Different Ways to Become a Citizen of Pakistan

To acquire a citizenship of Pakistan, you have different options based on your situation. It’s important to know about these ways if you want to become a Pakistani citizen. Here’s a guide that explains the different methods you can use:

Citizens by Birth:

If you or your parents or grandparents were born in what is now Pakistan before 1951, you’re a citizen. Also, if you’re born in Pakistan after 1951, you’re automatically a citizen, unless your parents are foreign diplomats or enemy aliens. People who moved away from Pakistan after March 1947 aren’t considered citizens.

Citizens by Descent:

If you’re born outside Pakistan but your parents are Pakistani citizens, you’re a citizen too. In another case, If one of your parents is a Pakistani citizen by descent, you need to register at the nearest Pakistani consulate. Moreover, if your mother is Pakistani and your father is foreign, and you were born after April 18, 2000, you’re still considered a citizen.

Citizens by Migration:

If you moved to Pakistan from the areas in the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent before 1951, you’re a citizen.

Other ways to become a Pakistani citizen besides being born there:

Married to a Pakistani: 

If you’re a foreign woman married to a Pakistani man, you can become a citizen too. There are some rules, but you can find out more here: https://dgip.gov.pk/

Investing in Pakistan: 

If you’re a citizen of a Commonwealth country (like Britain or Canada) and invest at least 5 million rupees in Pakistan, you can become a citizen. Again, there are rules, so check here for details: https://dgip.gov.pk/

Naturalization Certificate: 

If you have a special document called a “naturalization certificate” issued under a law from 1926, you may also be eligible for citizenship.

Children of Pakistani Citizens: 

If you’re a minor (under 21) and your parent is a Pakistani citizen, you can automatically become a citizen too.

Pakistan Origin Card (POC) Explained Simply

Not everyone who wants to be a full citizen qualifies. But if you don’t fit those categories, you might still be eligible for a Pakistan Origin Card (POC). This program offers benefits for people with Pakistani roots.

Having a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) comes with several advantages. First of all, you can visit Pakistan as many times as you want without needing a visa. Plus, you can stay in Pakistan for as long as you like without having to register with the police. With a POC, you’re also able to buy and sell property in Pakistan, as well as open bank accounts there. When it comes to immigration, having a POC lets you breeze through the process quickly whether you’re entering or leaving Pakistan. Another perk is that you can use your POC as a form of identification instead of a national ID card. Additionally, having a POC might increase your chances of finding work in Pakistan.

Who Can Get a Pakistan Origin Card (POC)?

A Pakistan Origin Card (POC) is a document for people with Pakistani roots who aren’t full citizens. It offers benefits like visa-free travel and easier stays in Pakistan. Here’s who qualifies:

Former Pakistani Citizens:

You were once a Pakistani citizen but gave it up to become a citizen of a country that doesn’t allow dual citizenship with Pakistan.

Descendants of Pakistanis:

You’re a foreigner from a country that doesn’t allow dual citizenship, but one of your parents or grandparents was Pakistani.

Relatives of Pakistanis:

You’re a foreigner from a country that doesn’t allow dual citizenship, and you have a close Pakistani relative like an uncle, aunt, brother, or sister.

Spouses of Pakistanis:

You’re a foreigner married to someone who is a Pakistani citizen, or someone who used to be a Pakistani citizen.

In a nutshell: A POC is for people who themselves or their close family gave up Pakistani citizenship but still want to connect with Pakistan.

There are some countries that allow dual citizenship with Pakistan. You can find a list of those countries separately.

Sr.#	Name of Country	Sr.#	Name of Country
1	United Kingdom	11	Jordan
2	France	12	Syria
3	Italy	13	Switzerland
4	Belgium	14	Netherland
5	Iceland	15	United States of America
6	Australia	16	Sweden
7	New Zealand	17	Ireland
8	Canada	18	Bahrain
9	Finland	19	Denmark
10	Egypt	20	Germany *
		21	Norway

Note: * Children of Pakistani parents who have grown up in Germany and who have due to their birth in Germany acquired German nationality in addition to their parent’s nationality from the other state.

How to Apply for the application:

Getting the Application: You can pick up an application form in person from the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGI&P) offices in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, or Quetta. or, you can download the form online from their downloads section.

Submitting the Application:

You can submit your completed application at any regional passport office of the DGI&P or at the Provincial Headquarters and Home Departments of the provincial government where you live.

What Happens Next:

Once you submit your application, they will check to make sure you’ve included all the necessary documents and that everything is filled out correctly.

If anything is missing or wrong, they will let you know so you can fix it, but make sure you attach everything they ask for to avoid delays. It is to noted that if your application is complete, they will give you a receipt. Then, they will send your application to other government departments to verify your information. In some cases, they might wait to send your application to other departments until you’ve lived in Pakistan for a certain amount of time.

Getting Your Citizenship Certificate:

After they review everything and get approval, you will receive your Pakistani Citizenship Certificate from the regional passport office where you applied or directly from the DGI&P headquarters in Islamabad.

What is a Pakistan Citizenship Certificate?

This is an official document from the Pakistani government that proves you are a citizen of Pakistan. You can get this certificate if you were born in Pakistan, have Pakistani parents, or meet certain requirements like living in Pakistan for a specific period.

Laws about becoming a Pakistani Citizen

Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951:

This law outlines who can become a Pakistani citizen and the process involved. It also defines the rights and responsibilities of Pakistani citizens and those from Commonwealth countries residing in Pakistan. Originally enacted in 1951, it has undergone several revisions since then.

Naturalization Act 1926 (no longer in effect):

This outdated law, inherited from British India, detailed the procedures for foreigners to attain citizenship. Though initially adopted by Pakistan post-independence, it is no longer applicable.

Naturalization Rules 1961 (no longer in effect):

These rules, created to complement the Naturalization Act of 1926, provided guidelines on the necessary forms and steps for foreigners seeking Pakistani citizenship. However, they have since become obsolete.

Pakistan Citizenship Rules 1952:

Currently in force, these rules elucidate the functioning of the Pakistan Citizenship Act of 1951, delineating the procedures and criteria for acquiring Pakistani citizenship.

If you need legal help regarding Pakistani citizenship, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. As advocates in Peshawar, we’re here to help. You can contact us at +92-316-1289946 or email us at contact@osamakhalillaw.com.