NICOP vs POC vs Passport -- Which Do You Need? (2026)
Overseas Pakistanis have three key identity documents: NICOP, Pakistan Origin Card (POC), and Passport. This guide explains the differences, fees, eligibility, and which one you actually need.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | NICOP | POC | Passport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis | Pakistan Origin Card | Pakistan e-Passport |
| Issued By | NADRA | NADRA | DGIP |
| Who Is Eligible | Pakistani citizens living abroad | Foreign nationals of Pakistani origin OR foreign spouses of Pakistani citizens | All Pakistani citizens |
| Citizenship Required? | Yes -- must be Pakistani citizen | No -- for ex-Pakistanis or foreign spouses | Yes |
| Validity | 10 years (adult), 5 years (minor) | 5 years (spouse) / 7 years (ex-Pakistani) | 5 or 10 years |
| Travel to Pakistan | Not a travel document | Visa-free multiple entry to Pakistan | Travel document |
| Property Rights | Yes (as citizen) | Yes (buy and sell property) | N/A |
| Bank Account | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Voting | Yes | No | N/A |
NICOP Fees by Region
| Region | Normal | Urgent | Executive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone A (North America, Europe) | $39 USD | $57 USD | $75 USD |
| Saudi Arabia | SAR 75 | SAR 110 | SAR 150 |
| UAE | AED 75 | AED 110 | AED 150 |
| Canada (Consulate + NADRA) | CAD $50 + $65 USD | CAD $60 + $83 USD | CAD $60 + $101 USD |
| Within Pakistan | PKR 5,563 | PKR 8,346 | PKR 11,128 |
Processing: Normal ~31 days, Urgent ~23 days, Executive ~7 days.
POC Fees
| Service | Fee | Processing |
|---|---|---|
| POC Issuance | $15 USD | 2 days |
| POC Cancellation | $25 USD | 2 days |
| Cancellation (divorce) | $25 USD | 2 days |
Which One Do You Need?
You need a NICOP if:
- You are a Pakistani citizen living abroad
- You need to transact property, open bank accounts, or vote in Pakistan
- Your old CNIC/NICOP has expired
- You are applying for NADRA services
You need a POC if:
- You gave up Pakistani citizenship but want visa-free travel to Pakistan
- You are a foreign spouse of a Pakistani citizen
- You want to buy property or open a bank account in Pakistan as a non-citizen
You need a Passport if:
- You need to travel internationally
- Your current passport is expired or expiring
- You are upgrading from MRP to e-passport
Most overseas Pakistanis need both a NICOP AND a valid passport. The NICOP is your identity card (like CNIC for people in Pakistan), while the passport is your travel document.
How to Apply
NICOP
- Apply online at id.nadra.gov.pk
- Book appointment at nearest NADRA office or embassy
- Submit biometrics in person
- Pay fee online
- Card delivered to registered address
POC
- Apply online at nadra.gov.pk/pakistan-origin-card-poc
- Upload documents proving Pakistani origin
- Pay $15 fee online
- POC delivered to address
Manual booking has been stopped. All POC applications must be submitted online.
Quick Facts
- NICOP: For Pakistani citizens abroad
- POC: For ex-Pakistanis/foreign spouses
- NICOP fee: From $39 (Zone A)
- POC fee: $15
- Apply: id.nadra.gov.pk