Overseas Pakistanis sent home over $30 billion in remittances in FY2025 — making them one of the country's most critical economic lifelines. Yet most of this money goes into consumption, real estate speculation, or sits idle in PKR accounts. If you're part of the 9+ million Pakistani diaspora in the Gulf, UK, US, Canada, or Europe, you have more investment options than you might think — many of them now accessible fully digitally. Here's your complete guide for 2026.
Your Investment Options at a Glance
| Option | Access | Returns | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prize Bonds (via family/agent) | Indirect — need someone in Pakistan | Prize draws + 5.6% (Premium) | Zero capital risk |
| National Savings Certificates | Direct — with Pakistani bank account | 9 – 11% guaranteed | Zero |
| PSX Stocks (via CDC SAHULAT) | Direct — online brokerage | 20 – 30% (variable) | Market risk |
| Mutual Funds | Direct — most AMCs accept overseas | 8 – 30% (varies by type) | Low to High |
| Real Estate / Plot | Indirect — through agent/family | Location dependent | Liquidity + fraud risk |
| Roshan Digital Account (RDA) | Direct — fully digital from abroad | Naya Pakistan Certificates | Zero (sovereign) |
Roshan Digital Account (RDA) — The Game Changer
What Is It?
Launched by SBP in 2020, RDA lets overseas Pakistanis open a Pakistani bank account entirely online — no embassy visit, no trip home. Available through 20+ partner banks. You can deposit in USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, AED, or PKR.
Naya Pakistan Certificates (NPCs)
Through your RDA, you can buy NPCs that offer attractive fixed returns — currently around 6-7% in USD and 11-12% in PKR for conventional accounts. Islamic NPCs are also available. These are sovereign-guaranteed.
Stock Market Access
RDA holders can invest directly in PSX stocks and mutual funds through partner platforms. Your CDC account is linked to your RDA. You can buy/sell shares from London, Dubai, or Toronto as easily as someone in Karachi.
Prize Bonds for Overseas Pakistanis
Prize bonds remain popular with the diaspora, typically purchased through family members in Pakistan. If your family buys Premium bonds and registers them against your CNIC, the quarterly profit is deposited into your Pakistani bank (or RDA) account. You remain eligible for all prize draws. The challenge is tracking wins remotely — which is exactly what PakBonds solves. Add your bond numbers from anywhere in the world, and we'll notify you the moment you win.
How to Get Started
Open a Roshan Digital Account online through any partner bank (HBL, Meezan, UBL, MCB, etc.). You'll need your passport, NICOP/POC, and proof of overseas address.
Start with Naya Pakistan Certificates for guaranteed, sovereign-backed returns in USD or PKR — zero risk, decent yield.
Explore PSX stocks through your RDA-linked brokerage. Start with an index tracker ETF if you're a beginner.
Ask family in Pakistan to purchase Premium bonds (Rs. 25K or 40K) registered against your CNIC for quarterly profit + prize draws.
Add your bond serial numbers to PakBonds for automated checking from anywhere in the world.
Never send money to informal agents or hawala channels for investment purposes. Always use official banking channels (RDA, wire transfer to your own account). For real estate, use registered DHA/LDA plots with verified documentation. Fraud targeting overseas Pakistanis is common — stick to regulated, verifiable instruments.
RDA investments enjoy several tax benefits: NPCs are exempt from withholding tax for non-residents, property purchases through RDA get reduced CVT rates, and repatriation of returns is fully protected by SBP. Make sure to maintain proper documentation for tax purposes in both Pakistan and your country of residence.
Track your bonds from anywhere
Living abroad? Add your bond numbers once and we'll check every Pakistan draw for you.
Join from Abroad