Acquiring a domicile certificate can be an integral process in accessing a range of benefits and services in Lahore, Pakistan. This comprehensive guide aims to simplify the process, providing you with a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of how to successfully apply for your domicile certificate in Lahore.
For those unfamiliar with the term, a domicile certificate is an official document that certifies a person’s residential status in a particular city or region. In this case, Lahore. It serves as evidence of permanent residency and can be vital for various purposes such as educational admissions, job applications, and more.
In Lahore, like all other regions of Pakistan, the domicile certificate acts as proof of one’s residency. It identifies you as a legitimate resident of Lahore and entitles you to certain rights and privileges available to the city’s inhabitants.
Eligibility Criteria
While anyone can apply for a domicile certificate, there are specific requirements that applicants must meet. Let’s delve into this further.
Required Documents
You’ll need several documents to apply for a domicile certificate in Lahore. These include Form P and P1, an affidavit on PKR 50 stamp paper, a paid challan form of PKR 200 from the National Bank of Pakistan, three passport-size photographs, and copies of your CNIC or B-Form, as well as your parents’ or spouse’s CNIC.
Verify Document Validity
All documents submitted must be at least one year old at the time of application.
How to Obtain Required Documents
Gathering the required documents can seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it becomes manageable. Here’s a breakdown of the key documents you need and how to obtain them.
Form P and P1: Complete and Sign
Form P and P1 are the primary application forms for obtaining a domicile certificate. You can get these forms from the local government offices or download them from their official website. Fill them out correctly and make sure to sign them.
Affidavit on PKR 50 Stamp Paper
An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, often used as evidence in court. For your domicile application, you need to create an affidavit on a PKR 50 stamp paper, sign it, and have it attested by the Oath Commissioner. It’s worth noting that this step is optional but can strengthen your application.
Paid Challan Form from National Bank of Pakistan
You also need to pay a challan fee of PKR 200 at the National Bank of Pakistan and submit the paid challan form with your application. This fee is part of the application process.
Passport-Size Photographs and Identification Copies
Three passport-size photographs are required, along with copies of your CNIC or B-Form. If you’re married, you’ll also need to provide a copy of your spouse’s CNIC. For those under 18, a parent’s CNIC copy will suffice.
Entitlement Documents Required
Apart from the documents mentioned above, there are a few more documents you need to provide. These are known as Entitlement Documents and serve as additional proof of your residency in Lahore.
Property Ownership Documents
If you own property in Lahore, providing property ownership documents can be strong proof of your long-term residence in the city. These can include land deeds, house registration papers, or any other documents that prove you own property in Lahore.
Utility Bills as Proof of Residency
Utility bills such as electricity, gas, or telephone bills can also serve as proof of your residency. Make sure that the bills are issued in your name and show your Lahore address.
Matriculation/SSC Certificate or Voter List
Your Matriculation/SSC Certificate or your name on the voter list can also be used as proof of residency. These documents should clearly state your Lahore address.
Additional Documents
In some cases, you may also need to provide a resident certificate or a rental agreement. The resident certificate is issued by the local government offices, while the rental agreement is a legally binding contract between you and your landlord, proving that you rent a property in Lahore.
Applying for Domicile Through e-Khidmat Markaz
Now that we’ve covered the required documents let’s move on to the application process. Here’s how you can apply for a domicile certificate in Lahore through the e-Khidmat Markaz.
- Acquire the challan form. You can get this from the e-Khidmat Markaz or the National Bank of Pakistan branch located adjacent to it.
- Once you have the challan form, you need to deposit the challan fee of PKR 200 at any branch of the National Bank of Pakistan.
- The next step is to visit the e-Khidmat Markaz and collect the Domicile Application Form. Alternatively, you can download it from the official e-Khidmat Markaz website. Fill out the form completely and correctly.
- After filling out the form, submit it along with all the required documents at the e-Khidmat Markazor the National Bank of Pakistan branch. Upon successful submission, you will receive an e-receipt as proof of your application.
Applying for Domicile via e-Pay App
If you prefer a digital approach, you can also apply for the domicile certificate through the ePay App. Here’s how:
- Open the ePay App and register or sign into a new account if you haven’t already done so.
- Once you’re logged in, choose the “Domicile” option from the menu and select “Apply/Verify for Domicile.”
- Complete all the required fields with accurate information and submit the form. Make sure to double-check all the details before finalizing your application.
What to do After Post-Submission
After submitting your application, there are a few additional steps you need to take to ensure a smooth process.
Track Application Status
To track the status of your application, you can enter the tracking ID on the website for e-Khidmat Markaz, call their toll-free number, or text your application ID at 9100 to check the status.
Receive Domicile Certificate
Once your application is processed, you will receive the domicile certificate on the date mentioned on the e-receipt. This usually takes around 16 days from the date of application.
Conclusion
Acquiring a domicile certificate in Lahore is an essential step for securing a range of opportunities and rights in the city. By following this comprehensive guide, you can navigate the application process with confidence and ease.
The process includes gathering the necessary documents, following the step-by-step application process through e-Khidmat Markaz, and tracking your application status until you receive the domicile certificate.
