Pakistan Dual Nationality — Rules, Eligible Countries & How to Apply (2026)

Pakistan allows its citizens to hold dual nationality with select countries. This guide explains the rules, eligible country list, application process, and what it means for your rights as a Pakistani citizen.

Good News for Overseas Pakistanis

Pakistan permits dual nationality under Section 14-A of the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951 (amended 1972). If you acquire citizenship of an approved country, you do not automatically lose your Pakistani citizenship. However, you must formally register your dual nationality status.

Countries with Dual Nationality Agreements

Pakistan currently has dual nationality agreements with the following countries. Citizens of these countries may hold Pakistani citizenship simultaneously:

Approved Dual Nationality Countries

United Kingdom
United States
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
France

Italy
Belgium
Iceland
Ireland
Sweden
Netherlands

Switzerland
Egypt
Jordan
Syria
Libya
Bahrain

This list is maintained by Pakistan's Ministry of Interior. Countries may be added or removed. If your country is not listed, acquiring citizenship there will result in automatic loss of Pakistani citizenship under the Pakistan Citizenship Act. Always verify the current list with your nearest Pakistan embassy.

How to Apply for Dual Nationality Recognition

Obtain Foreign Citizenship

Complete the naturalisation process in one of the approved countries listed above. You will need your foreign citizenship certificate or naturalisation certificate.

Gather Required Documents

Prepare: valid Pakistan passport, foreign citizenship/naturalisation certificate, NICOP or CNIC, two passport-size photographs, completed dual nationality application form, and the prescribed fee.

Submit to Pakistan Embassy

Visit your nearest Pakistan embassy or high commission. Submit the application and documents in person. The embassy forwards your application to the Ministry of Interior in Islamabad for approval.

Receive Confirmation

Processing takes 4-8 weeks. Once approved, you receive a dual nationality certificate. This must be carried when travelling to Pakistan on your foreign passport, as it proves you have not renounced Pakistani citizenship.

Rights & Restrictions for Dual Nationals

Right/Activity	Status for Dual Nationals	Notes
Own property in Pakistan	Allowed	Full rights to buy, sell, inherit property
Open bank account in Pakistan	Allowed	Including Roshan Digital Account
Vote in Pakistan elections	Allowed	Overseas voting rights for registered voters
Hold public office	Restricted	Must renounce foreign citizenship first (per Supreme Court rulings)
Serve in Pakistan military	Restricted	Not permitted for dual nationals
Work in Pakistan government	Restricted	Civil service positions require single nationality
Run a business in Pakistan	Allowed	Full rights to register companies, invest, trade
Inherit property and assets	Allowed	Subject to Pakistan inheritance law (Islamic or personal law)
Travel to Pakistan	Allowed	Enter on either passport; carry dual nationality certificate

Tax Implications

Holding dual nationality has important tax implications:

Pakistan tax residency: If you spend 183+ days in Pakistan in a tax year, you may be considered a Pakistan tax resident and subject to Pakistan income tax on worldwide income
US citizens: The US taxes worldwide income regardless of residence. You must file US tax returns even while living in Pakistan. FATCA reporting applies to accounts over $10,000
UK citizens: The UK taxes based on residency. If you are UK tax resident, your Pakistan income is reportable. Double taxation treaties may provide relief
Pakistan property income: Rental income and capital gains from Pakistan property are taxable in Pakistan regardless of your residency status
Double taxation treaties: Pakistan has DTAs with most dual nationality agreement countries. These prevent being taxed twice on the same income

Tax laws are complex. Consult a qualified tax adviser familiar with both countries' tax systems.

What If Your Country Is Not on the List?

If you acquire citizenship of a country not on the approved list (for example, Germany, India, or Saudi Arabia), you will automatically lose your Pakistani citizenship under the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951.

Options Available

Pakistan Origin Card (POC): Former Pakistani citizens can apply for a POC, which grants visa-free entry to Pakistan, the right to buy property, and work permits. It is not citizenship but provides significant privileges. Learn more about POC.
Reinstatement of citizenship: In some cases, you can apply to have Pakistani citizenship restored through the Ministry of Interior, though this is discretionary and not guaranteed.
Check before naturalising: If maintaining Pakistani citizenship is important to you, verify the current approved list with the Pakistan embassy before applying for foreign citizenship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You should apply for dual nationality recognition through the Pakistan embassy as soon as possible after acquiring foreign citizenship of an approved country. While there is no strict deadline, having the certificate avoids complications when entering Pakistan, buying property, or dealing with government matters.

Yes, dual nationals can enter Pakistan on either their Pakistan passport or their foreign passport. If entering on a foreign passport, carry your dual nationality certificate. Some immigration officers may ask to see it. Many dual nationals prefer to enter on their Pakistan passport to avoid any queries.

Yes. Children born to a Pakistani citizen abroad are entitled to Pakistani citizenship by descent, regardless of where they were born. You can register the birth at the Pakistan embassy and apply for a Pakistan passport and NICOP for the child. The child can hold both citizenships.

Yes. If you wish to formally renounce Pakistani citizenship, you can apply through the Pakistan embassy. You will need to surrender your Pakistan passport and NICOP. You can then apply for a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) to maintain property rights and visa-free travel to Pakistan.

No, Germany is not currently on Pakistan's approved dual nationality list. Additionally, Germany historically did not permit dual citizenship for naturalised citizens (requiring renunciation of previous citizenship). However, Germany updated its nationality law in 2024 to allow dual citizenship in more cases. Check both Pakistan and German regulations before proceeding.

Quick Facts

Approved countries: 18+
Processing: 4-8 weeks
Legal basis: Citizenship Act 1951 (s.14-A)
Property rights: Fully retained
Public office: Restricted

Warning

Acquiring citizenship of a country not on the approved list results in automatic loss of Pakistani citizenship. Always verify the current list with the Pakistan embassy before naturalising in another country.