Eligibility quiz
Are you married, or were you married to your spouse when they died?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Pakistan
You can live in Pakistan for as long as your card is valid: five years for a spouse-based card or seven years for a person of Pakistan origin.
While your card is valid, you do not have to register or report as a foreigner.
Seek work or business
You can seek work or business opportunities in Pakistan, but the card does not replace any work permission or professional licence the law requires.
Enter Pakistan visa-free
You can enter Pakistan without a visa, under the entry conditions that apply to Pakistani citizens.
You travel on your foreign passport.
Prove your identity
You can use your card as proof of identity wherever a Pakistani national identity card, known as a CNIC, is required.
Manage money and property
You can open and operate bank accounts in Pakistan.
You can also buy, own and sell property, including land and movable belongings.
How to apply
Applying onlineApplying online
Download the spouse form
Download Undertaking F if your spouse is alive, or Undertaking G if your spouse has died. Your spouse completes Undertaking F; you complete Undertaking G.
Find the spouse formSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I download Undertaking F or Undertaking G for a Pakistan Origin Card application?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your online application.
See required documentsArrange any required verification
If your nationality is on Schedule B, arrange the Ministry of Interior verification before applying. If you are a man whose deceased spouse was a Pakistani citizen, you also need the ministry’s approval.
Find verification instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I obtain Ministry of Interior verification or approval for a Pakistan Origin Card spouse application?”
Fill in your application
Create a Pak Identity account, then choose Smart POC, a fresh or new application, and the spouse-based category. Fill in your details and delivery address, add your photo and documents, and upload your fingerprints form scanned at 600 dpi or capture your fingerprints using the PakID mobile app.
Start your applicationHave your form attested
Have a holder of a Pakistani identity card, overseas Pakistani identity card or Pakistan Origin Card attest your application form.
Find attestation instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I have my Pakistan Origin Card application form attested?”
Pay the fee online
Pay the application fee online using a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card.
Pay the feeSubmit your application
Submit your completed, paid application through Pak Identity.
Submit your applicationWait for the decision
Track your application using your tracking ID and respond if NADRA asks for more information or documents. If required, follow its instructions about Ministry of Interior verification or approval.
Track your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I track my Pakistan Origin Card application status?”
Receive your card
Receive your card at the delivery address you gave in your application. You can then use your Pakistan Origin Card.
Track card deliverySearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I track delivery of my Pakistan Origin Card?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Marriage certificate
Provide the certificate of your marriage to your Pakistani spouse. This route requires a legally recognised marriage; an unmarried partnership does not qualify.
Spouse's identity details
Provide your Pakistani spouse's CNIC, NICOP or Pakistan Origin Card number. If your spouse has died, provide their identity details.
Spouse's death certificate *
Provide your Pakistani spouse's death certificate. Obtain it from the office that recorded the death.
* Only if your spouse has died.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Card renewal
To renew your card, you must use your existing card and update your fingerprints and other biometric information.
A spouse-based renewal may require checks, and cards issued before 2008 require your origin to be checked again.
Status can end
Your card expires unless renewed, and divorce cancels it; your Pakistani spouse must report the divorce to NADRA.
It may also be cancelled if you die, give up or regain Pakistani citizenship.
If you regain Pakistani citizenship, you must hand in the card.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
r/pakistan
English Reddit group for people interested in Pakistani local life
Join on Redditr/PakistanAsks
English Reddit group for people interested in Pakistani local life
Join on Redditr/Bahawalpur
English Reddit group for people interested in Pakistani local life
Join on RedditConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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