Pakistan Citizenship Services

Pakistan embassies and high commissions provide a range of citizenship-related services including dual nationality certificates, Pakistan Origin Cards, and renunciation processing.

Dual Nationality

Pakistan allows dual nationality with 21 countries:

  • Australia
  • Belgium
  • Canada
  • Denmark
  • Egypt
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Jordan
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Syria
  • Turkey
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
How to Apply
  • Complete the dual nationality application form at your nearest Pakistan embassy
  • Submit: Pakistan passport, foreign passport, CNIC/NICOP, 4 photographs, proof of foreign citizenship
  • Processing takes 4-8 weeks and the certificate is issued from Islamabad
  • The dual nationality certificate must be carried when entering/exiting Pakistan
Warning: Acquiring citizenship of a country NOT on the 21-country list results in automatic loss of Pakistani citizenship under the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951. You must then apply for a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) if you wish to maintain ties with Pakistan.

Pakistan Origin Card (POC)

The POC is issued by NADRA to former Pakistani citizens and their descendants. It grants:

  • Visa-free entry to Pakistan
  • Right to purchase and own property in Pakistan
  • Right to open bank accounts in Pakistan
  • Right to conduct business in Pakistan

Eligibility: Former Pakistani citizens, their spouses, children, and grandchildren who now hold foreign citizenship.

Validity: 5 years, renewable. Apply at any Pakistan embassy or via the NADRA online portal.

See our detailed Pakistan Origin Card guide for full requirements.

Citizenship by Descent

Children born abroad to Pakistani citizens are eligible for Pakistani citizenship by descent. To register:

  • Register the child's birth at the nearest Pakistan embassy (see birth registration guide)
  • Apply for the child's Pakistan passport
  • Apply for the child's NICOP card

Children born to a Pakistani father are automatically Pakistani citizens. Children born to a Pakistani mother and non-Pakistani father can claim citizenship with additional documentation.

Renunciation of Citizenship

Pakistani citizens who wish to formally renounce their citizenship can do so through a Pakistan embassy. This is typically required when acquiring citizenship of a country not on the 21-country dual nationality list. Requirements:

  • Completed renunciation declaration form
  • Pakistan passport (to be surrendered and cancelled)
  • CNIC/NICOP (to be cancelled)
  • Proof of foreign citizenship or pending application
  • Renunciation fee

After renunciation, you may apply for a Pakistan Origin Card to maintain property rights and visa-free travel to Pakistan.

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