Pakistan Origin Card (POC) - Guide for Ex-Citizens and Foreign Spouses
The Pakistan Origin Card allows former Pakistani citizens, their spouses, and children to enjoy visa-free entry to Pakistan, own property, open bank accounts, and access many of the same rights as Pakistani nationals.
What is the Pakistan Origin Card?
The Pakistan Origin Card (POC) is an identity document issued by NADRA that grants foreign nationals of Pakistani origin or connection many of the privileges enjoyed by Pakistani citizens. It was introduced to encourage the Pakistani diaspora to maintain economic and personal ties with Pakistan, even after acquiring foreign citizenship.
The POC replaces the older "Person of Pakistani Origin" card and offers significantly more benefits, including unlimited visa-free entry to Pakistan, the right to purchase property, and the ability to open bank accounts.
Who Can Apply for POC?
Eligible
- Former Pakistani citizens who have acquired foreign nationality
- Foreign nationals born to Pakistani parents (father or mother)
- Foreign spouses of Pakistani citizens or NICOP holders
- Foreign grandchildren of Pakistani nationals (with documentary proof)
- Persons who were citizens of Pakistan at any time after 1947
Not Eligible
- Citizens of India, Israel, or Afghanistan (per Pakistani law)
- Persons who renounced Pakistani citizenship under duress or court order
- Persons with criminal records in Pakistan or their country of residence
- Persons on Pakistani travel blacklists
Benefits of Pakistan Origin Card
- Visa-free entry to Pakistan for the validity of the card
- Unlimited stay in Pakistan (no visa extension needed)
- Property ownership - buy and sell property in Pakistan
- Bank accounts - open and operate bank accounts
- Business investment - start or invest in businesses
- Education - enrol in Pakistani educational institutions
- No police reporting (unlike regular foreign visitors)
- Employment (subject to certain restrictions)
- Roshan Digital Account eligibility
- Attend family events without visa hassle
Documents Required
For Former Pakistani Citizens
- Foreign passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Previous Pakistani passport or CNIC/NICOP (proof of former citizenship)
- Proof of Pakistani origin (birth certificate, old passport, family documents)
- Two passport-size photographs (white background)
- Proof of address in country of residence
- Prescribed fee payment
For Foreign Spouses
- Foreign passport
- Marriage certificate (attested by Pakistani embassy)
- Spouse's NICOP or Pakistani passport
- Nikah Nama (if Islamic marriage)
- Two passport-size photographs
- Joint declaration by both spouses
- Prescribed fee payment
For Children of Pakistani Parents
- Child's foreign passport
- Birth certificate showing Pakistani parent(s)
- Pakistani parent's NICOP or passport
- Two passport-size photographs
- Prescribed fee payment
How to Apply
Option 1: Through Pakistan Embassy
- Contact your nearest Pakistan embassy or consulate with a NADRA counter
- Book an appointment for POC application
- Visit with all required documents and have biometrics captured
- Pay the prescribed fee
- Receive your POC by courier (processing time: 4-8 weeks)
Option 2: Online via NADRA Portal
- Visit id.nadra.gov.pk and create an account
- Select "Pakistan Origin Card" application
- Fill in the form and upload documents
- Pay the fee online
- Visit an embassy for biometric verification
- Receive your POC by courier
POC Fees and Validity
| Category | Validity | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Adult POC | 5 years | $150-200 USD |
| Child POC (under 18) | 5 years | $100-150 USD |
| Lifetime POC | Lifetime | $300-500 USD |
| POC Renewal | 5 years | $150-200 USD |
Fees vary by embassy and are subject to change. Contact your embassy for current pricing.
POC Limitations
While the POC offers extensive benefits, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- No voting rights: POC holders cannot vote in Pakistani elections
- No government employment: Cannot hold government or military positions
- No political office: Cannot run for elected office in Pakistan
- Restricted areas: May need additional permission to visit certain areas (e.g., military zones, parts of Balochistan, AJK)
- Not a citizenship document: POC does not restore Pakistani citizenship
POC vs Dual Nationality
Pakistan allows dual nationality with 21 countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and most European nations. If you qualify for dual nationality, you can retain your Pakistani citizenship alongside your foreign citizenship.
If you hold dual nationality: You do not need a POC. You should apply for a NICOP instead, which gives you full citizen rights including voting.
If you renounced Pakistani citizenship: POC is your best option for maintaining ties with Pakistan without seeking to restore citizenship.
- Issued by: NADRA
- Validity: 5 years or lifetime
- Processing: 4-8 weeks
- Fee: ~$150-500 USD
- Visa-free entry: Yes
- Property rights: Yes
- Banking: Yes