ACE Money Transfer
ACE Money Transfer
12 Oct 2026
The Bank AL Habib Roshan Digital Account is a State Bank of Pakistan initiative that lets overseas Pakistanis, non resident Pakistanis, and eligible foreign nationals open and operate a full bank account in Pakistan without stepping into a bank branch or consulate. The entire process runs through digital channels, from application to funding to investment.
This guide covers who qualifies, what account types exist, how to open a Roshan Digital Account, the investment avenues available, and the tax and repatriation rules that matter. Whether you hold a NICOP in London or a Pakistan Origin Card in Toronto, the same online process applies.
Bank AL Habib offers the account in both Pakistani Rupee (Pak Rupee account) and foreign currency variants (USD, GBP, EUR, SAR, AED), with conventional and Islamic banking options. The account connects directly to Pakistan's banking and investment ecosystem. Here is a quick snapshot of what it includes:
Fully digital account opening and management via online banking and the AL Habib mobile app
Eligible funds may be repatriated to an overseas bank account, subject to applicable State Bank of Pakistan regulations, conditions, and requirements.
Access to investment avenues including Naya Pakistan Certificates, the Pakistan stock market, and mutual funds
Account opening, closure, and maintenance charges may vary. Separate charges apply for debit card and cheque book issuance
Eligibility is governed by State Bank of Pakistan regulations and Bank AL Habib's internal policies. Applicants must live outside Pakistan for over 183 days annually to qualify as non-resident under the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.
The eligible categories are: non resident Pakistanis living abroad for more than 183 days in a calendar year; overseas Pakistanis holding valid CNIC, NICOP, or POC; foreign nationals and foreign legal entities with permissible economic links to Pakistan. Foreign national individuals holding a Pakistan Origin Card are eligible. Resident Pakistanis must have declared assets abroad with FBR to qualify for a related variant, and they open it in person at a bank branch rather than through the standard Roshan Digital scope.
Joint accounts are permitted. An NRP can open a joint account with another NRP or with a resident close relative, but at least one accountholder must meet the non-resident criteria under SBP rules. Funds must come from outside Pakistan to open and operate the account; local deposits are restricted to proceeds from permitted investments such as dividends or sale of securities.
Bank AL Habib structures its Roshan Digital Account offerings under two SBP-defined categories: the Non-Resident Rupee Value Account (NRVA) for PKR deposits and the foreign currency value account (FCVA) for holdings in USD, GBP, EUR, SAR, or AED. Both sit within the same digital account framework.
The main variants are: a PKR Roshan Digital Account available as savings or current in both conventional and Islamic formats; a foreign currency account in USD, GBP, EUR, SAR, or AED depending on Bank AL Habib's product schedule; and a Roshan Digital Business Account for foreign businesses and non-resident entities.
Multiple account types include single, joint, current, and savings; you can hold both a Pak Rupee account and a foreign currency account at the same time
No minimum balance is required to maintain any standard Roshan Digital variant, and there is no penalty for low balances
Zero account opening and maintenance charges apply across most variants; fees for a debit card, cheque book, or outward remittance are listed separately in Bank AL Habib's schedule of charges
The entire account opening runs as an online process. SBP mandates that banks communicate a decision within 2 working days of receiving complete documents, and Bank AL Habib follows this timeline for individual applicants.
Here is the numbered flow:
Visit the official Bank AL Habib Roshan Digital Account portal and choose your account type (PKR or FCY, conventional or Islamic)
Fill in the online account opening form with basic information: personal details, tax residency, KYC data, and contact information including a registered email address
Upload scanned documents: passport, CNIC/NICOP/POC, proof of non resident status (visa stamps, travel documents), and source-of-income evidence such as a salary slip, employment letter, or business registration document
Complete a live digital photo or video verification as required by KYC rules; a live photograph is mandatory during the application
Review declarations, accept terms, and submit the form
Confirmation of account opening is within 48 hours for individuals. Entity or business persons accounts may take up to 5 working days. After successful validation, the account becomes active once the initial deposit arrives from abroad via remittance, and login credentials for online banking and mobile banking are enabled.
Providing accurate and complete documentation can help avoid delays during the verification process. Bank AL Habib's Roshan Digital unit reviews submissions against SBP-mandated checklists, so incomplete files restart the clock.
Documents for individuals:
Valid passport (first two pages) and CNIC, NICOP, or POC
Latest proof of overseas residential address (utility bill, tenancy agreement, or driving licence)
Proof of employment or business and source of income: salary slip, employment letter, tax return, or business registration document
Specimen signature scanned on white paper
FATCA/CRS declarations where applicable
Live photograph or video for KYC verification
For a foreign national or foreign legal entity, additional items include incorporation documents, board resolution, ultimate beneficial owner identification, and tax residency certificate.
Technical tips for a smooth submission:
Use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge
Ensure a stable internet connection and a functioning webcam for eKYC
Clear browser cache and enable pop-ups for the Roshan Digital portal; if the re generate OTP option fails, check that your browser is not blocking scripts
The Roshan Digital Account bridges the gap between overseas Pakistanis and Pakistan's financial system. Roshan Digital Account holders get digital access to banking services that previously required physical presence, and Bank AL Habib layers several incentives on top.
Core banking features:
Fully digital account management via internet banking and the AL Habib mobile app, including e-statements; you can send account statement requests or request payment instructions online
No requirement to visit any Bank AL Habib branch in Pakistan for routine operations
Ability to pay utility bills, educational fees, and support family expenses in Pakistan directly; customers can make payments for utilities and other transactions from abroad through the account
The account provides digital banking access, including mobile banking and e-statements
Financial benefits:
PKR savings accounts profit rates vary by bank, account type, and applicable rate period. Check the relevant bank's current rate sheet for the latest information.
Conversion between foreign currency and PKR at prevailing bank rates through banking channels
Funds in the Roshan Digital Account are fully repatriable; both principal and returns can be sent to your overseas bank account without separate SBP approval
Profit earned on RDA deposits is tax exempt for eligible non-resident Pakistanis, and no withholding tax applies to cash withdrawals by NRPs, according to the State bank of Pakistan's current RDA FAQs.
Fee structure and extras:
Zero fees for main account services: opening, closure, and maintenance
Fees apply for specific services like debit cards (Visa Silver/Gold) and cheque book issuance
Eligible account holders may receive complimentary life and disability coverage, subject to applicable age and balance requirements.
Integration with Roshan Apna Ghar (housing finance), Roshan Apni Car (auto financing), and Roshan Samaaji Khidmat (charity donations)
A Bank AL Habib Roshan Digital Account is not just a transaction account. It serves as a gateway to invest digitally in Pakistan's regulated markets, supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan and the State Bank.
Core investment options accessible from the RDA:
Naya Pakistan Certificates in PKR and FCY with tenors ranging from 3 months to 5 years; Naya Pakistan Certificates are available in PKR and foreign currencies, with tenors ranging from 3 months to 5 years. Applicable profit rates vary by currency and tenor. This is not financial or legal advice. Please consult a qualified professional.
Access to equity markets via Roshan Equity Investment for trading on the Pakistan Stock Exchange; investments can be made in the Pakistan stock market through a CDC custody account and a licensed broker
Roshan mutual funds offered through AL Habib Asset Management, including Shariah-compliant funds managed by a dedicated fund managers team
Government securities and term deposits under SBP rules
Real estate investments are available through the Roshan Digital Account framework
Account holders can access investment opportunities like Naya Pakistan Certificates and the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The benefit for overseas Pakistanis is clear: build an investment portfolio outside their country of residence, gain exposure to Pakistan's equity markets, fixed income, and investment funds within a single digital account.
Roshan Digital Accounts must be funded from abroad, and international remittance services like Ace Money Transfer provide an alternative to traditional bank-to-bank SWIFT transfers. Delivery times and applicable fees vary by provider, destination, payment method, and transaction details. Ace Money Transfer lets you transfer funds to your AL Habib Roshan Digital Account with real-time tracking. Rates and fees may vary. Visit acemoneytransfer.com for current rates.
Here is how the Ace Money Transfer process works:
Create or log in to your Ace Money Transfer online account using email, Google, or Apple ID
Choose Pakistan as the destination country and select bank deposit as the payout option to your Bank AL Habib Roshan Digital Account
Enter accurate recipient details, including your Bank AL Habib account name and IBAN number
Select a payment method: debit card, credit card, or online bank transfer; add a payment reason such as "Roshan Digital funding"
Review the exchange rate, fees, and total amount before clicking "Pay Now."Exchange rates fluctuate, and the rate you receive may differ from any rates quoted. Always check the live rate at acemoneytransfer.com before sending.
Use the reference tracking number provided by Ace Money Transfer to monitor your funds transfer status in real time until funds credit your AL Habib digital account
Ace Money Transfer supports three common payout methods: bank deposit directly into Bank AL Habib and other partner banks; cash pickup at authorized branches in Pakistan; and mobile wallet deposit to supported digital wallets. For Roshan Digital funding, bank deposit is the standard channel.
Once your Bank AL Habib Roshan Digital Account is funded, you can deploy capital into PSX shares, mutual funds, and Naya Pakistan Certificates within a few clicks through the RDA portal or online banking interface.
Roshan Equity Investment:
Access the Gateway to Equity Markets (GEM) portal linked from your AL Habib Roshan Digital account; the GEM account opening fee is Rs. 1,400 for individuals
Complete one-time CDC/PSX registration digitally; after successful completion, place buy/sell orders in the equity markets through the online trading interface
Dividend payout and capital gains are credited to your RDA; you can transfer investments proceeds back to your overseas account
Mutual funds through AL Habib Asset Management:
Open an investment account tied to your Roshan Digital Account
Access the mutual funds icon on the RDA portal, provide your account number, mobile, and email, then validate the OTP sent to your registered contact
Choose a fund type (income, equity, balanced, Islamic) and submit an online investment request; the system debits your RDA and issues an investment acknowledgment letter
Naya Pakistan Certificates:
Select the NPC option on the Roshan Digital platform
Choose the currency, tenor, and investment amount for your Naya Pakistan Certificate. Minimum investment amounts vary by currency and applicable NPC terms; check the current State Bank of Pakistan requirements before investing.
Profits are paid periodically into your Roshan Digital Account and are subject to10% final withholding tax, with exemption from compulsory zakat under current rules
Understanding charges, taxes, and repatriation rules helps overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals plan effectively before committing funds.
Account-related costs:
Zero fee for account opening and closure
No minimum balance condition for most Roshan Digital variants
Possible charges for debit cards, cheque books, outward remittances, and replacement services per Bank AL Habib's schedule of charges
Transfer charges range from $5 to $9 for international remittances when using services like Ace Money Transfer. Rates and fees may vary. Visit acemoneytransfer.com for current rates.
Tax treatment:
For eligible non-resident Pakistanis, profit on RDA deposits is exempt from withholding tax under applicable rules. Tax filing requirements may vary based on individual circumstances. This is not financial or legal advice. Please consult a qualified professional.
Profit from Naya Pakistan Certificates is subject to 10% final withholding tax for NRPs
Capital gains and dividends from equity markets are taxed at 15% on capital gains from shares and mutual funds under Pakistan's capital market tax regime (rates may change annually in Finance Acts)
Investment fees vary based on mutual funds and stock market transactions; broker commissions and custody fees apply separately
Zakat: many Roshan Digital investments such as NPCs are exempt from compulsory zakat deduction. Customers may still be liable on a self-assessment basis under personal religious or legal obligations.
Repatriation: principal and returns on Roshan Digital funds and eligible investments are freely repatriable to the customer's overseas bank accounts. No separate SBP or Bank AL Habib approvals are needed, provided the funds were originally remitted from abroad and transactions comply with SBP regulations. Roshan Digital Accounts are fully repatriable by design.
This section addresses common questions prospective Bank AL Habib Roshan Digital Account holders raise before and during the application.
What currencies can I hold? PKR plus major foreign currencies like USD, GBP, EUR, and selected Gulf currencies (SAR, AED). Actual availability depends on Bank AL Habib's product schedule.
How long does it take to open a Roshan Digital Account? Typically 24 to 48 working hours after complete documents for individuals. Entity accounts take longer.
Can I operate the account while visiting Pakistan? Yes, as long as you remain non-resident under tax and SBP definitions.
Is there a minimum balance? No minimum balance requirement and no penalty for low balances.
Can I hold both PKR and FCY accounts? Yes. You can open a Pak Rupee account and a foreign currency account under the same Roshan Digital umbrella.
What is the key features opportunity for foreign nationals? A foreign national with a Pakistan Origin Card gets the same account opening, investment, and repatriation privileges as NRPs.
Practical tips:
Keep your contact details, tax residency information, and ID documents updated with Bank AL Habib to avoid service interruptions or failed account statement delivery
Use secure internet connections and enable two-factor authentication for netbanking and mobile banking; protect your login credentials
Retain transaction receipts when funding the account via Ace Money Transfer or SWIFT to resolve any credit-tracing issues quickly
For case-specific clarifications on eligibility, investments, or repatriation, contact Bank AL Habib's Roshan Digital unit directly via phone or email listed on their portal.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, regulatory, tax, business, or financial advice. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all facts, figures, and data are accurate and valid as of the date of publication, no warranty or guarantee is given as to the ongoing completeness, accuracy, or currency of the information.
The content is based on information available at the time of publication. Regulations, government policies, market conditions, and service offerings may change over time and vary across jurisdictions and providers. As a result, some information may no longer be current or applicable. Readers should independently verify all information and consult qualified professional advisors before making any financial, legal, or business decisions.
