Pakistan Origin Card (POC) application guide featured image with NADRA identity card graphic

Pakistan Origin Card (POC): Eligibility, Documents & How to Apply Online

Last updated: August 2026

The Pakistan Origin Card (POC) is the official identity document that NADRA (National Database & Registration Authority) issues to foreign nationals who have Pakistani roots. If you were once a Pakistani citizen and later gave up your nationality, or if your parents or grandparents were Pakistani, the Pakistan Origin Card (POC) lets you keep a strong, legally recognised connection with Pakistan — without needing a visa every time you visit. This guide explains who qualifies, what documents you need, and exactly how the online application works.

What Is the Pakistan Origin Card (POC)?

The Pakistan Origin Card (POC) is issued under Section 11 of the NADRA Ordinance, 2000, and under the NADRA (POC) Rules, 2002. It is not a citizenship document — POC holders remain citizens of their own country — but it acts as proof of Pakistani origin and unlocks a set of civil and travel privileges inside Pakistan.

If you're also comparing this to other overseas identity options, see our related guide on NICOP for Overseas Pakistanis to understand which document actually applies to your situation.

Benefits of Holding a Pakistan Origin Card

Visa-free travel — enter Pakistan multiple times without applying for a visa.
Extended or indefinite stay — no requirement to register with police or foreigner registration offices.
Property rights — buy, sell, own, and deal with movable or immovable property in Pakistan.
Banking access — open and operate bank accounts and register mobile SIMs in Pakistan.
Proof of identity — usable in place of a National Identity Card for many civil purposes.
Employment eligibility — may obtain employment within Pakistan.
Faster immigration — swift processing at designated ports, airports, and border crossings.

Who Is Eligible for POC?

You can generally apply for a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) if you fall into one of these categories:

You are a foreign national but were previously a Pakistani citizen (i.e., you renounced your Pakistani nationality).
You are a foreign national and any of your parents or grandparents are/were Pakistani nationals (alive or deceased).
You acquired foreign nationality before the commencement of the Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951.
You are a foreign national married to a Pakistani citizen or a person of Pakistani origin.
You are the dependent child of a foreign spouse of a Pakistani citizen or origin individual.

Note: Nationals or citizens of India and Bangladesh, and nationals of any country not recognised by Pakistan, are not eligible for POC.

Documents Required for POC Application

Depending on your specific eligibility category, you'll typically need:

Valid foreign passport / residence permit
Your own or your parent's/grandparent's original Pakistani CNIC, NICOP, or POC
Manual National ID card, domicile, or citizenship certificate of parents/grandparents (if applicable)
Birth certificate or Child Registration Certificate (CRC) showing the link to your parents
Marriage certificate (for spouse-based applications)
Recent passport-sized photograph meeting NADRA's photo specifications
Any supporting documents proving the family link (educational or property documents naming the parents, where relevant)

Before you start, it also helps to review NADRA's general identity document requirements so your paperwork is in order before you begin the online form.

How to Apply for Pakistan Origin Card (POC) Online

NADRA processes POC applications through its Pak Identity system. This service is not available at Pakistani consulates or embassies — it must be completed online. Here's the general process:

Create an account on NADRA's official Pak Identity portal or download the official Pak ID mobile app (available for Android and iPhone).
Select the POC category and choose "Apply for Fresh/New POC" (or "Modification/Renewal" if you already hold one).
Fill in your personal details, including your MNIC number (if any) and the eligibility category that applies to you — e.g., Ex-Pakistani, or Parent/Grandparent-based.
Upload the required documents listed above, scanned or photographed clearly.
Pay the applicable fee online using a credit or debit card.
Complete biometric verification — this step may require a visit to a NADRA Registration Centre (NRC) or an authorised overseas facilitation point, since fingerprints and a photograph are usually needed.
Track your application using the tracking ID issued after submission, either through the portal or the Pak ID app.

NADRA has increasingly directed applicants toward the Pak ID mobile app for submitting and tracking POC applications, alongside the web portal. Because processing channels and requirements can change, always confirm the current application method and required documents on NADRA's official website before you begin.

Fee and Processing Time

POC fees vary based on the processing category (normal, urgent, or executive) and whether you're applying from inside or outside Pakistan. Fees and processing times are updated periodically by NADRA, so check the current fee schedule on the official NADRA or Pak Identity website at the time of your application rather than relying on older figures you may find elsewhere.

Pakistan Origin Card (POC) vs. NICOP: What's the Difference?

People often confuse POC with NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis). The key difference is nationality status:

NICOP is for people who are still Pakistani citizens (including dual nationals) living abroad.
POC is for foreign nationals of Pakistani origin who are not (or no longer) Pakistani citizens.

If you're unsure which one fits your situation, our detailed NICOP vs. POC comparison breaks down eligibility side by side.

Renewing Your Pakistan Origin Card

When your POC is due for renewal, you can apply through the same Pak Identity system. Keep your 13-digit unique identity number handy, as it speeds up the renewal form and helps NADRA pull up your existing record instantly.

Frequently Asked Questions About POC

Is POC the same as Pakistani citizenship?

No. The Pakistan Origin Card is an identity and privilege document, not a citizenship certificate. POC holders remain citizens of their own country.

Can I apply for POC at a Pakistani consulate?

No. POC, NICOP, and FRC applications are processed only through NADRA's online Pak Identity system or the Pak ID mobile app — not at consulates.

Do I need to visit Pakistan to complete my POC application?

Biometric verification (fingerprints and photograph) is often required and may need to be completed at a NADRA Registration Centre or an authorised facilitation point, depending on your location and category.

Can Indian or Bangladeshi nationals apply for a Pakistan Origin Card?

No. Citizens or nationals of India and Bangladesh are not eligible to apply for POC.

For video guide, view this video

Disclaimer: Application procedures, required documents, and fees for the Pakistan Origin Card can change over time. This guide summarises publicly available information for general educational purposes — always verify the latest requirements on NADRA's official website before submitting your application.

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