Roshan Digital Account (RDA) 2026 - Complete Guide
The Roshan Digital Account is a revolutionary banking initiative by the State Bank of Pakistan, allowing overseas Pakistanis to open and operate Pakistani bank accounts entirely from abroad. Since its launch in 2020, over $8 billion has been deposited through RDA.
What is the Roshan Digital Account?
The Roshan Digital Account (RDA) was launched by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in September 2020 under the patronage of Prime Minister Imran Khan. It enables overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals of Pakistani origin to remotely open accounts with Pakistani banks without physically visiting Pakistan or a branch.
The initiative addresses a long-standing challenge faced by the Pakistani diaspora: the inability to easily access Pakistani banking services from abroad. With RDA, you can open multiple accounts in different currencies, invest in government-backed securities, purchase property, and manage your Pakistan-based finances entirely online.
Who Can Open an RDA?
Eligible Applicants
- Pakistani nationals holding a valid NICOP and residing abroad
- Pakistan Origin Card (POC) holders
- Dual nationality holders with valid Pakistani passport/NICOP
- Must be resident in a country other than Pakistan
- Must be 18 years or older
Participating Banks
Habib Bank Limited
United Bank Limited
Muslim Commercial Bank
Allied Bank Limited
Islamic Banking
Islamic Banking
Full Service
International Bank
Full Service
How to Open an RDA
- Choose a bank: Visit the bank's website and navigate to the Roshan Digital Account section. Compare account types and services across banks.
- Fill the online form: Provide personal details, NICOP number, passport details, country of residence, and occupation.
- Upload documents: NICOP (front and back), passport, proof of address, proof of income/employment (varies by bank).
- Video verification: Some banks require a brief video call for identity verification. This typically takes 10-15 minutes.
- Account approval: Processing takes 2-7 business days depending on the bank and document verification.
- Fund your account: Transfer funds via international wire transfer. No minimum balance required for most banks.
Account Types and Currencies
| Account Type | Currencies | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Current Account | PKR, USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, AUD, JPY | Day-to-day transactions, no returns |
| Savings Account | PKR, USD, GBP, EUR | Profit/interest on deposits |
| Naya Pakistan Certificate (NPC) | PKR, USD | Government-backed, 6-7% USD returns |
| Roshan Equity Investment | PKR | Invest in Pakistan Stock Exchange |
| Roshan Apni Car | PKR | Vehicle purchase financing |
| Roshan Samaaji Khidmat | PKR | Charitable donations |
Naya Pakistan Certificates (NPCs)
Naya Pakistan Certificates are the flagship investment product of the RDA programme. These are government-backed securities that offer attractive returns to overseas Pakistanis.
Current Returns (2026 indicative):
| Tenure | USD Rate (Conventional) | PKR Rate (Conventional) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | 5.5% | 14.0% |
| 6 months | 5.75% | 14.5% |
| 12 months | 6.0% | 15.0% |
| 3 years | 6.25% | 13.5% |
| 5 years | 6.5% | 13.0% |
Rates are indicative and subject to change by the State Bank of Pakistan. Islamic (Shariah-compliant) variants are also available at similar rates.
- Minimum investment: $5,000 USD or PKR 100,000
- Tax-free: Returns on NPCs are exempt from Pakistan tax for overseas Pakistanis
- Government guaranteed: Backed by the Government of Pakistan
- Premature encashment: Allowed with reduced returns
- Reinvestment: Returns can be reinvested automatically
Property Purchase Through RDA
The Roshan Apna Ghar scheme allows RDA holders to purchase property in Pakistan directly through their RDA account. This eliminates the need for informal channels or relying on relatives for property transactions.
- Purchase residential and commercial property
- Mortgage financing available through participating banks
- All transactions documented and traceable
- Legal protection under SBP regulations
- Power of attorney can be executed for property management
RDA Security and Guarantees
- Regulated by the State Bank of Pakistan
- Full repatriation rights: You can transfer your funds back to your country of residence at any time
- No questions asked on fund sources (for deposits up to regulatory thresholds)
- Deposits protected under Pakistan banking regulations
- Multi-factor authentication for online banking access
- Launched: September 2020
- Deposits: Over $8 billion
- Banks: 14+ participating
- Currencies: PKR, USD, GBP, EUR, CAD+
- Requirement: Valid NICOP
- NPC Returns: ~6% USD, ~14% PKR
- Repatriation: Full rights