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Pakistan citizenship

How Pakistani citizenship works, by birth, by descent and by applying, and what to do about dual nationality or giving up citizenship.

Last reviewed 11 October 2026

Pakistani citizenship is set out in the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951 and the Pakistan Citizenship Rules 1952. Applications for citizenship are handled by the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGI&P), part of the Ministry of Interior.

Citizenship by birth

If you were born in Pakistan, you are usually a Pakistani citizen by birth. The exceptions are children of foreign diplomats and of enemy aliens.

Citizenship by descent

If you were born abroad and one of your parents was a Pakistani citizen at the time, you can be a Pakistani citizen by descent. Your birth should be registered with a Pakistani embassy or consulate, and you can then get a Child Registration Certificate (CRC) and later a NICOP.

Applying for citizenship

Foreign nationals can apply to DGI&P for Pakistani citizenship in some cases, for example:

  • by naturalisation, after getting a certificate of naturalisation
  • by registration, for example as the foreign wife of a Pakistani citizen
  • under the investment route for Commonwealth citizens who transfer a set amount of foreign exchange to Pakistan

Each route has its own forms, supporting documents and security clearance. Applications are made to DGI&P, and the forms are available on the DGI&P website.

DGI&P: grant of citizenship (opens in new tab)

Dual nationality

Pakistan allows dual nationality with a number of countries. If you become a citizen of one of these countries, you can keep your Pakistani citizenship. Dual nationals can use a NICOP to enter Pakistan without a visa.

The list of countries is published by DGI&P. Check it before you apply for another citizenship.

Giving up citizenship

You can apply to DGI&P to renounce your Pakistani citizenship, for example if the other country you are becoming a citizen of does not allow dual nationality. Once your renunciation is accepted, your NADRA identity card is cancelled.