Last updated: May 14, 2026
Pakistani embassy UAE services are split between two missions — the Pakistani Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Pakistan Consulate General in Dubai — and together they handle every document Pakistani expats in the Emirates rely on to keep your residency, family status, and travel legal: passport renewals, NICOP cards, child registration, attestation, and emergency travel documents. This guide explains what the Pakistani embassy offers in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, how to book an appointment, what to bring, and the realistic timelines in 2026.
Verify before visiting: Embassy procedures and fees change. Always confirm specifics on the official site (mofa.gov.pk and embassyofpakistan.ae) or by calling before traveling to your appointment.
For document attestation requirements between Pakistan and the UAE, also cross-check with NADRA (the National Database & Registration Authority of Pakistan, which issues NICOPs) and the UAE Government Portal (u.ae) for residency and visa rules that affect what consular documents you’ll need.
Pakistani embassy UAE: the two locations
Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi (the main mission):
- Diplomatic Area, near other embassies in Khalidiyah
- Serves the northern emirates: Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Western Region
- All consular services available
- Some specialized services (like certain types of attestation) are only here
Pakistan Consulate General in Dubai:
- Bur Dubai area, near other consulates
- Serves Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah
- Handles most expat consular services for these emirates
- Larger walk-in volume than Abu Dhabi due to bigger Pakistani population
Most expats go to whichever is closer. The Dubai Consulate is typically busier — appointments fill up faster, especially for popular services like passport renewal.
Pakistani Embassy services offered (the main ones)
The Pakistani embassy UAE network offers a consistent set of consular services at both Abu Dhabi and Dubai locations, though some specialised attestations are handled only at the Embassy itself. Here are the services most expats need.
Passport renewal (MRP / e-Passport)
- What: Renew your Pakistani Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) before it expires
- When to apply: 6 months before expiry recommended; absolutely no later than 90 days before
- Fee: AED 270–350 (5-year passport, 36 pages) or AED 410–500 (5-year, 72 pages) — verify current
- Processing time: 4–8 weeks in normal circumstances. Urgent service available for ~AED 600 with 1–2 week turnaround.
Required documents:
- Current passport (original + copy)
- Original CNIC or NICOP
- Emirates ID (original + copy)
- 2 recent passport photos (specific size — check before going)
- Old passport expiry certificate if applicable
- Application form (fill at consulate or online beforehand)
If you’ve changed name, marital status, or have additional name changes, expect to bring more documentation (marriage certificate, court order, etc.).
NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis)
- What: Smart national ID card for Pakistanis living abroad — replaces traditional CNIC for many purposes
- Why useful: Required for re-entering Pakistan without a visa, accepted as ID at most Pakistani banks/services, easier to renew abroad than a CNIC
- Fee: AED 70–110 for normal processing, AED 140–220 for urgent
- Processing time: 1–3 weeks (normal), 5–7 days (urgent)
Required documents:
- Original CNIC (will be cancelled when NICOP issued)
- Passport
- Emirates ID
- Photo (specific size)
- Parent’s CNIC/NICOP if not previously registered
NICOP is increasingly the default for overseas Pakistanis. If you don’t have one yet and you live in the UAE long-term, get one — it makes a lot of subsequent paperwork easier.
NADRA card services (Family Registration Certificate, etc.)
- What: Family Registration Certificate (FRC), child registration, marital status updates, lost CNIC reissuance
- Fee: AED 50–150 depending on service
- Processing time: 1–4 weeks
- Required documents: Vary by service — check the specific NADRA service requirements
The FRC is increasingly required for various Pakistani government processes (ROSHAN accounts, child passport applications, etc.). Get it preemptively if you’re in the UAE long-term.
Birth registration of UAE-born children
- What: Register a UAE-born child as a Pakistani citizen (mandatory for them to get a Pakistani passport)
- When: Within 60 days of birth ideally; possible up to 1 year normally; longer requires special process
- Fee: AED 100–200
- Processing time: 2–4 weeks
Required documents:
- UAE birth certificate (Arabic + attested English translation)
- Both parents’ passports + CNICs/NICOPs
- Marriage certificate (NADRA-issued or attested)
- Photos of the child (specific size)
- Hospital discharge documents
After birth registration, you can apply for the child’s first Pakistani passport at the same consulate.
Attestation of documents
- What: Official stamp on documents for use in Pakistan (degree certificates, marriage certificates, etc.)
- Process: Documents must first be attested by MOFA UAE (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) before the Pakistani consulate adds its stamp
- Fee: AED 20–60 per document at Pakistani consulate (MOFA UAE charges separately)
- Processing time: 1–3 working days at consulate
- Common documents: University degrees, school certificates, marriage certificates, birth certificates, power of attorney
For employment / educational use back in Pakistan, attestation is often required. Plan ahead — UAE MOFA attestation can take 3–10 days separately.
Emergency travel document
- What: One-way travel permit to return to Pakistan when your passport is lost, stolen, or expired and there’s no time for renewal
- Fee: AED 100–200
- Processing time: 1–3 working days for genuine emergencies
Required documents:
- Police report of lost/stolen passport (if applicable)
- Any ID you can produce (CNIC, Emirates ID, copy of old passport)
- Photos
- Proof of intended travel (flight ticket)
This is purely for return to Pakistan — you can’t use it for onward travel. After arrival in Pakistan, you apply for a new full passport there.
No Objection Certificate (NOC) for visa transactions
Various NOCs the consulate can issue — for marriages, certain employment contexts, education abroad applications. Specific to your situation; ask before assuming a particular NOC is needed.
How to book an appointment
In 2026, both the Embassy and Consulate use online appointment booking for most services. The system is at the Embassy of Pakistan in UAE official site (verify current URL).
The realistic appointment booking experience:
- Slots open ~2 weeks ahead
- Popular services (passport, NICOP) fill up within hours of release
- Best chance: check the booking site at midnight UAE time when slots roll over
- Some walk-in services available but expect 2–4 hour waits
- “Emergency” appointments are available but require genuine documented emergencies
If the online system is fully booked, try these alternatives:
- Call the consulate directly during operating hours (status: often busy)
- Visit early morning (before official opening) for walk-in services
- Use a registered agent / facilitator (~AED 100–200 surcharge, faster slot access — not officially endorsed but widely used)
Operating hours (typical, verify before going)
- Sunday–Thursday: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM for public services
- Friday & Saturday: Closed
- Public holidays: Closed on both UAE and Pakistan major holidays
Cash and card both accepted at most counters. ATM available on premises.
What to bring (universal checklist)
Regardless of which service you’re using:
- Appointment confirmation (printed or on phone)
- Current passport + Emirates ID (both original + photocopy)
- Required documents specific to the service (listed above)
- Form filled out beforehand if available online
- Cash and card for fees
- Pen
- Patience (queues can be long even with appointments)
- Plenty of phone battery (you may wait)
Photos: Most services require passport-size photos meeting specific Pakistani specifications (35x45mm typically, white background, specific size of head, etc.). Standard UAE photo studios know these specs — ask for “Pakistani passport size.”
Common scenarios and tips
My passport expires in 3 months and I have a UAE work visa
- Renew immediately — Your UAE bank account and UAE residence visa are valid only as long as your passport has 6+ months of validity
- Many employers won’t renew your iqama/work visa if passport has less than 6 months left
- Don’t wait — passport renewal in 4–8 weeks plus visa renewal time adds up
I’m pregnant and my child will be UAE-born
- Plan for birth registration BEFORE you give birth ideally — gather both parents’ documents
- UAE birth certificate is issued by the hospital; you’ll need to translate to English and have it attested at UAE MOFA
- Then apply for Pakistani birth registration + child’s passport
- Total process: typically 2–3 months from birth
My CNIC is expired and I can’t return to Pakistan to renew
- Apply for NICOP at the consulate (CNIC will be replaced)
- If you specifically need CNIC (not NICOP), you can request CNIC issuance with documentation justifying the need
My passport was stolen and I have flight to Pakistan tomorrow
- File a police report immediately at the nearest police station
- Get to the consulate as soon as it opens (don’t book online — walk in with the police report)
- Request emergency travel document
- Genuine emergencies are usually accommodated same-day or next-day
I need to attest my degree for a job in Pakistan
- First: UAE MOFA attestation (3–10 working days)
- Second: Pakistani consulate attestation (1–3 working days)
- Third: HEC attestation in Pakistan if for educational verification (do later, in Pakistan)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking the wrong service appointment — Each service has its own appointment type. Don’t book a generic “consular services” slot for a passport renewal.
- Wrong photo specifications — Pakistani passport photos have specific requirements. Photos taken for UAE Emirates ID may not qualify.
- Missing parent documents for child registration — Both parents’ CNIC/NICOP are required. If a parent is in Pakistan, get notarized copies sent before your appointment.
- Showing up at the wrong location — Dubai Consulate doesn’t handle all services. If you’re in Sharjah but need something only Abu Dhabi offers, you’ll waste a trip.
- Forgetting the appointment fee receipt — Some services require you to pay first online and bring the receipt.
- Not having translated documents — Anything in Arabic from UAE authorities usually needs translation + attestation before the Pakistani consulate accepts it.
Costs estimate for common life events
Single new arrival, just need NICOP + passport renewal in 3 years:
- NICOP: AED 90
- Passport renewal in year 3: AED 350
- Total: ~AED 440
Married couple, expecting first UAE-born child:
- Birth certificate translation + UAE MOFA attestation: ~AED 200
- Pakistani consulate attestation: AED 50
- Birth registration: AED 150
- Child’s first Pakistani passport: AED 270
- Total for the baby: ~AED 670
Bringing aging parent on visit visa, registering them at consulate:
- Visitor visa for parent: handled separately via UAE GDRFA
- Document attestation if needed: ~AED 100/document
- Generally no consulate registration needed for visitor parents
FAQ
Related: while you’re sorting out consular paperwork, you may also need to send fees or family support home — see our guide on how to send money from UAE to Pakistan for the cheapest 2026 options.
Can I use the consulate’s NADRA services if my CNIC was issued before I moved to UAE?
Yes, your CNIC is valid regardless of where it was issued. Most NADRA services (renewal, family registration, photo updates) are available at both Abu Dhabi and Dubai locations.
Is the consulate open during Ramadan?
Yes, but with shifted hours (typically 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM). Confirm before going.
Do I need to be present in person for passport renewal?
For most services yes, including passport renewal — biometrics (fingerprints, photo) are captured on-site. NICOP and certain attestations may allow authorized representation in specific cases.
My family has a CNIC issue in Pakistan but they can’t travel. Can I sort it from UAE?
Some NADRA services can be initiated abroad via the Pakistani consulate. For complex cases (court-related, lost documents requiring physical verification), the family member usually needs to engage with NADRA in Pakistan directly.
How long does an urgent passport renewal really take?
Officially 1–2 weeks. In practice, often closer to 2–3 weeks. If you need it within 7 days, you may need to escalate or use an emergency travel document instead.
Can I get my Pakistani driving license at the consulate?
No. Pakistani driving licenses are issued in Pakistan by provincial transport authorities. You can request an authenticated copy of an existing license for use elsewhere.
What if I lose my Emirates ID — does the consulate help?
No — Emirates ID is a UAE federal document, handled by ICA (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security). Use the ICA app or visit a Tasheel office.
Can I send someone to collect my documents on my behalf?
For passport pickup: typically yes, with an authorization letter, copy of your CNIC, and the authorized person’s ID. For applications themselves: usually no — biometric capture requires your presence.
Is the embassy’s contact email reliable?
Often slow. For urgent matters, call or visit. Email responses can take 1–4 weeks. Documentation matters more than emails.
For most Pakistanis in the UAE, the consulate isn’t somewhere you visit often — but when you need it, you really need it. Keep a small folder (digital or physical) with current photocopies of your CNIC/NICOP, both parents’ CNICs/NICOPs (especially if you have kids), and your marriage certificate if applicable. When the moment comes, you’ll save days of running around.
Need help with sending money home from UAE? See our Money Transfer Guide. Want to understand your Family Visa rules in UAE? See our Family Visa Guide.
