Its important to understand the differences between these national ID cards:
- CNIC (Computerized National identity Card): An identity card for pakistani citizens living in Pakistan.
- NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis): An identity card for Pakistani citizens residing abroad.
- Smart ID Card or Smart NICOP: The onyl difference is the presence of a microchip.
Note that the “Citizen number or Nadra ID number for both cards is the same for an individual.”
How to Apply for a NICOP
pakistanis can apply for a NICOP through several channels:
- NADRA Offices in Pakistan: submit your application at any NADRA office.
- Overseas Consulates: Visit your respective consulate.
- Online Application: Apply online for NICOP.
for online applications, the Pak Identity website offers a convenient option with doorstep delivery.
the Application Process at a NADRA Registration Center (NRC)
If you choose to apply in person at an NRC, here are the steps to follow:
- obtain a token.
- Your photograph will be taken.
- Your fingerprints and signature will be recorded.
- Complete the required data entry.
- Review the printed form and submit your application.
NICOP Fees (as of December 2024)
The fees for NADRA NICOP applications are as follows:
- Normal Processing: Rs 11,340
- Urgent Processing: rs 16,589
- Executive Processing: Rs 21,820
For a new Smart NICOP, the fees are:
- Normal Processing: $39
- Urgent processing: $57
- Executive Processing: $75
Critically important Considerations
NADRA classifies countries into two zones:
- Zone A: Includes European and western countries such as Canada.
- Zone B: Comprises Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Ensure you have a valid passport number when applying for a Smart NICOP.
Your Extensive Guide to the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP)
Everything you need to know about obtaining your NICOP in 2025.
What is a NICOP?
the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) is an essential
document for Pakistani citizens residing abroad. It serves as proof of
Pakistani citizenship and offers several benefits.
According to NADRA, the National Database Registration
Authority, the NICOP is issued to Pakistani citizens residing abroad
who hold dual nationality with a country that has a dual nationality
agreement with Pakistan.
A key benefit of the Smart NICOP is that holders can travel to Pakistan
without requiring a visa.
Who Needs a NICOP?
Any citizen of Pakistan is eligible to apply for a NADRA NICOP. It is indeed
especially critically important for:
- Pakistani nationals planning to travel abroad.
- Pakistanis intending to settle in foreign countries.
- Dual nationals who wish to enter Pakistan without a visa.
- Pakistani nationals living in the U.S. for more than a specific
duration (check with the local consulate for the exact requirement).
Moreover, the NICOP provides “Proof of Pakistan citizenship” and grants
”Permission to buy and sell property in Pakistan.”
CNIC vs. NICOP vs. Smart ID Card
It’s important to understand the differences between these national ID
cards:
- CNIC (Computerized National identity Card): An identity card for
Pakistani citizens living in Pakistan.
- NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis): An
identity card for Pakistani citizens residing abroad.
- Smart ID Card or Smart NICOP: The only difference is the presence
of a microchip.
Note that the “Citizen number or Nadra ID number is the same for an
individual.”
How to Apply for a NICOP
Pakistanis can apply for a NICOP through several channels:
- NADRA Offices in Pakistan: Submit your application at any NADRA
office.
- Overseas Consulates: Visit your respective consulate.
- Online Application: Apply online for NICOP.
For online applications, the Pak Identity website offers a convenient
option with doorstep delivery.
The Application process at a NADRA Registration Center (NRC)
If you choose to apply in person at an NRC, here are the steps to
follow:
- Obtain a token.
- Your photograph will be taken.
- Your fingerprints and signature will be recorded.
- Complete the required data entry.
- Review the printed form and submit your application.
NICOP Fees (as of December 2024)
The fees for NADRA NICOP applications are as follows:
- Normal Processing: Rs 11,340
- Urgent Processing: Rs 16,589
- Executive Processing: Rs 21,820
For a new Smart NICOP, the fees are:
- Normal Processing: $39
- Urgent processing: $57
- Executive Processing: $75
critically Important Considerations
NADRA classifies countries into two zones:
- Zone A: Includes European and western countries such as Canada.
- Zone B: Comprises Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia and the
UAE.
Ensure you have a valid passport number when applying for a Smart
NICOP.
NICOP: Your Questions Answered About the National Identity card for
Overseas Pakistanis in 2025
A comprehensive Q&A guide to understanding and obtaining your NICOP,the
National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis.
What is a NICOP and Why Do I Need One?
What is a NICOP?
The National Identity Card for Overseas pakistanis (NICOP) is a crucial
document issued to Pakistani citizens residing abroad. It serves as
official proof of your Pakistani citizenship.
What are the key benefits of having a NICOP?
A Smart NICOP allows you to travel to Pakistan without needing a visa. It
also provides proof of Pakistani citizenship, which is required to buy and
sell property in Pakistan.
Who is eligible to apply for a NICOP?
Any citizen of Pakistan is eligible. It is indeed particularly critically important for
those planning to travel or settle abroad, for dual nationals, and those
living in the U.S. for an extended period.
Understanding the Different Types of pakistani ID Cards
What is the difference between a CNIC, NICOP, and Smart NICOP?
- CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card): For Pakistani
citizens residing in Pakistan.
- NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis): For
Pakistani citizens residing abroad.
- Smart NICOP: Similar to a NICOP but contains a microchip for
enhanced security and functionality.
Is my NADRA ID the same on both my CNIC and NICOP?
Yes, the citizen number or NADRA ID number remains the same for an
individual, nonetheless of whether they hold a CNIC or NICOP.
How to Apply for a NICOP: A Step-by-Step Guide
What are the different ways to apply for a NICOP?
You can apply through the following channels:
- NADRA Offices in Pakistan: Submit your application in person.
- Overseas Consulates: Visit your respective Pakistani consulate.
- Online Application: Apply conveniently online.
What is the online application process like?
The Pak Identity website provides a user-pleasant platform for online
applications.They also offer doorstep delivery of your NICOP.
What steps are involved when applying in person at a NADRA Registration
Center (NRC)?
- Obtain a token.
- Have your photograph taken.
- Record your fingerprints and signature.
- Complete the required data entry.
- Review the printed form carefully and submit.
NICOP Fees and Processing Times
How much does it cost to apply for a NICOP?
NICOP fees as of December 2024 are as follows (in Pakistani Rupees):
- Normal Processing: Rs 11,340
- Urgent Processing: Rs 16,589
- Executive Processing: Rs 21,820
What are the fees for a new Smart NICOP?
Fees for a new Smart NICOP are as follows (in US Dollars):
- Normal Processing: $39
- Urgent processing: $57
- Executive Processing: $75
Critically important Considerations Before You Apply
What are NADRA zones A and B?
NADRA classifies countries into two zones for processing purposes:
- Zone A: Includes European and Western countries like Canada.
- Zone B: Includes Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
do I need a passport to apply for a Smart NICOP?
Yes, you are required to have a valid passport number when applying for a
Smart NICOP.
Speedy Reference Table: NICOP Application Information
| Document | Purpose | Eligibility | Application Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| NICOP | Proof of Pakistani citizenship for overseas Pakistanis, visa-free
travel to Pakistan (Smart NICOP). |
Any citizen of Pakistan residing abroad. | NADRA Offices in Pakistan, Overseas Consulates, Online Application (Pak identity website). |