Whether you are applying for a family visa, claiming your share in an inheritance, or proving a relationship in a Pakistani court, sooner or later someone will ask for your FRC. It is one of the most commonly requested NADRA documents, yet many people are unsure what it contains or how to obtain it. This guide explains exactly what an FRC is, its main uses, the three types NADRA issues, the documents and fee involved, and the step-by-step process to get one - online or in person.
What is a Family Registration Certificate?
An FRC is a certificate issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) under Rule 19 of the NADRA (NIC) Rules 2002. It draws directly on NADRA's family tree records and sets out, on a single official document, the members of your registered family unit together with their names, CNIC numbers and relationship to you.
Because it is generated from the same database that underpins the CNIC, an FRC is treated as authoritative proof of family relationships by embassies, courts, banks and government departments. It does not replace a birth or marriage certificate; instead it consolidates your registered family links into one verifiable record.
Why you need an FRC: main uses
The FRC is a workhorse document. The most common reasons people obtain one include:
- Visa and immigration: Foreign missions frequently request an FRC for family-based visas, spouse or dependant visas, and family reunification cases to confirm the relationship you are relying on.
- Inheritance and succession: When distributing an estate or applying for a succession certificate, courts and lawyers use the FRC to establish who the legal heirs are. Once heirs are identified, our inheritance calculator helps work out each share under Islamic law.
- Guardianship and custody: Family courts may ask for an FRC to confirm parentage in custody and guardianship matters.
- Banking, pensions and legal compliance: Claiming a deceased relative's bank balance, pension or insurance often requires proof of relationship in the form of an FRC.
The three types of FRC
NADRA issues the FRC in three variants depending on which family relationship you need to prove. Choosing the right one matters, because the wrong type can be rejected by the receiving authority.
| Type | Who it lists | Typically used for |
|---|---|---|
| FRC by birth | Parents and siblings | Inheritance, succession, proof of parentage |
| FRC by marriage | Spouse and children | Visa, immigration, family reunification |
| FRC by adoption | Guardians and adopted children | Adoption and guardianship matters |
Tip: For an estate matter, ask for the FRC by birth - this is what most lawyers and courts expect when identifying legal heirs. For a spouse or dependant visa, the FRC by marriage is usually the correct choice.
Documents and fee
Before you apply, make sure everyone who should appear on the certificate is already registered with NADRA and their records are accurate. Then gather:
- Your valid CNIC (or NICOP if you are an overseas Pakistani).
- The CNIC numbers of all family members to be listed on the certificate.
- A birth certificate where you are applying for an FRC by birth and records need to be verified.
- A registered marriage certificate (Nikah Nama or NADRA marriage certificate) for an FRC by marriage.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard fee | PKR 1,000 per certificate (online or in person) |
| Online processing | Usually issued within about 24 hours |
| In-person processing | Often ready the same day at a NADRA centre |
| Overseas use | Add MOFA attestation (extra fee and a few days) |
Fees and timelines are indicative and can vary by centre and over time - confirm the current charge when you apply.
How to get an FRC: step by step
You can obtain an FRC two ways. Both give you the same certificate.
Online (Pak Identity portal):
- Visit NADRA's Pak Identity portal at id.nadra.gov.pk and create or log in to your account.
- Select the Family Registration Certificate service and choose the correct type (by birth, marriage or adoption).
- Enter your CNIC and the CNIC numbers of the family members to be listed.
- Pay the fee online and submit. The digitally signed PDF is typically ready within about 24 hours and is accepted by most foreign missions.
In person (NADRA Registration Centre):
- Visit any NADRA Registration Centre with your original CNIC and supporting documents.
- Fill in the FRC request and confirm the family members to be included.
- Pay the fee at the counter. The certificate is frequently issued the same day.
Using your FRC abroad: MOFA attestation
If your FRC is destined for a foreign embassy, university or immigration authority, an unattested certificate may not be enough. You will usually need it attested by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), which verifies that the document was issued by a recognised Pakistani authority. Some countries then require a further stamp from their own embassy in Pakistan.
Avoid a costly rejection: before attestation, check that every name on the FRC matches your CNIC and passport character for character. Name mismatches are one of the most common reasons overseas authorities reject family documents. If a name or relationship is wrong, get it corrected in the NADRA record first.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Family Registration Certificate (FRC)?
A NADRA document issued under Rule 19 of the NADRA (NIC) Rules 2002 that officially records your registered family composition and serves as proof of family relationships for visa, inheritance and legal matters.
How much does a NADRA FRC cost?
The standard fee is PKR 1,000 per certificate, online or in person. Fees can change, so confirm the current charge when you apply.
Can I apply for an FRC online?
Yes, through NADRA's Pak Identity portal at id.nadra.gov.pk. Online applications are usually issued within about 24 hours; in-person applications are often ready the same day.
What documents do I need?
Your CNIC or NICOP and the CNIC numbers of all family members. A birth certificate for an FRC by birth, and a registered marriage certificate for an FRC by marriage. All members must already be registered with NADRA.
Do I need MOFA attestation for use abroad?
Yes. For a foreign embassy or immigration authority, the FRC should be attested by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, otherwise it may be rejected overseas.
Which FRC type do I need for inheritance?
Usually the FRC by birth, which lists parents and siblings - this is what courts and lawyers rely on to identify legal heirs.