How to Apply NICOP for Newborns in Saudi Arabia?

We often receive questions from overseas Pakistanis living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia about how to register their newborn children with Pakistani authorities. One of the most important requirements in this process is NICOP for Newborns in Saudi Arabia. Without this document, parents cannot apply for a Pakistani passport for their child or complete many legal and administrative formalities.

In this detailed guide, we explain everything parents need to know. We cover eligibility, documents, fees, online and manual application steps, timelines, common mistakes, and practical tips. Our goal is to provide a clear, reliable, and complete resource that removes confusion and helps parents complete the process smoothly.

What Is NICOP and Why It Matters for Newborns

NICOP stands for National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis. It serves as official proof of Pakistani nationality for citizens living abroad.

Who Can Apply for NICOP for Newborns in Saudi Arabia?

Before starting the process, parents should confirm eligibility.

Eligibility Criteria

A newborn qualifies if:

At least one parent is a Pakistani citizen
The child is born in Saudi Arabia
Parents hold valid NICOP or CNIC
Parents have valid passports and iqama

If one parent is non-Pakistani, additional verification may be required, but the child can still be eligible.

NICOP for Newborns in Saudi Arabia: Required Documents

Document preparation is the most important part of the process. Missing or incorrect documents often cause delays.

Mandatory Documents Checklist

Parents must arrange the following:

Original birth certificate of the newborn
- Attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Saudi Arabia
English or Urdu translation of birth certificate
- Attested by the Pakistan Embassy
Original passports of both parents
- Along with clear photocopies
Original NICOP or CNIC of both parents
- With photocopies
Valid iqama copies of both parents
Recent photograph of the newborn
- Required mainly for online applications

Practical Tip

We recommend scanning all documents in high resolution before starting an online application. Poor scans are a common reason for rejection.

Birth Certificate Attestation Explained

Many parents find attestation confusing. Understanding this step helps avoid delays.

Step-by-Step Attestation Process

Obtain the official Saudi birth certificate
Get it attested from Saudi MOFA
Translate the birth certificate into English or Urdu
Get the translation attested from the Pakistan Embassy

Both original and translated copies are required for NICOP for Newborns in Saudi Arabia.

Fee Structure for NICOP for Newborns in Saudi Arabia

NADRA offers different service categories based on urgency.

NICOP Fee Details

Service Type	Fee (SAR)	Estimated Processing Time
Urgent	150	Up to 30 days
Executive	182	Up to 15 days

Fees are subject to change, so parents should always confirm the latest charges before applying.

How to Apply NICOP for Newborns in Saudi Arabia

Parents can apply through two main methods: online or through NADRA Registration Centres in Saudi Arabia.

Online Application Method (Pak-Identity Portal)

The online method is convenient and saves time.

Step-by-Step Online Application

Visit NADRA’s Pak-Identity portal
Create a parent’s account or log in
Select “New NICOP” for a child
Enter the newborn’s details carefully
Upload scanned documents
Upload the newborn’s photograph
Pay the fee online
Submit the application

After submission, parents can track the application status online.

Advantages of Online Application

No need to visit an office
Faster data entry
Easy tracking system
Suitable for busy parents

Applying Through NADRA Offices in Saudi Arabia

Some parents prefer in-person applications, especially if documents need verification.

Visit NADRA Office in Riyadh or Jeddah

Visit NADRA office for appointment along with above mentioned documents.

NADRA Jeddah Location: https://goo.gl/maps/zJgWHzkC8FbLXPxM7
NADRA Riyadh Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XVExwsj1wGze2wDR7
Office Timings: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
One of the parents should be accompanied by the newborn.

Step-by-step Procedure

Pay the NICOP fee for the newborn baby in Saudi Arabia.
The second window takes a picture of the newborn.
You do not need to visit the Biometrics window as biometrics is not required for children under 15 years of age.
After taking the photo, you will need to visit the data entry window. After entering the data, they will print the form and ask you to sign it.
Present them with copies of the required documents and the signed form.
They will prepare a file and ask you to visit the designated officer. The officer may ask you a few questions and then sign the form.

Collection of NICOP

You are done with the NICOP application for newborns in Saudi Arabia. To get a NICOP, you must visit them on the day shown on your token.

NICOP collection time: from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Although NADRA offices are generally not crowded, appointments are still recommended.

NICOP for Newborns in Saudi Arabia: Processing Time

Processing time depends on the selected service.

Expected Timelines

Executive service: around 15 days
Urgent service: around 30 days

Delays may occur due to:

Incorrect information
Missing attestations
Poor document quality

Apply for the Passport for the New Born

You can apply for a newborn baby passport at the Embassy of Pakistan after 3.4 days of submitting the NICOP application through a manual process.

If you applied online, call the NADRA hotline after seven days to get the child’s NICOP number and continue with the passport process.

Common Mistakes Parents Should Avoid

Many applications are delayed due to avoidable errors.

Frequent Errors

Incorrect spellings of names
Mismatch between birth certificate and passports
Missing MOFA or embassy attestation
Uploading blurred documents
Selecting the wrong service category

We advise double-checking every entry before submission.

What Happens After NICOP Is Issued

Once NICOP is approved, parents can proceed with the next legal steps.

Next Steps

Apply for Pakistani passport for the newborn
Use NICOP for embassy and consular services
Maintain records for future renewals

NICOP remains valid for several years but must be renewed before expiry.

NICOP vs CRC for Newborns Abroad

Parents often ask whether CRC is required instead of NICOP.

Key Difference

Document	Applicable For
CRC	Children residing in Pakistan
NICOP	Children residing abroad

For Saudi Arabia, NICOP for Newborns in Saudi Arabia is the correct and mandatory option.

Real-World Example for Better Understanding

A Pakistani couple in Riyadh welcomes a baby. They first obtain a Saudi birth certificate, get MOFA attestation, and complete embassy translation. They apply online for NICOP, receive it within 15 days, and then apply for a Pakistani passport. This sequence saves time and avoids legal issues.

Important Tips for Overseas Parents

Apply as early as possible after birth
Keep digital copies of all documents
Ensure names match across all records
Choose executive service if travel is urgent
Track application status regularly

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we apply without the newborn’s photo?

For online applications, a photograph is required. Office applications may capture it on-site.

Is NICOP mandatory for passport application?

Yes, NICOP is mandatory for issuing a Pakistani passport abroad.

Can one parent apply alone?

Yes, but both parents’ documents are still required.

Conclusion: Why NICOP for Newborns in Saudi Arabia Is Essential

NICOP for Newborns in Saudi Arabia is a critical legal requirement for Pakistani families living in the Kingdom. It confirms nationality, enables passport issuance, and ensures the child’s rights as a Pakistani citizen. With proper documents, correct attestations, and careful application, the process becomes straightforward.

By following this complete guide, parents can avoid delays, reduce stress, and secure their newborn’s legal identity with confidence.

Also read: How to Renew NICOP in Saudi Arabia: The Ultimate Guide