A domicile certificate is an important legal document that validates a person’s residential status in Karachi. It affirms eligibility for admission to educational institutions, employment opportunities, government schemes, property matters, and other legal processes in the city.
The Permanent Residential Certificate (PRC) serves a similar purpose as domicile. Both documents confirm that the holder is a permanent resident of Karachi.
Having a domicile and PRC comes with the following benefits for Karachi residents:
- Ease of admission into colleges and universities in Karachi
- Meeting eligibility criteria for government and private jobs
- Availing quotas for Karachi residents in educational institutes and employment
- Facilitation in property transactions and inheritance matters
- Obtaining a local CNIC and passport
- Registration of marriages and births
Eligibility Criteria for Domicile & PRC
To be eligible, the applicant must:
- Be a resident of Karachi for a certain period, depending on age
- Provide supporting documents to prove residency status
The general requirements are:
- Over 21 years – 1 year Karachi residency proof
- 18 to 21 years – 3 years Karachi residency proof
- Below 18 years – 5 years Karachi residency proof
The rules are more relaxed for:
- Government employees posted in Karachi
- Children of government employees in Karachi
- Married female applicants with Karachi-based in-laws
They can apply for domicile with less Karachi residency duration.
Required Documents for Domicile & PRC Application
- Original CNIC/B-Form of applicant
- Father’s CNIC and domicile (if an applicant is under 21 years)
- Spouse’s CNIC (for married applicants)
- Children’s B-Form/birth certificates (if applicable)
Proof of Residence
- Electricity, gas, phone bills
- Rent agreements
- Any other valid documents showing the Karachi address
Academic and Employment Certificates
- School/college certificates till the current academic year (for applicants under 18)
- Service certificate from a government department (for government employees)
Additional Documents
- Nikahnama or marriage certificate (for married females)
- Husband’s domicile (for married females with Karachi-based in-laws)
How to Applying for Domicile in Karachi
- Visit the NBP branch at the DC Office and deposit a PKR 200 challan fee per application. Keep the original deposit slip.
- Take photocopies of all original documents and get them attested. Affix Rs. 1 stamp on each attested copy.
- Visit the DC Office of your Karachi district with all documents. Fill and submit the domicile application form along with supporting documents.
- The DC Office will verify the submitted information and process the domicile application accordingly. Applicants may need to provide additional documents if asked.
- Visit the DC Office on the designated date to collect your domicile certificate and PRC.
Conclusion
By understanding and meeting the eligibility criteria, document requirements, and application process, Karachi residents can obtain domicile and PRC without hassles. This will allow them to fully benefit from all schemes, facilities, and opportunities available exclusively for residents.
