NADRA Introduces Easy NICOP Registration for Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia

NADRA has launched a new simplified NICOP registration service for Pakistani citizens residing in Saudi Arabia. The service is now available at a dedicated NADRA counter inside the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh, allowing overseas Pakistanis to apply for or renew the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) without returning to Pakistan. This facility also handles other identity services such as CNIC, Child Registration Certificate (CRC), Family Registration Certificate (FRC), and biometric verifications.

Applicants can choose among three service tiers—Normal, Urgent, and Executive—based on their processing speed needs. As of early 2025, the normal fee stands at approximately SAR 75 (Rs 5,620), urgent at SAR 110 (Rs 8,440), and executive at SAR 150 (Rs 11,250). Online applicants via Pak Identity app or website can opt to pay in USD—around $20, $30, or $40 depending on urgency.

A mobile registration team has also been deployed periodically to assist Pakistani residents unable to attend during regular hours. Operating from 8 AM to 4 PM, this team makes identity services more accessible and convenient.

Eligibility for Smart NICOP includes dual national Pakistanis from countries with which Pakistan recognizes dual citizenship—Saudi Arabia is classified under Zone B. A Smart NICOP allows visa-free travel to Pakistan and provides rights such as property ownership, bank access, and voting rights while abroad.

To apply, individuals may visit the embassy’s NADRA centre or apply remotely through the Pak Identity mobile app, uploading required documents and completing biometric verification. Applications are processed within approximately 31 working days for normal service, 23 for urgent, and 7 for executive categories. Incomplete applications may take longer depending on documentation clarity and verification status.

The launch of this service reflects NADRA’s ongoing efforts to improve access for overseas Pakistanis, eliminating the need for applicants to travel back to Pakistan. Community feedback indicates that the embassy-based service has significantly streamlined the application process, reducing bureaucratic delays and travel expenses.

Overall, the initiative signals a forward‑looking shift towards efficient, citizen‑friendly identity management for Pakistanis abroad, with NADRA leveraging its embassy presence and digital platforms to reach its diaspora with ease.

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