NICOP Pakistan – Explained in detail - NADRA Box

NICOP NADRA - Explained in detail

 

Here, following points about NICOP have been covered. 

1. NICOP explained
2. NICOP advantages
3. Eligibility Criteria for NICOP 
4. Applying Ways
5. FAQs

 

 

1.    NICOP Explained        

 

NICOP stands for National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistani issued by NADRA to eligible citizen of Pakistan.  Currently, only SNICOP(s) (Smart National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistani) are being by NADRA.

 

A NICOP Pakistan is also known by “ID card for overseas Pakistani” or “Pakistani Overseas Card”

  

2.    NICOP advantages

 

1. NICOP is an identity document can be produced for personal identification in place of Computerized NIC (CNIC) not only in Pakistan but outside Pakistan as well.
2. NICOP can also be produced at domestic or international entry or exit terminals.
3. NICOP holder can enter into Pakistan on foreign passport without Pakistani Visa.
4. NICOP holder enjoys Protection of rights as all Pakistanis enjoy.
5. NICOP holder is recognized as regular Pakistani citizen.
6. NICOP is Proof of Pakistan citizenship
7. NICOP holder can open bank account in Pakistan
8. NICOP holder can apply obtain Machine Readable Passport (MRP)
9. Property can be purchased and or sold on the basis of NICOP. 

 

 

3.    Eligibility Criteria for NICOP 

 

Following Pakistan citizens can apply for NICOP can apply for NICOP:-                                                

• All Pakistani citizen who holds Visa of any other country stamped/issued on Pakistani Passport can apply for NICOP.   
• All Pakistani citizens who hold dual nationalities, one of Pakistan and other of any other country which has dual nationality arrangement with Pakistan can apply for NICOP.  Following is the list of countries which have dual nationality arrangement with Pakistan. 

---

Sr.#	Name of Country	Sr.#	Name of Country
1	United Kingdom	11	Jordan
2	France	12	Syria
3	Italy	13	Switzerland
4	Belgium	14	Netherland
5	Iceland	15	United States of America
6	Australia	16	Sweden
7	New Zealand	17	Ireland
8	Canada	18	Bahrain
9	Finland	19	Denmark
10	Egypt	20	Germany *
		21	Norway

 

 

Be noted, if you have cancelled/ renounced your citizenship/nationality of  Pakistan and have obtained the nationality of any other country, you cannot apply for a NICOP. Instead of NICOP, you may apply for a POC (Pakistan Original Card) if you want to travel to Pakistan without obtaining a visa.

 

 

4.    Applying Ways

 

There are two ways by which you can apply for a NICOP, which are as follows:-

1. By Visit NADRA Registration Center (NRC)
2. Online by visiting Pak-Identity website

 

FAQs

What does NICOP stand for?

NICOP stands for National Identity Card for overseas Pakistanis.

What does SNICOP stand for?

SNICOP stands for Smart National Identity Card for overseas Pakistanis.

Is NICOP citizenship?

Yes. You can say that a NICOP holder can be said to be a citizen of Pakistan but a NICOP itself does not directly grant citizenship. Only the person who is already holding citizenship of Pakistan can apply for NICOP. If a person is not holding Pakistani citizenship /nationality he cannot apply for a NICOP.

Does NICOP mean dual nationality?

A NICOIP holder may or may not a dual national. A NICOP holder may apply for nationality of another country other than Pakistan (which has dual nationality arrangement with Pakistan) and if he obtains the nationality of that country without canceling the nationality of Pakistan, in such case such person can be said dual national.

Is NICOP necessary for traveling abroad?

A NICOP may be necessary for traveling abroad. In USA, for all Pakistanis who are living in USA for more than 6 months, it has become mandatory requirement for them to hold NICOP. Click here for USA NICOP detail. So, check out the relevant countries for requirement of holding NICOP.

Can I travel to Pakistan on expired NICOP?

It is recommended that you should not travel to Pakistan on expired NICOP. You should keep in eye on the expiry date of NICOP, as soon as NICOP is going to expire, apply for its renewal and obtained it timely.

Can I travel to Pakistan without NICOP?

If you are in a foreign country, obtained citizenship of that country while renouncing citizenship of Pakistan, you cannot travel to Pakistan without NICOP. If you don’t have NICOP, you must have Pakistani Visa or POC.

What is NICOP number?

A NICOP number is same number as a CNIC number. Once an ID Card number is allotted to an individual, it never changes even through if that person has obtained a NICOP as well.

Who can apply for NICOP?

Any Pakistani who intend to travel abroad or residing in abroad, can apply for NICOP. Read this article to know details.

Who cannot apply for NICOP?

Any person who is not Pakistani Citizen or even has renounced his citizenship is not eligible to apply for NICOP.

Who needs NICOP?

Being specially designed for overseas Pakistani, generally it is their need to have NICOP.

Do all Pakistanis need NICOP?

No, all Pakistanis don’t need to hold NICOP. If you are living in Pakistan and are not going to a foreign country, you need not apply for a NICOP. In this case, holding only CNIC or Smart CNIC is enough for you.

Can foreign nationals apply for a NICOP?

Only that foreign national who possess nationality of Pakistan as well can apply for NICOP. Otherwise he cannot apply for NICOP.

What to do if a NICOP is lost or stolen?

If NICOP is lost, you should report to police for lodging a “Rapt” only however if NICOP is stolen, you should report to police for lodging an “FIR” to prevent it from being misused. Also apply for another NICOP.

Can a NICOP be used as a proof of address in Pakistan?

Yes, a NICOP contains address of the person hence same can be used as a proof of address.