Banking & Finance
Opening a bank account in Pakistan is one of your first tasks after landing. The process varies depending on your visa type.
Banking Overview in Pakistan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Currency | Pakistani rupee (PKR) ₨ |
| Bank Account for Foreigners | May be possible — confirm with the bank |
| Access Difficulty | Medium |
| Remote Opening | No |
| Wise Available | No |
| N26 Available | No |
Opening a Bank Account in Pakistan
Foreign nationals may be able to open a bank account in Pakistan, but we have not independently verified this — confirm the current rules directly with the bank, in writing, before you rely on it. The process difficulty is rated as medium, which means you should expect some bureaucracy and possibly language barriers.
Required Documents
- Valid passport or national ID
- Proof of address / residence registration
- Residence permit (if applicable)
- Tax identification number (if available)
- Initial deposit (amount varies by bank)
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Banks in Pakistan — remote & non-resident opening
Named banks operating in Pakistan, and what our automated research found about non-resident remote account opening (no branch visit required). This has not been verified by a human reviewer — use it as a starting point and confirm directly with the bank.
| Bank | Remote opening | Confidence | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Alfalah Limited | May allow remote opening — confirm with the bank directly | High | Dedicated Roshan Digital Account for Non-Resident Foreign Nationals of any nationality, fully digital from abroad. |
| Faysal Bank Limited | May allow remote opening — confirm with the bank directly | High | Roshan Digital Account expressly allows Foreign Nationals to open digitally from abroad with foreign passport. |
| Allied Bank Limited | May require an in-person visit — confirm with the bank directly | High | Roshan Digital only for Non-Resident Pakistanis and Pakistan Origin Card holders, not general foreigners. |
| Habib Bank Limited (HBL) | May require an in-person visit — confirm with the bank directly | High | Roshan Digital is for non-resident Pakistanis or POC holders, not foreigners of any nationality. |
| MCB Bank | May require an in-person visit — confirm with the bank directly | High | Roshan Digital limited to NRPs and foreign nationals with Pakistan Origin Card; others need branch visit. |
| Meezan Bank | May require an in-person visit — confirm with the bank directly | High | Roshan Digital requires NRP status or Pakistan Origin Card; plain foreigners not eligible. |
| National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) | May require an in-person visit — confirm with the bank directly | High | Roshan Digital Account opens fully online but only for Non-Resident Pakistanis, not foreign nationals. |
| Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Limited | May require an in-person visit — confirm with the bank directly | Medium | Roshan Digital only for NRPs, dual nationals and POC holders; not general foreign nationals. |
| United Bank Limited (UBL) | May require an in-person visit — confirm with the bank directly | High | Roshan Digital for NRPs and foreign nationals of Pakistani origin (POC) only. |
Last checked 2026-06-22 · Source: official bank websites, gathered via automated research that has not been reviewed by our founder — treat every row as a lead, not a verified fact, and confirm directly with the bank before you rely on it. Research confidence: High = clear supporting evidence found · Medium = partial or indirect evidence · Low = weak or conflicting evidence · Unrated = no confidence assessment recorded (unreviewed automated research).
Digital Banking Options
Wise (TransferWise)
Wise has limited availability in Pakistan. While you may be able to send money to Pakistan, full local account features may not be available. Check their website for the latest on Pakistan-specific services.
N26
We have no record of N26 operating in Pakistan — check N26's own country list, as their coverage changes. You may need to consider local digital bank alternatives or traditional banks.
International Transfers
When transferring money to or from Pakistan, consider these factors:
- Exchange rate: The currency is PKR. Always compare the offered rate with the mid-market rate.
- Transfer fees: Transfer fees vary — compare providers like Wise for the best rates.
- Transfer speed: Bank-to-bank (SWIFT) transfers take 2-5 business days. Digital services often complete within 1-2 days.
- Regular transfers: If sending money home regularly, set up a recurring transfer to lock in better rates.
Salary and Everyday Banking
The average salary in Pakistan is approximately €240 per month. Your employer will typically require a local bank account for salary deposits. Most banks offer:
- Debit card (Visa or Mastercard)
- Online banking portal and mobile app
- Direct debit setup for rent and utilities
- ATM withdrawals (check fee policies)
Tips for Expats
- Ask about expat-friendly packages: Some banks offer special accounts for foreign residents with English-language support and lower fees.
- Understand tax reporting: Bank interest may be taxable. Ask your bank about withholding tax and whether they report to foreign tax authorities.
- Learn key banking terms: A few words in the local language go a long way at the bank counter and when reading statements.
- Keep your home bank account: Maintain an account in your home country for at least the first year, in case you need to transfer funds back.
- Carry cash for the first week: Card acceptance varies. Have enough local currency to cover taxis, meals, and small purchases until your account is active.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the local currency in Pakistan?
The local currency in Pakistan is Pakistani rupee (PKR), represented by the symbol ₨. Most payments can be made by card, though cash may still be important in some contexts.
Do I need a residence permit to open a bank account in Pakistan?
Many banks in Pakistan require a residence permit or proof of address before opening an account. Requirements vary between banks, so shop around.
Can I open a bank account in Pakistan as a foreigner?
Yes, foreigners can open bank accounts in Pakistan. The difficulty level is rated as medium. You will typically need your passport, proof of address (registration), and sometimes a residence permit.
Can I get a credit card as an expat in Pakistan?
Credit card availability for expats in Pakistan depends on your income history and residency status. Some banks require 6-12 months of salary deposits before offering credit. Start with a debit card and apply for credit later.
How do international money transfers work from Pakistan?
You can transfer money from Pakistan via SWIFT bank transfers (2-5 days, higher fees) or digital services . Compare rates between your bank and specialist transfer services to save on fees.
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About the author
António Mira is the founder of whereTOemigrate. For over a decade he has worked at the intersection of Portuguese real estate and overseas business, helping international clients navigate the cross-border decisions that come with relocating. He sits on the board of CCIAP (Portuguese-Arab Chamber of Commerce), the Portuguese-Saudi Business Council, and the Portugal-Hong Kong Business Association — always with one focus: enabling overseas business and human mobility into and out of Portugal.
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