How Overseas Pakistanis Can Apply for NICOP and Passport Online

Understanding NICOP and Passport for Overseas Pakistanis

The NICOP is issued by NADRA and serves as an identity card for overseas Pakistanis, allowing them to enter Pakistan without a visa, purchase property, open bank accounts, and enjoy many other privileges of citizenship. On the other hand, the Machine Readable Passport (MRP) is issued by the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGIP) and is required for all international travel. Both documents are interlinked — you need a valid NICOP or CNIC to apply for or renew your passport.

Previously, overseas Pakistanis had to physically visit the nearest embassy or consulate to obtain or renew these documents. Today, NADRA’s Pak-Identity Portal (id.nadra.gov.pk) and DGIP’s Online Passport Application System (onlinemrp.dgip.gov.pk) have made it possible to apply for these documents digitally from anywhere in the world. This digital transformation is a major step forward in making government services accessible to the global Pakistani community.

Applying for NICOP Online – Step by Step

Here’s how to apply for NICOP online while living overseas:

1. Check eligibility

   • If you are a Pakistani citizen residing abroad or have dual nationality, you can apply.

   • A valid Passport number is often required for “Smart NICOP.” 

2. Go to the “Pak Identity” Portal

   • NADRA’s official system for NICOP/POC/FRC online application is Pak-Identity: id.nadra.gov.pk 

   • You can also use the mobile app for Pak Identity in many cases. 

3. Create an Account & Login

   • Fill out the initial registration: name, existing identity credentials (if any), contact, address abroad, etc.

   • Complete account verification, which might require uploading documents and/or using biometrics (fingerprints/photos) via the app or portal. 

4. Choose the Correct Application Type

   • Fresh / New NICOP

   • Renewal

   • Reprint (if lost or damaged)

   • Modify data (change of address, marital status, etc.) 

5. Upload Required Documents

   Common documents include:

   • Valid Passport copy

   • Proof of overseas residence (visa/residence permit)

   • Parents’ identity (CNIC/NICOP) or other relatives in some cases for verification or biometric reference. 

   • For children born abroad: Birth certificate, parents’ identity, etc.

6. Pay the Fee

   • Fees vary depending on urgency, category (normal / urgent / executive) and where you are applying from (Zone A or B).

   • Payment is done online or via the portal. Keep confirmation receipt.

7. Biometrics & Verification

   • Some parts require biometric verification either via app or at a NADRA Registration Center. If you’re overseas, there may be additional steps.

   • Be aware: in some cases the application may be “on hold” if something is missing (parent’s CNIC, etc.). 

8. Track Your Application

   • Use the tracking ID given at submission.

   • NADRA’s portal & the “Pak Identity” app usually allows you to see status.

9. Receive Your NICOP

   • The final NICOP card is delivered by mail/courier to the address abroad (if this service is available) or via a local liaison office.

   • Processing time depends on category (normal / urgent).

Applying / Renewing Passport (MRP) Online from Abroad

Here’s how to handle your Pakistani Passport or renewal of MRP while overseas:

1. Visit the DGIP’s e-Services Portal

   • The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGIP) has an online system: Online Passport Application System or “Onlinemrp.dgip.gov.pk” for many operations. 

2. Select the Appropriate Category

   • Renewal of passport

   • New passport (new born, first time)

   • Minor modifications (e.g. change of name, address)

   • Urgent vs Normal processing

3. Requirements / Documents

   Typically required:

   • Valid NICOP or CNIC (identity card) or proof of identity. You must have NICOP or identity card to apply for a passport. 

   • Current/previous Pakistani passport (if renewing) 

   • Proof of overseas residence (residence permit/visa)

   • Photographs / biometric data (face, fingerprints) – may have to appear at a Pakistani mission or consulate for this step in some cases.

    

4. Fill and Submit Application

   • The online wizard guides you through sections: personal info, contact, emergency contacts, prior passport info, etc. 

   • Upload required documents.

5. Fee Payment

   • Pay via designated payment options in the portal (credit/debit card, online bank transfer, etc.).

   • For “Urgent” or “Executive” passports, pay the higher fee.

6. Verification & Biometric Capture

   • In many cases overseas, biometric capture (fingerprints, photo) must be done at the Pakistani embassy/mission. For some renewals, this may be waived or simplified if photo and identity card are already valid. 

7. Tracking & Delivery

   • Use the tracking provided by DGIP.

   • Your passport may be delivered by courier/mail to your indicated address abroad. Some embassies have opted for doorstep delivery.

Key Tips to Avoid Delays & Rejections

• Ensure all documents are valid and clear, especially your identity card (NICOP/CNIC) and passport. Invalid or expired identity documents cause delays.

• Double-check parents’ identity documents: their CNIC / NICOP may be needed especially for new or first-time NICOP or for minors.

• Be precise in details: spelling of name, date of birth, marital status, etc. If these are wrong, modification later might be difficult.

• Apply well in advance of travel needs**, especially in “normal” processing categories. Urgent services are faster but cost more.

• Maintain digital copies of all documents (passport, proof of residence) in case you need to re-upload or if originals are lost.

• Track your application regularly, especially using the portal status. If status shows “on-hold” or some verification issue, follow up promptly via help-desk, email, or complaint system.

• Use the correct zone/category: fees and delivery times can differ depending on your country of residence (zones).

Timeline & Fees (2025 Snapshot)

Here are approximate times & fees as per latest info (always verify on official sites as these can change):

• NICOP normal processing: may take several weeks. Urgent or executive services are faster. 

• Passport (MRP) renewal or fresh issuance: normal is slower (maybe a few weeks), urgent faster. 

• Fee ranges vary by zone and urgency. E.g. for NICOP from Europe: Normal, Urgent, Executive fees differ significantly.

Official Links & Helpful Resources

• Pak Identity (NICOP / POC / FRC): 

• DGIP Online Passport Application / MRP: onlinemrp.dgip.gov.pk or via DGIP’s e-services portal.

• NADRA Help / Support:

  • Phone: +92-51-111-786-100 

  • Emails: info.pakid@nadra.gov.pk, support.pakid@nadra.gov.pk

• Passport Online Support: DGIP’s online passport section email & helpline are available in their portal.

Conclusion

Applying for NICOP and Passport online has made things much easier for overseas Pakistanis. Although some steps still require physical verification (especially biometrics), the portal-based workflows have cut down on travel, allowed tracking, and given you more control. Just make sure to gather and upload accurate documents, choose the correct option (fresh / renewal / urgent), and follow the guidance on the official websites.