Islamabad — Eligible overseas Pakistanis will initially receive one-year resident cards in Spain under a new facilitation framework discussed at a high-level government meeting, according to an official statement released Sunday.
The meeting on the Spanish resident card scheme for overseas Pakistanis was jointly chaired by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Salik Hussain.
One-Year Residency with Pathway to Permanent Status
Officials confirmed that qualified applicants will first be granted a one-year temporary resident card in Spain. After completing seven to eight years of residency, individuals will have access to a pathway toward permanent residency and Spanish citizenship, subject to local laws and eligibility requirements.
Salik Hussain described the development as “welcoming,” stating that thousands of Pakistanis are expected to benefit from legal status under the scheme.
Policy Not for Asylum Seekers
During the session, Pakistan’s ambassador to Spain, Zahoor Ahmed, provided a detailed briefing on the program.
He clarified that the initiative is not intended for individuals seeking political asylum. Instead, the scheme aims to provide legal residency options for eligible overseas Pakistanis through a structured and documented process.
Applicants will be required to submit:
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A national character certificate
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Verified supporting documents
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Other mandatory paperwork as per Spanish immigration requirements
National Character Certificate Requirement
It was decided that applicants must obtain a single national character certificate issued by the National Police Bureau. Multiple character certificates will not be accepted.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that the verification process will be simplified and expedited to prevent delays and ensure applicants do not face unnecessary hurdles.
He added that the government will provide full institutional support at every stage of the application process.
Ministries Assure Legal Protection and Support
Officials from the Ministry of Interior reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring legal protection and facilities for overseas Pakistanis, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pledged full cooperation to facilitate the Spanish resident card process.
The meeting was attended virtually by:
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Pakistan’s ambassador to Spain
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The Consul General in Barcelona
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The Community Welfare Attaché
Other participants included Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the Interior Secretary, Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis, Chairman NADRA, Director General FIA, Director General Passports, and other senior officials.
