Apply for a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) in the UK
If you are a foreign national with Pakistani roots or a qualifying family connection to Pakistan, a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) can make it easier to maintain your connection with Pakistan.
At Nadra Solutions, we provide professional application assistance for eligible applicants across the UK. Whether you are applying for your first POC or are unsure about your eligibility, our experienced team can help you understand the requirements, prepare your supporting documents, and guide you throughout the application process.
What Is a Pakistan Origin Card (POC)?
A Pakistan Origin Card, commonly known as a POC, is an identity document issued by NADRA to eligible foreign nationals who have Pakistani origins or certain qualifying relationships with Pakistani citizens or persons of Pakistani origin.
Unlike a NICOP, which is issued to eligible Pakistani citizens living abroad, a POC is intended for qualifying individuals who are foreign nationals.
A POC can provide eligible holders with a convenient way to maintain personal, family, business and other connections with Pakistan.
Who Can Apply for a New POC?
You may be eligible to apply for a Pakistan Origin Card if you fall within one of the qualifying categories.
These may include:
- Former Pakistani citizens who now hold foreign nationality
- Foreign nationals whose parent or grandparent is or was Pakistani
- Certain foreign nationals married to a Pakistani citizen or person of Pakistani origin
- Eligible dependent children of a foreign spouse of a Pakistani citizen or person of Pakistani origin
- Other applicants who meet the applicable POC eligibility requirements
Eligibility depends on your citizenship, family history and individual circumstances.
If you are unsure whether you should apply for a POC or NICOP, our team can help you understand the difference before you begin your application.
POC vs NICOP – Which One Do You Need?
POC and NICOP are often confused, but they are different documents.
| Feature | NICOP | POC |
|---|---|---|
| Intended for | Pakistani citizens living abroad | Eligible foreign nationals |
| Pakistani citizenship | Holder is a Pakistani citizen | POC itself does not grant citizenship |
| Pakistani origin | May apply | Usually relevant to eligibility |
| Foreign passport holders | May qualify depending on citizenship status | Common among POC applicants |
| Purpose | Overseas Pakistani identity | Connection with Pakistan for eligible foreign nationals |
If you remain a Pakistani citizen, NICOP may generally be the appropriate document.
If you are a foreign national and meet the POC eligibility requirements through Pakistani origin, former citizenship or an eligible family relationship, POC may be the appropriate option.
Benefits of Having a Pakistan Origin Card
A valid POC may provide several benefits to eligible holders under the applicable rules.
These can include:
- Visa-free entry to Pakistan for eligible POC holders
- Easier travel to and from Pakistan
- Facilitation in certain property-related matters
- Access to banking facilities subject to individual bank requirements
- Facilitation in certain business matters
- A recognised document demonstrating your connection with Pakistan
- Easier handling of various administrative matters while in Pakistan
The exact rights and facilities available may depend on applicable laws and individual circumstances.
Documents Required for a New POC
The documents required for a Pakistan Origin Card application depend on the basis of your eligibility.
Commonly requested supporting documents may include:
| Applicant Type | Common Supporting Documents |
|---|---|
| Former Pakistani Citizen | Valid foreign passport, previous Pakistani identity documents where available, supporting citizenship records |
| Pakistani Parent or Grandparent | Valid foreign passport, parent’s or grandparent’s Pakistani identity documents, birth or relationship evidence |
| Foreign Spouse | Valid foreign passport, spouse’s Pakistani identity document, marriage certificate and supporting documents |
| Dependent Child | Passport, birth certificate, parents’ identity documents and relevant family documents |
Additional documents may be required depending on your circumstances.
Before Sending Your Documents
To help avoid unnecessary delays:
- Provide clear colour scans
- Make sure passports and identity documents are readable
- Ensure names and dates match across your documents
- Use valid and current supporting documentation
- Provide complete relationship evidence where required
- Submit additional documentation promptly if requested
Document requirements can vary significantly between applicants, which is why checking your eligibility before submission is important.
How to Apply for a New POC in the UK
Our team provides guidance throughout the application process.
Step 1 – Contact Nadra Solutions
Get in touch with our support team through the website, WhatsApp, email or phone.
Tell us that you would like to apply for a New Pakistan Origin Card.
Step 2 – Confirm Your Eligibility
Before preparing the application, we will help you understand which eligibility category may apply to your circumstances.
This is particularly important if you are unsure whether you require a POC or NICOP.
Step 3 – Prepare Your Supporting Documents
Gather the documents relevant to your application.
Our team can review the information provided and identify documents that may be missing before your application progresses.
Step 4 – Complete Your Application Details
Your application must contain accurate personal and family information.
Carefully check:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Current nationality
- Passport information
- Pakistani family connections
- Parent or grandparent information where applicable
- Spouse information where applicable
- Current residential address
Differences between documents can result in additional verification requirements.
Step 5 – Complete Photograph and Biometric Requirements
Applicants may need to satisfy photograph, fingerprint, biometric or other identity verification requirements depending on the application process and individual circumstances.
Follow the instructions provided for your application carefully.
Step 6 – Submit the Application
Once your application information and supporting documents have been prepared and checked, the application can proceed for processing.
Step 7 – Track the Application
Where tracking is available, you can monitor the progress of your application and respond if further documents or clarification are required.
Step 8 – Receive Your POC
Following approval and production, the card is delivered according to the applicable delivery arrangements.
New POC Processing Time in the UK
Our current service options are:
| Service | Estimated Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Fast Service | Approximately 3–4 working weeks |
| Standard Service | Approximately 8 working weeks |
New POC Fees
Our current service options are:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Fast Service | £280 |
| Standard Service | £220 |
Please contact our team before applying to confirm the latest pricing and what is included in the selected service.
Common Reasons POC Applications Are Delayed
POC applications can require additional processing when information is incomplete or inconsistent.
Common problems include:
- Missing evidence of Pakistani origin
- Incorrect family information
- Unclear passport scans
- Inconsistent spellings of names
- Missing birth or marriage certificates
- Documents showing different dates of birth
- Incomplete relationship evidence
- Poor-quality photographs
- Failure to provide requested additional documents
Preparing your documentation carefully before submission can help reduce avoidable delays.
Applying for POC Through Pakistani Parents or Grandparents
One common basis for POC eligibility is Pakistani ancestry.
If your parent or grandparent is or was Pakistani, you may need to provide documents establishing both:
- Their Pakistani identity or former Pakistani status
- Your relationship to them
Depending on the family structure, this may involve birth certificates and other supporting identity records.
Our team can help you understand which documents may be relevant to demonstrate the family connection.
Applying for POC Through Marriage
Certain foreign spouses of Pakistani citizens or persons of Pakistani origin may be eligible for a Pakistan Origin Card, subject to the applicable rules.
Supporting documents may include:
- Foreign passport
- Marriage certificate
- Pakistani spouse’s CNIC or NICOP
- Additional relationship documentation where required
Eligibility restrictions can apply, so applicants should confirm their circumstances before submitting an application.
Can Children Apply for a Pakistan Origin Card?
Eligible children may qualify for a POC depending on their nationality, parentage and family circumstances.
Applications for children commonly require documents such as:
- Child’s passport
- Birth certificate
- Parents’ identity documents
- Evidence of Pakistani origin or qualifying relationship
Additional requirements may apply depending on the child’s circumstances.
Why Choose Nadra Solutions?
Understanding whether you qualify for a POC and determining which documents are needed can sometimes be more complicated than the application itself.
Our team provides practical application assistance by helping you:
- Understand the POC application process
- Identify the relevant eligibility category
- Review supporting documents
- Check application information
- Reduce avoidable documentation errors
- Understand requests for additional information
- Receive support throughout the application process
We assist applicants across the UK without requiring you to navigate the process alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
The New NADRA POC does not have a fixed expiration date. It offers indefinite residency in Pakistan, allowing individuals of Pakistani origin residing in the UK to live and work in Pakistan without a visa for an extended period.
Yes, individuals who are second-generation Pakistani descendants and meet the eligibility criteria, such as having a Pakistani parent or grandparent, may also be eligible to apply for the New NADRA POC.
There is no specific age limit for applicants applying for the New NADRA POC. As long as applicants meet the eligibility criteria and provide the required documents, they can apply for the POC regardless of their age.
There is no specific age limit for applicants applying for the New NADRA POC. As long as applicants meet the eligibility criteria and provide the required documents, they can apply for the POC regardless of their age.
Yes, we provide an online tracking facility where applicants can check the status of your POC application by entering their application reference number. This allows applicants to monitor the progress of their application and stay informed about any updates or changes.
The New NADRA POC offers similar benefits and privileges as the previous version, including visa-free residency in Pakistan, property ownership rights, and access to government services. However, it may incorporate enhancements or improvements based on feedback and updates from NADRA.
No.
NICOP is an identity document for eligible Pakistani citizens living abroad. POC is intended for eligible foreign nationals who meet the applicable Pakistani-origin or family-relationship criteria.
A British citizen may be eligible if they satisfy the applicable POC requirements, such as qualifying through Pakistani origin, former Pakistani citizenship or an eligible family relationship.
British citizenship alone does not automatically make someone eligible.
No. A Pakistan Origin Card should not be confused with Pakistani citizenship.
If you are a Pakistani citizen residing abroad, a NICOP may instead be the appropriate identity document.
A valid POC provides visa-free entry to Pakistan for eligible holders under the applicable rules.
You should ensure that both your POC and travel documents are valid before travelling.
POC applications can be handled through NADRA’s applicable identity registration channels. Nadra Solutions can provide professional assistance with preparing your application and documents from the UK.
Processing depends on the service selected, application complexity and any additional verification requirements.
Our current service estimates are approximately 3–4 working weeks for Fast Service and 8 working weeks for Standard Service.
Apply for Your New Pakistan Origin Card
If you are a foreign national with Pakistani roots or an eligible family connection to Pakistan, a POC can provide a convenient way to maintain your connection with the country.
The most important first step is confirming that you are applying under the correct eligibility category and have the supporting documents required for your circumstances.
At Nadra Solutions, our team can guide you through the process and help you prepare your application with confidence.
Contact us today to get started with your New POC application in the UK.
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Disclaimer:
Nadra Solutions is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with, associated with, authorized by, endorsed by, or operated by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the Government of Pakistan, or any Pakistani government department or agency.
The information provided on this website is for general informational and guidance purposes only. We do not represent ourselves as NADRA, a government authority, or an official government service provider.