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Pillar Guide · Roshan Digital Account

The Complete Guide to Roshan Digital Account for Overseas Pakistanis

If you're a Pakistani living abroad in Dubai, London, Toronto or anywhere else, you've probably wondered how to keep a real bank account back home without flying in to open it. The Roshan Digital Account (RDA) is the answer: a fully digital, State Bank of Pakistan-backed initiative that lets Non-Resident Pakistanis bank, invest and send money home from wherever they are in the world.

Riaz Ahmad Riaz Ahmad
Divisional Head Asset & Liablity Product Development
Published 2026-07-07 Last reviewed 07 July 2026 Reading time 17 minutes Reviewed by Product Team

What Is the Roshan Digital Account?

The Roshan Digital Account is a Pakistani bank account that Non-Resident Pakistanis (NRPs), Pakistan Origin Card (POC) holders and foreign nationals can open entirely online, from anywhere in the world. It was launched as a joint initiative between the State Bank of Pakistan and Pakistan's commercial banks to bring diaspora savings and remittances into the formal financial system.

With an Allied Bank Roshan Digital Account, you can hold funds in Pakistani and foreign currencies, invest in government securities and stock market instruments, pay bills in Pakistan, finance property or a vehicle, and move money internationally, all without walking into a branch.

 

Who Qualifies for a Roshan Digital Account?

Non-Resident Pakistanis

Any Pakistani citizen aged 18 or above who is currently residing abroad is eligible. This includes Pakistanis on work visas, permanent residents, and citizens of other countries who hold a Pakistani passport or national identity documents.

Foreign Nationals and Companies

Foreign nationals and companies can also apply for a Roshan Digital Account. They will need to submit valid identification documents, proof of income and IRS FATCA forms (for those living in the USA). With an RDA account, foreign individuals and companies can invest in the Pakistan Stock Market (PSX), Government-backed investment certificates and the real estate market.

Pakistan Origin Card Holders

Foreign nationals of Pakistani origin who hold a valid Pakistan Origin Card (POC) are also eligible to open an RDA.

Government Employees Posted Abroad

Employees or officials of the Federal or Provincial Government of Pakistan who are currently posted abroad can open a Roshan Digital Account.

Resident Pakistanis With Declared Foreign Assets

If you’re a resident Pakistani who has declared foreign-held assets in your latest wealth statement submitted to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), you also qualify.

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Account Types and Currencies

Currency Options

Currency Code
Pakistani Rupee PKR
US Dollar USD
British Pound GBP
Euro EUR

Account Variants

The RDA is available as both a current account and a savings account in simplified (low-Income RDA) and regular variants. If you prefer a Shariah-compliant option, Allied Bank also offers an Islamic variant through Allied Aitebar, a Mudarabah (profit-sharing arrangement) based account that operates entirely on Islamic finance principles.

Joint account opening is available. All joint holders must submit the same documents as the primary applicant and must be present during the scheduled video call.

Simplified RDA vs Regular RDA

Simplified/Low-Income RDA

For NRPs with lower income levels or simpler banking needs, Allied Bank offers a Low-Income Roshan Digital Account with simplified documentation and eligibility requirements.

You generally only need your basic identity document, a live selfie/photo and a declaration for the source of income. The limit of Maximum USD 5,000 per month equivalent foreign remittance applies to the account

Regular RDA

This variant of the account requires the full document suite. In addition to your identity document, the potential account holder must upload proof of your profession and source of foreign income. There are no maximum balance or transaction limits applicable.

Documents Required

Before starting your application, please prepare digital or scanned copies of the required documents to help complete the onboarding process in approximately 15–20 minutes. These include your Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC), NICOP, POC, or passport; your Pakistani and/or foreign passport, including pages containing entry and exit stamps; a live digital photograph captured through your webcam during the application; a scanned signature on plain white paper; proof of non-resident status for Non-Resident Pakistanis (such as a valid visa, residence permit, Iqama, or equivalent); and proof of profession and source of income, such as a job certificate, salary slips, a rental agreement, or any other applicable income document.

How to Open a Roshan Digital Account With Allied Bank

Follow these steps to open a Roshan Digital Account (RDA):

  1. Step 1: Check Your Eligibility Before starting your application, please ensure that you are eligible to open a Roshan Digital Account (RDA) and have the required documents ready. These include a valid CNIC, NICOP, POC, or SNIC; your passport (including the identification pages and entry/exit stamp page); a recent live photograph; and proof of income, such as a salary slip, employment letter, or business documents.
  2. Step 2: Start the Online Application Visit ABL RDA and select the type of account you want to open: Individual or Entity.
  3. Step 3: Enter Basic Information Provide your email address and identification number, complete the CAPTCHA verification, and proceed with the application.
  4. Step 4: Verify Your Email Address An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your registered email address. Enter the OTP to verify your email and continue with the application.
  5. Step 5: Complete Your Personal Details Complete the application by providing your personal information, including your basic personal details, identification information, tax residency details, and employment or business information.
  6. Step 6: Provide Your Address Information Enter your current residential address and permanent address. If both addresses are the same, you can select the relevant option provided in the application form.
  7. Step 7: Select Account Preferences Select your account preferences, including your debit card requirements, cheque book request (where available), and any other account-related services offered by the Bank.
  8. Step 8: Upload Required Documents Upload all mandatory documents and complete the live photo capture process as instructed by the bank.
  9. Step 9: Review and Submit Your Application Carefully review all the information you have provided, make any necessary corrections, accept the terms and conditions, and submit your application. A confirmation email containing your application details will be sent to you.

Features and Benefits

The Allied Bank Roshan Digital Account (RDA) offers a range of convenient features and benefits designed to provide Non-Resident Pakistanis with secure, seamless, and fully digital banking, along with easy access to local and international banking services.

No Minimum Balance

The Allied Bank Roshan Digital Account has no initial or minimum balance requirement. You can open the account and fund it on your own schedule.

Free Debit Card and Cheque Book

A Visa debit card linked to your RDA is issued free of charge. Your first cheque book is also free. The debit card can be activated by calling the ABL Helpline at +92-21-35301094 from your registered number.

24/7 Digital Access

Full internet and mobile banking are available through myABL. You can check balances, transfer funds locally, pay utility bills, view e-statements and manage your account at any time.

Full Repatriation of Funds

One of the RDA’s most important features: you don’t need SBP approval to transfer money out of Pakistan. Funds in your Roshan Digital Account can be repatriated freely and without prior permission.

SWIFT Access

The Allied Bank RDA SWIFT code and BIC are ABPAPKKARDA, useful for receiving international wire transfers directly into your account.

Investment Options Through Your Roshan Digital Account

Your Allied Bank Roshan Digital Account (RDA) provides convenient access to a wide range of investment opportunities in Pakistan. From government-backed savings instruments and stock market investments to real estate and retirement planning, RDA enables Non-Resident Pakistanis to invest securely and manage their investments through a fully digital banking experience.

Naya Pakistan Certificates

Naya Pakistan Certificates (NPCs) are Government of Pakistan-issued investment instruments available exclusively through the Roshan Digital Account. They offer fixed returns in PKR or foreign currency for a defined period, with a simplified tax structure for NRPs. Both conventional and Islamic variants of NPCs are available.

After your RDA is opened, you’ll set up a separate password for the NPC investment portal — an Allied Bank representative will guide you through this during onboarding.

Pakistan Stock Exchange — Roshan Equity Investment

Through Roshan Equity Investment, RDA holders can invest in shares listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) via the Central Depository Company (CDC). This allows overseas Pakistanis to participate directly in Pakistan’s equity markets without requiring a local stockbroker.

Real Estate

Funds in a Roshan Digital Account can be used to purchase real estate in Pakistan. This channel connects to the Allied Roshan Apna Ghar home finance facility or direct property purchases.

Roshan Pension Plan

The Roshan Pension Plan allows NRPs to invest in a long-term retirement savings vehicle through the RDA. This is useful for overseas Pakistanis planning to eventually return and retire in Pakistan.

Property Finance for Overseas Pakistanis

Allied Bank offers dedicated property financing solutions for Non-Resident Pakistanis through the Roshan Digital Account (RDA), enabling them to buy, build, or renovate residential property in Pakistan. These financing options are designed to make home ownership more accessible while providing secure and convenient access to Shariah-compliant home finance facilities.

Allied Roshan Apna Ghar

Allied Roshan Apna Ghar is a dedicated home finance facility for Non-Resident Pakistanis. It allows RDA holders to buy, build or renovate a home in Pakistan using their overseas earnings. However, RDA holders will require a co‑applicant (immediate family member living in Pakistan).

Allied Roshan Apna Ghar offers home finance structured as a Musharakah (shared ownership arrangement), where the bank and the customer co-own the property until the financing is fully paid off. It is Shariah-Compliant. Also, Allied Bank offers Islamic home‑finance products for Pakistani residents.

Car Finance for Overseas Pakistanis

Allied Bank provides dedicated car financing solutions for Non-Resident Pakistanis through the Roshan Digital Account (RDA), enabling them to finance a vehicle in Pakistan with ease.

Allied Roshan Apni Car

Allied Roshan Apni Car is a vehicle financing facility linked to the Roshan Digital Account. It allows NRPs to finance a car in Pakistan through their RDA, useful for families based in Pakistan who need a vehicle, or for returning Pakistanis preparing ahead of their move back.

Sending Money Home — Remittance Integration

The Roshan Digital Account is built around remittances. You fund the account via an international wire transfer directly from your overseas bank. Once funds arrive, they’re immediately accessible for local use, like bill payments, transfers, investments or family support.

Allied Bank is one of Pakistan’s largest remittance-receiving banks, with a wide network of global remittance partners across the Middle East, Europe, the UK, the US and beyond. For an overview of Allied Bank’s remittance partners and coverage, visit the Global Remittance Partners page.

For those enrolled in the Sohni Dharti Remittance Program (SDRP), there are additional benefits available when sending funds through designated channels.

You can track your inbound remittance at any time using the Allied Bank Remittance Tracker.

Roshan Samaji Khidmat — Giving Back Through Your RDA

Roshan Samaji Khidmat allows RDA holders to make donations, pay Qurbani or contribute to charitable causes in Pakistan directly through their account. This is a channel for overseas Pakistanis who want to contribute to family and community obligations in Pakistan without managing cash transfers.

Tax Treatment for RDA Investors

Investments made through the Roshan Digital Account, particularly in Naya Pakistan Certificates, are subject to a simplified, full-and-final tax regime in Pakistan. This means withholding tax on RDA investments is deducted at source, and no further filing is required in Pakistan for that income.

Investors should confirm their tax position with a qualified tax adviser in both Pakistan and their country of residence, particularly regarding FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) obligations. FATCA status confirmation is mandatory during the RDA onboarding process and will be prompted accordingly.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

If you're a Pakistani living and earning abroad, your Roshan Digital Account (RDA) is the bridge.

With a single digital banking relationship, your RDA gives you convenient access to a wide range of financial services between your country of residence and Pakistan. You can send money, make payments, save, invest in Naya Pakistan Certificates (NPCs) and the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), finance a home or vehicle, and plan for your retirement—all through your RDA. Most services that once required a branch visit can now be accessed securely from anywhere in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Do I need SBP approval to transfer or repatriate funds from my RDA?

No. Funds in your Roshan Digital Account can be transferred or repatriated abroad freely without prior approval from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

Can I open an RDA if I already have an Allied Bank account?

Yes. Existing Allied Bank customers are eligible to open a Roshan Digital Account. It is a separate account type and does not replace your existing account.

How long does it take to open the account?

The application itself takes 15–20 minutes if all documents are ready. Allied Bank's KYC review is completed within 48 hours of a complete submission.

Can two people hold an RDA jointly?

Yes. Joint accounts are available. Both holders must submit the full set of required documents, and all holders must be present during the scheduled video call with the bank.

Is there an Islamic version of the Roshan Digital Account?

Yes. Allied Aitebar offers a Shariah-compliant variant of the RDA, structured on Islamic finance principles, with access to Islamic Naya Pakistan Certificates and other Allied Aitebar investment products. You can open your Allied Bank Roshan Digital Account entirely online, no branch visit, no paperwork by post. Visit rda.abl.com and start your application.

How can I access funds in my RDA?

You can access funds via mobile app or Internet Banking for local fund transfers, mobile top-ups, bill payments, and by using the Debit Card or cheque book.

How will I receive my debit card and cheque book?

Once your account is opened and funded, your debit card and cheque book (if requested) will be delivered to your registered mailing address through the designated courier service.

Disclaimer:

Profit rates on all accounts and investment products are variable and determined by the State Bank of Pakistan and relevant market conditions. Allied Bank does not guarantee returns on any investment product offered through the Roshan Digital Account. All financing products are subject to Allied Bank's credit assessment and eligibility conditions. Terms and conditions apply to all products and services. For current profit rates, visit abl.com/services/downloads/profit-exchange-rates. This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice.

Open Your Allied Roshan Digital Account Today

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