Millions of Pakistanis live, work and settle abroad, and many take on a second citizenship along the way. The good news is that Pakistan does not force you to choose - since a 1972 amendment to the Citizenship Act, you can hold a Pakistani passport and a foreign one at the same time, provided the second country is on the approved list. This guide sets out the permitted countries, the rights you keep, the restrictions that catch people out, and the practical steps to document your dual status through the DGIP and NADRA.
The legal basis
Dual nationality in Pakistan is governed by the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951. Section 14(1) states the general rule that a citizen who voluntarily acquires the nationality of another country ceases to be a Pakistani citizen. Section 14(3), added in 1972, carves out the exception: the Federal Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, designate countries whose nationality a Pakistani may hold without losing citizenship. The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP), under the Ministry of Interior, administers the scheme; NADRA issues the identity documents.
The 22 permitted countries
These are the countries with which Pakistan currently has a dual nationality arrangement. Holding a second passport from a country not on this list can put your Pakistani citizenship at risk under Section 14(1), so always verify before naturalising elsewhere.
| Region | Permitted countries |
|---|---|
| Europe (14) | United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Luxembourg |
| North America (2) | United States of America, Canada |
| Oceania (2) | Australia, New Zealand |
| Middle East (4) | Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Bahrain |
Not on the list? Countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, China and India are not in the arrangement. Taking their citizenship generally means forfeiting your Pakistani nationality. The list is updated by Gazette notification, so confirm the current position before you naturalise.
Rights you keep
A dual national is, for almost all everyday purposes, a full Pakistani citizen. Once your status is documented you retain:
| Right | Position for dual nationals |
|---|---|
| Own property and land | Allowed - no restriction on buying, selling or inheriting |
| Run a business / hold shares | Allowed - same as any citizen |
| Open bank accounts | Allowed - including foreign-currency accounts |
| Visa-free entry to Pakistan | Yes - the NICOP acts as your entry document |
| Hold a Pakistani passport | Yes - retained alongside the foreign passport |
| Vote in elections | Permitted in principle; overseas voting depends on ECP arrangements |
| Inherit under succession law | Yes - full rights preserved |
Restrictions that catch people out
Two restrictions matter, and both are strictly enforced:
1. Elected office and Parliament. Article 63(1)(c) of the Constitution disqualifies any person who "ceases to be a citizen of Pakistan, or acquires the citizenship of a foreign State" from being elected or chosen as a member of the National Assembly or Senate. The Supreme Court has held that a candidate must have clear and unambiguous proof of renunciation of the foreign nationality at the time nomination papers are filed - a pending or promised renunciation is not enough. Several sitting lawmakers have been unseated after their foreign passports came to light. Provincial rules add further limits; dual nationals have been barred from certain public offices in Punjab since 2013.
2. Armed forces and sensitive posts. Dual nationals are ineligible for recruitment into Pakistan's armed forces, and the bar applies across all branches at the recruitment stage. Many superior judiciary and senior civil service positions likewise require single Pakistani nationality or formal renunciation. Always check the eligibility rules for the specific post before applying.
To remove these bars you must formally renounce the foreign citizenship through that country's own procedure and obtain documentary proof. Simply not using the foreign passport is not renunciation in law.
Documenting your status: certificate and NICOP
Two separate documents evidence your dual status - do not confuse them:
| Document | Issued by | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Dual Nationality Certificate | DGIP (Ministry of Interior), Islamabad | Official confirmation of the right to hold two nationalities |
| NICOP | NADRA | Identity card and visa-free entry document for overseas / dual nationals |
| Pakistani passport | DGIP | Retained travel document as a Pakistani citizen |
The Dual Nationality Certificate is issued from Islamabad and processing typically takes around 4 to 8 weeks. Applicants often carry it when entering and leaving Pakistan. Fees vary by category, currency zone and processing speed (normal versus urgent), and NADRA publishes NICOP fees separately - so treat any single figure as indicative and confirm the current schedule on the official portals.
How to apply - step by step
- Confirm eligibility - your second country must be one of the 22 on the list.
- Gather documents - Pakistani passport / CNIC, the foreign passport or naturalisation certificate, photographs and proof of address.
- Apply for the Dual Nationality Certificate through the DGIP - at its Islamabad headquarters or zonal offices (Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta), or through a Pakistani mission abroad.
- Apply for or renew your NICOP with NADRA via the Pak Identity portal (id.nadra.gov.pk), tracking progress with the 10-digit ID.
- Keep proof to hand - carry the certificate for travel, and use the NICOP for visa-free entry.
If your application is refused or delayed, or your citizenship status is questioned, you can pursue an immigration appeal - our team can advise on the grounds and process.
Frequently asked questions
Does Pakistan allow dual citizenship?
Yes - with 22 designated countries under Section 14(3) of the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951. You keep your Pakistani citizenship alongside the approved foreign one.
Which countries are on the approved list?
The UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, most of Western Europe, and Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Bahrain - 22 in total. The Gulf states (UAE, Saudi Arabia) are not included.
Can I lose my Pakistani citizenship?
Yes - if you voluntarily acquire the nationality of a country that is not on the approved list, Section 14(1) causes you to cease being a Pakistani citizen.
Can a dual national be an MNA or MPA?
Not while holding foreign nationality. Article 63(1)(c) requires renunciation, with documentary proof, before nomination papers are filed.
Is the NICOP the same as the Dual Nationality Certificate?
No. NADRA issues the NICOP as an identity and entry document; the DGIP separately issues the Dual Nationality Certificate confirming your right to two nationalities.