The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has explained the procedure for converting an existing Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) or Smart CNIC into a National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP). Pakistani citizens planning to move abroad can complete the process by visiting a nearby NADRA Registration Centre with their existing identity card and relevant travel or overseas residence documents.
Applicants must provide supporting documents such as a Pakistani or foreign passport, residence permit, work permit, or other relevant travel documents. The process involves obtaining a token, biometric verification, personal information entry, fingerprint and iris scanning, photograph capture, application approval, and payment of the applicable fee.
After approval, applicants receive a confirmation message on their registered mobile number and can pay the NICOP fee according to their selected processing category. NADRA offers three processing options: Normal, Urgent, and Executive, with processing times of 31, 23, and 9 days, respectively.
The published fee schedule lists Normal processing at $39 for Zone A and $20 for Zone B, while Urgent processing costs $57 and $30, respectively. Executive processing is available for $75 in Zone A and $40 in Zone B. Applicants can collect their NICOP from the same registration centre after the relevant processing period.
