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Identity Verification APIs, Biometric Systems & Data Services
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | National Database & Registration Authority |
| Established | NADRA Ordinance 2000 / NADRA Act 2017 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal/ICT — nationwide mandate |
| Service Centers | 900+ across Pakistan |
| Mega Centers | 14 in major cities |
| Helpline | 1777 |
| Website | nadra.gov.pk |
| PakID Downloads | 15.4 million (April 2026) |
| Service | Description | SRO Reference | Fees | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNIC Verification API | Real-time identity verification via Verisys | SRO 12-I/2019 | PKR 500,000/year | Federal/ICT |
| Biometric Integration | Fingerprint/facial recognition authentication | SRO 24-II/2020 | PKR 1.2M setup + PKR 250K/year | Federal/ICT |
| Bulk Verification Service | Per-transaction CNIC validation | SRO 8-III/2021 | PKR 2.5 per verification | Federal/ICT |
| PakID Mobile App API | Digital identity app integration (15.4M downloads) | NADRA Act 2017 | Per-transaction rates | Federal/ICT |
| e-Sahulat Integration | Payment and service delivery integration | NADRA guidelines | Variable | Federal/ICT |
| API Service | Rate Per Transaction | Monthly Minimum | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNIC QR Code Verification | PKR 1.50 | PKR 50,000 | Federal/ICT |
| Biometric Authentication | PKR 3.00 | PKR 100,000 | Federal/ICT |
| Address Verification | PKR 2.00 | PKR 30,000 | Federal/ICT |
| Combined Verification | PKR 2.50 | PKR 75,000 | Federal/ICT |
| Cost Component | Amount (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Initial Registration Fee | 500,000 |
| Biometric Setup Fee | 1,200,000 |
| Annual API License Fee | 250,000 |
| Monthly Minimum Transactions | 150,000 |
| Estimated Year 1 Total | ~2,000,000 |
| Estimated Annual Ongoing | ~2,100,000 |
| Tax | Rate | Conditions | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate Tax (PSEB IT export) | 0.25% | PSEB registration required | ITO §154A |
| Corporate Tax (domestic) | 20% | Standard rate | ITO 2001 |
| WHT Export (PSEB) | 0.25% | PSEB-registered | ITO §154A |
| WHT Export (non-PSEB) | 1% | Non-PSEB | ITO §154A |
| SST Sindh (IT concessional) | 3% | Software dev, CPC 83100 | SRO 981(I)/2015 |
| SST Punjab (IT) | 0% (Zero-Rated) | IT-enabled services | PRA — Punjab Revenue Authority |
| Authority | Relationship | Website |
|---|---|---|
| SBP | Mandates KYC/NADRA for fintech | sbp.org.pk |
| SECP | Company incorporation uses NADRA | secp.gov.pk |
| FBR | NTN/CNIC-based tax registration | fbr.gov.pk |
| PTA | SIM registration via NADRA biometrics | pta.gov.pk |
| FIA | Identity fraud investigation | fia.gov.pk |
For detailed guidelines, visit nadra.gov.pk or contact helpline 1777.
The National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA), established under the NADRA Ordinance 2000, is Pakistan's national identity authority. IT companies interact with NADRA in several critical ways:
| Service | Description | Access Method | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verisys (CNIC Verification) | Real-time CNIC data verification (name, father, DOB, address) | API / Web Portal | PKR 10–25/query (bulk Pricing available) |
| Biometric Verification | Fingerprint verification against NADRA database | API + Biometric Device | PKR 50–100/verification |
| Facial Recognition | Photo matching against NADRA record | API | PKR 25–50/query |
| Document Attestation | Verification of NADRA-issued documents | NADRA Office | PKR 100–500 |
| NADRA ID Card Printing | Smart card issuance for employees | NADRA Registration Center | PKR 400 (normal) / PKR 1,500 (urgent) |
| Item | Rate | Jurisdiction | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT Export WHT | 0.25% (PSEB) / 1% (non-PSEB) | Federal/ICT | ITO 2001 §154A |
| Corporate Tax (IT) | 20% | Federal/ICT | ITO 2001 §35 |
| NADRA Verisys Fee | PKR 10–25/query | Federal | NADRA Fee Schedule |
| NADRA Biometric | PKR 50–100/verification | Federal | NADRA Fee Schedule |
| EOBI | 5% employer + 1% employee (PKR 37,000/mo ceiling — EOBI Act & Rules) | Federal | EOBI Act 1976 |