What a Roshan Digital Account is
A Roshan Digital Account (RDA) is a bank account scheme set up by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for Pakistanis who live abroad. The account is opened online with a participating Pakistani bank. You do not need to visit a branch or embassy.
The scheme links banking with investment in Pakistan. Money you send into the account can stay as a deposit or go into government savings products, shares on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) and some other options described below.
The SBP and the participating banks set and change the rules. This page gives the general structure. Before you apply, check the current RDA rules on the SBP website and with the bank you choose.
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Who can open a Roshan Digital Account
The RDA is meant for non-resident Pakistanis (NRPs). In general this covers:
- Pakistani citizens who live and work abroad
- Holders of a NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis)
- Holders of a POC (Pakistan Origin Card), meaning foreign nationals of Pakistani origin
Banks may also accept other non-residents who have a valid NICOP, POC or CNIC and meet their own checks. Each bank decides on documents and eligibility within the SBP framework. If you live in Pakistan, the RDA is not designed for you. Residents use ordinary local and foreign currency accounts.
How to open a Roshan Digital Account
The process is digital and runs through the bank's website or app. The usual steps are:
- Choose a participating bank. The SBP publishes the list, and each bank describes its RDA on its official site.
- Fill in the online application with your personal details and proof of non-resident status.
- Upload your identity document (NICOP, POC or CNIC), passport and proof of income or employment abroad, as the bank asks.
- Complete the bank's verification. This can include a video call or extra documents.
- Fund the account from an account in your name abroad, through normal banking channels.
Use only the bank's official website or app. Fraudsters copy bank pages and send fake "RDA agents" through WhatsApp and social media. A bank will not ask you to pay an agent to open an account.
Currencies in the account
An RDA usually comes as a pair of accounts:
- A foreign currency account, commonly in US dollars and, depending on the bank, other major currencies such as euro, pound sterling or UAE dirham
- A rupee (PKR) account for investments and payments inside Pakistan
Money arrives in foreign currency. When you invest in rupee products, the bank converts it at its own rate on that day. That rate follows the interbank market. The SBP exchange rates page explains the SBP reference rates, and interbank vs open market explains why your bank's rate can differ from the rate at a currency dealer.
Many participating banks also offer an Islamic version of the account. Ask your bank whether it is a separate product or an option within the same RDA.
Investment options
Naya Pakistan Certificates
Naya Pakistan Certificates (NPCs) are government savings certificates sold through the RDA. They come in dollar and rupee versions, and there are Islamic (Shariah-compliant) variants. Profit rates and tenors are set by the government and change from time to time. Details are on our Naya Pakistan Certificates page.
Rupee returns in Pakistan generally move with the SBP policy rate. The latest decision on record: SBP policy rate raised by 50 bps to 12% with effect from 27.10.2026 (MPC). See SBP policy rate for how this works.
PSX shares
You can link an RDA to a brokerage account and buy shares listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), with trading in listed securities and commodities only via SECP-licensed securities and futures brokers. Your bank will tell you which brokers it works with for RDA. Share prices go up and down. You can get back less than you put in, and you also face currency risk when you convert back to foreign currency. Start with PSX basics.
Other options
Depending on the bank, the RDA can also be used for:
- Term deposits in rupees or foreign currency
- Mutual funds and government securities
- Buying property in Pakistan
- Paying bills, school fees and other local payments
- Related products under the Roshan brand, such as car or home finance
Not every bank offers every option. Check the bank's current product list.
Repatriation: moving money back abroad
Repatriation means sending money from Pakistan back to your account abroad. Under the RDA design, funds in the account and the proceeds of RDA investments can be repatriated without prior SBP approval. In practice:
- Balances in the foreign currency account can be sent abroad through the bank.
- Rupee proceeds from NPCs, shares or other investments are converted to foreign currency at the bank's rate before being sent.
- Banks apply their own processing, charges and checks. These differ between banks.
What you can repatriate depends on how the money entered the account. Funds that came in from abroad through banking channels follow the RDA repatriation rules. Ask your bank how it treats money that came from other sources. For tax treatment, see payments, tax and Islamic banking, and confirm your own position with a tax adviser.
What an RDA is not for
An RDA is a regulated bank account, so normal foreign exchange law applies to it. In the regulator's words, per the SBP, remitting foreign exchange to overseas forex/margin/CFD platforms is not allowed through any payment channel (FERA s.5(1)). This applies to RDA balances like any other account. Also, per the SECP, offshore platforms have no Pakistani licence or oversight and offer no legal protection or recourse. Our law and regulators page has more detail.
RDA compared with sending money home
| RDA | Ordinary remittance | |
|---|---|---|
| Account holder | Non-resident, in own name | Usually family in Pakistan |
| Investing in NPCs and PSX | Built in | Done separately by the recipient |
| Repatriation | Possible under RDA rules | Money stays in Pakistan |
| Opening | Online, from abroad | No account needed for sender |
For sending money to family, see remittances to Pakistan.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a Roshan Digital Account if I live in Pakistan?
No. The RDA is designed for non-resident Pakistanis and people of Pakistani origin living abroad. Residents use ordinary bank accounts.
Do I need to visit Pakistan to open an RDA?
No. The account is opened online through a participating bank. The bank may ask for a video call or extra documents.
What are the main Roshan Digital Account benefits?
It lets you bank, invest in Naya Pakistan Certificates and PSX shares, and make local payments from abroad, with repatriation of eligible funds. Whether these suit you depends on your own situation.
Are returns on Naya Pakistan Certificates fixed?
The rate is fixed for the certificate you buy, but the government changes rates for new certificates over time. Check the current rates with your bank.
Is there an Islamic RDA?
Many participating banks offer an Islamic version, and Shariah-compliant NPCs exist. See Islamic finance for background.
Can I use RDA money for online forex trading abroad?
No. Per the SBP, sending foreign exchange to overseas forex, margin or CFD platforms is not allowed through any payment channel.
Where do I check the latest RDA rules?
On the SBP website and the official website of your bank. Rules, products and charges change, so check them on the day you apply.