Pakistan Origin Card Application And Photo

What is a Pakistan Origin Card (POC)? It is an identity card given by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to people who are originally from Pakistan but have given up their Pakistani citizenship.

Below we'll explain the rules for the Pakistan Origin Card, how to apply for it, and where to get the best photo for your POC.

Table of contents

• Pakistan Origin Card Benefits
• Pakistan Origin Card vs. NICOP: the Difference
• Pakistan Origin Card Rules
• Who is Eligible for a Pakistan Origin Card
• How to Get a Pakistan Origin Card?
• Documents Required for Pakistan Origin Card Application
• Pakistan Origin Card Photo Requirements
• Get a Pakistan Origin Card Photo Online!
• NADRA Photo App
• Pakistan Origin Card Fees
• How to Renew a Pakistan Origin Card?

Pakistan Origin Card Benefits

The POC has many benefits for its holders, allowing them to maintain a strong connection with Pakistan:

• Visa-free travel. The Pakistan Origin Card means that its holders can enter Pakistan multiple times without requiring a visa.
• Extended stay. POC holders can live in Pakistan for as long as they wish without having to register with the police or registration authorities.
• Property ownership. POC holders can buy, sell, own and manage property in Pakistan.
• Banking services. POC holders can open and manage bank accounts in Pakistan.
• Faster Immigration. POC holders get faster immigration processing at designated ports and checkpoints.
• Proof of Identity. The POC can be used as an identity document in place of the National Identity Card (NIC).
• Job opportunities. Under certain conditions, POC holders may also be eligible for employment in Pakistan.

Pakistan Origin Card vs. NICOP: the Difference

Here are the main differences between Pakistan Origin Card and NICOP:

Eligibility:

• NICOP is a card is for Pakistani citizens living abroad or those who have dual nationality.
• POC is a card is for people of Pakistani origin who no longer have Pakistani citizenship.

Voting rights:

• NICOP holders can vote in Pakistani elections.
• POC holders cannot vote in Pakistani elections.

Passport eligibility:

• NICOP holders can apply for a Pakistani passport.
• POC holders cannot apply for a Pakistani passport.

Pakistan Origin Card Rules

You can apply for a Smart POC under the following categories:

• New/Fresh: When applying for the first time.
• Renewal: In case of expired or lost Pakistan Origin Card.
• Modification: If you need to change information on your current POC.
• Cancellation: If you want to give up your POC.

The POC is valid for seven years from the date it is issued. You can apply for the POC online via the NADRA Pak Identity website.

Who is Eligible for a Pakistan Origin Card

You can qualify for a Pakistan Origin Card if you meet any of these conditions:

• Former Pakistani citizens: People who were once Pakistani nationals but have given up their citizenship.
• Parents or grandparents of Pakistani origin: If your parents or grandparents were Pakistani nationals.
• Immediate family members: If you have close family members (siblings, uncles, aunts) who are or were Pakistani nationals.
• Foreign spouses: Foreign nationals married to Pakistani citizens, except for those from countries not recognized by Pakistan (like Taiwan, India, or Israel).

How to Get a Pakistan Origin Card?

Follow these steps to apply for a Pakistan Origin Card online:

1. Create an account on the NADRA Pak Identity website.
2. Choose the POC category and click the “Apply Online” button to start your application.
3. Complete the online application form.
4. Pay the fee.
5. Upload scanned copies of the required documents and a photo.
6. Submit your application.
7. After submitting your application online, you may need to visit a NADRA center for biometric verification. This process includes taking your fingerprints and certain photographs.

Documents Required for Pakistan Origin Card Application

To apply for a Pakistan Origin Card, you will need the following documents

• A completed POC application form.
• Copy of your valid foreign passport.
• Permanent Residence Card, Landing Certificate or Citizenship Card.
• 2 passport-sized photographs.
• Copy of your CNIC or NICOP.
• CNIC, NICOP or passport of your Pakistani parents/grandparents to prove your relationship with them.
• CNIC, POC or passport of your Pakistani siblings/relatives to prove your relationship with them.
• Authenticated copy of your marriage certificate.
• CNIC, NICOP or passport of your Pakistani spouse.
• Fee payment receipt.

Pakistan Origin Card Photo Requirements

When you apply for a Pakistan Origin Card, your photo needs to meet these specifications:

• The POC photo size should be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm), and the file size should be no more than 5 MB.
• Background must be plain white.
• The head should be centered, with a head height of about 34 mm. Leave around 3.5 mm space from the top of the head to the top of the photo.
• High-resolution image, around 600 dpi, with a file size between 100 and 300 kilobytes.
• Neutral expression with both eyes open and mouth closed.
• No uniforms or camouflage clothing; regular attire is recommended.
• If you wear glasses, ensure there is no glare and your eyes are clearly visible.

Here is an example:

Get a Pakistan Origin Card Photo Online!

Need a quality POC photo without leaving your home? Try Visafoto, a trusted photo-editing service with an impressive 99.7% approval rate. Since 2013, Visafoto has been helping people with biometric photos for passports, IDs and other documents across the globe, ensuring compliance with specific requirements.

Just snap a photo against a plain white background using your phone or digital camera and upload it to Visafoto.com. Our service will adjust your photo’s size, format, background color, and facial positioning to meet NADRA standards. Not satisfied with the outcome? We offer a full refund.

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here, and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport, or ID.

As a result, you will get a digital photo instantly, which fully satisfies the requirements and is ready to be uploaded with your NADRA application.

NADRA Photo App

Make sure your photo meets the Pakistan Origin Card requirements for NADRA protal effortlessly with the 7ID app from Visafoto.com. This user-friendly app makes it easy to create ID, passport and visa photos using your smartphone. 7ID enhances your photos by using advanced algorithms and is available for both iPhone and Android devices.

Simply upload your photo to the app, select the document type and country, and let the app automatically adjust the size, format, and background color of your photo. You'll get a digital file and a print template that fits standard paper sizes such as 4×6, A4, A5 or B5.

Still got questions? Our 24/7 technical support team is here to help.

Pakistan Origin Card Fees

The cost of getting a POC depends on the type of application and how quickly you need it processed. Here are the details:

New application
Normal Pakistan Origin Card processing time (31 days): USD 150
Executive processing (7 days): USD 200

Renewal of expired card
Normal processing (31 days): USD 150
Executive processing (7 days): USD 200

Modification of card
Normal processing (31 days): USD 200
Urgent processing (23 days): USD 250
Executive processing (7 days): USD 300

The fee of Pakistan Origin Card for children under 18 years of age is typically USD 80.

For the latest fees, check the Application Fee page on the NADRA website.

How to Renew a Pakistan Origin Card?

To renew your Pakistan Origin Card, follow the same steps as you would for a new application and pay the renewal fee.

Make your Pakistan Origin Card NADRA application smoother with a professional photo from 7ID and Visafoto.com!