NICOP Fees 2026 — Complete Breakdown
Everything an overseas Pakistani needs to know about NICOP fees, processing tiers, renewal costs, and how to pay from abroad.
What Is a NICOP?
The National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) is issued by NADRA to Pakistani citizens who hold dual nationality or live permanently abroad. It serves the same purpose as a domestic CNIC — proving identity and citizenship — but is designed for use while residing outside Pakistan, and it also acts as a travel-friendly identity document at immigration counters.
Who Exactly Counts as an "Overseas Pakistani"?
NICOP isn't just for people who moved abroad permanently — NADRA recognizes several distinct categories under Section 12 of the NADRA Ordinance, which specifically covers citizens who reside abroad or intend to reside abroad.
Students studying abroad: If you're pursuing higher education overseas — especially PhD or Bachelor's programs that typically run 3-4 years or longer — you fall into this category, since your stay abroad extends well beyond a short visit.
Overseas workers and laborers: A large number of Pakistanis work in the Middle East, Malaysia, and similar countries on work visas. These individuals are not citizens or permanent residents of the host country — their stay is tied directly to their employment, and they're expected to return once that work period ends.
Dual nationals: Pakistanis who have acquired citizenship of a country that has a dual-nationality agreement with Pakistan (such as the USA or UK) can legally hold both nationalities. For this group, NICOP serves as their Pakistani identity document while abroad.
Spouses of foreign nationals: If a Pakistani citizen marries someone from another country, that foreign spouse often needs a travel document to enter Pakistan without a visa, open a bank account, and handle other routine matters — similar to how any Pakistani citizen would.
NICOP vs POC vs CNIC — What's the Difference?
- CNIC — for citizens residing inside Pakistan
- NICOP — for Pakistani citizens who hold dual nationality with a country that has a formal dual-nationality agreement with Pakistan
- POC (Pakistan Origin Card) — for people of Pakistani origin who've taken citizenship of a country without a dual-nationality agreement with Pakistan, meaning they had to renounce their Pakistani citizenship to become a citizen there
NICOP Fee Structure by Zone
NADRA groups countries into two pricing zones. Zone A covers higher-income countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, while Zone B covers countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Fees are charged in USD and vary by processing speed. The same fee schedule applies whether you're applying for a NICOP for the first time, modifying details, replacing a lost card, or renewing an expiring one.
| Processing Type | Zone A (US/UK/Canada) | Zone B (UAE/Saudi/Africa) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal (31 days) | $39 | $20 |
| Urgent (23 days) | $57 | $30 |
| Executive (9 days) | $75 | $40 |
Processing time for Normal applications typically runs 30–45 days from the date biometrics are submitted, Urgent around 15–20 days, and Executive around 7–10 days, though delivery to your address abroad can add extra time depending on the courier used by your local mission.
NICOP Fee in Pakistan (PKR)
If you're applying for or paying toward a NICOP from within Pakistan, the fee is charged in PKR rather than USD. The PKR amount depends on your destination zone and chosen processing speed:
| Processing Type | UK / USA / Europe | UAE / Asia |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Rs. 10,800 | Rs. 5,554 |
| Urgent | Rs. 15,800 | Rs. 8,310 |
| Executive | Rs. 20,980 | Rs. 11,080 |
NICOP Renewal Fee — What You'll Pay to Renew
A NICOP is valid for 10 years for adult applicants, and once it expires it must be renewed before it can be used for visa-free travel, banking, or property matters in Pakistan. The good news: NADRA does not charge a separate "renewal" rate — renewing an expired or soon-to-expire NICOP costs exactly the same as applying for a new one, based on your zone and chosen processing speed.
| Renewal Processing Type | Zone A | Zone B | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | $39 | $20 | 31 days |
| Urgent | $57 | $30 | 23 days |
| Executive | $75 | $40 | 9 days |
Documents Required for NICOP by Applicant Type
Because "overseas Pakistani" covers several different situations, NADRA asks for different supporting documents depending on which category applies to you:
- If born abroad: proof of birth outside Pakistan, along with documentation proving your parents hold Pakistani citizenship
- If living abroad for work or study: your foreign passport, residence permit, or a formal undertaking attested by the Pakistani embassy in that country confirming your reason for residing abroad
- For minors under 18: the law allows a minor to use their parents' declared address without needing separate independent proof, since minors are presumed to reside wherever their parents reside
- If renewing: your original expiring or expired NICOP, along with your current foreign passport
Documents Required for NICOP
- Valid original CNIC or expired CNIC of the applicant
- Original valid passport showing current overseas residency status
- Proof of foreign nationality or residency (green card, work visa, residence permit)
- Passport-sized photograph as per NADRA specifications
- Original NICOP (if renewing)
How to Apply — Step by Step
- Create or log in to your account on the Pak-Identity portal
- Select the NICOP service and choose your processing tier — this same flow applies whether it's a new application or a renewal
- Fill in the application form with your current overseas address
- Upload scanned copies of the required documents
- Book an appointment at your nearest Pakistani embassy, consulate, or NADRA overseas center for biometric verification
- Pay the applicable fee online and submit the form
How to Pay the NICOP Fee
Payment can be made directly through the Pak-Identity portal using an international debit or credit card. Some overseas centers also accept bank wire transfers, and a growing number support local payment rails in countries where NADRA has expanded partnerships, though credit or debit card remains the most reliable option for most applicants.
Fees listed above are current as of the latest publicly available NADRA schedule. Since NADRA periodically revises international fees to account for currency fluctuations, always confirm the exact amount on the official portal before paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the NADRA fee to renew a NICOP?
Renewal costs the same as a new application — $39 to $75 for Zone A countries, or $20 to $40 for Zone B countries, depending on your chosen processing speed.
Can I apply for NICOP without visiting Pakistan?
Yes. NICOP applications are specifically designed to be completed at Pakistani missions abroad, so a trip to Pakistan is not required.
How long is a NICOP valid for?
NICOP cards are typically valid for 10 years for adults, similar to the standard CNIC validity period.
What happens if my NICOP application is rejected?
You will receive a rejection reason through your Pak-Identity account, most commonly related to unclear documents or biometric mismatches, and you can correct and resubmit.