Pakistan Dual Citizenship 2026 — 22 Countries Allowed
Pakistan allows dual nationality with 22 countries following the Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2024, which expanded the list from 4 to 22 countries. Pakistani citizens can hold citizenship of any listed country without losing their Pakistani nationality.
2026 Update: The Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2024 significantly expanded dual nationality from 4 pre-existing agreements (UK, US, Canada, Australia) to 22 countries, adding 18 new countries including Germany, France, Jordan, Bahrain, and Luxembourg.
All 22 Countries with Dual Nationality Agreements
| # | Country | Region | Status | Pakistani Diaspora |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United Kingdom | Europe | Pre-existing | ~1.5 million |
| 2 | United States | Americas | Pre-existing | ~500,000 |
| 3 | Canada | Americas | Pre-existing | ~250,000 |
| 4 | Australia | Oceania | Pre-existing | ~100,000 |
| 5 | France | Europe | New (2024) | ~100,000 |
| 6 | Italy | Europe | New (2024) | ~150,000 |
| 7 | Belgium | Europe | New (2024) | ~30,000 |
| 8 | Iceland | Europe | New (2024) | Small community |
| 9 | New Zealand | Oceania | New (2024) | ~30,000 |
| 10 | Finland | Europe | New (2024) | Small community |
| 11 | Egypt | Africa | New (2024) | Small community |
| 12 | Jordan | Middle East | New (2024) | Small community |
| 13 | Syria | Middle East | New (2024) | Small community |
| 14 | Switzerland | Europe | New (2024) | ~10,000 |
| 15 | Netherlands | Europe | New (2024) | ~40,000 |
| 16 | Sweden | Europe | New (2024) | ~40,000 |
| 17 | Ireland | Europe | New (2024) | ~15,000 |
| 18 | Bahrain | Middle East | New (2024) | ~50,000+ |
| 19 | Denmark | Europe | New (2024) | ~25,000 |
| 20 | Germany | Europe | New (2024) | ~80,000 |
| 21 | Norway | Europe | New (2024) | ~40,000 |
| 22 | Luxembourg | Europe | New (2024) | Small community |
Source: Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2024, DGIP (dgip.gov.pk). The 4 pre-existing agreements covered UK, US, Canada, and Australia. The 2024 Amendment added 18 new countries.
Rights and Restrictions of Dual Nationals
What Dual Nationals CAN Do:
- Hold both citizenships: Retain Pakistani nationality alongside the listed country's citizenship
- Visa-free entry to Pakistan: Enter Pakistan freely on Pakistani passport without needing a visa
- Own property: Buy, sell, and inherit property in Pakistan with full rights
- Bank accounts: Open and maintain bank accounts in Pakistan (including Roshan Digital Account)
- Vote: Vote in Pakistani elections from abroad (must register as overseas voter with ECP)
- Business: Start and run businesses in Pakistan
- NICOP: Eligible for NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis)
- Inheritance: Full inheritance rights under Pakistani law (Islamic inheritance law applies to Muslim dual nationals)
Restrictions on Dual Nationals:
| Restriction | Details |
|---|---|
| Parliament | Cannot serve as Member of National Assembly or Senate |
| Executive | Cannot serve as President, Prime Minister, or Chief Minister |
| Military | Cannot hold senior military positions |
| Punjab province | Since 2013, barred from public office in Punjab |
| Declaration | Must formally declare dual nationality status |
Practical Implications for Dual Nationals
Property in Pakistan
- Dual nationals can buy residential and commercial property anywhere in Pakistan
- Agricultural land purchase may have provincial restrictions — check local regulations
- Property registration requires NICOP or CNIC
- Capital gains tax applies to property sales (rates vary by holding period)
- Property can be transferred through inheritance under Pakistani law
Inheritance Rights
- Pakistani inheritance law (based on Islamic law for Muslims) applies to assets in Pakistan regardless of where you reside
- Dual nationals can inherit property, bank accounts, and other assets in Pakistan
- A valid NICOP makes inheritance claims significantly easier to process
- Succession certificates from Pakistani courts may be required for bank account access
Voting Rights
- Dual nationals with valid NICOP can vote in Pakistani general and local elections
- Must register as an overseas voter with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)
- Overseas voting is conducted through I-Voting (internet voting) system
Banking and Finance
- Open regular bank accounts with any Pakistani bank using NICOP
- Open a Roshan Digital Account (RDA) for investment and remittance
- Foreign currency accounts available for dual nationals
- Tax obligations: income earned in Pakistan is taxable in Pakistan — consult a tax advisor about double taxation treaties
How to Declare Dual Nationality
If you acquire citizenship of one of the 22 listed countries, you should formally declare your dual nationality:
- Visit your nearest Pakistan embassy or consulate
- Obtain and complete the dual nationality declaration form
- Submit a copy of your new citizenship certificate or foreign passport
- Submit a copy of your Pakistani passport or CNIC/NICOP
- Pay the processing fee
- Receive confirmation of dual nationality status from DGIP
Processed by: DGIP (Directorate General of Immigration and Passports). Information: dgip.gov.pk
Tip: While declaration is not always enforced, it is strongly recommended. Having formal dual nationality status on record prevents complications with property transactions, inheritance, and passport renewal.
NICOP and Pakistan Origin Card (POC)
NICOP — For Dual Nationals
All dual nationals and overseas Pakistanis should hold a valid NICOP. It serves as proof of Pakistani nationality and facilitates property transactions, banking, voting, and visa-free entry to Pakistan.
- Fee: from $20 (Zone B) to $75 (Executive, Zone A)
- Processing: 7-31 days depending on speed selected
- Apply online at id.nadra.gov.pk or at your embassy
Pakistan Origin Card (POC) — For Ex-Citizens
For former Pakistani citizens who have given up their Pakistani nationality (e.g., citizens of countries not on the 22-country list), the POC provides:
- Visa-free entry to Pakistan for life (multiple entry)
- Right to buy and sell property
- Right to open bank accounts
- Exemption from foreigner registration requirements
- No voting rights (unlike NICOP holders)
POC issuance fee: $15. Apply online at nadra.gov.pk. See our NICOP vs POC comparison for details.
Non-Listed Countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, etc.)
If you acquire citizenship of a country not on the 22-country list, you are legally required to renounce Pakistani citizenship under the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951. This includes popular destination countries such as:
- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Kuwait
- India
- Turkey (pending)
- Malaysia
- Oman
- Japan
- South Korea
- Singapore
- South Africa
Your options:
- Pakistan Origin Card (POC): Provides visa-free access, property rights, and banking — closest equivalent to dual nationality
- Renounce foreign citizenship: If you wish to retain/regain Pakistani citizenship
Turkey update: Pakistan has begun working toward a dual nationality agreement with Turkey. A draft proposal is being reviewed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior. This may expand the list to 23 countries in future.
Frequently Asked Questions
22 countries as of the Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2024. The original list of 4 countries (UK, US, Canada, Australia) was expanded to include 18 additional countries across Europe, Middle East, and Oceania. See the full table above for all 22 countries.
Yes. The UK is one of the 4 pre-existing dual nationality agreement countries. You can hold both British and Pakistani citizenship and passports simultaneously. Use your Pakistani passport when entering Pakistan and your British passport when entering the UK.
Yes. Dual nationals have full property rights in Pakistan. You can buy, sell, and inherit residential and commercial property. A valid NICOP is recommended for property registration. Agricultural land may have provincial restrictions.
No. Under Pakistan's Constitution, dual nationals are prohibited from serving as Member of Parliament, Senator, President, Prime Minister, or Chief Minister. They are also barred from public office in Punjab province since 2013. To hold such office, you must renounce your foreign citizenship.
No. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are not on the 22-country list. Pakistani citizens who acquire citizenship of these countries are technically required to renounce their Pakistani nationality. However, the Pakistan Origin Card (POC) provides an alternative with visa-free access, property rights, and banking access.
Yes. Dual nationals with a valid NICOP can register as overseas voters with the Election Commission of Pakistan and vote in general and local elections from abroad using the I-Voting system.
A draft dual nationality agreement between Pakistan and Turkey is under review by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior. If approved, it would expand the list to 23 countries. No official date has been announced as of 2026.
Yes, it is recommended. While enforcement varies, formally declaring dual nationality through your embassy and DGIP prevents complications with property transactions, passport renewal, inheritance claims, and travel. The process is straightforward and typically costs only a processing fee.
Related Guides
At a Glance
- 22 countries with dual nationality agreements
- 2024 expansion added 18 new countries
- Pre-existing: UK, US, Canada, Australia
- NICOP for identity and banking
- POC for ex-citizens of non-listed countries
- Full property rights in Pakistan
- Turkey agreement pending
By Region
Europe (14 countries)
UK, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Ireland, Iceland, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Luxembourg
Americas (2 countries)
United States, Canada
Oceania (2 countries)
Australia, New Zealand
Middle East (3 countries)
Jordan, Syria, Bahrain
Africa (1 country)
Egypt
Last verified
March 2026