How to Open a Bank Account in Pakistan? (From Abroad)

Last Updated on December, 2024

Need to open a bank account in Pakistan from Abroad, but don’t know where to start? Well, no need to worry there. This guide will assist you in how to open your Pakistani bank account from abroad. 

Whether you’re planning to move to Pakistan or have a short-term trip to the country coming up, having a bank account can be super beneficial. So let me tell you exactly how to open one in this country, even when you’ve not planted your foot there.

Can a Non-Resident/Foreigner Open a Bank Account in Pakistan?

You can open accounts with any bank of your choice, and you won’t need official approval for that as well. However, you must provide them with some paperwork with your application.

Also, keep in mind that you might have different minimum balance requirements, offered services, and fees as compared to residents who have their accounts with the same banks. 

A Step-By-Step Guide On How to Open a Bank Account in Pakistan

Now, the procedure for opening a bank account in Pakistan as a foreigner can vary between banks. 

Being a non-resident Pakistani (NRP) and having a computerized national identity card (CNIC) or any other legal proof of Pakistani identity, you can open a bank account online in no time. 

Otherwise, you need to physically visit a bank branch and provide them with all the mandatory documents. 

Following are the steps that you need to broadly consider for this purpose. 

Step #1

You need to do some research on different banks as well as account products to choose the right option suitable for your requirements. 

Step #2

The next step is to gather all the required documents for account opening based on the particular account type you want to open. 

Step #3

Now, it’s time to apply in person or online and present or upload the necessary paperwork. 

Step #4

Now, you need to add funds to your account which might be the minimum required opening balance. 

Step #5

After this step your account will open and you can proceed with your first transaction. 

What Documents are Mandatory?

Ow, what documents you need to submit to open your Pakistani bank account will depend upon the bank you’re dealing with. 

However, you can always get in touch with them via phone to prevent any hassle.

Can I Open a Pakistani Bank Account From Abroad?

Now, a Roshan Digital Account is an account that provides digital access to traditional banking services, including fee and bill payments, funds transfers, and e-commerce transactions. 

Non-resident Pakistanis don’t need to be present with the bank in person. It means that you can open your account online either in foreign currencies or Pakistani Rupee. And with your CNIC you can open multiple digital accounts as well. 

Nevertheless, for those who aren’t Pakistani residents but still want to open a basic current account, you must visit a bank in person and show your documents for application. 

What Documents are Required Here?

A Step-By-Step Guide On Opening a Pakistani Bank Account From Abroad?

Here are the steps that you need to take to open a Pakistani bank account from abroad: 

Step #1

First of all, check to see if you’re eligible for a Roshan Digital Account or a similar product that enables you to open an account online. 

Step #2

Now, you need to gather the documents required to open the bank account you’re looking for. 

Step #3

You can apply for your account online, upload the scanned copy of all the required documents, and then add funds to your newly opened account. 

Step #4

Once your account verification is done, you’ll need to wait for a couple of days before you can proceed with your first transaction.

Which Banks Can You Open an Overseas Bank Account With?

Different banks offer Roshan Digital Account or similar products for NRPs and resident citizens with overseas assets. Now, the question is can you find a Pakistani bank from abroad?

Well, there are a few Pakistani banks with a US presence along with some global banking brands from the US that are present in Pakistan. 

Can I Open a Pakistani Bank Account Online?

In Pakistan, larger banks including the likes of Habib Bank (HBL) and Union Bank Limited (UBL) provide the facility of opening a bank account online to Pakistani residents with proper documentation. 

You can apply for an account by uploading the scanned copies of your documents. These include your identity documents, such as your CNIC of Pakistan-Origin Card issued by Pakistani authorities. 

What Documents are Required Here?

Based on your account type, you might also have to provide additional paperwork or some minimum required deposit amount.

A Step-By-Step Guide On How to Open a Pakistani Bank Account Online

Based on your preferences and requirements, you might be able to open a Pakistani account online without leaving your home. Following are the steps that you need to follow for this, 

Step #1

You need to check the account type or product that you’re considering opening online. 

Step #2

Now, gather your required documentation for opening your account. 

Step #3

It’s time to apply for your account online and upload all the necessary paperwork. 

Step #4

The next step is to add funds to your newly opened account and once your account verification is complete, you can proceed to make your first transaction. 

Which Bank Can You Open an Account With Online?

Most major banks in Pakistan let you open an online account (Roshan Digital Account) or a similar product as an NRP (non-resident Pakistani). 

Moreover, different banks offer online account opening facilities for standard or basic account types for Pakistani residents with adequate paperwork. These include the likes of HBL, UBL, Allied Bank, and Askari Bank. 

How Long Does it Take to Open an Account in Pakistan?

Now, the account opening procedure is pretty simple and it doesn’t take more than a day. For all basic or standard accounts, if you don’t submit your POC for CNIC, you must visit your nearest bank branch in person and fill out an application form to submit your documents. 

Upon your visit, you’ll find a banker who speaks proper English, otherwise, you can bring a translator with you, just in case. 

Pakistani Bank Account Opening Fees as an NRP

Just like anywhere else in the world, Pakistan also has banking charges. These tend to vary significantly, so you need to check them before you finalize your decision. Some of these fees might include,

ATM Fees 

Withdrawing cash from your bank’s ATM usually doesn’t incur any fees but using another bank’s ATM will come with ATM fees. And of course, foreign ATM fees will further push the costs up. 

Banking Charges

In recent years, most routine bank fees have been either eliminated or reduced.

International Transfer Fees

International transitions can come with more charges as they include a flat fee, an exchange rate markup, and a transfer percentage and these might be disclosed or not. 

Which Pakistani Bank is the Best to Open a Bank Account With?

The best bank in Pakistan for NRPs from other countries entirely depends upon your requirements. 

In other words, you must look for the right bank that meets your needs and the type of accounts they offer that might work for you. Here are some of the most popular banks in Pakistan, 

National Bank Of Pakistan

Many Pakistani residents choose the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) which has more than a thousand convenient ATMs and many more branches spread throughout the country. This bank offers various savings and current accounts, cash cards, advance salaries, pay orders, and online transfers. 

Habib Bank Limited

Another bank with many branches and ATMs spread across different cities. HBL is another common choice for many Pakistani residents as it has different basic bank accounts, savings accounts, debit cards, internet banking, and loans for home and car. 

United Bank Limited

UBL has more than 115 branches across Pakistan and has countless ATMs as well. It offers investment banking options, corporate banking operations, priority banking, deposit accounts, consumer loans, and different types of credit, debit, and cash cards. 

Muslim Commercial Bank Limited

MCB was founded in 1947 and it’s among the largest and oldest banks in Pakistan. It also has branches and ATMs throughout the country. MCB offers different types of cards, consumer loans, home remittances, mobile banking, internet banking, and a range of personal, business, and checking accounts. 

Other International Banks In Pakistan

There are local and international banks in Pakistan as well. Some of the major players in the international market including the likes of Citibank are here as well. 

Apart from that Standard Chartered has different branches, and Deutsche Bank has its branches in all major cities as well. Bank of China and Industrial & Commercial Bank of China are also there in Pakistan. 

Save More & Send Fast Money to Your Pakistani Bank Account With Wise – Final Word

Conventional banks might be a good option but going fintech is a better one. Looking to send money to Pakistan? You can always use Wise for fewer charges. 

You can always open an international bank account in Pakistan from abroad. However, international transactions with Wise come with a low and transparent transaction fee and a decent mid-market exchange rate.

Therefore, this can be a much cheaper option as compared to your conventional bank. You can conveniently set up your international Wire transfer online using the Wise app. More than 45% of Wise transactions come instantly, so you can deposit your money quickly as well. 

If you’re planning a move to Pakistan, you’ll need a bank account that can conveniently hold PKR for daily use. Therefore, you can have a multi-currency account that can work in Pakistan and it’s much faster and cheaper than traditional banking services. So why not give it a go?

Relevant guides:

• How to Open Swiss Bank Account From India?

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