Pakistani Dual Citizenship in the U.S. — 2026 Guide

Pakistan permits dual nationality, but with a condition people often miss: only with countries the government of Pakistan recognises for that purpose. The United States is on that list, so Pakistani-Americans are covered. Not every country is.

Quick facts

Three documents serve three different situations. The overseas identity card is for Pakistani citizens living abroad, including dual nationals. The origin card is for foreign nationals of Pakistani descent who no longer hold citizenship. The dual nationality certificate formally records the status.

Which document

The online route is the point. Most missions no longer take these applications at the counter: the portal is the official and preferred channel, and a facilitation desk exists only for people who cannot complete it themselves.

How to apply

1. Gather your Pakistani passport, valid or expired, and your foreign passport or residence document.
2. Collect your parents’ identity card numbers, and your spouse’s if you are married.
3. Apply on the registration authority’s portal or through its mobile app.
4. Upload clear scans at each step, as prompted rather than all at once.
5. Pay by international card and keep the tracking reference.
6. Await delivery to your address abroad, allowing for postal times.

Required documents

• Pakistani passport, valid or expired.
• Foreign passport, permanent residence card or work or study permit.
• Parents’ identity cards.
• Spouse’s identity card and marriage certificate if married.
• Proof of current address abroad.
• Birth registration certificate for applicants born abroad.

Where to apply

Online. Missions maintain facilitation desks, and consular services for citizenship renunciation remain at the counter.

Additional notes

Processing tiers

Normal, urgent and executive categories exist at different prices, with the fastest running to about a week from biometric completion. Delivery time abroad is separate.

Check the recognised list

Dual nationality with a country not on Pakistan’s list is a different matter entirely. Verify before assuming.

Verification by another card holder

Applicants abroad can have the form verified by an existing card holder rather than attending in person, which is what makes the online route work.

Keep the card current

An expired card means no visa-free entry, and renewing costs the same as a new one.