Nationality of Pakistan: all obtaining pathways
Pakistan requires five years of residence for ordinary naturalization, under its Citizenship Act. Nationality is passed on by descent — ius sanguinis —, and marriage to a Pakistani citizen gives access to a discretionary route with no officially specified period.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Naturalisation certificate under the Naturalization Act 1926, then registration as a citizen under s. 5 of the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951
- Residence in Pakistan for the 12 MONTHS immediately before the application (Act 1926, s. (c))
- Plus ≥4 YEARS’ aggregate residence during the 7 years before those 12 months
- Adequate knowledge of the language (English or that of the community) and good character
- Intention to reside in Pakistan or serve under the Government
- Grant by the Federal Government; revocable for disloyalty, convictions or 7+ years’ residence abroad without substantial connection
- S. 5 also allows registration without a prior certificate (discretionary)
- Pakistan does NOT permit dual nationality through naturalisation: renunciation of the previous citizenship is required (Citizenship Act 1951, s. 14-B)
Documentation
- Foreign passport with a residence visa
- Criminal record certificate
- Declaration of renunciation of the previous citizenship
- Certificate of knowledge of Urdu
- Proof of employment or means of subsistence
- A formal application (Form A)
2By descent (ius sanguinis)
By descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Pakistani citizen
- Consular registration if born abroad
- Pakistan allows dual citizenship with authorised countries
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Parents' CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) or NICOP
- Certificate of registration at a Pakistani consulate
3Registration of a woman married to a citizen (Citizenship Act 1951, s. 10 + Rules 1952)
Registration of a woman married to a citizen (Citizenship Act 1951, s. 10 + Rules 1952)
Requirements
- A woman married to a citizen of Pakistan (or to one who would have been but for death, s. 10(2))
- Application to the Federal Government with: the husband’s citizenship certificate + marriage certificate + an AFFIDAVIT of stay in Pakistan for an AGGREGATE period of 5 YEARS (Pakistan Citizenship Rules 1952)
- If an alien: certificate of domicile + oath of allegiance
- Entitlement to registration ("shall be entitled") when the requirements are met
- Citizenship lost if the marriage dissolves or the husband renounces (s. 10(4))
Documentation
- Marriage certificate (registered Nikah Nama)
- Pakistani spouse's CNIC
- Residence certificate
- Declaration of renunciation of the previous citizenship
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Pakistan
How many years of residence does Pakistan require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Pakistan (Naturalization by residence), the term is 12 continuous months + 4 years (aggregate) of the prior 7 (Naturalization Act 1926). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Pakistan allow dual nationality?
Pakistan does NOT permit dual nationality through naturalisation: renunciation of the previous citizenship is required (Citizenship Act 1951, s. 14-B)
Can the nationality of Pakistan be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Registration of a woman married to a citizen pathway (Aggregate stay of 5 years in Pakistan (Citizenship Rules 1952, affidavit)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Pakistan require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Foreign passport with a residence visa; Criminal record certificate; Declaration of renunciation of the previous citizenship; Certificate of knowledge of Urdu; Proof of employment or means of subsistence; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Pakistan?
Pakistan provides 3 pathways: Naturalization by residence, By descent, Registration of a woman married to a citizen.
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