NADRA Introduces Easy NICOP Registration for Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia

Pakistani expatriates in Saudi Arabia have received a major relief: the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced a simplified process for NICOP registration at the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh. This initiative allows overseas Pakistanis to apply for or renew their National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) without having to travel back home.

The service is part of NADRA’s mission to make identity management more efficient, accessible, and citizen-friendly for Pakistanis living abroad.

What Is NICOP and Why It Matters

The NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis) is an essential identity document for Pakistanis holding dual nationality or living abroad. With a valid NICOP, overseas citizens gain:

• Visa-free entry to Pakistan
  

• Legal rights to own property
  

• Access to bank accounts in Pakistan
  

• Voting rights while living abroad
  

For Pakistani workers, students, and families in Saudi Arabia, NICOP is a must-have document that makes travel and legal procedures seamless.

Where to Apply: Embassy-Based NADRA Services

The new NADRA counter inside the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh is now fully operational. This facility not only handles NICOP registrations but also provides other identity-related services such as:

• CNIC issuance & renewal
  

• Child Registration Certificate (CRC)
  

• Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
  

• Biometric verification services
  

Applicants no longer need to travel back to Pakistan to complete these processes, saving both time and money.

Service Categories and Fees

NADRA offers three service tiers based on processing speed:

1. Normal Service – SAR 75 (approx. Rs 5,620) / $20
   

2. Processing time: around 31 working days
   

3. Urgent Service – SAR 110 (approx. Rs 8,440) / $30
   

4. Processing time: around 23 working days
   

5. Executive Service – SAR 150 (approx. Rs 11,250) / $40
   

6. Processing time: around 7 working days
   

Applicants can either pay in Saudi Riyals at the embassy or use USD payments when applying online via the Pak Identity app or website.

Mobile Registration Teams for Added Convenience

To further support the Pakistani community, NADRA has deployed mobile registration teams. These teams operate between 8 AM and 4 PM, making identity services accessible for those who cannot visit the embassy during regular hours.

This initiative ensures that even Pakistanis living in remote parts of Saudi Arabia can complete their NICOP, CNIC, or FRC registration with ease.

Eligibility for Smart NICOP

The newly introduced Smart NICOP is available to Pakistanis holding dual nationality with countries recognized by Pakistan. Saudi Arabia falls under Zone B, meaning Pakistanis residing there are eligible to apply.

The Smart NICOP card offers advanced security features and provides:

• Visa-free travel to Pakistan
  

• Access to public services and financial systems
  

• Stronger data protection through biometric verification
  

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applicants can choose between visiting the embassy in person or applying remotely online.

Embassy Application

1. Visit the NADRA counter at the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh.
   

2. Submit the required documents (passport, residence permit, supporting papers).
   

3. Provide biometric verification.
   

4. Select your service category (Normal, Urgent, Executive).
   

Online Application (Pak Identity App/Website)

1. Register on the Pak Identity platform.
   

2. Upload necessary documents (passport copy, existing NICOP/CNIC, residence permit).
   

3. Provide a digital photo and fingerprints.
   

4. Pay fees online in USD.
   

5. Track your application through the portal.
   

 Incomplete applications or unclear documents may delay processing.

Processing Timelines

• Normal Service: 31 working days
  

• Urgent Service: 23 working days
  

• Executive Service: 7 working days
  

These timelines make it much easier for Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia to plan travel, legal, and family matters without long bureaucratic delays.

Community Response

The overseas Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia has welcomed the initiative, noting that it:

• Reduces travel costs (no need to return to Pakistan)
  

• Cuts bureaucratic red tape
  

• Provides faster and more reliable services
  

For thousands of Pakistani workers and families in Riyadh, Jeddah, and beyond, this service has already eased the stress of document renewal and verification.

NADRA’s Long-Term Vision

This service is part of NADRA’s broader plan to digitalize identity services for overseas Pakistanis. By combining embassy-based counters with mobile teams and online platforms, NADRA is working to ensure accessibility for Pakistanis worldwide.

Future goals include:

• Expanding embassy counters in other Gulf countries
  

• Enhancing biometric verification technology
  

• Offering faster digital processing through mobile apps
  

Conclusion

The launch of the easy NICOP registration system in Riyadh is a significant step forward in serving Pakistan’s diaspora. With multiple service tiers, affordable fees, and digital convenience, NADRA has made it easier than ever for Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia to manage their identity documents.

For overseas Pakistanis, this isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about maintaining legal rights, identity security, and a strong connection to home.

By streamlining the process, NADRA has proven that citizen-focused innovation can make life simpler for millions of Pakistanis abroad.