BLOGS

Thumb
  • 2022-06-01
  • By Muhammad Basil Khan

A Complete Guide To Pakistan Origin Card (POC)

Pakistan usually looks upon overseas nationals to aid the economy. On the other hand, these overseas Pakistanis also invest in their homeland and carry out businesses here from different countries across the globe. It’s not as smooth as it seems to be able to run a business in Pakistan as an outsider. One needs to hold a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) in order to pursue commercial activities here.

Apart from that, the POC card has a lot more to offer and we will be shedding some light on the details in this blog.

What is Pakistan Origin Card (POC)?

Pakistan Origin Card (POC) is a document that allows foreigners to invest and carry out business in Pakistan. It is issued to only eligible foreigners who meet the eligibility criteria. A POC card holder is allowed to visit the country frequently without a visa. It separates them from other foreigners and allows them to enjoy different perks in Pakistan.

Perks of Holding a POC Card

Talk about Pakistan origin card benefits and there will be a list to read. We have penned down the perks of holding a POC card below.

  • Visa-free travel to Pakistan.
  • Access to processing a bank account in Pakistan from different countries in the world.
  • Indefinite stay in Pakistan with no need to report to the local law enforcement agencies and other offices.
  • Independence for investing in real estate.
  • Easy immigration process for moving to any part of the world from Pakistan.
  • Independence for doing a job in Pakistan during the stay.
  • A POC card can be used as a National Identity Card to prove your identity in the country.

These are the perks that a Nadra POC holder can enjoy in Pakistan. However, it is very important to meet the eligibility criteria in the first place to obtain this card.

Eligibility Criteria to Obtain a Pakistan Origin Card (POC)?

Not everyone is allowed to obtain this card and invest in Pakistan. According to the official website of NADRA, you must meet the following conditions to obtain a POC.

  • You are a foreigner who married a Pakistani citizen.
  • You are a foreigner whose parents or grandparents are or were Pakistani nationals.
  • You are a foreigner who has or had siblings or relatives from Pakistan.
  • You are a former Pakistani national who has surrendered nationality to another country.
  • You are not a citizen of any hostile country.
  • You are not a citizen of India, Israel, or Taiwan.
  • You are not a citizen of any country that Pakistan does not recognize.

So, if you are looking to obtain a Pakistan Origin Card (POC), make sure to meet these conditions.

Documents Required to Apply for Pakistan Origin Card (POC)

If you meet the eligibility criteria, here is the next step. You will need the following documents to apply for POC.

  • Original and photocopy of CNIC/NICOP (to be returned to the concerned NADRA offices).
  • Cancel your CNIC/CRC/NICOP (not for people under 21).
  • Get an affidavit from NADRA’s official website (only for foreign nationals; necessary to be attached with the application).
  • Copy of Foreign Passport.
  • Renunciation certificate that proves cancellation of Pakistani CNIC (only for overseas Pakistanis with dual national nationalities).
  • CNIC/POC/NICOP/Passport of parents or guardian (they must be Pakistani nationals having a proven and documented relationship with you).
  • CNIC/POC/NICOP/Passport of siblings/relatives (they must be Pakistani nationals with a proven and documented relationship with you).
  • Attested copy of the marriage certificate; available at the Pakistan embassy, consulate, or foreign office (only if the spouse is Pakistani).

These were some documents that were required to apply for a Pakistan Origin Card (POC).

Countries Having Dual Nationality Arrangements with Pakistan

If you do not want to surrender your nationality to another country and get a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) as well, there is a way. Below is the list of countries that have dual nationality arrangements with Pakistan. It means that you can apply for POC while keeping Pakistani nationality, but you must be a resident of one of the countries mentioned below. 

  • Italy
  • Australia
  • Belgium
  • Canada
  • Egypt
  • France
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Jordan
  • Netherlands (also known as Holland)
  • New Zealand
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Syria
  • United Kingdom
  • United State of America
  • Bahrain
  • Finland
  • Denmark
  • Germany (only for children of Pakistani nationals, born in Germany).

How to Apply for Pakistan Origin Card (POC) Online?

Once you have checked the eligibility criteria and document list, the next step is to apply for the POC, and we will walk you through the process.

Create an Account

Open the NADRA Pak Identity portal and create an account online. Follow the step-by-step instructions to get it done.

  • Enter all the required information and wait for the verification code.
  • Enter the verification code.

Apply for POC

Once, you are done with the account now it’s time to apply for POC.

  • Click on "apply for POC".
  • Choose the relevant category from "new", "POC renewal", "POC cancellation", and "modification".
  • Enter all the required information in the Pakistan origin card application form.
  • Attach the required documents in PDF.
  • Pay the fees via credit or debit card.
  • Submit the application and wait for the POC to be delivered.

Pakistan Origin Card Tracking

You can track your POC by visiting NADRA's official website. There is an option for "NICOP/POC Tracking" on the site to assist you. Furthermore, you will have to enter your 10-digit Application Tracking ID, printed on the top right corner of your receipt. 

POC Application Fees

Looking for Pakistan origin card fee? We have listed it below for you.

Application Type – Normal (31 Days)       

New - 150$

Modification of Data on POC - 200$

Renewal of POC - 150$ 

Cancellation of POC - N/A

 

Application Type – Urgent (23 Days)        

New - N/A

Modification of Data on POC - 250$

Renewal of POC - N/A

Cancellation of POC - N/A

 

Application Type – Executive (7 Days)

New – 200$

Modification of Data on POC – 300$

Renewal of POC – 200$

Cancellation of POC – 15$

FAQs

Can POC card holder work in Pakistan?

Yes! According to POC rules 2002, a POC holder can work in Pakistan.

How can I get POC card in Pakistan?

You will have to apply online via the NADRA Pak Identity portal.

What is POC and CNIC?

Pakistan Origin Card (POC) is a document that allows foreigners to invest and carry out business in Pakistan. Meanwhile, CNIC is a Computerized National Identity Card.

Who is eligible for POC Pakistan?

People who have surrendered their nationality to other countries or people living in countries that have dual nationality agreements with Pakistan are eligible for POC.

Conclusion

These are the details you must know before applying for the Nadra Pakistan origin card. Make sure to check your eligibility and compile the documents required for the process. We hope this blog provided all the information you were looking for. Keep reading us for more informative write-ups. 

Leave a comments