Pakistan Stock Exchange
How can overseas Pakistanis invest through a Roshan Digital Account?
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Short answer
A Roshan Digital Account (RDA) is a bank account that non-resident Pakistanis open online from abroad with a Pakistani bank, in foreign currency or rupees. From it you can invest in PSX shares through the Roshan Equity Investment route, in mutual funds, Naya Pakistan Certificates and property, and the funds remain repatriable. By September 2026 the scheme had about 975,600 accounts and $14.16 billion in cumulative inflows.
Who can open one
- Non-resident Pakistanis holding a CNIC, NICOP or Pakistan Origin Card (POC).
- Foreign nationals of Pakistani origin with a POC, under each bank's terms.
- Accounts are opened entirely online with participating banks, without visiting a branch or embassy.
What you can do with an RDA
| Option | What it is | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Naya Pakistan Certificates | Government savings certificates, conventional and Islamic | USD, GBP, EUR or PKR |
| Roshan Equity Investment | Buy PSX shares through an integrated broker via a CDC account | PKR |
| Mutual funds | Invest in Pakistani funds through participating asset managers | PKR |
| Property and car financing | Roshan Apna Ghar and car financing at some banks | PKR |
| Bill and fee payments | Pay bills, school fees and taxes in Pakistan | PKR |
Investing in PSX through an RDA
- In your bank's RDA portal or app, choose the Roshan Equity Investment option.
- Consent to your details being shared with CDC and select an integrated, SECP-licensed broker.
- Your broker and CDC open trading and CDC accounts in your name.
- Transfer money from the RDA to the CDC bank account before trading; you can buy up to that balance.
- Trades settle T+1. Dividends and sale proceeds come back to your CDC cash balance and can be returned to the RDA.
Repatriation and tax
Money in an RDA and returns on RDA investments can be repatriated abroad without State Bank approval. By September 2026 overseas Pakistanis had used about $8.94 billion of RDA funds locally and repatriated about $2.15 billion. Tax treatment depends on the product and your residency: for example, profit on Naya Pakistan Certificates has its own final tax rate, and capital gains on shares follow the securities regime. Check your bank's current schedule.
Things to check before you start
- Compare banks' RDA fees, exchange-rate margins and broker lists.
- Choose Islamic options (Naya Pakistan Islamic Certificates, Islamic funds, KMI shares) if Shariah compliance matters to you.
- Keep records of every conversion rate for tax filing in your country of residence.
- Be wary of anyone offering to "manage" your RDA investments for a fixed monthly return.
Roman Urdu mein jawab
Roshan Digital Account se investment kaise karein?
Roshan Digital Account (RDA) bahar rehne wale Pakistani online khol sakte hain, foreign currency ya rupees mein. Is se Roshan Equity Investment ke zariye PSX shares, mutual funds, Naya Pakistan Certificates aur property mein invest ho sakta hai, aur paisa wapas bahar bheja ja sakta hai. September 2026 tak 9 lakh 75 hazar se zyada accounts aur $14.16 billion aa chuke the.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a Roshan Digital Account from Saudi Arabia, the UAE or the UK?
Yes. Non-resident Pakistanis in any country can apply online with a participating Pakistani bank using a CNIC, NICOP or POC.
Is the money in an RDA repatriable?
Yes. Balances and returns on RDA investments can be sent back abroad without prior State Bank approval.
Can I buy PSX shares with an RDA?
Yes, through the Roshan Equity Investment option, which links your RDA to a CDC account and an integrated SECP-licensed broker.
What happens to my RDA if I move back to Pakistan?
Banks have rules for returning residents, typically converting the account to a resident account over time. Ask your bank before you relocate.
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