Pakistan Dual Citizenship 2026 — Complete Guide
Pakistan is one of the few countries that formally allows dual nationality through bilateral agreements. Pakistani citizens can hold citizenship of 19 designated countries without losing their Pakistani nationality. This guide covers everything you need to know about Pakistan's dual citizenship rules.
19 Countries with Dual Nationality Agreements
| # | Country | Region | Pakistani Diaspora |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United Kingdom | Europe | ~1.5 million |
| 2 | United States | Americas | ~500,000 |
| 3 | Canada | Americas | ~250,000 |
| 4 | Australia | Oceania | ~100,000 |
| 5 | New Zealand | Oceania | ~30,000 |
| 6 | France | Europe | ~100,000 |
| 7 | Germany | Europe | ~80,000 |
| 8 | Italy | Europe | ~150,000 |
| 9 | Belgium | Europe | ~30,000 |
| 10 | Netherlands | Europe | ~40,000 |
| 11 | Sweden | Europe | ~40,000 |
| 12 | Switzerland | Europe | ~10,000 |
| 13 | Ireland | Europe | ~15,000 |
| 14 | Iceland | Europe | Small community |
| 15 | Finland | Europe | Small community |
| 16 | Denmark | Europe | ~25,000 |
| 17 | Norway | Europe | ~40,000 |
| 18 | Syria | Middle East | Small community |
| 19 | Egypt | Africa | Small community |
Rights of Dual Nationals
Pakistani dual nationals enjoy the following rights:
- Visa-free entry: Enter Pakistan freely on your Pakistani passport without needing a visa
- Property ownership: Buy and own property in Pakistan
- Bank accounts: Open and maintain bank accounts in Pakistan
- NICOP: Eligible for NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis)
- Voting: Can vote in Pakistani elections (if registered)
- Business: Start and run businesses in Pakistan
NICOP & Pakistan Origin Card
NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis)
Dual nationals and overseas Pakistanis should apply for a NICOP, which serves as proof of Pakistani nationality and facilitates:
- Entry into Pakistan without a visa
- Property transactions
- Banking services
- SIM card registration
- Opening utility accounts
Apply through NADRA at any Pakistan embassy or consulate, or online at the NADRA website.
Pakistan Origin Card (POC)
For former Pakistani citizens who have given up their Pakistani nationality (e.g., citizens of countries not on the 19-country list), the Pakistan Origin Card provides:
- Visa-free entry to Pakistan for life
- Right to buy property
- Right to open bank accounts
- No need for a separate visa for any visit
How to Declare Dual Nationality
If you acquire citizenship of one of the 19 listed countries, you should formally declare your dual nationality with the Pakistan government:
- Visit your nearest Pakistan embassy or consulate
- Submit the dual nationality declaration form
- Provide a copy of your new citizenship certificate or passport
- Provide a copy of your Pakistani passport or CNIC
- Pay the processing fee
- Receive confirmation of dual nationality status
Non-Listed Countries
If you acquire citizenship of a country not on the 19-country list (e.g., India, UAE, Saudi Arabia), you technically lose your Pakistani citizenship under the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951. However:
- You can apply for a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) for visa-free access
- You can apply for renunciation of the foreign citizenship and retain/regain Pakistani citizenship
- In practice, enforcement varies — consult a legal advisor for your specific situation
Related Guides
At a Glance
- 19 countries with dual nationality agreements
- NICOP available for all overseas Pakistanis
- POC for former citizens of non-listed countries
- No visa needed for dual nationals entering Pakistan