Non-Resident Pakistanis (NRPs) can invest in the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) by opening a Roshan Digital Account (RDA) with any participating Pakistani bank.
Once funded, you can link your RDA to a registered PSX brokerage firm digitally, allowing you to buy and sell stocks with full profit repatriation rights.
!Overseas Pakistani investing via mobile and bank connectivity
Roshan Digital Accounts allow overseas Pakistanis to invest in PSX with full repatriation rights.
Key Takeaways
- RDA provides overseas Pakistanis direct digital access to PSX
- Zero physical visits or documents are required for setup
- All investment capital, dividends, and profits are fully repatriable
- WHT on dividends is fixed at 15% for RDA holders
- Account setup is fully digital and completed within 48 hours
For decades, overseas Pakistanis struggled to invest in domestic equity markets due to complex paperwork and repatriation restrictions. The introduction of the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) by the State Bank of Pakistan has solved these challenges.
What Is a Roshan Digital Account (RDA)?
A Roshan Digital Account (RDA) is a specialized banking facility designed exclusively for Non-Resident Pakistanis (NRPs). Opened digitally through participating commercial banks, it allows NRPs to manage local payments, buy government securities (Naya Pakistan Certificates), and trade shares on the PSX.
How Do You Link RDA to a PSX Brokerage?
The process is integrated directly into your RDA bank portal:
- Log in to your Roshan Digital Account bank portal
- Navigate to the "Investment" or "PSX Shares Trading" section
- Select your preferred SECP-registered broker from the list
- Consent to share your KYC data with the broker and CDC
- Receive credentials from your chosen broker via email within 24–48 hours
- Fund your trading account by transferring USD or PKR directly from your RDA
For a smooth integration process, ensure your chosen broker supports Roshan Digital Account setup and provides dedicated customer service for NRPs.
What Are the Key Benefits of RDA Investing?
- Easy Onboarding — 100% digital process with no physical document submissions
- Full Repatriation — Send your initial capital and all profits back to your host country anytime
- Tax Simplification — Withholding taxes are deducted at source (no need to file tax returns in Pakistan)
- Currency Flexibility — Maintain accounts in USD, GBP, EUR, or PKR
How Does Profit Repatriation Work?
Repatriation is quick and fully authorized by the State Bank of Pakistan:
- Sell your shares through your broker's app
- Request the broker to transfer funds back to your RDA bank account
- Log in to your bank portal and request an outward remittance to your overseas account
- The bank transfers the funds in your foreign currency of choice (USD, GBP, EUR, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an RDA account if I hold a dual nationality?
Yes. Any Pakistani citizen residing abroad (NICOP holders) or foreign nationals holding a POC (Pakistan Origin Card) can open an RDA.
Are there any hidden fees for repatriation?
No. Banks charge standard foreign exchange conversion and outward remittance fees, but there are no regulatory restrictions or penalties on repatriation.
The Bottom Line
Roshan Digital Accounts have eliminated the barriers that once kept overseas Pakistanis from investing back home. The setup is digital, funding is instant, and repatriation is fully guaranteed.