Registering a Birth Abroad at a Pakistan Embassy

Pakistani citizens must register births of their children that occur abroad with the nearest Pakistan embassy or high commission. This ensures the child is recognised as a Pakistani citizen and entered into NADRA records.

Important: A child born to a Pakistani citizen parent abroad is eligible for Pakistani citizenship by descent, regardless of the country of birth. Registering the birth at the embassy is the first step to obtaining a Pakistan passport and NICOP for the child.

Required Documents

  • Original birth certificate issued by the local authority in the country of birth (with apostille or notarisation if required)
  • Father's Pakistan passport (original and photocopy)
  • Mother's Pakistan passport (original and photocopy, or foreign passport if mother is non-Pakistani)
  • Parents' CNIC/NICOP cards (original and photocopies)
  • Parents' marriage certificate (nikah nama or civil marriage certificate)
  • Completed birth registration form (available at the embassy)
  • Two photographs of the child (passport size)
  • Registration fee

Registration Process

  1. Obtain the child's birth certificate from the local civil registration authority in the country of birth
  2. Get the birth certificate apostilled or notarised (if required by the embassy)
  3. Visit the nearest Pakistan embassy or high commission with all required documents
  4. Complete the birth registration form at the embassy
  5. Pay the registration fee
  6. The embassy will process the registration and forward it to NADRA in Pakistan
  7. Once processed, you can apply for the child's Pakistan passport and NICOP

Citizenship Implications

Citizenship by Descent

Under the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951, a child born abroad to a Pakistani father is automatically a Pakistani citizen. Children born to a Pakistani mother and non-Pakistani father can also claim Pakistani citizenship, though the process may require additional documentation.

Dual Nationality

If the child is born in a country that grants citizenship by birth (such as the USA, Canada, or the UK), the child may hold dual nationality. Pakistan allows dual nationality with 21 specified countries. Register the child's birth at the embassy to secure their Pakistani citizenship alongside their birth-country citizenship.

After Registration
  • Apply for the child's Pakistan passport through the embassy
  • Apply for a NICOP card for the child (valid for 5 years for minors)
  • The child's details will be added to the parents' NADRA family record
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